Tag: Riq Woolen

Seahawks CB Riq Woolen consistently forces turnovers vs. Rams

Seahawks CB Riq Woolen consistently forces turnovers vs. Rams

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen endured an up-and-down performance in Sunday’s heartbreaking Week 9 overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Woolen was borderline outstanding for four quarters, but overtime welcomed some difficulties. He missed a potential interception opportunity, was whistled for pass interference, and was beaten in coverage for the game-winning touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Demarcus Robinson.

Woolen also intercepted Stafford in the second quarter when the Seahawks were nursing a 6-3 lead. The Seahawks took the ensuing possession for seven, with Geno Smith finding Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 24-yard touchdown pass. It was a critical turnover going into halftime.

It was also Woolen’s third career interception in five regular-season appearances versus the Rams.

Last season, as a sophomore, Woolen picked off Stafford in a tight-knit 17-16 defeat. As a fifth-round rookie in 2022, Woolen recorded a campaign-high seven tackles and an interception in a 27-23 early December victory over the Rams. He consistently locates the football versus the Rams.

Woolen plays the cornerback position with a red-hot motor and a sense of competitiveness and aggression. It occasionally leads to the lackluster reps he endured in overtime, including the defensive pass interference penalty. It’s also worth remembering it leads to big-time interceptions against division rivals like the Rams. Woolen isn’t Seattle’s problem.

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Rams WR Puka Nacua ejected for throwing punch at Seahawks LB Dodson

Rams WR Puka Nacua ejected for throwing punch at Seahawks LB Dodson

Whenever the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams play each other, you can almost always expect it to be a physical and chippy matchup. But sometimes, even by these two teams’ standards, it can get a little more intense.

Towards the end of the first half, trailing 6-3, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford uncorked a pass for second-year wide receiver Puka Nacua, which was intercepted by Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen. Three plays later, Geno Smith found his second-year receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown to give Seattle a 10-point lead.

But the touchdown was not the only thing Los Angeles suffered on the interception. After the ball was picked, Nacua was flagged for throwing a punch on Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson. This was more than egregious enough for the officials to immediately disqualify Nacua from the rest of the game.

Nacua’s sophomore season has been a struggle so far. Nacua missed five games after Week 1 due to a PCL injury, and was only recently reactivated last week for Thursday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Nacua was questionable going into this game, but ultimately was ready to suit up.

Although Nacua only caught one reception for 11 yards on four targets, his absence is a blow to Los Angeles’ offense… even if Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp is in the lineup.

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Bills at Seahawks: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 8

Bills at Seahawks: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 8

The Buffalo Bills (5-2) will visit the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) in their upcoming Week 8 matchup.

In this cross-conference and cross-country matchup, the games within the game will make all the difference.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Seahawks contest:

Amari Cooper/Keon Coleman vs. Seattle corners

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Last week against the Tennessee Titans, Bills wide receivers Amari Cooper and second-round rookie Keon Coleman had their way against their matchups. This week, they face tougher cornerback matchups. On the outside for Seattle will be Riq Woolen, who ranks 18th-best among corners according to PFF.

They also have cornerback Devon Witherspoon who was the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Witherspoon is used both on the outside and in the slot. He may shadow Cooper, but either way, the Bills’ wide receivers need to be prepared to win some tougher matchups to help out Josh Allen and the offense. A couple of big plays from Coleman or Cooper could be the difference in the game.

Jaxon Smith Njigba vs. Taron Johnson

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With DK Metcalf ruled doubtful for Week 8, a lot more targets may fall on the shoulders of second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The bad news for Smith-Njigba is that All-Pro Taron Johnson will occupy the area of the field where he likes to work.

Smith-Njigba has had a hot and cold season, with games of 12 catches and games of two or three catches. His usage has been mainly matchup-dependent, but if Metcalf can’t play then his usage would have to go up. The Bills’ All-Pro nickel corner going against the first WR taken in the 2023 Draft is a great matchup in the slot.

Bills offensive line vs. Seahawks pass rush

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How the Bills offensive line holds up against a talented Seattle front will determine the level of success the team can have on the road. We know it can get loud at Lumen Field, and if Josh Allen is constantly under pressure then it will make things a lot more difficult.

The Seahawks rank eighth in the NFL in sack percentage and are tenth in sacks per game. They rank fourth in the league in pressure rate while not blitzing much. And, they just got Byron Murphy back from injury, who was their first round pick in April. It’s a tall task to keep them out of the backfield all game, but the Bills will need to limit how often they get back there. Running the ball will help keep the defense honest.

Seahawks vs Bills injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 8

All the latest updates and news on the Seahawks injury report ahead of a Week 8 game vs. Bills

The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for a Week 8 home showdown against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. It will be Buffalo’s first visit to the Pacific Northwest since the 2016 season. Seattle got some good injury news related to their right tackles, as Abe Lucas and George Fant are back at practice. Unfortunately, they did have to place Stone Forsythe on injured reserve as well.

