The hype built and built for the New York Jets to make a serious run in the Aaron Rodgers era, but those hopes have been definitely dashed in the dragon year of 2024. Gang green leaders have been fired, and there will likely be more significant changes to come this offseason. Even so, New York will not lay down for the Seattle Seahawks in their upcoming match on Sunday. There is too much pride and too many good players on that side.
Those good players will be yet another litmus test, providing a proving ground for this year's first-round pick for the Hawks, Byron Murphy II. He's earned a 60.5 rating from PFF this season, which isn't bad... but we all know and would like to believe that he is capable of more.
Mike Macdonald's defense is starting to gel at the right time as he finds his players and what they do well. It would be a Black Friday/Cyber Week miracle to see this man go berserk at MetLife Stadium.
Three bold predictions for Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II in Week 13 against the Jets
If any Seahawk fans out there are counting their blessings for the hire of new head coach Mike Macdonald, they should similarly put trust in his ability to choose a player with high potential and put him in the best position to succeed. One thing to also keep in mind is that Byron Murphy II plays a few positions (defensive tackle, defensive end, nose tackle) for Seattle and that he is most likely asked to do some of the dirty work that does not show up in box scores every week. Even so, he has a chance to be set up to make some big plays moving forward.
Prediction 1: BMII will get his first full sack this season, bringing down the already-falling Aaron Rodgers
Something tells me that after Leonard Williams went on a three-sack rampage last week, Byron Murphy II might see a few more one-on-one opportunities to eat in the Big Apple. Leo should get a lot of attention from a Jets' offensive line hoping to prevent a similar outburst that would derail their operation. Jarran Reed is the wily vet who will hold his own, but Murphy is the uber-talented rookie who should be looking to really capitalize.
The 16th overall pick, and first defensive player taken in this year's draft had set goals to be the defensive rookie of the year. While that may be tough to achieve on a deep defense, I like the desire and lofty expectations that this man carries. He has been stuck on a half-sack for quite a while, but his hunger may be what gets him his first official full sack.
That along with the fact that the rookie is facing a legend in what could even be That, along with the fact that the rookie is facing a legend in what could even be one of his last games ever, would seem to be proper motivation.
Hello Byron Murphy II pic.twitter.com/raKrKga1Ak
— ᴅᴏxx ⚡️ (@new_era72) November 26, 2024
Prediction 2: Murphy II will pile up two or more tackles for loss on New York ball carriers
Last week, Seattle absolutely controlled the ground game against the Cardinals. This is a refreshing departure from many of Pete Carroll's recent Seattle defenses that could not stop anybody in the rushing attack. Murphy will play some at the nose and should have plenty of chances to show off his leverage and quick twitch abilities.
Breece Hall and Braelon Allen are an impressive young running back duo, but I'm not betting on New York's interior to be able to comfortably handle number 91. He should find his way into the backfield to disrupt the running game on multiple occasions.
Prediction 3: Byron will be shown on the broadcast getting love from head coach Mike Macdonald on the sidelines
As mentioned above, if you have faith and trust in the progression of Mikey Mac's defensive scheming, then you still have to feel optimistic about his future use of his highly lauded first-year defensive piece. Byron Murphy II has a lot of ball ahead of him, and his talent should shine through at some point.
In the meantime, being in the film room with guys like Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, Roy Robertson-Harris and Jonathan Hankins ain't a bad deal from a progression perspective. When BMII makes a big play in this game, those veterans will be showing him love and support, as will the man leading the Seahawks into the future.