The Seattle Seahawks are dealing with a potentially crippling loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. If there’s anything that can boost morale before a fateful Week 18 against the Arizona Cardinals, it’s the good news that comes in the form of the Pro Bowl selections.
Three Seahawks made the initial Pro Bowl rosters. Linebacker Bobby Wagner , cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and safety Julian Love got the news this week – each surprising in their own ways.
Any rookie getting big-time recognition is promising, but for Witherspoon to get the nod in his first year is further confirmation that Seattle nailed their top-10 pick. Wagner may have gotten in with the benefit of name recognition, but Love was also a nice surprise. He didn’t get in on the fan vote, meaning it was his peers and coaches who deemed him worthy.
On Thursday, he shared his reaction to the news.
“Unexpected, just genuine shock,” Love said. “Obviously, it’s cool, my family and I are extremely excited for that nod.”
Love’s 83 tackles this season rank second on the Seahawks, behind Wagner. He’s their highest-graded player in coverage, per PFF, and has allowed just an 83.2 passer rating when targeted.
Of course, Love’s shining moment came in Week 15, when he intercepted Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts twice to help steal a Monday Night Football victory. His four interceptions are two more than any other Seattle defender, and he’s got two forced fumbles as well.
Even with the strongest play of his career, Love was surprised to get the nod.
“There were some games I didn’t play this year,” Love said. “That Ravens game, Dallas game I wasn’t out there that much. By a lot of people’s eyes, I was the third safety … I just try to stay productive, just kind of do my thing.”
Part of his game that may have gotten the attention of the rest of the league was his special teams play. He’s tied for the team lead in tackles on these downs (nine). His versatility has rendered him an impactful player and a steal of a free-agent signing.
“I do take a lot of pride in my special teams numbers,” Love said. “My wife always laughs at me when I say that after each game, whatever happens – could get a pick, whatever. ‘You see that special teams tackle? Did you see me on that punt?’ She always jokes.
“That’s kind of who I am as a player. I feel like I’m just somebody who tries to be out there and be productive and I think those guys in the special teams room really are just the grittiest players on the team.”
Whether it be his prime-time performance boosting him to national relevancy or the chops he’s displayed weekly on special teams, Love is officially a Pro Bowler.
He’ll look to make an impact in Week 18 when the Seahawks travel down to Arizona with the playoffs on the line. They’ll need some help in the form of a Chicago Bears win, but their work is cut out for them. The efforts of Seattle’s Pro Bowlers could decide its season.
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