The Seattle Seahawks beat the Houston Texans 27-19, and the close score doesn't indicate how great the defense played all game long. C.J. Stroud and the Texans couldn't get much going all night, and it was a collective effort from the entire unit.
Following the win, while the Seattle Mariners' loss earlier in the night was a brutal result, the Seahawks' dominant performance had one veteran defender share some incredibly high praise for the defense.
As Ari Horton for Seahawks.com shares, defensive lineman Leonard Williams had a bold take on the Seahawks' defense. He called it the "best defense I've ever been a part of," and based on their Monday night performance, it's hard to argue with him.
Leonard Williams calls Seahawks defense 'best I've ever been a part of'
"This has been the best defense I've ever been a part of," Williams said. "And it's not because of stats or anything like on paper, it's just the type of mindset that we have, and it is just the togetherness, the brotherhood that we have on this defense is really special."
Williams and the Seattle defense, through the first seven weeks of the season, have seven interceptions, 23 sacks, and are holding runners to just 3.3 yards per carry. Those marks are fourth, third, and first in the NFL, respectively.
The statistics back up Williams' claim, but that's not the reason he's making the statement. Defensively, the Seahawks are one of the best units in the NFL, and it's thanks to a cumulative effort.
Mike Macdonald's defense has emerged as an elite unit this season, and with Sam Darnold looking like his reborn self, the Seahawks can easily contend with other top teams in the NFC.
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Seattle's defense shut down the Texans' offense, and overall, this season, they're sixth in points allowed per game. During Leonard's 11-year NFL career, the next best defense he's been a part of was the 2020 New York Giants, which ranked 9th in points allowed per game.
So, while the brotherhood and chemistry are as strong as they've ever been, and are a reason for Williams to make this claim, the statistics back it up. So far, through seven weeks, this is the best defensive unit Williams has been a part of.
Williams has been a big part of the defense as well, as he has three sacks and 30 tackles so far this season to go with 11 pressures and 10 quarterback hits. The Seahawks' defense this season has been elite, and William's calling it the "best I've ever been a part of" is the truth.
Seattle, at 5-2, is tied atop the NFC West, as they turn to the Washington Commanders, who will likely be without Jayden Daniels in what could be another showcase of how great this Seahawks defense is this season.
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