Tag: Riq Woolen

Riq Woolen continues to make plays at Seahawks-Titans joint practices

Riq Woolen continues to make plays at Seahawks-Titans joint practices

Another day, another post about Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen. Easily the breakout star at training camp this summer, Woolen looks revived after an up and down sophomore season as he heads into his third year.

This week, the Seahawks have been engaging in joint practices with the Tennessee Titans. I wrote on Wednesday about how Woolen was shutting down Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley. On Thursday, this trend continued with Woolen being the clear victor.

As I mentioned in the Wednesday article, Ridley is one of the better receivers in this league. Where Ridley excells is his route running. The fact Woolen has not only been able to keep up step for step against him, but outright beat him, is a remarkable thing to behold.

Head coach Mike Macdonald has already made it clear not many starters will play on Saturday against the Titans. So what we have witnessed for the last two days at camp may be our best indicators of how players like Woolen will handle the best Tennessee has to offer.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks to hold joint practices for the first time since 1991

Trash talk reigns supreme between the Seahawks and Titans

Position battles to monitor in Seahawks-Titans joint practices

Byron Murphy reportedly dominating the Titans

Watch: Seahawks CB Riq Woolen clamps down on Titans WR Calvin Ridley

Watch: Seahawks CB Riq Woolen clamps down on Titans WR Calvin Ridley

For the first time since 1991, the Seattle Seahawks are engaging in a joint practice session. Today, they have taken the field against the Tennessee Titans ahead of their preseason game with them on Saturday.

It is fascinating to see these teams go at against one another in a non-game scenario, seeing how both are able to handle the other. One of the more interesting battles going on today has been the Seahawks’ secondary versus the Titans wide receivers. Tennessee has a talented receiving corps, such as former Falcons and Jaguars pass catcher Calvin Ridley.

Unfortunately for Mr. Ridley, he is not finding much success against Seattle’s Riq Woolen.

Riq Woolen has been one of the standouts at camp for the Seattle Seahawks this summer. An up and down sophomore season had some ponder if his rookie season was a one-hit-wonder. Woolen is doing everything in his power to prove this was not the case, and so far he seems to be succeeding in this endeavor.

Last season in Jacksonville, Ridley played in all 17 games, hauling in 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. Needless to say he is still a rather talented receiver in this league. For Woolen to be making life difficult for him, even at practice, is no small feat.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks win preseason debut 16-3 vs Chargers

NFC West Watch: how did the division handle the first preseason weekend?

New Seahawks C Connor Williams to wear No. 57

5 takeaways from Seattle’s preseason victory over the Chargers

Seahawks’ DK Metcalf and Riq Woolen Top 10 fastest players in Madden 25

Seahawks’ DK Metcalf and Riq Woolen Top 10 fastest players in Madden 25

Breaking news! The Seattle Seahawks have a pair of speedsters in wide receiver DK Metcalf and cornerback Riq Woolen.

Okay, so that might not be the most breaking news ever. But what is new and noteworthy is the fact their speed is being recognized by the popular Madden video game franchise. In the latest update for the latest installement, Woolen and Metcalf are among the Top 10 fastest players in Madden 25. 

We at Seahawks Wire have written extensively about how Madden 25 has snubbed multiple Seattle players at multiple positions. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett did not crack into the Top 10 for wide receivers. Meanwhile, Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon were similarly dissed for the cornerback ratings. This despite both Woolen and Metcalf cracking into the Top 100 players list at No. 91 and No. 84, respectively.

However, Madden 25 has redeemed itself (a little) by getting the speed factor right for these two. Woolen and Metcalf have a unique skillset when it comes to running, blistering past anyone in their way. Of course, for Metcalf arguably the greatest display came in 2020 when he chased down Budda Baker from scoring a would-be pick-six.

Baker may not have scored a touchdown, but Riq Woolen sure did. As a rookie, he intercepted Lions quarterback Jared Goff on the first play of the second half to give the Seahawks a commanding 31-15 lead in an eventual 48-45 victory.

