National Football League

Seahawks defense ready to challenge Atlanta

Published Sep. 30, 2011 11:48 p.m. ET

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Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley says that while the Atlanta Falcons have been more vulnerable to pressure this year, he's preparing as though this was the same group that handily beat Seattle last December.

''They're about good, fundamental football,'' Bradley said. ''Mistake-free, no turnovers, limited penalties, and that's what was impressive to us. We know they'll get back to that. We talk constantly in our room about just take care of what we do and if they've got issues or they've got things they need to work out, they'll get that taken care of, but that can't affect how we perform.''

So far, Seattle's defensive line has been the team's most confident positional group.

Last Sunday, the line looked particularly strong in a 13-10 win over Arizona, sacking Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb three times and harassing him constantly using multiple defensive fronts.

This week, the Seahawks will go after Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who has already been sacked 13 times through three games after being sacked just 23 times all last season.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll knows how important it is to bring pressure; it's what his defense is built upon.

''(The quarterback is) the brains of the whole thing, and you need to affect the way he's thinking and what he's seeing as much as you can,'' Carroll said. ''Plus, he's the most vulnerable player on the team. We have to do whatever it takes to get that done. Whether that's taking more chances, or giving our guys more opportunities to come off the edge and bring the pressure, we have to find that.''

Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane said the Seahawks have been bringing pressure recently using multiple blitzes and defensive fronts.

When he looks at the Falcons, he sees the same team from last year.

''You know, they're having their issues, but we're not going to sit up here and doubt them,'' he said. ''Our job is to go out there and apply pressure - do what we've been doing. We're not going to underestimate them. We know they're going to make changes, and do things to get back on their feet.''

NOTES: Left guard Robert Gallery was the only player listed as out on the Seahawks' injury report; Carroll said that Gallery is ''a couple of weeks away at most'' from returning from a groin injury. Safety Kam Chancellor (quadriceps) and cornerback Byron Maxwell (ankle) were listed as doubtful. Tackle Jarriel King (ankle), running back Michael Robinson (ankle) and linebacker Matt McCoy (shoulder/head) are probable.

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