Injuries are a part of the game, that’s a fact. Every team in the league has the motto of “next man up” to signal that there’s no excuse for missing a beat, not wanting to even utter the possibility that there will be a slight step back in production.

While that mentality may be admirable, there inevitably will be a drop off anytime a starter falls victim to the injury bug. In years past the Seahawks have had to deal with their own players being sidelined – whether it be due to injury or otherwise – and have been able to remarkably not miss a beat.

In 2013, they lost Brandon Browner to suspension and inserted Walter Thurmond, who would get injured just as soon as he was handed the top spot. Enter Byron Maxwell. Things worked out well as Maxwell picked off four passes and forced a fumble in the Super Bowl, helping the Seahawks earn that ring. Things certainly worked out for the player as well, as Maxwell signed a $63 million deal with the Eagles last offseason.

So maybe it’s not the worst thing that the Seahawks are dealing with significant injuries to their defensive backs. Pete Carroll and defensive coordinator (formerly the defensive backs coach) Kris Richard have shown a penchant for coaching up their DB’s time and time again. They are the guys that have taken Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor as mid-round picks and made them into All-Pros after all.

Speaking of Kam, Chancellor is a game time decision after not practicing all week and sitting out the majority of the game against the Ravens. Deshon Shead is the latest in a long list of Seattle corners that have filled in nicely, and he too is a bit banged up although he has returned to practice and will play.

The point is, with the Hawks already thin at defensive back, and their injuries at running back well documented, the two most important parts of their winning formula have taken a hit simultaneously.

Therefore the burden is now truly on Russell Wilson unlike it has ever been before. This is the next step we have been (im)patiently waiting for him to take. It’s the step that removes all doubt for the Mike Pettines of the world, putting him among the “elite” group of NFL quarterbacks.

Matchups to watch against the Browns

Isaiah Cromwell vs. the Seahawks defense

Browns running back Isaish Cromwell rushed for a career high 145 yards last week in a Cleveland win. A second-year back that went undrafted, he’s been one of Johnny Manziel and Cleveland’s better weapons on offense, and we’ve seen the Hawks already shut down the likes of Adrian Peterson, will Cromwell even stand a chance?

Johnny Football vs. Richard Sherman 

We can’t talk about the Browns without mentioning Manziel. And this matchup will be especially intriguing. Not because it’s a hyped quarterback going against the league best corner, but because both are among the games recognizable personalities and the dichotomy between the two players.

We all know the chip on Sherman’s shoulder, a mid round pick that had to earn his starting spot, Sherman tries to go out and show up every team that passed on him every time he steps between the lines. Manziel on the other hand, was drafted in the first round, was anointed a superstar before he even broke camp and has been given chance after chance to become a startering quarterback.

Sherman always is looking for something to fuel his fire, and this has to kindle the flames at least a little.

Photo:Flickr/Mike Morris