Dan Orlovsky looks at the Seahawks' journey to the Super Bowl and concludes that they have the potential to win again with Russell Wilson. (2:39).SEATTLE -- Russell Wilson made it clear that he was putting pressure on the Seattle Seahawks this offseason to improve their pass protection. Wilson speaks candidly again about the importance to get his best offensive lineman on the field, with Pro Bowl left tackle Duane brown not practicing while he searches for a new deal.Wilson did not attempt to downplay Brown’s absence in his first remarks to reporters from Seattle.Wilson stated Sunday that not having Duane Brown out there was a significant deal. Wilson spoke after the Seahawks' mock-game at Lumen Field. He's the best. He is the most athletic and talented person I know. Age is just another number. He looks 28-30. He is truly exceptional. He's so smart, physical, understands the game. I think people fear him when they rush him or play against him."So, we want to be in a position to get Duane Brown back out there. Duane Brown is our only hope.Sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter that Brown is unhappy that he has not yet been offered a new contract. Brown is in the final year of his current contract and will be paid up to $11.35million this season. This month, he turns 36.Five weeks remain before the Seahawks' season opener against Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 12. That is plenty of time for a deal to be done. The problem is that they are trying to extend Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams' contract, which is their highest priority.Wilson initially refused to answer a question about Brown's absence. He said that the Seahawks needed him for their first match.Wilson stated, "We have to figure it out because he is really special, obviously." He is, as I have said, one of the most skilled left tackles in the game. He has many more years of play. He can do it. He is the most athletic person I know. It's amazing what he can accomplish. He's our leader. He is a leader on the offensive line.Brown was ranked second on ESPN's pass block success rate as a tackle (94%) and fifth since 2018, (92.7%). Brown was present in 16 games in 2018, 2020, and missed four due to knee and biceps injuries.Brown is also conducting what's called a "hold in" like Adams. Both Brown and Adams reported to training camp, but they aren't practising without new contracts. Coach Pete Carroll stated last weekend that Brown would begin to practice soon. However, that has not happened. Carroll did not provide any information Sunday regarding when Brown will start practicing.When Brown was asked about his happiness, he replied that he and Duane were doing great. He's been great in our conversations about stuff. He is making a statement. He is making a statement about the things he believes he should have.Carroll was asked if Brown would miss any games. He replied that he didn't know and added: "He won't play in preseason. It doesn't make any difference to him right now.Brown was also absent, and the Seahawks were without their top two backups on Sunday. Jamarco Jones (back spasms), Cedric Ogbuehi (2nd biceps strain), both of whom left Saturday's practice due to injuries. Tommy Champion (groin), also did not play. Stone Forsythe, a rookie sixth-round selection, was forced to take up the role of Seattle's starting left tackle.Carroll stated that Jones' back would need to be loosened up for a few days. Ogbuehi was not expected to return until he said so. Ethan Pocic, the top center of the team, was also absent on Sunday due to a hamstring injury he suffered at the beginning of camp. Carroll indicated that he may need to rest for a few more days.Carroll reports that the Seahawks were able to get through their mock-game without suffering any serious injuries. Carroll said that running back Rashaad Peny (thigh), and cornerback D.J. Reed (groin), as precautions, and described their injuries as minor.
