Tag: Byron Murphy II

Seahawks’ pass-rushing metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ pass-rushing metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks are tied for 15th in the NFL in sacks with 21 quarterback takedowns through nine contests heading into this weekend’s bye. Mike Macdonald’s defense has taken a by-committee approach to rushing the passer. Three Seahawks defenders have produced three-or-more sacks, with Derick Hall (5.0), Boye Mafe (4.0), and Dre’Mont Jones (3.0) sitting atop the team leaderboard.

Leonard Williams (2.5), Tyrel Dodson (2.0), and Jarran Reed (2.0) aren’t far off from joining that club. Williams actually leads the Seahawks in pressures with 28, and Mafe (27), Hall (26), Reed (26), and Jones (25) aren’t far behind, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s been a team-effort for Seattle’s front seven this season.

The advanced analytics are in-line with these tangible results. The Seahawks have posted a league-average 41% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) so far this season, ranking 17th in the NFL through nine weeks, according to data provided by ESPN Stats & Info. Seattle has been effective at getting after opposing passers.

Williams has posted 15 pass-rushing-wins out of 100 reps, also per ESPN. Williams’ 15% PRWR ranks third-best (tied with Calais Campbell) among all qualifying defensive tackles, trailing just Zach Allen (21%) and Chris Jones (20%). There’s no denying his production this season.

Applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks hasn’t been Seattle’s issue this season. The 4-5 Seahawks are entering a Week 10 bye. When they return, a productive, all-hands-on-deck pass rushing unit will attempt to aid other areas of struggle.

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Seahawks’ run-stopping metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ run-stopping metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to stop the run this season. Entering their Week 10 bye, the defense is currently ranked 27th in defending the run, allowing opposing offenses to produce 139.4 rushing yards per game. Missed tackles and gap discipline have been recurring issues across the front seven.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider recently made a notable change to the run defense. Schneider acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for 2025 draft-pick capital and fellow linebacker Jerome Baker. Despite losing to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9, their starting back Kyren Williams was limited to 69 yards and 3.1 yards per carry. Jones has already improved Seattle’s run defense.

The season-long metrics still leave plenty to be desired. As things stand, the Seahawks have posted a run-stopping-win-rate (RSWR) of 29%, 23rd-best in the league, according to data collected by ESPN Stats & Info. That ranking aligns with what Seattle’s undisciplined run defense has put on tape.

Opposing backfields are rushing for 4.8 yards per carry against Seattle’s defense. That’s tied for the sixth-most yards per carry average allowed by any defense in the NFL. Mike Macdonald’s unit has forfeited a middling nine rushing touchdowns this season.

The Seahawks must defend the run with better efficiency when they return from their Week 10 bye. Acquiring Jones has slightly pushed the needle in a better direction. Using the off-week to course-correct their gap-sound discipline issues could lead to more desirable results versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11.

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Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

The Seattle Seahawks were embarrassed by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, losing their Week 8 contest 31-10. Though the collective team effort was lacking, certain players outperformed others. The following players were Seattle’s five highest-graded talents versus the Bills, according to Pro Football Focus’ data.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 73.8

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was by far Seattle’s most productive receiver in DK Metccalf’s absence. Smith-Njigba posted team-highs in targets (7), receptions (6), and receiving yards (69). He was the only veteran threat that produced, with Tyler Lockett disappointingly being held to one catch for nine yards.

Geno Smith | 72.7

Geno Smith was efficient, completing 21-of-29 passing attempts for 212 yards. He also only took one sack behind a struggling offensive line. The issue? Smith threw zero touchdowns and one interception, and he was also fortunate the team recovered his fumble.

Coby Bryant | 70.5

Versatile defensive back Coby Bryant took advantage of more playing time due to injuries in the secondary. Bryant totaled six tackles and a pass breakup for a second consecutive week. The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati has earned more reps in Mike Macdonald’s secondary even when everybody gets healthy.

Laken Tomlinson | 69.4

The performance of the offensive line in pass protection was a rare bright spot for Seattle on Sunday. As mentioned, Smith was only sacked on one occasion. Left guard Laken Tomlinson played a quality game. The veteran blocker tied his season-best output by allowing just one quarterback pressure and zero sacks.

