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Seattle May Have Found Their Next Superstar — Second-Year Star Breaking Out

Seahawks second-year star showing signs of a breakout season

The former first-round pick has been among the best interior DL through three weeks
ByCaleb Gebrewold|
Seattle Seahawks v Pittsburgh Steelers
Seattle Seahawks v Pittsburgh Steelers | Justin K. Aller/GettyImages

The Seattle Seahawks played their best game of the season in Week 3 as they dominated the New Orleans Saints in all three facets, winning by a score of 44-13. Seattle did not punt until the fourth quarter when their backups were in the game following a dominant performance by Sam Darnold.

They received a strong performance on special teams as they returned a punt for a touchdown, blocked another, and had a 60-yard kickoff return.

The Seahawks' defense was equally impressive, as New Orleans was unable to reach the end zone until the final frame. Mike Macdonald's team has been elite on both sides of the football as they are the only team that is top-five in both scoring offense and scoring defense -- ranking fifth in the former and second in the latter.

Byron Murphy II has been a big part of Seattle's defensive success. After an up-and-down rookie season, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft appears to be in the midst of a breakout year.

Byron Murphy II slowly becoming one of the league's best interior DL

John Schneider has proven that he is among the best drafters in the league; however, Byron Murphy II's rookie season was not great. The former Texas Longhorn appeared in 14 games, making nine starts, and recorded 36 total tackles, 12 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and one quarterback hit.

Seahawks Today tweeted how impressive, "Among all interior DL, Byron Murphy II is: - 1st in sacks (3) - 1st in pressures (12) - 1st in hurries (8) - 1st in run stops (9) - 1st in solo tackles (9)"

While Pro Football Reference has Murphy II listed at 2.5 sacks and six solo tackles, his turnaround has been impressive either way. He has posted a 70.1 PFF grade, including a 78.6 pass rush grade that ranks 12th out of 169 interior defenders.

Murphy II hasn't been great against the run as his 53.1 run defense grade ranks just 109th. His leap in his second-year, however, gives the Seahawks front office plenty to be happy about and there is no reason that he cannot continue to improve -- particularly against the run.

If he is able to maintain his level of play, it would hardly be a surprise if Seattle remains among the league's best defenses throughout the season.

Eagles Legend Wants to Withdraw from Eagles Hall of Fame If Kevin Patullo Isn't Fired
Can you believe it? A living legend of the Philadelphia Eagles, LeSean McCoy, is "rebelling" and threatening to withdraw from the Eagles Hall of Fame – the place that honors his great contributions! The reason? All because of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo! What's happening with this legendary team? Read now for the hottest NFL "drama"! On his Speakeasy show, McCoy "dropped a bomb" with a shocking statement: “Take me off. Nobody has ever asked. I’m going to say ‘Mr. Lurie, it’s either me or Kevin’. If Kevin is not fired, put 25 back out there on the street.” (Translation: "Remove me. No one has ever asked. I'm going to say 'Mr. Lurie, it's either me or Kevin'. If Kevin isn't fired, put number 25 back on the street.") Number 25 – McCoy's legendary jersey number – could be "kicked out" of the Hall of Fame if Patullo remains in position? This isn't a joke, but a direct challenge to team owner Jeffrey Lurie! This "extreme" demand stems from extreme disappointment with the disastrous performance of the Eagles' offense under Patullo. The team that once "soared high" is now "free-falling" with silly mistakes, and McCoy isn't the only one "furious." Even Josh Reynolds "cursed" Patullo: “Kevin Patullo should never see the light of day again for the crimes he’s committed…” (Translation: "Kevin Patullo should never see the light of day again for the crimes he’s committed...") Is Patullo the "culprit" causing the Eagles to "sink"? Look at the "tragedy" of quarterback Jalen Hurts: In the most recent Monday Night Football game, he threw three interceptions – one of which was blamed on AJ Brown! Comparing this year's offensive stats to last year? Worlds apart! The problem isn't just the weak offensive line, but also the play-caller – Patullo is "miserably compared" to Kellen Moore, who once elevated the offense to new heights. The article points out: The Eagles are repeating a "historical curse" – the offense always "collapses" after losing a good coordinator, like in previous Super Bowl runs. Nick Sirianni is heavily criticized for the decision to hire Patullo: "A fatal mistake"! 👀 Eagles legend LeSean McCoy says if #Eagles do not fire OC Kevin Patullo he wants out of Hall of Fame “Take me off. Nobody has ever asked. I’m going to say ‘Mr. Lurie, it’s either me or Kevin’. If Kevin is not fired, put 25 back out there on the street”📸 @speakeasytlkshw pic.twitter.com/DcOkLiQejA — Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) December 10, 2025 And the "darkest" data: In shotgun formation (51 plays), the Eagles only achieved 4.2 yards/play, 2.2 yards/rush, 5.2 yards/pass, with 4 "stupid" interceptions. But under center (15 plays)? Explosive with 10.2 yards/play, 8.8 yards/rush, 16.0 yards/pass, and 0 interceptions! Clearly, the offense performs "miraculously" better when balanced – so why is Patullo still "stubbornly persisting" with the outdated play style? Eagles fans are "boiling with rage": Will the team listen to McCoy and "deal with" Patullo to save the season? This drama is "exploding" on social media! McCoy – with his illustrious career at the Eagles – is he really withdrawing from the Hall of Fame? Or is this a "ploy" to push for change? Who will Jeffrey Lurie choose: The legend or the "culprit"? Don't miss out – follow now to see the "shocking" outcome of the Eagles' internal war! What do you think, comment below!