Seattle Seahawks Devon Witherspoon Previews Baltimore Ravens, ‘Dangerous’ Lamar Jackson
The Seattle Seahawks could not have asked for more production from first-round rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon. He’s already earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week and Month awards, establishing himself as one of the best young players in the sport.
Now, he and the Seahawks enter November, hoping to stack as many wins as possible before the late-season schedule threatens their position as leaders in the NFC West. They play the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders, and Los Angeles Rams before a Thanksgiving clash with the San Francisco 49ers—the first of four consecutive games against top teams in the NFC.
Simply put, the pressure is on Seattle to win on Sunday. In Baltimore, against quarterback Lamar Jackson and the revamped Ravens offense, the stage is set for the Seahawks.
Witherspoon makes a tackle against New York Giants receiver Parris Campbell on Monday Night Football.
© Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Jackson is in the midst of arguably his best season as a passer. His 4.9 completion percentage over expected is the best mark of his career, ranking seventh in football, and it’s clear offensive coordinator Todd Monken has been a boon to this passing offense.
Despite his propensity for making plays with his legs out of structure and making defenders look silly before delivering the ball, Jackson is getting the ball out quicker than ever before. With an average time to throw of 2.79 seconds, Jackson is distributing the ball about 0.2 seconds faster than previous seasons, now placing him ahead of other backyard football passers like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Philadelphia Eagles passer Jalen Hurts.
Witherspoon spoke about the challenge Jackson presents on Sunday.
“Really doesn’t change anything at all,” Witherspoon said. “We just need to play tighter coverage when we’re in coverage.”
Playing good press coverage can help disrupt the timing that Jackson’s offense has found success with during the early going, but it’s a tough task. Even while operating within structure more than ever before, Jackson’s mobility is his defining trait and a constant threat to the defense.
“Most of all we just have to keep him contained in the pocket, we know how dynamic he is–everyone knows,” Witherspoon added. “So if he gets the ball in space that’s a very dangerous guy. So we gotta do our best to contain him.”
Jackson has been less efficient on the ground this season, posting 5.1 yards per attempt compared to his 6.8 mark from 2022. That shouldn’t discount his explosive play potential.
Ultimately, Baltimore’s superstar has the attention of the entire defense, but Witherspoon—who has shown the ability to deliver big hits and make plays on the football—may find himself in a position to make a big play.
As nearly touchdown underdogs on the road, he’ll have to continue his hot streak into the new month if the Seahawks are going to improve to 6-2.
