Seattle Seahawks’ Williams and Murphy shine as Pro Bowl votes soar for defensive duo
The Seattle Seahawks have established themselves as a formidable force in the NFL, largely due to their dynamic interior tackle duo. Veteran Leonard Williams, at 31, and 23-year-old sophomore Byron Murphy II are in different stages of their careers, yet they are both enjoying standout seasons that have propelled the Seahawks’ defense to elite status.
Impactful Performance on Defense
With just three games remaining in the season, both Williams and Murphy are making their mark. Each has recorded over 50 tackles, seven sacks, and 40 pressures according to Pro Football Focus. Their impressive performances have anchored the league’s top run defense, measured by expected points added (EPA) per play. The pressure generated from the interior has bolstered Seattle’s pass rush, placing them fourth in the league in total sacks, an impressive feat considering they lack a marquee edge rusher.
In a unique twist, Williams and Murphy currently share the team lead in sacks, a rarity in a league where outside rushers typically dominate those statistics. Their combined effectiveness has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the latest Pro Bowl fan voting results.
Pro Bowl Voting Highlights
Murphy leads all defensive tackles in Pro Bowl votes, while Williams ranks fourth overall, second in the conference. While fan voting constitutes only part of the selection process, both players are on track to make the roster if these trends continue. It’s an uncommon achievement for a single team to produce two Pro Bowl defensive tackles in the same season. The last occurrence of such a feat was from 2006 to 2008 when the Minnesota Vikings featured Kevin Williams and Pat Williams in consecutive Pro Bowls. Prior to that, one must look back to 1971, when the Kansas City Chiefs sent Buck Buchanan and Curley Culp to the game.
Aiming for All-Pro Recognition
The value of the Pro Bowl as an accolade is often debated among fans, prompting a look ahead to another potential honor: the All-Pro team. The All-Pro selections, determined by the Associated Press and NFL Players Association, tend to reflect true merit rather than popularity. With only four slots available for defensive tackles, the competition will be fierce. Notable contenders include Denver’s Zach Allen, Tennessee’s Jeffery Simmons, Cleveland’s Maliek Collins, and Carolina’s Derrick Brown.
As the season progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Williams and Murphy. Their performances are not just elevating the Seahawks’ defense; they are also positioning themselves among the elite in the league. The next few games will be crucial as they aim for both Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition, further solidifying their legacy in Seattle’s storied franchise.