More Seahawks Wire stories

MRI reveals good news for Seahawks QB Geno Smith

Riq Woolen discusses facing DK Metcalf at practice every day

Noah Fant describes what it is like playing against Macdonald’s defense

Seahawks CB Nehemiah Pritchett breaks up pass for JSN

Seahawks won’t see QB Justin Herbert in the preseason

Seahawks CB Riq Woolen has a positive outlook from his up and down 2023

Seahawks CB Riq Woolen has a positive outlook from his up and down 2023

There has been a lot of talk about Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen lately. That is because he has been rather newsworthy during training camp!

In his rookie debut of 2022, Woolen took the league by storm. He was tied for the league lead in interceptions with six, started all 17 games and recorded 63 total tackles. However, he did take a bit of a step back with a sophomore slump. One where he had only two interceptions, ten less tackles, and was even benched at one point.

But it’s all good, according to Woolen. He was recently asked about his second year in the league, and he gave a rather insightful answer. One that says a lot about his mentality and maturity on the situtation.

“Honestly, I had fun,” said Woolen. “It was part of the hourney. I’ve been through ups and downs. I’ve been to the Pro Bowl. I’ve been on the bench before. It was just all part of the hourney to me. I felt like as a young player I had to go through that just because it shows me that there’s some places that I don’t want to be and there’s places where I do want to be. That’s being a Pro Bowler, that’s to help my team get to the Super Bowl and just be a great player. 

Honestly, I just felt like last year was a great year for me. To some people, they may have their own opinions but those are the same people that’s not playing the game. So, it’s okay with me. I feel great and I feel like this year will be even better.” 

Quite frankly, this response did impress me. It would be all too easy for a younger player to respond to a “down” season with negativity. Instead, he’s approaching it with the best possible mindset.

Oh, I say “down” season, because even in his regression he still managed to make it on the NFL Top 100 Players list at No. 91 overall.

The 12th Man should start to feel a lot more confident about what Woolen can bring back to the table in 2024.

More Seahawks Wire stories

MRI reveals good news for Seahawks QB Geno Smith

Noah Fant describes what it is like playing against Macdonald’s defense

Seahawks CB Nehemiah Pritchett breaks up pass for JSN 

Seahawks won’t see QB Justin Herbert in the preseason

Seahawks scuffle: Riq Woolen discusses facing DK Metcalf in practice

Seahawks scuffle: Riq Woolen discusses facing DK Metcalf in practice

They say iron sharpens iron. For the Seattle Seahawks, this is very likely the case between two of the more notable players on the team. Cornerback Riq Woolen and wide receiver DK Metcalf – two of Seattle’s four representatives on the NFL Top 100 list – have been battling at camp.

No, literally. Reportedly, the first scuffle between players this summer has been between Woolen and Metcalf. Apparently both had to be broken up from one another by coaches and players. Yet, it did not happen again.

The two are clearly ultra competitive, and these battles are likely going to help develop the two of them in positive ways this year. Woolen took to the media to discuss what it is like facing not just Metcalf, but the rest of Seattle’s talented wide receiving corps.

DK Metcalf. Tyler Lockett. Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Jake Bobo. This is a deep wide receiver room, one to give any secondary issues when facing them. But this isn’t just helping out Woolen and the secondary. The Seahawks’ defensive backfield is just as talented. Seeing the likes of Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, Julian Love, and now the emergence of Tre Brown, is sharpening Seattle’s offense as well.

I have said it multiple times before, and I will continue to do so: I could not be more excited to see what the Seahawks will bring to the field in 2024.

