CURTIS CRABTREE
Associated Press
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Seattle Seahawks defensive end O’Brien Schofield is more determined than ever to prove himself after what he calls a “crazy” offseason.
Schofield was one of the most disruptive players on Seattle’s defense in the Seahawks’ 41-14 preseason win over the San Diego Chargers last Friday night. Schofield racked up three tackles — two for loss — a sack and four quarterback hits.
“He’s shown two really solid games of being real active. He’s rushed tremendously, a force in general and he had a couple plays in the back field in both games,” head coach Pete Carroll said. “He’s done really well. He’s really on it. He’s giving everything he’s got to make the club and he’s making a great statement about doing that.”
Schofield was set to turn his success as a member of the Super Bowl champion Seahawks into a lucrative contract this offseason. Schofield agreed to terms on a two-year, $8 million deal to join the New York Giants only to have the deal voided after he failed his physical.
Schofield said he has a bone-on-bone issue in his left knee. It’s the same knee in which he suffered a torn ACL during Senior Bowl practices in 2010. However, Schofield said it has never affected his ability to perform on the field.
“Who’s not out here without bumps and bruises?” Schofield said. “Nobody is out here 100 percent. Everybody is dealing with something. It’s just something I’m dealing with and being (with Seattle), they’ve done a great job managing that.”
Schofield was a standout for Seattle last preseason after being acquired via waivers from the Arizona Cardinals. With Cliff Avril and Chris Clemons not ready for the start of the season due to injuries, Schofield played a significant role early in the season. He started two of the first three games and recorded four tackles and a sack over that span.
But once Avril and Clemons returned, Schofield was largely relegated to special teams duty and buried on the team’s depth chart. He appeared in 15 games overall with just eight tackles on the year.
Schofield was excited for the opportunity for a larger contract with the Giants and a more significant role in their defense, so it was a disappointment when the deal went south.
“That’s something that you work hard for, is to have a deal, to be financially stable and have an opportunity to play,” Schofield said. “To show people that you are capable of being successful and dominating this league. At the same time, everything happens for a reason and I’m supposed to be here.”
Schofield eventually re-signed with the Seahawks in May. Whether the Giants truly were concerned about Schofield’s knee is uncertain.
Despite the disappointment, Schofield feels he’s back where he’s meant to be in Seattle and is ready to leave his mark this season.
“I’m in my fifth year, I have a family and I’m hungry,” Schofield said. “I have a chip on my shoulder. I had a crazy offseason and I’m looking to really take this league by storm and be a disruptive player.”
___
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
