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The one move that defined the 2018 NFL season for all 32 teams

By Erik Lambert

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 11: Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. of the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL preseason game at Qualcomm Stadium on August 11, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 11: Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. of the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL preseason game at Qualcomm Stadium on August 11, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Seattle Seahawks: Hiring Ken Norton Jr.

Pete Caroll stunned a lot of people when he made wholesale changes to his coaching staff this year. None was more perplexing than replacing proven defensive coordinator Kris Richard with Ken Norton Jr. The same man who’d badly flamed out in Oakland. How could he be expected to carry on the Legion of Boom tradition? Carroll didn’t listen, sticking to his guns. Turns out that time was his best friend as the results have really come around.

The defense isn’t elite by any stretch but it’s become a quality unit that is able to play strong against most opponents. They can still rush the passer and still force turnovers. Much of the credit must go to Norton who’s done a good job coaching up a roster full of young players forced to follow in the footsteps of legends like Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor. All things considered with the team on the doorstep of the playoffs? It’s been a surprisingly productive decision.

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