Seahawks Rookie Byron Murphy II Ready to Make an Impact
After a three-game hiatus due to a hamstring injury, Seattle Seahawks rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II is raring to go against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday. The first-round pick exudes confidence, declaring himself 100% healthy and ready to make a difference.
A Chip on His Shoulder
Murphy’s determination is fueled by pre-draft rumors linking him to the Falcons, who ultimately chose quarterback Michael Penix Jr. instead. “They passed up one, so that’s their fault,” Murphy said with a hint of bravado. “That’s a big loss for them. They will feel me Sunday.”
Breaking New Ground
Before his injury, Murphy was making waves in the NFL, even if his stats didn’t necessarily reflect it. In 88 defensive snaps, he recorded six tackles, one tackle for loss, and half a sack. What’s more impressive is that he faced double-teams on an astonishing 79.5% of his pass-rush snaps – the highest rate among interior defensive linemen during that span.
No Stranger to Double-Teams
Murphy isn’t fazed by the extra attention, having faced similar situations in college. “If I’m getting double-teamed, I feel like I’m doing my job, so it ain’t all about the stats,” he explained. “If I’m getting double-teamed, everybody else is eating. That’s all that matters to me.”
The Seahawks’ Missing Link
The Seahawks have sorely missed Murphy’s presence, particularly in run defense. During his three-game absence, the team has given up the fifth-most rushing yards and the fourth-highest yards-per-carry average. Murphy is eager to rectify this, stating, “That’s what I do – I’m a force in the run game. Also, the pass, too. But me being there in the run game, I’m going to help out a lot.”
With Murphy back in the lineup, the Seahawks are poised to regain their defensive mojo. Get ready, Atlanta – Byron Murphy II is coming for you!
Leave a Reply