Although the win was a huge step forward for the Seahawks, it didn’t come without a cost.
Seattle has been one of the best defensive teams in the NFL this season with an elite secondary and a formidable pass rush. One of the team’s best players on the defensive side of the football in defensive end Chris Clemons went down with injury against the Redskins and was feared to be lost for the season and it appears that is exactly what has happened.
Clemons’ knee injury suffered in the win over the Redskins is a torn ACL according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com via Twitter:
#Seahawks DE Chris Clemons does have a torn ACL & meniscus, I’m told. Appointment with Dr. James Andrews Monday. Swelling not bad at least
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2013
As a result of the torn ACL and meniscus, Clemons will miss the rest of the playoffs and will leave a considerable void at defensive end for the Seahawks. Redskins’ Robert Griffin III also went down on Sunday with similar injuries.
Clemons led the team in sacks this season with 11.5.
The Seahawks will face arguably their toughest test of the season next weekend against the number one seeded Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome.
Although the Falcons aren’t getting much consideration as a legitimate Super Bowl contenders in comparison to other teams like the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers, the Falcons are as tough to beat as any team in the NFL on their home field and will be a challenge to say the least for rookie quarterback Russell Wilson and company.
The absence of Clemons in the pass rush will put more pressure on the Seahawks’ secondary with Matt Ryan likely having more time to target receivers Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez.