The Seattle Seahawks defense will face a unique challenge on Sunday. All indications are that their Week 15 opponent, the Indianapolis Colts, will be starting Phillip Rivers at quarterback. The 44-year-old Rivers ended a five-year (2020) retirement earlier this week and made a stunning return to the Colts.
Rivers will be the third consecutive backup quarterback the Seahawks have faced. We’ve identified three potential X-factors for the Seahawks defense.
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Leonard Williams, DE
Leonard Williams had a hilarious reaction to Rivers’ return earlier this week. The veteran defensive lineman will be one of Seattle’s defenders tasked with making Rivers uncomfortable in the pocket. If Williams succeeds, Rivers may question his decision to return to the NFL at 44 years old.
Nick Emmanwori, S
Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori is playing at an incredibly high level right now. The former South Carolina standout, who is entering the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation, is coming off a career-best showing versus the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14. Emmanwori registered an interception, a sack, another tackle for loss, and six total tackles while also blocking a field goal.
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Devon Witherspoon, CB
Mike Macdonald recently called Devon Witherspoon a force multiplier on defense. It’s an accurate depiction of Witherspoon’s greatness. The do-it-all cornerback will draw some difficult assignments versus the Colts’ stellar supporting cast, but if anyone is up to the challenge, it’s him.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks vs. Colts: 3 X-factors on defense for Week 15