After dismissing cornerback Eric Garror, the Seahawks free up a place on the practice squad, which may mean good news for Seattle’s cornerback room.
With a 4-3 record, the Seattle Seahawks have reclaimed the top spot in the NFC West. However, one aspect of their victories is consistent to all four: rookie defensive lineman Byron Murphy II was able to participate in each one.
The Seahawks have won when they have had the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on the field. They’ve lost when they haven’t.
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It’s a reminder to pay attention to Murphy’s presence, which is undoubtedly catching the attention of football analysts and former NFL players, even though it clearly oversimplifies the Seahawks’ formula for success. Ask current analysts and former Seahawks.
Ray Roberts, “Big,” and Brock Huard.
The 6-foot, 306-pound Murphy is proving to be a nuisance for opposition offensive lines, and Roberts’ evaluation of Murphy—who was an O-lineman for the Detroit Lions and Seattle—is especially noteworthy.
When Roberts joined Brock and Salk of Seattle Sports on Tuesday, he stated, “He’s a really tough dude to block.” Because he is shorter than the majority of the players he faces, he already has leverage. The challenging part is that he can sustain that advantage through impact.
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Murphy can achieve something that not all defensive linemen can because of his size and skill level.
Roberts, a studio commentator for the Seahawks Radio Network, went on, “Some guys can give up their leverage and stand tall and don’t have the power or the speed or the quickness to kind of defeat a double team when they get in that situation.” However, I think it’s fairly remarkable that he can split double teams, escape from those guys, and then go after the ball carrier. As an offensive lineman, you have to win the battle when you engage certain people because it’s just the two of you. However, he battles you with him before facing the running back.
“It’s like, ‘We’re going to be in this little tussle for a little while, but my goal is to fight the guy with the ball, not to fight you.'” Being 6-6 makes it difficult for an offensive lineman to have that kind of leverage over a player who is so small, strong, agile, and constantly moving.