Byron Murphy II | 65.7

Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has improved since returning from injury in Week 7. The former Texas Longhorn recorded one pressure and a season-best four tackles. Murphy should continue improving as he continues getting crucial reps under his belt.

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Seahawks had core pass rush together for first time vs. Falcons since Week 1

Seahawks had core pass rush together for first time vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks have dealt with injuries all season long, particularly across their defensive line. Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II returned in Sunday’s Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons after missing the previous three contests (all losses) with a hamstring injury. Veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams missed Week 4 with a rib injury. EDGE rusher Boye Mafe missed Weeks 4 and 5 with a knee injury.

Miraculously, Sunday’s win over the Falcons marked the first time since Week 1 this season the defensive line had Murphy, Williams, Mafe, and Derick Hall available together. Unsurprisingly, Mike Macdonald’s defense was dominant as a result. They sacked Kirk Cousins three times and forced him into three turnovers. The Seahawks also posted a pressure rate of 55%.

Hall recorded four pressures, tied for his second-most in any single-game showing this season. Hall also scored the first touchdown of his career on a fumble return as the result of a Mafe strip-sack. Mafe now has four sacks and 24 total pressures this campaign.

Murphy was anxious to return and play against a Falcons team that passed on him in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pro Football Focus assigned Murphy a season-best overall defensive grade of 74.6. Williams accumulated two pressures and recorded his third sack of the season.

The Seahawks obviously don’t have Uchenna Nwosu available, but he’s expected to be sidelined for a significant chunk of the season. In his absence, the quartet of Murphy II, Williams, Mafe, and Hall have become Macdonald’s most effective pass-rushing group. They finally played together again on Sunday, and they were outstanding.

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Seahawks rule Riq Woolen, Tre Brown and Stone Forsythe OUT for W7

Seahawks rule Riq Woolen, Tre Brown and Stone Forsythe OUT for W7

The Seattle Seahawks will attempt to end their current three-game losing streak incredibly short handed, once more. The team is headed to the Big Peach to play the Atlanta Falcons, who are as hot as ever at the moment.

Unfortunately, the Seahawks are going to be without two key contributors in the secondary, and one of their starting offensive linemen. Injuries have decimated Seattle’s offensive line, as the team started the season behind the proverbial eight ball to begin with Abe Lucas on the PUP list.

Now, third-stringer Stone Forsythe is out.

The Seahawks have ruled out four players for Sunday’s game in Atlanta. They are as follows:

  • CB Riq Woolen
  • CB Tre Brown
  • T Stone Forsythe
  • S Jerrick Reed II

Jerrick Reed was recently activated off the PUP list, so it is not surprising he is not able to go on Sunday. Once activated, Reed had a 21-day window to qualify for the active 53-man roster. This has clearly not happened yet.

Seattle’s secondary has a tall task ahead of them. Thankfully, rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II will return. The Seahawks are in desperate need of his services, and will happily add him back into the lineup.

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Seahawks Week 7 injury report: Tyler Locket did not practice

Seahawks Week 7 injury report: Tyler Locket did not practice

The overall health of the Seattle Seahawks continues to be a major concern for this team. On Thursday’s practice, wide receiver Tyler Lockett was added to the “did not participate” list. Alongside him is cornerback Riq Woolen, and regrettably, right tackle Stone Forsythe.

This is now two days in a row where Forsythe did not participate. Considering he is already Seattle’s third-string right tackle, not having him in the mix for Sunday will be an even worse blow to a position decimated by injury this season.

The full practice report can be seen below.

Did Not Participate:

  • T Stone Forsythe – Hand
  • CB Tre Brown – Ankle
  • CB Riq Woolen – Ankle
  • WR Tyler Lockett – Knee
  • RB Kenny McIntosh – Foot

Limited Participation:

  • DT Byron Murphy II – Hamstring
  • S Jerrick Reed II – Knee

Full Participation:

  • G Anthony Bradford – Toe
  • WR Laviska Shenault Jr – Back
  • C Connor Williams – Chest
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee
  • DE Leonard Williams – Knee
  • S Julian Love – Hamstring/Quad

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Seahawks DT Byron Murphy II says he will play vs. Falcons

Seahawks DT Byron Murphy II says he will play vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks are getting some much-needed reinforcements on the defensive line. For the first time in nearly a month, stud rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II looks like he is going to take the field. Murphy was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, and on Thursday, spoke with the media. During his press conference, he announced he is planning to play in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons.

https://twitter.com/MazvitaMaraire/status/1846994763511484840

The Seahawks are going to need him. Since he has been gone during this three-game losing streak, Seattle’s defense is surrendering an average of 173 yards on the ground… including 228 to the 49ers last week. The worst part about this is the fact San Francisco and New York were gashing the Seahawks with third string running backs.

