NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
[ad_1]
Eric Williams
NFC West Writer
Devon Witherspoon delivers blows with a tremendous force seldom seen for a man his size.
Witherspoon has consistently shown that unique aspect of his playing style throughout his rookie season for the Seattle Seahawks, putting together a series of highlight-reel smackdowns.
Though just 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, Witherspoon wants the opposition to feel him.
“I’m undersized, but I just want people to know I’m going to be physical,” Witherspoon said in an exclusive interview with FOX Sports. “I’m not going to shy away from contact. There’s a stigma that comes with you not being the typical type of football player — especially body-type wise. I’m going against the odds.
“But that’s not the case with me. I’m a physical guy and I want to tackle, so I try to put that on tape.”
As the Seahawks try to remain in the NFC playoff picture, they’ll need Witherspoon’s physical presence down the stretch, starting Thursday when the Seahawks travel to face quarterback Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys.
Witherspoon was somewhat of a surprise selection at No. 5 overall in this year’s draft, but Seahawks coach Pete Carroll saw his potential, comparing him to a physical, dynamic defensive back he coached at USC: Troy Polamalu. Witherspoon’s playmaking ability now has him in the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Illinois product has 57 combined tackles — including four tackles for loss — three sacks, a forced fumble, 14 pass breakups and an interception returned 97 yards for a score against the New York Giants.
According to Next Gen Stats, Witherspoon has recorded a 61.5% coverage success rate this season, eighth-highest among cornerbacks. He has also generated six pressures from the slot this season, fourth-most in the NFL.
“He’s been sticky and challenging guys and been in the right spot,” Seahawks defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt said about his rookie cornerback. “Overall,…
[ad_2]Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/how-seahawks-cb-devon-witherspoon-developed-the-mindset-and-the-mouthpiece
Author :
Publish date : 2023-11-29 20:01:48
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
