Seattle's defense took another big blow this week.
Brandon Mebane tore his hamstring and is done for the season, NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Tuesday, per a Seahawks source. The team later announced the defensive tackle was placed on injured reserve.
Mebane left in the second quarter of Sunday's win over the New York Giants and was quickly ruled out. On Monday, coach Pete Carroll characterized the injury as "legit" and stated that Mebane would miss some time.
We now know that the Seahawks' Super Bowl defense will continue without one of its best defensive players.
"There's nobody like Mebane," Carroll said Monday, per The Seattle Times. "He's a very unique player. I think he has had the best season he's had since we've been here -- most consistent, best factor. So that's a big hit to take. But our guys that go in play good football, too, so we will expect them to play up and maintain the level."
The Seahawks were already struggling with their defensive line depth due to the offseason losses. Mebane's absence will magnify those shortcomings. The loss will especially be felt defending inside runs -- where Seattle has sorely missed injured linebacker Bobby Wagner (toe).
Without Mebane, snaps will increase for Tony McDaniel, Kevin Williams and Jordan Hill. Demarcus Dobbs, who was picked up off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers last week, could also play a role.
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