Seattle Seahawks rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II made his official debut in Sunday’s Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. Murphy was fairly involved. He played 40 snaps, which accounted for 57.97% of Seattle’s total defensive plays, according to Pro Football Reference.
Mike Macdonald’s defensive line dominated the Broncos up front. Their pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR) of 45% ranked 13th-best across the league in Week 1, per ESPN Stats & Info. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams had the fourth-best PRWR of all qualifying defensive tackles. Boye Mafe recorded one sack and nine pressures, Derick Hall recorded his first career sack, and Dre’Mont Jones was credited with three pressures.
And then there was Murphy, who attacked the Broncos’ overmatched offensive line with leverage and quickness. NFL analyst Doug Farrar recently posted a montage of Murphy’s more dominant snaps. Combing through the tape indicates the former Texas standout enjoyed a highly-successful debut.
.@Seahawks DI Byron Murphy killed the @Broncos' offensive line with leverage, quickness, and hand-fighting from several different gaps. That Seattle front is going to be a SERIOUS problem this season. pic.twitter.com/he1heTm2xg
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) September 12, 2024
Pro Football Focus credited Murphy with recording two quarterback pressures, two hurries, and one stop. His pass-rushing grade was a 63.9, and his run-stopping score was even better, a 68.0. He didn’t necessarily stuff the stat sheet, but that’s why tape is critical. Murphy accumulated several pass-rushing victories that made Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix uncomfortable.
Murphy should enjoy another fruitful showing versus the New England Patriots in Week 2. The Patriots are dealing with injuries across the interior of their offensive line, and Murphy could draw matchups with fellow rookie Layden Robinson, who is playing guard. Seattle’s first-round rookie should carry over his momentum.