More Seahawks Wire stories

MRI reveals good news for Seahawks QB Geno Smith

Seahawks CB Nehemiah Pritchett breaks up pass for JSN 

Seahawks won’t see QB Justin Herbert in the preseason

Seahawks cornerbacks snubbed in Madden 25 ratings 

Mariners manager Scott Servais spotted at training camp

Seahawks’ Devon Witherspoon snubbed from NFL Top 100 list

Seahawks’ Devon Witherspoon snubbed from NFL Top 100 list

The annual NFL Top 100 Players list has officially been completed. It was a solid showing for the Seattle Seahawks, who managed to land four (well, technically three and one former) of their players on the list. The Seahawks to make it were:

Ultimately, the 9-8 Seahawks did not have an outstanding year. Yes, they finished with another winning season… but were two missed fourth quarter Matt Prater field goals away from losing their final game of 2023 to the Arizona Cardinals. Yes, they were in playoff contention in the final week, but they were in that position because they dropped a winnable game to the Steelers the week before.

Still, despite all this, there should have been one more Seahawk on this list: star rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon. After some questioned his lofty draft positioning, the No. 5 overall pick proved he was worthy of his selection and gave the Seattle secondary a dearly needed boost.

The frustrating aspect of Witherspoon not making it is the fact Riq Woolen did. Now, I must clarify immediately: I am, under no circumstances, not suggesting Woolen shouldn’t have made it! He was well deserving.

What I am saying is if Woolen made it, then so should have Witherspoon. Woolen and Witherspoon had similar stats, but a clear edge was to the rookie. Witherpoon had 79 total tackles, Woolen had 53. Witherspoon defended 16 passes compared to Woolen’s 11. Woolen did have one more interception (2 to 1) than Witherspoon, but Witherspoon logged three sacks compared to none for Woolen.

Just looking at the raw numbers tells us Witherspoon had a stronger season. The eye test does as well, considering at one point Woolen was actually benched for his issues tackling.

There are 1,696 active players in the NFL right now. Cracking into the Top 100 is no easy feat. But Witherspoon did everything he could in his rookie season to prove he belonged among the league’s elite.

More Seahawks Wire stories

MRI reveals good news for Seahawks QB Geno Smith

Seahawks CB Nehemiah Pritchett breaks up pass for JSN 

Seahawks won’t see QB Justin Herbert in the preseason

Seahawks cornerbacks snubbed in Madden 25 ratings 

Mariners manager Scott Servais spotted at training camp

Seahawks cornerbacks snubbed in latest Madden 25 ratings

Seahawks cornerbacks snubbed in latest Madden 25 ratings

EA Sports is releasing Madden 25 later this August. As per usual, hype for the game would not be complete without revealing player ratings at every position group. As it turns out, Madden’s decision makers aren’t big fans of the cornerbacks on the Seattle Seahawks.

Both Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon were snubbed for cornerback rankings, with neither player apparently cracking the top 18 overall players at the position.

Witherspoon was outstanding for the Seahawks as a rookie in 2023. The former Illinois standout recorded 79 tackles and one interception, which he returned for a 97-yard pick-six touchdown. Witherspoon was named to the Pro Bowl and the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team for his efforts.

Pro Football Focus credited Witherspoon with allowing just 39 receptions all season long on 68 targets. His PFF coverage grade was a stellar 79.7. Witherspoon allowed an opposing passer rating of just 87.6 and allowed 10.2 yards per catch. He should have cracked the top 15 cornerback rankings.

Woolen was also snubbed. He was arguably better as a rookie in 2022 when he was the league’s co-interceptions leader and a Pro Bowler in his debut season, but the former fifth-rounder still played quality football as a sophomore this past season. Woolen totaled 11 pass breakups and had a PFF coverage grade of 75.0.

Hopefully Witherspoon and Woolen use their snubs as motivation.

Seahawks CB Tre Brown has caused problems for Geno, DK and Lockett

Seahawks CB Tre Brown has caused problems for Geno, DK and Lockett

Easily the most intriguing position group to watch for the Seattle Seahawks this summer is cornerback. Going into last year, it was assumed this was going to be among the strengths of the team. While there were certainly bright spots – such as the emergence of rookie sensation Devon Witherspoon – the secondary did leave a little to be desired.

This led the Seahawks to draft a pair of Auburn corners – DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett – to add to the mix. Some could view it as depth building, but others (such as myself) interpreted it this way: competition.

