The Seattle Seahawks didn’t use much of their nickel package defense in Week 1’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, but that could change in Week 2.
A big reason why is the return of Jamar Taylor, who was their top candidate at the job throughout the summer and who re-signed with the team on Tuesday.
Taylor was a surprise cut on September 1 – a casualty that likely occurred because of his status as a vested veteran, which allowed Seattle to waive him and re-sign him after Week 1, thereby not guaranteeing his contract for the rest of the season.
Taylor’s return gives the Seahawks experience at the position, and should allow them to play in that package a fair amount against Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers in Week 2.
Taylor will compete with rookie Ugo Amadi for snaps at the nickel spot, and should provide the Seahawks with experience, leadership, and solid tackling when he’s on the field.
“He made a great impression with us,” coach Pete Carroll commented on Wednesday. “He practiced great, he was smart, he brought experience with a young group you could feel it. He’s really fast, he’s tough, and he fit the scheme well. He did a nice job. Could have easily been here on day one, we just made the choice the way we did. But we feel fortunate to get him back.”
The Seahawks will head to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers on Sunday, Sep. 15. Kickoff is at 10:00 a.m. PT.
