Seahawks need way more from Byron Murphy II in 2025
Murphy dealt with injuries throughout 2024. The former Texas standout was limited to 457 snaps in 14 regular-season appearances. He also ceded playing time to Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed, two veteran defenders who return to the defense in 2025.
There were flashes of dominance from Murphy. In a Week 2 victory over the New England Patriots, he logged four quarterback pressures. He'd do that two more times, versus the Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears in Weeks 14 and 17 respectively. That indicated late-season progress.
Murphy recorded just one sack, but a deeper dive into the analytics reveals the interior defender was more effective than initially believed. Murphy posted a 70.0 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus on true pass sets. His 10% pass-rush win rate (PRWR) and 76th percentile run stop rate highlighted a balanced skill set.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is tasked with developing Murphy this season. John Schneider's 2024 first-round pick flashed pass-rushing upside in spurts as a rookie. A healthy, more mature sophomore version should be an effective defender in 2025.
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USA Today
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- USA Today
53 days until Saints season opener: Every player to wear No. 53
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USA Today
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Ranking the 25 best Oregon Ducks since 2000: No. 16 — Jairus Byrd
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25 minutes ago
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Watch: Puka Nacua throws down 1-handed dunk in front of Karl-Anthony Towns at Rose Bowl
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