Seattle Seahawks' Pass Rush Among 'Most Improved' Units, ESPN Says

According to ESPN, the Seattle Seahawks' pass rush is among the most-improved groups in the NFL this season.

Compared to last year's team, the Seattle Seahawks do some things better and some things worse, but one aspect that has been undeniably better is their pass rush.

Last year, the Seahawks tied for the sixth-most sacks in the league with 45, but underlying stats showed their pass rush wasn't all that impressive. This year, they're tied for the eighth-most sacks in the league with 27, but their analytical outlook is far better. According to ESPN, the Seahawks rank ninth in pass-rush win rate at 49.4 percent, compared to last season when they ranked 28th.

Seattle's pass rush has looked so much better, in fact, that ESPN listed it as one of the NFL's most improved units this season.

"I'm listing the 'Seahawks pass rush' here to bring attention to the entire front, including both the defensive line and the two edge rushers who are technically outside linebackers," ESPN wrote.

Seattle made big moves this offseason to bolster its defensive front, bringing in Dre'Mont Jones and Jarran Reed through free agency and rookie Derick Hall through the draft. However, arguably the biggest reason for the rise of the pass rush has been second-year linebacker Boye Mafe, who has taken a massive leap in Year 2 with six sacks so far.

"As a rookie, Mafe had a 10.4% PRWR on the edge," ESPN wrote. "This season, he ranks third among all edge rushers with a 27.4% PRWR."

For as good as the Seahawks' pass rush has been, the unit suffered a major blow when linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, who tied for the team lead with 9.5 sacks last season, went down for the year with a torn pec. However, Seattle quickly shifted and acquired Leonard Williams from the New York Giants to fill his place. It remains to be seen exactly how well Williams gels with the rest of the unit, but it's a testament to the Seahawks' savvy front office to go out and search for immediate help.

Considering the Seahawks made it a priority to improve their pass rush this offseason, those moves already bearing fruit has to feel good for the Seattle faithful.