Tag: Tariq Woolen

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Seahawks in Week 8

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Seahawks in Week 8

The Buffalo Bills take to the road in Week 8 to face the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

The Bills (5-2) and Seahawks (4-3) clash as a couple of the better teams in the NFL through seven weeks.

The Bills are favored by just a field goal in the game, as the Seahawks have shown they can compete on both sides of the ball under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald.

Macdonald’s last two seasons were spent as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. The defensive-minded head coach also has an explosive offense led by veteran gunslinger Geno Smith. To improve to 6-2 on the year, the Bills will need to execute.

There are always a few things that make executing difficult each week, and the Bills will need to be wary of them. Here are three causes for concern for the Bills in Week 8:

Seattle’s air attack

USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks pass the ball at the highest rate in the NFL. Not only does Geno Smith lead the league in attempts with 279, but he also leads the NFL in attempts of ten or more yards downfield.

Not having DK Metcalf due to his knee injury would hurt what the Seahawks can do downfield, but Smith will most likely still be willing to sling it. The secondary and linebackers for the Bills will be tested in coverage.

No Terrel Bernard

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The Bills announced on Friday that linebacker and captain Terrel Bernard will miss the game at Seattle on Sunday. A big blow to the defense.

Any game that Terrel Bernard can’t play for the Bills is a concern, but this particular matchup especially hurts the Bills. The Seahawks love to throw it around the yard and Bernard is the best cover linebacker the Bills have. Not only that but he is the one communicating the defense pre-snap. With Bernard not in the middle of the field, it will make for an easier day for Geno Smith and the Seahawks offense.

Playmakers on defense

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The Seahawks aren’t among the league leaders in any defensive categories but they are solid across the board.

They have a couple of standout players in the secondary with safety Julian Love and cornerback Tariq Woolen. And opposite of Woolen is Devon Witherspoon who is solid on the outside too. Love is the eighth-highest-graded safety in the NFL per Pro Football Focus, and Woolen is the 11th-highest-graded corner.

Their defensive line is also a problem. They have one of the better defensive tackle duos in Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed. Josh Allen and Joe Brady need to be aware of where a lot of these guys are on every play.

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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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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 Week 6 injury report: Byron Murphy and Riq Woolen ruled OUT for TNF

Seahawks Week 6 injury report: Byron Murphy and Riq Woolen ruled OUT for TNF

The Seattle Seahawks are having a quick turnaround to snap their current losing streak, as they will take on the San Francisco 49ers tomorrow on Thursday Night Football. Unfortunately, they will be shorthanded once more on their defense, as a handful of key contributors won’t be playing.

The Seahawks have already ruled rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II and cornerback Riq Woolen as OUT for TNF. Murphy II will be missing his third-straight game, and Woolen will miss his first.

Fortunately, there is some good news. Head coach Mike Macdonald said Boye Mafe and Derick Hall, who are both listed as QUESTIONABLE, should be back. As for safety Julian Love, he will be a game time decision.

The full injury report can be seen below.

Ruled OUT for Thursday:

  • DT Byron Murphy II – Hamstring
  • LB Uchenna Nwosu – Thigh
  • CB Riq Woolen – Ankle

Doubtful for Thursday:

  • No players carry a DOUBTFUL designation

Questionable for Thursday:

  • LB Derick Hall – Foot
  • S Julian Love – Hamstring
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee

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Gimme Him: One player Giants would steal from Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks have a deep and talented roster but given the New York Giants’ cornerback concerns, they would steal this player.

The New York Giants (1-3) will visit the Seattle Seahawks (3-1) at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday afternoon in a Week 5 battle.

That, of course, provides those of us here at Giants Wire the opportunity to hypothetically steal from the Seahawks’ roster in search of depth and/or talent upgrades for Big Blue.

Right out of the gate, two former Giants catch the eye: Defensive lineman Leonard Williams and safety Julian Love.