For Wednesday’s practice, plenty of key names did not participate, such as wide receiver DK Metcalf. Against the Falcons last week, Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain, and is considered week-to-week. He did not practice, nor did Kenneth Walker III who is apparently still dealing with an illness.

The full injury report for Wednesday’s practice can be seen below.

Seahawks injury report

Did Not Participate:

  • WR DK Metcalf – Knee
  • CB Tre Brown – Ankle
  • DE Leonard Williams – Knee/NIR-Rest
  • CB Nehemiah Pritchett – Ankle
  • RB Kenneth Walker III – Illness

Limited Participation:

  • T George Fant – Knee
  • T Abe Lucas – Knee
  • CB Riq Woolen – Ankle
  • S Julian Love – Knee/Quad
  • NT Cameron Young – Knee
  • DE Mike Morris – Ankle

Full Participation: 

  • TE Brady Russell – Shoulder
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee
  • S Jerrick Reed II

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Will Riq Woolen play vs Bills this week? Latest injury update for Seahawks CB

Will Riq Woolen play vs Bills this week? Latest injury update for Seahawks CB

One of the most impressive aspects of the Seattle Seahawks’ dominant 34-14 win over the Atlanta Falcons was the fact they did so shorthanded in the secondary. Atlanta is a legitimate team, specifically from their offense. They can make teams pay in a number of different ways with their bevy of offensive weapons.

Seattle was without starting cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Tre Brown, both dealing with sprained ankles. However, there is good news, at least when it comes to Woolen. On Monday, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald gave a quick update in regards to his ailing corners.

The Buffalo Bills present a unique challenge on Sunday, especially since they recently acquired veteran receiver Amari Cooper – who hauled in four receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. If the Seahawks are able to get Woolen back into the fold it will give the secondary more depth to defend against Buffalo’s high-octane offense.

Seahawks Wire will of course continue to monitor the health of both Woolen and Brown throughout the week, updating accordingly.

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Seahawks Week 7 inactives: Riq Woolen OUT, Kenneth Walker IN

Seahawks Week 7 inactives: Riq Woolen OUT, Kenneth Walker IN

The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up to take on the Atlanta Falcons within the next two hours. They will be, once again, shorthanded on defense. Seattle already ruled out cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Tre Brown, as well as right tackle Stone Forsythe. In his place will be rookie Michael Jerrell getting his first career start.

The good news is running back Kenneth Walker III, who had been downgraded to QUESTIONABLE on Saturday, is officially active. Seattle will need him to keep the offense moving and at their best potential.

The full inactive report for both teams can be seen below.

Seahawks Inactives: 

  • CB Tre Brown
  • CB Riq Woolen
  • LB Trevis Gipson
  • G Sataoa Laumea
  • T Stone Forsythe
  • DT Cameron Young
  • DT Myles Adams

Falcons inactives:

  • CB Antonio Hamilton Sr.
  • ILB Troy Andersen
  • DL Brandon Dorlus
  • OL Jovaughn Gwyn
  • OL Elijah Wilkinson
  • T Brandon Parker
  • DL Kentavius Street

The Seahawks will be kicking off at 10:00 am, Pacific time on Fox. Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game.

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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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Opposing QBs are avoiding Seahawks CB Riq Woolen

Opposing QBs are avoiding Seahawks CB Riq Woolen

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.

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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Seahawks need Coby Bryant, K’Von Wallace to step up after latest DB injuries

Seahawks need Coby Bryant, K’Von Wallace to step up after latest DB injuries

The Seattle Seahawks continue to deal with injuries in their secondary. General manager John Schneider placed starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins on IR earlier this week, sidelining him for a minimum of four contests. Jenkins is currently third on the team in tackles with 38. In response, Seattle promoted safety Ty Okada, who played well during the preseason, from the practice squad to the active roster. They also signed second-year UDFA cornerback Eric Garror to the practice squad.

Elsewhere, starting cornerback Riq Woolen remains absent from practice with an ankle injury and is trending towards being a game-time decision against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. All these injuries and roster moves will force head coach Mike Macdonald to get creative with his secondary usage. The Seahawks need players like Coby Bryant and K’Von Wallace to step up.

With Artie Burns also on IR, and Tre Brown injured, the Seahawks must shuffle defensive personnel. Bryant could play nickel corner, a position he was more familiar with before making the transition to safety. That would catapult Wallace into a starting safety role opposite Julian Love. The third safety spot could belong to Okada or Jerrick Reed II, the latter of which would need to be officially activated after having his practice window recently triggered.

Bryant has played just 49 defensive snaps this season, and Wallace has been capped at 89. Okada and Reed are yet to make their debuts this season. Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde may rely on Bryant and Wallace to be near every-down starters against the Falcons.

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