Seattle was clearly not happy enough with the performance last year, and wanted to bring in new blood to drive up competition among the corners. Iron sharpens iron. Well, it turns out something may have been forged already.

The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Duggar has reported that fourth year cornerback Tre Brown has been causing issues for the Seahawks trio of playmakers. Geno Smith has great chemistry with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, which is surprising to no one, but there is a problem on defense, and he wears the No. 22 jersey.

Brown has always been an intriguing, if not frustrating, player for the Seahawks. The furstration has always revolved around persistent injuries. But last year, Brown played in 15 games and started seven of them – both career highs. He defended six passes, forced two fumbles, snagged two interceptions and even returned one of them for a touchdown.

If Brown can find a way to stay healthy and on the field, I have no doubt in my mind he can live up to his potential. If this is the case, the Seahawks will have another stud in their secondary.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks reunite with former second round pick Marquise Blair

Former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner No. 59 on NFL Top 100 list

Seahawks extend safety Julian Love 

Mike Macdonald gives update for tackle Abe Lucas

Seahawks CB Riq Woolen named No. 91 on NFL Top 100 list

Seahawks CB Riq Woolen named No. 91 on NFL Top 100 list

For the second straight season the NFL’s Top 100 list will feature Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen. After an incredible rookie season, Woolen has found his way back to the Top 100 list, albeit at a lower ranking. Still, Woolen has earned his place on one of the most prestigious lists the league has to offer for his first consecutive seasons in professional football.

During his rookie season, Woolen managed to land himself a somewhat-lofty ranking of No. 76 overall in the league. By most accounts, Woolen’s second season was a bit of a sophomore slump. However, the fact he still qualifies for the Top 100 in a “slump” year speaks to the high bar he has set for himself, and his overall quality of play.

Woolen backed up his Pro Bowl rookie season with 53 total tackles, 11 pass defenses, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.

In 2024, Woolen will have stiff competition to regain his starting postion. The Seahawks drafted a pair of Auburn corners in Nehemiah Pritchett and DJ James during the 2024 NFL draft. Woolen should have the inside track to remain one of the top Seattle corners, but he will have plenty of work to do during training camp and the preseason to retain his job.

More Seahawks Wire stories

5 Seahawks storylines to follow before training camp kicks off 

Seahawks to meet with free agent center Connor Williams

Colin Cowherd lists his Mt. Rushmore of Seahawks players

Seahawks T Abe Lucas and six others to start on PUP list

Seahawks will be looking to make it a three-peat of pick-sixes in Detroit

Seahawks have had pick-6s vs. Lions in Detroit for two straight years

For the third straight year, the Seattle Seahawks will be traveling to the Motor City to play the Detroit Lions. The Seahawks have won the two previous meetings, both of which were shootouts.

In 2022, the Seahawks outlasted the Lions and prevailed with a 48-45 victory. Interestingly enough, this was a Scorigami — a final score that had never happened before in NFL history. The Seahawks from 2010-2018 were masters of this unique art form.

Last year, Seattle upset the Lions 37-31 in overtime. The Seahawks were heavy underdogs, having been thrashed by the Los Angeles Rams the week before, and were without their starting tackles.

A compelling similarity of these games is the fact the Seahawks scored on a pick-six in both meetings. In 2022, Riq Woolen blasted onto the scene as a rookie by snagging Lions quarterback Jared Goff’s first pass of the second half and taking it back 40 yards for a score.

Last year, Tre Brown did the exact same thing, intercepting Goff and returning it for a 40-yard touchdown.

Oddly enough, the Seahawks had the same point total at the time of each touchdown. Woolen made it a 31-15 game, and Brown turned it into a 31-21 lead for Seattle.

Both highlights can be viewed in the tweet below:

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks Top 10 salary cap hits

Is Jeff Bezos finally making a move to buy the Seattle Seahawks? 

History is not kind to those who lose their Super Bowl debut

Seahawks named as potential destination for Pats LB Matthew Judon

Seahawks likely to face Jacoby Brissett when they play the Patriots