Good afternoon, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Tuesday, January 2 — about your Seattle Seahawks.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams continues to shine since settling in with Seattle.
In October, Seattle acquired defensive end Leonard Williams via trade with the New York Giants to help bolster the defensive front. With three sacks and a heap of big plays over the last five weeks, the USC alum continues to shine in the Pacific Northwest.
Williams entered the 2023 season as a New York Giant, spending five seasons with the franchise after being traded by the New York Jets in 2019. The 2015 first-round selection, who compiled a career-high 11.5 sacks for the Giants in 2020, was traded to the Seahawks in October. In the first eight games of the season with the Giants, Williams recorded just 1.5 sacks, before being moved to Seattle. The change of scenery has done Williams well, as he has become a welcome addition to Seattle’s front-seven following the loss of linebacker Uchenna Nwosu for the season (pectoral). In nine games with Seattle, Williams has recorded 4.0 sacks, eight tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits. The latest came on Sunday, as Williams recorded Seattle's only sack on Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph.
The success comes with added attention, however, as teams continue to give Williams increased focus via double teams. Per ESPN's weekly analytics ranking for pass rush win rate amongst interior defenders, Williams has been double-teamed on 61 percent of his pass rush downs, up from 58 percent in mid-December. On 272 pass rush downs played, Williams ranks No. 9 amongst all defensive tackles in pass rush wins (30).
Sunday also marked the third-consecutive game of five-plus tackles for Williams, bringing his yearly total to 55 combined tackles, surpassing his 2022 total of 45. The 29-year old has an opportunity to help Seattle in their quest for a playoff berth in Week 18, as the Seahawks face the Arizona Cardinals. The numbers show that Williams has brought his A-game weekly since arriving in the Pacific Northwest.
Social Post Of The Day
Don't forget to vote for Bobby Wagner in the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award challenge.
More From Around The Web
Adam Jude and Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times:Four Downs: Can the Seahawks still make the playoffs?
Brady Henderson of ESPN's NFL Nation: Poor run defense puts Seahawks' playoff hopes in doubt.
Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports 710AM: Playoff Scenarios: How Seahawks can clinch postseason berth.
Harrison Reno of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks Defense Shredded by Usually-Shaky Steelers Offense: 'We Weren't Right.'
Adam Schultz of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks QB Geno Smith Reveals His 'Message' After Loss to Steelers.
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seahawks' Week 17 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers on New Year's Eve.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf arrives for the Week 17 clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Seahawks fans were in the holiday spirit for the New Year's Eve game.
Seahawks defensive linemen gather around Leonard Williams after their early pregame warmups.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith signs autographs for fans near the team's tunnel.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III stretches.
Seahawks Legend Marshawn Lynch laughs with head coach Pete Carroll on the field before the game.
Seahawks Legends Walter Jones and Matt Hasselbeck reunite on the field before the game.
Seattle Mariner Julio Rodriguez greets Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba before the game. Rodriguez was on hand to raise the 12 Flag.
Seattle Mariner Julio Rodriguez greets Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf before the game. Rodriguez was on hand to raise the 12 Flag.
Linebacker Devin Bush is greeted by head coach Pete Carroll during pregame stretching.
Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson during pregame warmups.
Seahawks Legend Steve Largent waves as linebacker Bobby Wagner receives the Steve Largent Award before the game.
Captain Bobby Wagner talks to the team before they leave the locker room for pregame introductions.
Seahawks Dancers during pregame ceremonies.
Pregame introductions are led by Seahawks flags.
Seahawks captain Tyler Lockett is introduced.
American Idol winner Iam Tongi performs the national anthem.
Seattle's Leonard Williams applies pressure.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen defends a pass along the sideline.
Quarterback Geno Smith slings a pass from the pocket.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf gains yards after the catch.
Seahawks fans get loud.
Leonard Williams reacts after a stop.
Kenneth Walker III gains yards behind the block of Damien Lewis.
DK Metcalf finds running room after the catch.
Quarterback Geno Smith reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Seahawks and Steelers fans get playful in the stands.
At halftime, the Seahawks offense gathers on their end of the locker room.
Head coach Pete Carroll talks to his defense in the locker room at halftime.
Jason Myers converts a field goal from the hold of Michael Dickson.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon throws a Steelers ballcarrier out of bounds.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf has plenty of room to run after catching a pass from Geno Smith.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith escapes the pocket for a long gain in the second half.
A pass intended for Tyler Lockett falls just out of his reach in the end zone in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talks to his team in the locker room after the game.
