RENTON — Sometime during the offseason, Bobby Wagner decided it was time for the Seattle Seahawks linebackers to start getting attention.
Most of the accolades were pointed toward the Seahawks secondary and rightfully so, with a trio of All-Pros patrolling the back end of Seattle’s defense. The front four also got their due last season for their ability to put pressure on the quarterback and clog up running lanes.
Somewhat lost in the mix were Wagner and his cohorts at linebacker.
If attention is what Seattle’s linebackers wanted, they’ve earned it in the last two games the Seahawks have played.
First was Malcolm Smith, who was named Super Bowl MVP after an interception return for a touchdown and a fumble recovery in Seattle’s 43-8 victory over Denver. Then the Seahawks began defense of their first title with a 36-16 win over Green Bay during which Wagner tied a career high with 14 tackles.
“I back up my statements,” Wagner said. “I think it’s just us going out there and playing our game. I feel like we’ve grown, this is our third year together so we’ve got good chemistry and it’s time to show it.”
Wagner was all over the field against the Packers, especially in the first half. With Green Bay pushing the tempo of its offense, there wasn’t a chance for the Seahawks to bring in substitutes and give guys a break. Even with being limited during the preseason while working through a hamstring injury, Wagner played 62 snaps.
He had 10 of his 14 tackles in the first half and was a nuisance for Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay’s offense all night.
“We just want to go out there and perform,” Wagner said. “We’ve got a great group of guys backing us and great group of guys in front of us. So we’re just trying to hold our end of the bargain.”
Wagner is entering his third season and holds the distinction of being drafted ahead of quarterback Russell Wilson. Wagner was selected in the second round of the 2012 draft, while Wilson was taken in the third round.
“We practice so well that I feel like the game comes easier to us. That’s something we pride ourselves on,” Wagner said.
Notes
All-Pro safety Earl Thomas’ days as the Seahawks’ primary punt returner appear over. Carroll said he was taking that task off Thomas’ plate and that wide receiver Bryan Walters would be the Seahawks’ primary punt returner against San Diego. Thomas fumbled a punt in traffic in the opener, but Carroll didn’t rule out using him in the future. … CB Marcus Burley will step in as Seattle’s nickel cornerback with Jeremy Lane (groin) going on injured reserve.
