The Sports Xchange

RENTON, Wash. — Since the return of Kam Chancellor to the lineup in Week 3, the defense of the Seattle Seahawks has returned to the dominant form they have shown over the previous three seasons.

Seattle has allowed just three points in the last two games against the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions with Chancellor back on the field. Chancellor returned to the lineup after concluding a 54-day contract holdout two weeks ago and provided the pivotal forced fumble of Lions receiver Calvin Johnson at the 1-yard line to help preserve the 13-10 win on Monday night.

“It sure looks like it, doesn’t it?” Carroll said when asked if Chancellor’s return was the reason for the improved defensive play.

“We’ve just played really good football and the guys are starting to get that feeling. It takes time to develop and get that sense, but they’re really starting to get that feeling. … Up until this point the turnaround has been obvious and he’s been very instrumental.”

The Seahawks had allowed 34 points in a season-opening overtime loss to St. Louis and 27 points to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. The 30.5 points per game average was tied for fourth most in the league through two games. After posting a shutout against Chicago and allowing just 10 points to Detroit, Seattle is now allowing just 17.8 points per game, which is tied for third best.

The only touchdown scored by Detroit came on a defensive touchdown following a Russell Wilson fumble. Seattle’s defense has allowed just three points over their last eight quarters of play.

The Seahawks have led the league in scoring defense in each of the last three seasons.

Notes: Running back Marshawn Lynch (hamstring) is day-to-day. Head coach Pete Carroll said Lynch made a lot of progress last week but it will take until the end of the week before they’ll know if he can play. … Running back Fred Jackson suffered a high-ankle sprain against Detroit. Carroll said Jackson actually is moving around pretty well and wouldn’t rule him out from being able to play this week. … Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (groin) could return to the lineup this week. Carroll said he believes Mebane will make it back but they still consider him day-to-day at this point.