Either player would be an immediate defensive upgrade and provide the locker room with valuable leadership. However, those ships have sailed and general manager Joe Schoen apparently didn’t see the value in either.

Another former Giant — quarterback Geno Smith — stands out as well, but we’re not going down that road. Although it is frustrating to see so many ex-Giants playing at such a high level away from East Rutherford.

Running back Kenneth Walker is also an impressive option but his struggles in pass protection cause us some pause. Not to mention, the Giants have much more pressing needs in other areas.

Ultimately, we’re going to steal cornerback Tariq Woolen, who, through four games, is playing at a very high level. He’s allowed just five receptions on 12 targets for 41 yards and no touchdowns while recording nine tackles, three passes defensed, and one interception.

Woolen would provide the Giants with another outside corner, which they desperately need due to a lack of depth and the underperformance of Deonte Banks this season. And while he may not be one of the top shutdown corners in the league, it would still vastly improve the Giants’ defense.

What are your thoughts, Giants fans? Would you pick Tariq Woolen or would you steal an entirely different player from the Seattle Seahawks?

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3 Bold predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Dolphins in Week 3

3 Bold predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Dolphins in Week 3

The Seattle Seahawks will be playing against a backup quarterback on Sunday. The Miami Dolphins will be without Tua Tagovailoa versus Seattle in Week 3. Tagovailoa is dealing with another scary-looking concussion and will be replaced in the lineup by Skylar Thompson.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald must be relishing his opportunity to prepare for an inexperienced quarterback like Thompson. This offers Macdonald’s unit an advantage. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the defense on Sunday.

Seahawks force 3 total turnovers

Thompson has struggled with protecting the football throughout his short career. The seventh-round quarterback out of Kansas State committed seven total turnovers in eight appearances in 2022, the last time he saw extended action. The Seahawks have forced three turnovers in two contests, and will be looking to add to their takeaway total on Sunday.

Devon Witherspoon gets his first interception of 2024

Cornerback Riq Woolen and safety Julian Love have the Seahawks’ only interceptions this season. Superstar corner Devon Witherspoon picked off just one pass as a rookie in 2023, and is looking to create more turnovers as a sophomore. Witherspoon will be lurking underneath the coverage on Sunday and trying to bait Thompson into a mistake.

Seahawks sack Thompson 4+ times

The Seahawks have recorded a league-average five sacks thus far. Breakout edge defender Boye Mafe leads the defense with two quarterback takedowns. Expect Macdonald to field an aggressive defensive front against Thompson, who has struggled with holding onto the football in the past. The Seahawks could rack up four-or-more sacks.

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Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen were force multipliers for Seahawks in Week 1 win

Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen were force multipliers for Seahawks in Week 1 win

The defense is expected to be a strength of the 2024 Seattle Seahawks team and that expectation was reality in Sunday’s 26-20 Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. First-year head coach Mike Macdonald is a defensive-minded leader that brought a creative scheme with him from Baltimore. Unsurprisingly, Macdonald’s defense gave Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix fits all afternoon long.

The Broncos gained just 231 yards of total offense and went 5-of-18 on third downs. The Broncos punted on eight occasions, were whistled for eight penalties overall, and committed three total turnovers.

Seahawks cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon were standout performers on defense. Pro Football Focus dropped a social media graphic that has Woolen and Witherspoon with a combined defensive grade of 90.1. Their combined passer rating allowed was just 14.6.

Breaking down their individual performances, Woolen allowed two receptions on six targets for just 17 yards en route to an elite coverage grade of 85.2. Woolen recorded his first interception of the season on an ill-advised attempt by Nix. The former fifth-round selection allowed 8.5 yards per catch and a passer rating of 2.8.

Witherspoon was equally as impressive. The former Illinois standout forfeited three catches on six targets for 17 yards, a minuscule 5.7 yards per reception. Witherspoon allowed a passer rating of 56.3 and earned himself a top-notch coverage grade of 80.1.

