According to the league’s web site, the Seahawks will sign defensive end Patrick Chukwurah to boost the team’s depth at defensive end, with starter Chris Clemons done for the year.
The 33-year-old last played in the NFL with Tampa Bay in 2008, so Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and defensive line coach Todd Wash, who both worked as defensive assistants for the Bucs, have some familiarity with his skill set. Since then, Chukwurah spent two seasons in the United Football League.
According to the report, the Seahawks also worked out Aaron Maybin, Travis LaBoy and Ray Edwards.
From all reports he’s in phenomenal shape. I’ll be a bit surprised if he’s on the 45 man game day, but regardless, they needed the depth.
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At least we know he’s the best of four.
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Yeah, I guess Chukwurah’s got a little game left in him. Good that Wash and Bradley have some experience with him. I’m really surprised LaBoy was beaten out by the competition, but I guess injuries have really taken away a lot of his speed.
This is an audition of sorts for Chukwurah. He’s probably been waiting for this shot ever since he landed in the UFL. At best he is a rotational guy, a LEO body, but is capable of chipping in with a sack or two during this playoff run. What I remember about him as well is that he’s got a motor something like Irvin’s; very relentless. If he impresses enough this post season then he’ll likely open camp with the Seahawks for 2013.
Chukwurah has played a good amount of LB in his career, so that is ultimately why he won out. Pete wants guys that can actually drop off into coverage at that LEO spot, in certain situations. Chukwurah can do that; Maybin and LaBoy are much more limited in that area.
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Who?????????
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9 sacks in 8 seasons. Sounds like a pass rushing beast.
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Man, if 9 sacks in 8 seasons makes him a beast, what do we call Clemmons? lol
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Well, he apparently was a “beast” in the UFL. What that equates to at the NFL level, I am not exactly sure. At the very least he is a veteran with a lot of experience, a serviceable set of skills, and a familiarity with a few of the team’s coaches. He hasn’t been in the league for a bit, so maybe that gives him something of an edge in terms of an accurate scouting report on him.
All that is really needed of Chukwuruh is to be solid. He doesn’t necessarily need to be a beast. There is enough talent around him within that front seven where a player with his experience should be able to make some easy plays. But who knows? Maybe Chukwuruh rediscovered himself while in the UFL or something, and is about to hit the league with a vengeance.
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I think he’s probably just insurance in case anyone else goes down. I doubt he will be active on Sunday.
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It’s interesting that they’d go to the UFL for a replacement. It’s thinking outside the box, which is nice, but it would have been much better to sign one of the CFL sack leaders instead. They rules are different, but it’s closer to the NFL level of competition than the UFL.
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Wait, at 33 doesn’t that make him the oldest player on the team?
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“I think he’s probably just insurance in case anyone else goes down. I doubt he will be active on Sunday.”
He’s Bruce Irvin’s backup. I highly doubt he’ll be inactive this Sunday. He is also supposedly an ace special teams player, thus increasing the likelihood of him being active in Atlanta.
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What’s your take on Chuk, Chuck?
Too bad the votes are in already for the ROY. I didn’t know until now that the Seahawks, Eagles and Jaguars are the only teams in the NFL that don’t have a ROY on ethier side of the ball.
http://www.ibtimes.com/sportsnet/seattle-seahawks-news-why-russell-wilson-should-be-rookie-year-997366
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“either”
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If Timmay! had signed this guy, I’d be wondering what the heck that moron was doing. However, this regime, although not perfect (nobody is) has built enough clout with me to the point where I like the signing. They obviously have a specific plan in mind (potentially) for him. He’s obviously not coming in off the street to be a 3-down player so I’m happy he’s here in whatever little role he may play.
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5% body fat seems insane. Gotta respect that.
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How big is he, he might just be in on running situations and Ivin on passing?
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I love the comments by people that are talking trash about this guy. What did you people think a DE not signed to a roster when the playoffs start would be.
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YES!!! This is the move I have been waiting for. Game changer this weekend, you just watch.
But seriously, I wonder if he gets on the field in a pass rushing down this Sunday. Who would be the best rush end on passing downs opposite Irvin? Couldn’t KJ or Malcom Smith rush pretty well off the edge? I know Scruggs was the guy they brought off the bench last week after Clemons went down so maybe he is going to see more chances. Sure wish we had our best rush end for the top passing offense in the league (or one of them anyway).
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