Seattle Seahawks and the Legion of Boom
How could anyone forget the famous Seattle Seahawks ‘Legion of Boom’? From 2012 to 2015, the Seattle Seahawks defense led the NFL in total defense. The main driving force behind that dominance was a group of defensive backs nicknamed the ‘Legion of Boom’. Cornerbacks Richard Sherman & Byron Maxwell, as well as safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas.
The group eventually grew their legion to include LB Bobby Wagner, LB Cliff Avril, LB Frank Clark, and LB Bruce Irvin just to name a few. The defensive juggernaut was led by current Dallas Cowboys DC Dan Quinn. Quinn is widely considered to be the best defensive coordinator in the NFL today.
The Seattle Legion of Boom terrorized the NFL for a span of four seasons, leading the franchise to two Super Bowl appearances including a 2013 world championship over the Denver Broncos 43-8. The following season, the Legion led the Seattle Seahawks back to the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, a game in which the Seahawks frankly should’ve won.
The Legion of Boom was characterized by charismatic energy, unrelenting aggression, and a hyper sense of ballhawking. The particular leaders of the Legion included Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, and Earl Thomas. These three defensive backs are arguably the greatest and most impactful trio of defenders in NFL history, comparing with other great trios such as the Steelers (Polamalu, Harrison, Kiesel) and the Ravens (Lewis, Ngata, Reed). Needless to say, the defensive impact made by the Legion of Boom has yet to be seen in the NFL since their unfortunate departure beginning in 2016.
But now… the Seattle Seahawks have began to rebuild their once great defensive prowess with their newest legionnaire, rookie CB Devon Witherspoon.
Witherspoon was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with the 5th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Illinois. The 6-foot, 180-pound corner has made an immediate impact on the franchise since he stepped foot in Seattle. Witherspoon ranks 6th overall among rookies in overall grading (83.3) during the 2023 season. The rookie corner has caused 12 forced interceptions, a little known stat, which ranks highest among all rookie defenders.
Witherspoon is also an excellent pass rusher, which separates him even further among defensive backs, especially rookies. He has collected 3 sacks this year which ranks him T-2 among defensive backs and T-1 by corners. Witherspoon’s ability to put pressure on quarterbacks is one of his most separating traits however, showcased by his 92.2 pass rush grade, highest among all rookie defenders. Witherspoon’s most impressive metric however involves his primary job, coverage. Witherspoon has 16 passes defended, which is 3rd overall in the NFL.
Witherspoon was sidelined by a hip-pointer injury in week 14 against the 49ers, but is expected back soon according to Seattle’s head coach, and original legion constructor Pete Carroll.
Needless to say, the Seattle Seahawks have began to rebuild their defensive empire with their newest legionnaire Devon Witherspoon. He displays the coverage ability of Richard Sherman, the ability to span the forest reaches of the defensive backfield like Earl Thomas, and the pure aggression and rage of Kam Chancellor. The old days in Seattle are getting a history lesson in real time and the legion is rebuilding their ranks once again.
Be sure and catch Witherspoon and the rest of the Seattle Seahawks vs. the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football this week.
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