The Seattle Seahawks are having a great start to the season, leading the NFC West with a 3-0 record as they head into week four.
One of the standout surprises of the 2024 NFL season has been the Seahawks, primarily due to the revamped defense under first-year head coach Mike McDonald.
However, two crucial players for this aggressive defense—Leonard Williams and rookie Byron Murphy II—sustained injuries during the Seahawks’ Week 3 win over the Miami Dolphins. Williams left with a midsection injury, while Murphy II suffered a hamstring injury. Currently, there are no updates on when either will return.
As essential pass-rushers, Williams and Murphy II play vital roles in the Seahawks’ pass defense. Williams has recorded six tackles, eight quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and 11 pressures in three games, while Murphy II has tallied four solo tackles, one sack, six QB hurries, and seven pressures.
Seattle’s defense has revealed a vulnerability against the run this season. Their Week 4 opponent, the Detroit Lions, boasts the fourth-best rushing and overall offense in terms of average yards per game.
Seattle ranks 15th in rush defense, which, combined with injuries to two starting defensive linemen, creates a challenging scenario for the Seahawks.
If their pass-rush is weakened in the “Monday Night Football” game, Lions quarterback Jared Goff could find his rhythm. A confident Goff is a threat, especially with a strong array of receiving targets capable of exploiting any defense. If Goff has time, the Seahawks’ secondary could be tested.
For the Seahawks to win, it’s crucial to limit the Lions’ offense to passing plays. This strategy has worked for Seattle this season, allowing the offense to build an early lead and forcing opponents to rely on the air attack. This lets the Seahawks concentrate their defensive efforts on pass coverage while challenging the other team to run.
However, this tactic relies on a robust pass-rush. If the opposing quarterback can make plays without pressure, the strategy falters. With the status of Williams and Murphy II uncertain for Monday night, other pass-rushers may face limited chances.
Linebackers Boye Mafe and Tyrel Dodson have excelled this season, combining for 35 tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble.
Mafe and Dodson are frequently used in quarterback blitzes and are particularly effective when gaps are created by Williams and Murphy II.
Both players pose significant threats to any quarterback, forcing offensive lines to account for them, which opens lanes for Mafe and Dodson to attack the quarterback. This situation often compels tight ends and running backs to stay back to block.
If either Williams or Murphy II cannot play against the Lions, the Seahawks’ defense could struggle significantly.
