Seahawks' Byron Murphy II expected to have monster Week 3

It wouldn’t take long for Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II to be one of the most consistent defenders as a rookie last season. This season, Murphy took a huge and explosive step in just two games played.

In a defense full of impact players and stars, Murphy has been one of the biggest and most dominant. In two appearances, Murphy accounted for 11 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. Murphy is also the only defensive tackle in the league with at least seven pressures and seven run stops. He only accounted for 0.5 sacks in last year’s developmental rookie season.

Seahawks' Byron Murphy II emerging as premier defender

Murphy has already shown himself to be one of the most disruptive run-stoppers and pass-rushers for the Seahawks’ defense. Head coach Mike Macdonald likes to build his defense around dynamic and athletic players. Despite being over 300 pounds, Murphy is a shifty and tenacious defensive lineman at the line of scrimmage. His 4.87-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine details his explosive get-off and his surprising chase speed. 

Murphy demonstrated great penetration against the Steelers’ offensive line, consistently putting pressure on the run game and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He has a chance to easily do it again in Week 3 when the Seahawks host the New Orleans Saints (0-2). 

New Orleans’ offensive line came into the season ranked among the bottom top in the offensive line units by PFF. The unit hasn’t gotten much better through the start of the two games, especially with center Cesar Ruiz. He was the lowest graded Saints offensive player in each of the first two games. Ruiz graded out at 36.5 in the week one loss to the Arizona Cardinals and remained the lowest-rated offensive player. 

This Sunday’s game against the Saints can be another statement game for Murphy, as he can use it to gain more momentum and develop good habits. There are several elements that the Seahawks’ defense will look to improve, including defending against the mid-range passing game. Seattle will need Murphy and the rest of the Seahawks’ defensive line to be active and cause chaos in the backfield.

Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler has been more of a bright spot for the Saints’ offense. There are still dynamic weapons that Rattler can get the ball to, like wide receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara. 

Murphy’s explosive get-off and aggressive twitch could be a constant problem for the Saints’ backfield. He will be a big key to the game, both physically and metaphorically.