DeMarcus Lawrence helped instigate the biggest play of Sunday’s game, pressuring rookie backup quarterback Max Brosmer into an ill-advised throw that resulted in an 85-yard pick-six that highlighted the Seattle Seahawks’ 26-0 rout of the Minnesota Vikings.
Yet in the eyes of Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, the four-time Pro Bowl defensive end made another play later on that was even more impressive.
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Near the midway mark of the third quarter, Lawrence got knocked to the ground by running back Aaron Jones Sr. while rushing off the edge. At that point, Lawrence was seemingly out of the play, especially as Jones then hauled in a short dump-off pass and began running upfield.
But in an incredible display of effort and relentlessness, Lawrence immediately got back up, sprinted downfield and knocked the ball free from Jones for a forced fumble that teammate Ty Okada recovered.
“Probably my new favorite play of all-time,” Macdonald said during his postgame press conference. “Like, just an incredible, incredible play. I just saw a blur coming down and just violently attack the ball. … He’s on the (back) side of the field, and then you’re like, holy crap, he’s going to make the play.”
DEFENSE IS COOKING ‼️ @TankLawrence @tyokada
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/ix0jcuRwUs
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 30, 2025
Since Lawrence signed with the Seahawks in March, Macdonald has praised the accomplished 33-year-old veteran multiple times for his effort and intensity in practice, at one point calling him “the best drill player I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Macdonald reiterated that during his weekly conversation with Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk on Monday morning.
“You’re doing drills in like phase two (of the offseason program) and this guy, it’s like the Super Bowl is on the line,” Macdonald said.
“He’s just an awesome guy and he’s tough as crap and he’s physical and competitive and just determined,” he added. “I mean, that was like the ultimate relentless play. … That’s a hammer that he laid to get the ball out right there. That was pretty awesome.”
Lawrence’s most impactful play, though, came late in the first half.
With Minnesota facing fourth-and-1 on the Seattle 4-yard line, Lawrence raced unblocked off the edge and pressured Brosmer into a game-changing mistake. As Lawrence pulled Brosmer to the ground, the first-time starting QB flung an underhanded, desperation heave into traffic that Ernest Jones IV intercepted and returned for a pick-six that gave the Seahawks a 10-0 lead and swung the game firmly back into their control.
Macondald said it was an example of Lawrence’s anticipation and high football IQ.
“That’s one of these things that DeMarcus does probably better than anybody I’ve been around – he plays with anticipation and understands situational football at an incredibly high level,” Macdonald said. “I mean, it’s fourth-and-1 in a run-or-pass type of situation, and he reads that it’s a (play-action) and goes for it.
“That’s just him being a great football player and understanding situational ball. … It was just an awesome play.”
WHAT JUST HAPPENED‼️ 85 yards to the house.#ProBowlVote + @ernestjones
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— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 30, 2025
It was all part of another standout performance by Lawrence, who also had a third-down sack late in the first half. Through 11 games, Lawrence has totaled 5.0 sacks, nine tackles for loss, a forced fumble and two fumble-return touchdowns while serving as a key part of Seattle’s dominant defensive front.
Lawrence, who spent each of his previous 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, said this Seahawks defense is the best unit he’s ever played for.
“It’s rejuvenating, man,” Lawrence said. “We’ve got a dope brotherhood, we are well connected in our locker room, we fight for each other and we all love the game, so I’m excited to be a part of this group and excited to go out and hunt again next week.”
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