The Seattle Seahawks defense was dominant in Week 6, holding the Jacksonville Jaguars to 12 points. A repeat performance would help Mike Macdonald’s squad pick up a primetime victory over the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football in Week 7. CJ Stroud and the Texans offense have been better in recent weeks, but the matchup is trickier than indicated.
We’ve identified some potential X-factors for the Seahawks defense against the Texans on MNF in Week 7.
Nick Emmanwori, S
Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori was limited by injury earlier this season, but he enjoyed a breakout showing versus the Jaguars. Playing the “BIG Nickel” role in Macdonald’s defense, Emmanwori had a team-high nine tackles. He’ll continue trying to shut everything around the line of scrimmage down against the Texans.
Drake Thomas, LB
Veteran linebacker Drake Thomas continues to play a quality, underrated brand of football for Macdonald’s defense. Thomas had nine tackles, a TFL, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hit last weekend. He’ll be key to slowing down Nick Chubb and Woody Marks on primetime.
Byron Murphy, II, DT
Sophomore defensive tackle Byron Murphy II continues to create mismatch opportunities. The former Texas standout was credited with another two sacks versus the Jaguars, bringing his season-long total to 5.0 sacks in six games. Murphy II is developing right on schedule.