Murphy will certainly be looking forward to getting back out on the field, and especially against Atlanta. Murphy also spoke about how he was hearing rumors the Falcons were going to draft him at No. 8 overall. Instead, they chose quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and Murphy fell to the Seahawks at No. 16 overall. While things definitely worked out for Murphy, as he was awarded the rare honor of being drafted by his favorite team, he has not forgotten Atlanta passing him up.

https://twitter.com/gbellseattle/status/1846996203575431185

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Seahawks Week 7 injury report: Byron Murphy II returns to practice

Seahawks Week 7 injury report: Byron Murphy II returns to practice

Injuries have been the name of the game for the NFL this season, especially when it comes to the Seattle Seahawks. After playing three games in an eleven day stretch, the team was in desperate need of some time off. Unfortunately, it appears the extra rest didn’t exactly heal the team up.

Safety Rayshawn Jenkins was placed on injured reserve, no improvement to Abe Lucas, and now the injury report includes the right half of Seattle’s already decimated offensive line.

The only bit of good news is Byron Murphy II has returned to practice in a limited capacity. But that’s just about where it ends for Wednesday’s injury report.

The full report can be seen below.

Did Not Participate:

  • T Stone Forsythe – Hand
  • G Anthony Bradford – Toe
  • CB Tre Brown – Ankle
  • CB Riq Woolen – Ankle
  • WR Laviska Shenault – Back

Limited Participation: 

  • C Connor Williams – Chest
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee
  • DT Byron Murphy II – Hamstring
  • DE Leonard Williams – Knee
  • S Jerrick Reed II – Knee

Full Participation: 

  • S Julian Love – Hamstring/Quad

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald gives updates for Murphy, Woolen and Lucas

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald gives updates for Murphy, Woolen and Lucas

The Seattle Seahawks need to find a way to end this losing streak they are on, and their first opportunity to do so will come on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Seattle’s defense has been brutalized on and off the field for the last three weeks, mainly due to injuries sustained at key positions.

On Wednesday, head coach Mike Macdonald did offer some updates for a few of their top defensive players. The good news is it appears rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II is going to return to practice, and Seattle needs him in a bad way. As for his cornerbacks, Tre Brown and Riq Woolen, it is a bit of a mixed bag. Sadly, there is no good news to be given for the ailing offensive line.

The Seahawks’ rush defense has once again collapsed into one of the worst in the league. New York and San Francisco bullied Seattle’s defensive front to embarrassing proportions. Having Murphy back into the lineup should give this unit a considerable boost.

Fingers are crossed Woolen can return to help slow down Atlanta’s efficient passing attack, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Drake London.

As for the offensive line, no help is on the horizon for the worst in football.

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Seahawks rookie DT Byron Murphy II officially returns to practice

Seahawks rookie DT Byron Murphy II officially returns to practice

Seattle Seahawks rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II officially returned to Monday’s practice. Murphy had missed three consecutive contests, all defeats, since injuring his hamstring in a Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Following his return to practice, the expectation is that the rookie interior defender will return for Sunday’s Week 7 contest versus the Atlanta Falcons.

The No. 16 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Murphy has recorded six tackles (one tackle for loss), a half-sack, one quarterback hit, and seven pressures in his three appearances this season, per Pro Football Focus.

 

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald had shown immediate faith in Murphy prior to his injury. Murphy played 40 defensive snaps, accounting for 58% of all Seahawks defensive plays in the Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos, according to The Football Guys. In Week 2, the former Texas standout followed that up with a similar 56% workload.

The Seahawks have been relying on the likes of Jarran Reed, Johnathan Hankins, and Myles Adams more in Murphy’s absence. They also recently acquired defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris in a trade, and activated Cameron Young from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Quinton Bohanna has also occasionally received call-ups from the practice squad.

Murphy was playing quality football before suffering the hamstring injury. Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde will be excited to get their first-year contributor back. Murphy could be a difference-maker for a struggling Seahawks defense.

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