Seahawks safety ‘not the flashiest guy’ nonetheless generates

Julian Love, a safety for the Seattle Seahawks, has experienced a lot of change this year.

Nothing about Love’s life since the previous season has remained the same: new place, new team, new role. One aspect of the 25-year-old free agent addition, though, hasn’t changed: despite not playing as frequently as in previous years, his on-field performance is still excellent.

With nine games played, Love has racked up 62 total tackles, good for third on the team, one interception, one fumble recovery, five passes defended, and one tackle for loss. Love was a wise acquisition to the Seahawks this season.

Love’s playing time has decreased since teammate Jamal Adams’ return from a torn quad in mid-October, but he has continued to be productive in the weeks after the change in his position.

In Sunday’s 29-26 victory over Washington, he recorded seven tackles, which placed him second on the team, while only participating in 41% of the defensive plays.

With the Giants last season, Love captained the team and was virtually always on the field, playing in over 90% of the team’s defensive plays over the course of 15 games.

Love is keeping an open mind about his new role despite having to assume a bit more of a supporting role for the Seahawks in recent weeks as Adams and Quandre Diggs have received the most of the playing time at safety.

Finding Love playing time has become a math problem because the team has two Pro Bowlers at safety and some talented cornerbacks who can fill in at nickelback. Love plays in three-safety packages the majority of the time.

Love remarked, “I had to find that middle place for myself.” “What I can learn from other guys’ plays, I kind of fill in the blanks.” From a mentality perspective, it’s undoubtedly difficult, but in terms of production, I just carry with my routine. Just make the most of every moment I get. I still feel fairly decent, even if it was a little different and required some adjustment and alteration.

Since Adams was hurt in the team’s season opener last year, the Seahawks have found that Love’s versatility is crucial. Love was signed, in part, to help fill in for Adams as he recovered from his injury.

Love has become a multi-talented person since Adams’ comeback. Depending on the defensive package the Seahawks are using each week, his playing time varies. Lately, he has seen a lot of action on special teams.

Pete Carroll, the head coach, respects Love because of his ability to jump in pretty much anywhere and help the team when needed.

Carroll stated, “He’s in it in any phase that we need him.” “He’s an all-around player who can make plays, is a strong athlete, and can make those tackles.” He offers us great adaptability. We were able to accomplish our goals, and in order to get the best out of him, we will keep switching things up with our guys. As he came to us, he was an ideal asset. He is capable of doing whatever we ask of him.

Love’s quiet leadership ability has been beneficial as well, even though the Seahawks signed him to a two-year, $12 million contract in March mostly because of his flexibility. Leonard Williams, a recent Seahawks trade acquisition, witnessed personally how Love, who joined the Giants midway through his rookie season in 2019, developed into a well-respected team leader back in New York.

After spending three seasons together with the Giants, Williams and his girlfriend went on a Caribbean trip with Love and his wife last year, demonstrating their tight relationship off the field. When word leaked that Williams had been dealt to Seattle, Love contacted him right away, provided him directions to the stadium, and served as somewhat of a “safety net” for his former and current teammates.

“Watching him grow from his rookie year to being a captain was cool for me,” Williams remarked. “He’s one of those guys that, simply by doing everything correctly, I really respect.” He’s a fantastic man both on and off the field. He just seems to be at the right place at the right time, acting appropriately, and making the small changes that add up to a big impact.

With players like Diggs, Jordyn Brooks, and Bobby Wagner on the field for Seattle, Love acknowledges that he isn’t the most talkative leader, characterizing himself as more of a “cerebral” type. He also notes that he hasn’t had to assume the same prominent role that he had with the Giants.

However, that does not imply that he lacks the respect of his teammates. Love has gained Wagner’s respect for his consistent veteran presence, adaptability, and big-play ability.

Wagner remarked, “It’s also another guy that you can trust that can make plays.” “He’s made a few solo, open-field tackles when going one on one. It’s a lot more yards if he misses the tackle. It’s been wonderful to have a guy you can trust with his abilities, intelligence, and playwriting.

Love has also made the most out of his circumstances. Having Adams and Diggs positioned beside him presents numerous opportunities for him to hone his skills. After all, he is studying under some of the greatest.

Love remarked, “They make it easy for me.” “They all perform at a high caliber, so I can just be myself and fill in the blanks. Their caliber also elevates my performance. It’s a great problem to have, because you have two individuals that are knowledgeable about football that you can pick up tips from.

Love wants to make an impression whenever he gets the chance to play on the field, regardless of the role the Seahawks assign him. As seen by the fact that he is only two players behind him on Seattle’s tackle leaderboard, he is having an impact everytime he gets the chance.

“I believe that’s just how I play.” Love remarked, “I may not be the world’s most stylish guy, but I can make stuff.” “Each year since I joined the league, I have been producing. That just basically illustrates that, I’m going to make the most of any shots I receive. Simply remaining alert, expressing availability, and participating in special teams. Ultimately, I hope that will be the thing that people remember me for. being constantly fruitful.