Woolen and Witherspoon will relish their opportunities against the New England Patriots in Week 2. With all due respect, Jacoby Brissett is a lower-level starting quarterback, and his pass-catching corps is young and inexperienced. Seattle’s starting cornerbacks should continue thriving.

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Taysom Hill’s 60-yard touchdown run is the Saints Play of the Day

Taysom Hill’s 60-yard touchdown run against the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 is the New Orleans Saints Play of the Day:

There are 60 days to go until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2024 regular season, which makes Taysom Hill’s 60-yard touchdown run against the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 our Saints Play of the Day. It was the third touchdown run of the afternoon for Hill, and by far his most important. He finished with 112 rushing yards, a career-high, and looked like the best player on the field for New Orleans. He was recognized afterwards as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Hill took the snap out of shotgun in a tight formation without any wideouts  on the field. He followed his blockers to the left side, burst into the open field, and at that point, as FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Brandon Gaudin put it, it was a footrace. And Hill won. Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen closed the gap in a hurry and got hands on Hill around the 12-yard line, but Hill shrugged him off and crashed into the end zone for the go-ahead score.

It proved to be pivotal. Mark Ingram ran the two-point conversion in to give the Saints a 39-32 lead, and Dennis Allen’s defense held up. Cameron Jordan sacked Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith on third down for a loss of 14 yards, forcing Seattle to punt from deep inside their own territory with little hope of a comeback. The Seahawks tried to slow down  the clock but Alvin Kamara effectively put the game away with a 10-yard gain on 2nd-and-6 at the two-minute warning. Andy Dalton knelt out the clock, and the Saints sent their fans home with a win.

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Seahawks corner Riq Woolen amazed by improvement of offense

Nobody would know better than the guys who have to face that unit every day in practice.

The Seahawks roster will be largely the same as last year at the positions that matter most in 2024. Improvement will have to come from their new coaching staff, and that’s reason for Seattle fans to be hopeful. Head coach Mike Macdonald is arguably the top defensive playcaller in the league, while offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb could claim to be the best offensive playcaller in college football the last couple of years.

Nobody would know better than the guys who have to face that unit every day in practice. Here’s a clip of Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen talking to Bump and Stacy about facing Grubb’s offense in practice and how much better it is compared to last year.

You can listen to the full interview here:

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The offseason of discontent continues for the Seattle Seahawks and their fans.

The offseason of discontent continues for the Seattle Seahawks and their fans. From getting consistently ranked around No. 19 in the league to seeing their projections rarely go higher than 8-9, it seems the national media is not at all sold on head coach Mike Macdonald and his talented but (previously) underachieving roster.

This week there’s a fresh round of insults, from ESPN’s Football Power Index projecting Seattle to only have a 29.1% chance of making the playoffs this year, to Pro Football Focus having 20 cornerbacks ranked ahead of rookie Pro Bowler Devon Witherspoon.

“In his first year in the NFL, Witherspoon allowed just 0.81 yards per cover snap and put up a 79.7 coverage grade. He battled with injuries, but his first year was excellent as far as rookie seasons go.”

Meanwhile his teammate Riq Woolen came in at No. 25 on PFF’s list:

“Woolen has reeled in eight interceptions over the past two years, the third-most at the position in that time frame, while his 79.0 coverage grade is good for 20th. With the emergence of Devon Witherspoon, Woolen was perhaps overlooked in 2023, but his overall play was arguably better in his second season.”

It’s a little surprising to see Woolen ranked so high given how much he struggled against the run in 2024. That only takes a little bit of the sting out of seeing Witherspoon at No. 21, though.

The good news is this is exactly the kind of thing that Witherspoon feeds on. If he can make the all-important Sophomore season leap he may be an All-Pro by this time next year. If Woolen gets back to his rookie level of play, that should give Seattle one of the top-five cornerback duos in the league.

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