Why DeMarcus Lawrence Could Be the Seahawks’ X-Factor in Super Bowl 60
The Seahawks made plenty of noise this offseason - and rightfully so. Swapping out Geno Smith for Sam Darnold and dealing DK Metcalf while bringing in Cooper Kupp were headline-grabbing moves. But one of the most impactful additions might be flying just a bit under the radar: DeMarcus Lawrence.
The veteran edge rusher has quietly become a cornerstone for Seattle’s defense, and as Super Bowl 60 looms, he’s poised to be a game-changer. The matchup that could swing the biggest game of the year?
Lawrence vs. Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell - and it’s one the Seahawks are well-positioned to win.
The Arm-Length Advantage
Let’s talk leverage - literally. Lawrence’s 33 ¾-inch arms aren’t just a combine footnote; they’re a real weapon. That length gives him a clear edge in hand placement, separation, and control - all critical elements when trying to beat an offensive lineman off the edge.
Now, contrast that with Campbell, who checks in with sub-33-inch arms. That might not sound like much, but in the trenches, every inch matters.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Campbell’s pressure rate allowed jumps significantly - from 11.0% to 14.0% - when facing edge rushers with arms 33 ½ inches or longer. Even more telling?
8.5 of the 11 sacks he's allowed this season have come from defenders with that kind of length.
That’s not a coincidence. It’s a trend - and one the Seahawks are undoubtedly ready to exploit.
Playoff Pressure Tells the Story
Campbell’s postseason performance has only added fuel to the fire. He’s allowed pressure rates of 17.2%, 12.1%, and 15.0% in the Patriots’ three playoff games - a worrying pattern heading into a matchup with a seasoned pass rusher like Lawrence.
Now, Seattle doesn’t boast a pass rush rotation filled with household names like some of the teams Campbell has already faced - think the Chargers, Texans, and Broncos - but what they do have is a smart, physical edge defender in Lawrence who knows how to use his tools. And in this case, his arms are a big part of that toolbox.
It’s Not Just Lawrence
Here’s the kicker: Lawrence isn’t the only Seahawk with the kind of length that gives Campbell problems. Derick Hall brings 34-inch arms to the party, and Uchenna Nwosu isn’t far behind at 33 5/8 inches. While Lawrence is the headliner - and likely the biggest headache for New England - Seattle can rotate in other long, athletic edge rushers to keep the pressure coming.
That kind of depth and matchup versatility is a dream for defensive coordinators, especially when facing a rookie tackle who’s shown vulnerability in this exact area.
Why It Matters
In a game where the margins are razor-thin, this one-on-one battle could have ripple effects across the entire field. If Lawrence can consistently win - or even just force the Patriots to adjust their protection schemes - it opens up opportunities for the rest of the defense.
Blitz packages get more creative. Coverage gets tighter.
Mistakes get forced.
And that’s how games - especially Super Bowls - are won.
So while the headlines might focus on quarterbacks or skill players, don’t sleep on the trenches. DeMarcus Lawrence has the tools, the matchup, and the moment. If he shows up the way Seattle hopes he will, he might just be the difference-maker that brings the Lombardi Trophy back to the Pacific Northwest.