“He’s been a really steady force,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “He’s been obvious. His hitting, his alley play in the running game, it’s really as good as it gets, and he’s a real ball hawk… He’s just a really complete football player, and he’s a very important leader, the guy back there calling the shots and directing traffic and all that, so he’s doing everything.”
That Seattle’s Pro-Bowl representation comes on defense is fitting considering how well that unit has played for most of the year following some early-season struggles—though a good case could be made for leading receiver Tyler Lockett to be on the team representing Seattle’s offense.
Despite being on the field for more plays than any other defense in the NFL, the Seahawks have allowed the fourth fewest points in the league this season (20.1 points per game) and have held nine straight opponents to 23 or fewer points, and six of their last eight opponents to 20 or fewer. With Wagner anchoring the middle of the defense and Diggs there to clean up anything that gets into the secondary, the Seahawks are holding opponents to just 3.8 yards per rush attempt, the second-lowest number in the league. The Seahawks have also allowed the fewest explosive plays (passes of 16-plus yards and runs of 12-plus) in the NFL dating back to Week 6. The Seahawks defense has excelled in no small part due to its play in crucial situations, ranking fifth in the NFL in red zone defense, and seventh in third-down defense.
In addition to Wagner and Diggs making the initial Pro-Bowl roster, the Seahawks also had four players named alternates, special teamer Nick Bellore, punter Michael Dickson, left tackle Duane Brown and quarterback Russell Wilson.
