3 bold predictions for Leonard Williams in Seahawks’ Week 5 game against the Giants

In his return to the starting lineup, what will Leonard Williams look like against his former team?
Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks
Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks / Alika Jenner/GettyImages
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Good news for all of the 12s: big Leonard Williams will return to his starring role, upfront and in the trenches of Mike Macdonald's Seahawk defense on Sunday! It will have only been a one-game absence, after enduring a rib injury in Week 3 against Miami, and they will be glad to have him and his expected difference-making ability.

Incidentally, another key defender will be returning alongside Williams. One Uchenna Nwosu will be making his long-awaited season debut for the Hawks. That's an exciting thought, as Nwosu has a Pro Bowl-type upside and has been known to be a key variable in the success of the Seahawks run defense. Even so, Williams may be more of a key factor as Chenna gets his feet under him.

Leonard Williams will be facing one of his former (and most recent) New York teams, as Seattle traded a 2nd-round and a 5th-round pick for him last season. He may not exactly be looking for revenge, per se, but in his own words: "Obviously want to make some plays and show out against those guys." Who wouldn't, against an employer that found them expendable?

Three bold predictions for Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams in Week 5

Prediction 1: Leo will line up at 4 different positions at Lumen Field

No, he's not playing special teams, but Williams is a notably versatile defender. During offseason work, he was quoted as saying that the Seahawks "kind of have me playing like six different spots". Against Daniel Jones and Co., Leonard will move up and down the line, kick out to rush from the edge, and even drop into coverage once. He'll be key in keeping the New York blockers guessing.

Prediction 2: Leonard Williams gets a sack and another big play on the day

It's a good bet that Big Cat will cause disruption and strengthen a disheartened defense that was down to its backups against the Lions. No offense to Myles Adams, but Leonard Williams is of a different caliber. Let's go a step further and say that he scores a takedown of the quarterback plus ball at some point at Lumen this weekend.

He will also make some other big play, whether it be a key TFL at the goal line or a pass deflection at the line of scrimmage on a 3rd down. Heck, it could be another sack. Williams will remind everyone why he was such a primary priority signing this past offseason, even above names like Jordyn Brooks and Damien Lewis.

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Prediction 3: Leonard Williams will again express his love and appreciation for Seattle in a postgame press conference/interview

He just loves it here and we all know it. It must be a relief as a coach to be able to count on such a seasoned, accomplished and positive leader who seems bought into the new regime's philosophy. Having that sort of a locker room presence figures to make everything more fun.

Leonard Williams with the highest of praise for Seattle

Leonard Williams with the highest of praise for Seattle

Posted by Seattle Seahawks on CBS Sports on Monday, September 9, 2024

Williams will take to the mic at some point and express his gratitude to play and play in a place that he believes in. He will be making remarks after a strong effort in his return. The fact that it is against previous coaches and teammates could make this one both sentimental and triumphant.

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