The Seattle Seahawks missed cornerback Riq Woolen in their Week 6 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. Woolen is already officially questionable for Sunday’s Week 7 showdown with the Atlanta Falcons due to his ongoing ankle injury. When on the field, opposing quarterbacks have avoided Seattle’s No.1 cornerback.
Woolen has been targeted on just 9.6% of his coverage snaps this season, according to data collected by Pro Football Focus. That’s tied with Jalen Ramsey for the third-lowest rate in the entire league, among cornerbacks who have played 100 coverage snaps. Only Marshon Lattimore (7.6%) and Pat Surtain II (9.4%) have been targeted fewer.
Cornerbacks being targeted at the lowest rate this season (min 100 coverage snaps):
Marshon Lattimore – 7.6%
Pat Surtain – 9.4%
Tariq Woolen – 9.6%
Jalen Ramsey – 9.6%Lockdown CBs!
— Dalton Kates (@Dalton_Kates) October 16, 2024
PFF has targeted Woolen with allowing just six receptions on 13 targets this season. That means the Pro Bowl cornerback is forfeiting a completion percentage under 50 percent. Woolen is also allowing just 8.0 yards per catch, and opposing passer rating of 49.5 when target. No wonder quarterbacks are looking elsewhere.
The advanced metrics are impressive. Woolen has allowed 48 receiving yards all season long, and the longest reception successfully completed in his direction gained just 10 yards. Woolen has been assigned blame for allowing one receiving touchdown. The former UTSA standout has more pass breakups (2) than TDs allowed.
Hopefully Woolen is cleared for Sunday’s game versus the Falcons. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is playing well, and Drake London is an occasionally dominant receiver on the boundary. Woolen would surely be tasked with covering London if he manages to suit up.
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