NFL Seattle Seahawks

Kevin Williams Will Be X-Factor For Seattle Seahawks In Week 11

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When the Seattle Seahawks travel east to take on the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend they will be doing so without defensive tackle Brandon Mebane. One of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the NFL against the run, Mebane was placed on injured reserve and will be out the remainder of this season, which was arguably the best of his eight-year career. It’s a big loss to a defense that prides itself on controlling the line of scrimmage and stopping the run. Going up against Jamaal Charles and the Chiefs’ fifth-ranked rushing attack means that other players will have to step up to replace Mebane’s production.

One of those players is defensive tackle Kevin Williams. Williams came over to Seattle in the offseason after spending 11 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He made six Pro Bowl appearances while in Minnesota, but the 34-year-old has been more of a rotational player this year for the Seahawks. He has recorded 18 tackles, one sack and two passes defensed in nine games this season.

With Mebane out, Williams’ workload is about to increase substantially. At 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, the 12-year veteran’s big body will be relied upon heavily to clog up running lanes and create havoc in the backfield. Doing so against a good running team in Kansas City poses a challenge to Williams and the entire defensive line. Nose tackles Jordan Hill and Tony McDaniel will also be looked upon to see increased playing time. But Williams is a very experienced player, so if anyone on this roster can fill Mebane’s shoes it’s likely him.

If he is able to consistently get a solid push and take on multiple linemen at a time, something that Mebane is notorious for, then it is reasonable to expect Seattle to be able to control the line of scrimmage. Controlling the line of scrimmage will go a long way towards winning this game, as both sides are known for running the football and relying on their defenses to win games. The team that has more success in the running the ball likely comes out on top, and Williams will play a big factor in that battle.

Connor Frederickson is a Seattle Seahawks Writer for www.RantSports.com. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @cfredrun or add him to your network on Google.

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