Seattle’s Defense Keeps Dominating - And Byron Murphy II Is Right in the Middle of It
At this point, it’s not just a trend - it’s the Seahawks’ identity. Week after week, Seattle’s defense continues to show up, shut down, and make life miserable for opposing offenses. And it’s not just one player or one position group carrying the load - this is a complete unit firing on all cylinders, from the front line to the secondary.
Linebackers like Ernest Jones IV, Drake Thomas, and DeMarcus Lawrence are anchoring the middle with consistency and physicality. On the back end, rookie Nick Emmanwori, Riq Woolen, and Josh Jobe have held their ground, showing poise and playmaking ability. This isn’t just a defense with talent - it’s a defense with depth, communication, and trust.
And right in the thick of it all? Byron Murphy II.
The second-year defensive tackle is having a breakout season, and his performance in Week 15 was just the latest example of why he’s becoming a cornerstone of this Seattle front. Defensive coordinator Aden Durde didn’t hold back when talking about Murphy’s impact - and when a coach like Durde, who’s been quietly building one of the league’s top defenses, takes time to single you out, it means something.
“Byron’s playing at an elite level,” Durde said this week, as the Seahawks prepare for a Thursday night showdown with the division-rival Rams. “Sometimes on third down, he’s got to push through to catch his wind, but when he’s on, he’s pretty much unblockable.”
That’s not hyperbole. Murphy has racked up 52 total tackles this season - 19 solo, 33 assisted - and he’s added 7 sacks to his name.
That’s a massive leap from his rookie campaign, where he managed just half a sack. The jump in production speaks not only to his development but to how well he’s fitting into Durde’s system.
And he’s not doing it alone. Durde made sure to mention Leonard Williams in the same breath, praising both interior linemen for their dominance in the win over the Colts. The synergy between Murphy and Williams is giving Seattle a disruptive presence in the trenches that offenses are struggling to handle.
What’s striking about Murphy’s rise is how quickly he’s adapted to the speed and physicality of the pro game. He’s only in his second year, but he’s playing like a vet - controlling gaps, collapsing pockets, and making life easier for the linebackers behind him. That kind of production from a young interior lineman is rare, and it’s a big reason why Seattle’s defense has climbed into the top ten this season.
Durde, for his part, continues to coach this group with a steady hand. He’s not the most visible figure on the staff - you won’t see him in front of the cameras much - but his fingerprints are all over this defense. He’s gotten buy-in from veterans and young guys alike, and the result is a unit that plays fast, physical, and smart.
If Murphy keeps this up - and there’s every reason to believe he will - Seattle’s front is going to be a problem for the rest of the NFC. And as for Durde? With the way this defense is performing, don’t be surprised if his name starts popping up in coaching conversations around the league.
For now, though, the focus is on the Rams. Another divisional test. Another chance for Murphy and this defense to show why they’ve earned every bit of the hype.