Last Saturday, the 12th Man got their first glimpse at their first round selection from the 2024 NFL draft. Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II was considered to be the top prospect at his position and against the Los Angeles Chargers, we got to see why.
Statistically, Murphy was hardly lighting up the stat sheet. He was credited for only one tackle. Now, granted, that one tackle was an explosive tackle for a loss, but still. However, the true impact of a disruptive defensive tackle is not one you can measure on a stat sheet. It’s how they impact the game by eating up blocks and allowing the linebackers or edge rushers take care of business. In that regard, Murphy dominanted.
Even when Byron Murphy II (#91) isn't making the tackle, he's causing chaos. His quickness off the ball stuns the center and RG, and the linebacker can make this tackle without anyone touching him (also watch Murphy flip his hips laterally. Fun player!) pic.twitter.com/b8Xtw39emQ
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) August 11, 2024
Fortunately, it seems his dominance last week was not left in Los Angeles. Reports from Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune state that Murphy is doing to the Tennessee Titans what he did to the Chargers. If this is the case, and I am certainly inclined to believe Bell on this, then it is going to be a rough couple of days for Tennessee’s interior offensive linemen.
Byron Murphy picking up here in Nashville like he did to Chargers last weekend in LA. #Seahawks rookie DT swimming Titans offensive linemen Andrew Rupcich and Daniel Brunskill with moves so quick off the snap they barely touch him during 1-on-1 pass rush drill. @thenewstribune
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 14, 2024
It has been so long since the Seahawhs have had such a disruptive force on their interior defensive line. The pairing of Murphy with Leonard Williams is going to feel like a revalation when games are actually being played this fall.
I for one cannot wait.
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