Huard: Seahawks’ best defender thus far has been DB

At 6-3 and tied for the NFC West lead, the Seattle Seahawks head into a pivotal NFC West matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

Their defense, which has been inconsistent this season but is improving from a year ago, is partially to blame for that.

So who has been the best defender for the Seahawks this season? It might surprise you to hear former NFL quarterback Brock Huard’s selection, which he made public on Monday’s Brock and Salk on Seattle Sports.

“Do you suppose I’ll say Boye Mafe?” Huard questioned Mike Salk, his co-host.

Mafe would probably be the most popular choice. Seven sacks for the second-year edge rusher, all of which came in the last seven games against Seattle. Indeed, last week, Mafe recorded a sack in seven straight games, setting a franchise record for the Seahawks.

However, Huard does not recommend Mafe. However, he has also chosen a youthful defender.

Devon Witherspoon has been this team’s best defensive player, in Huard’s opinion. “After missing the inaugural game, he returned for eight more games where, really, you should just watch these former NFL players doing these (TV) broadcasts. About whom do they talk the most? “There’s spoon everywhere.”

Cornerback Witherspoon has performed admirably since making his NFL debut in Week 2.

The No. 5 pick from Illinois in the draft this past April ranks fourth on the team in sacks, seventh overall, and has already recorded a forced fumble and pick-six. In addition, he leads the Seahawks with 12 pass breakups, six more than fellow cornerback Tre Brown, who is ranked second on the list.

He’s acting in ways that are improper for you to do. He’s playing with incredible energy, Huard remarked. “He’s a nickel, he’s like an outside corner, he’s flying to the football, he’s batting balls down.” “He is utilizing the same juice as Jamal Adams, but he is doing it with a different level of discipline and consistency.”

Huard pointed out that Witherspoon hasn’t always been flawless, citing his coverage of a Washington Commanders touchdown last week as an example.

Could he go a little bit further down? said Huard. “.. And I promise you that no college quarterback has ever made that throw on Spoon. Sam Howell did, though. Additionally, he is in zone coverage, which requires you to play these plays a little bit deeper, particularly as the play progresses. Allow him to toss it before you and proceed to complete the play. However, the ball simply flew past him and Jordyn Brooks’ fingertips and landed in the hands of the recipient. Incredible throw.

Overall though, Witherspoon has exceeded all expectations for the Seahawks.

There hasn’t been a better defender for me on that defense this year than the rookie, he said, “for what is expected of Devon Witherspoon and the juice and the impact and the impact plays that he makes.”

Witherspoon’s performance in terms of sacks and interceptions may not be the most spectacular, which could affect his standing in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year competition.

“Witherspoon’s ability to stay on the field is a big thing for this defense, but he’s also playing with absolute confidence thanks to his tackles, ferocity of play, and pass breakups,” Huard remarked.