When the Seattle Seahawks struck a deal to acquire star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, it immediately transformed the team from having a questionable group of defensive ends to one of the best in the league.
Part of that is tied to the return of free agent Ezekiel Ansah, who is healthy and expected to play starting in Week 1.
Ansah and Clowney together will create all sorts of problems for opposing offensive lines. Both of them are big, strong, experienced defensive ends who are capable run-stoppers and pass-rushers.
“It’s pretty exciting to see him [Clowney] and Ziggy, because they’re both about the same dynamics and same stature and dimensions and all that,” coach Pete Carroll commented on Wednesday. “It’s really exciting to see what may happen if we can get those guys to turn loose.”
Clowney has been a Pro Bowler in each of the past three years. The transition into a 4-3 defensive set will allow him to pin his ears back and rush the passer with reckless abandon, which should allow him to post his first 10 sack season.
The challenge for opposing offensive lines having to handle both Ansah and Clowney is nearly impossible. Just ask Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown.
“When you have two guys who can rush like they do, the tackle is going to be on an island for the most part,” Brown explained. “And that’s how they like to work, one-on-one. It’s going to be exciting to see. I’ve played against Ziggy [Ansah], I know what he’s capable of. I’ve practiced against Clowney a lot. If you watch both of those guys on film, they stick out. You can do so much because Clowney can play inside, you can put them both on the same side. The combinations are endless, I’m just excited to see what they can do.”
Ansah and Clowney are both expected to play on Sunday, although they may be limited – as they are both just getting their feet wet on the practice field.
Clowney is of course new to the team, while Ansah only began participating fully in practice this week after spending most of the offseason rehabbing from a shoulder injury.
Ansah expects to play on Sunday however, and said he feels healthy and ready to go.
He, too, is excited to get to play alongside a threat like Clowney.
“I think when you put that combination together it really speaks for itself you know,” Ansah said. “Both of us are excited for the season and you all should be looking forward to something great.”
The duo should get their first chance to play together in game action on Sunday at CenturyLink Field against the Bengals.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. PT.
