The Seattle Seahawks rode their championship-caliber defense all the way to the Super Bowl. They gave up the fifth-fewest total yards per game (304.8), third-fewest rushing yards per game (91.9), and ranked first in third-down conversion percentage allowed (32.1 percent) and points given up per game (17.2).
Of course, that speaks volumes about a collective effort. Everybody deserves credit, from Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Arden Dude down to every single player. That being said, Devon Witherspoon often stood out from the rest of the pack, and that was the case again in the NFC Championship Game.
The third-year pro continued his breakout season by having the two biggest pass-breakups of his career late in the win over the Los Angeles Rams. That's why Coach Macdonald believes he's already etched his name in franchise history.
Mike Macdonald makes a bold statement about Seattle Seahawks' Devon Witherspoon's clutch play
"The plays by 'Spoon in the red zone were just some of the best plays in our team history, probably, including in the circumstances. Awesome," Mike Macdonald said, per Seahawks insider Gregg Bell of the News Tribune.
As bold a statement as that may be, it might actually be true. Witherspoon got two crucial stops on consecutive plays to prevent Sean McVay's team from getting a late-game lead and potentially ending their season.
With the Rams at Seattle's six-yard line, Witherspoon got around intended receiver Konata Mumpfield to set up fourth-and-four. Then, he made sure Terrance Ferguson couldn't come down with Matthew Stafford's pass, forcing a turnover on downs and securing a 31-27 win.
Witherspoon has emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Despite being in his third season, his Pro Football Focus grade (subscription required) was the highest among 114 eligible players this season, and he came up huge when his team needed him the most. That's what separates the good players from the legendary ones.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Witherspoon just got his first All-Pro nod this season. He's a game-changer who disrupts everything around him, and he should be all over Stefon Diggs in the biggest game of his young career on Feb. 8.
The Seahawks' defense dominated all opposition but the Rams this season. And even though they can't afford to look past the Super Bowl-bound Patriots, Coach Macdonald has to love his chances against anybody with a healthy Devon Witherspoon roaming free in the secondary.