Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen only needed three games to dispel this myth

No one has gotten open this year against Riq Woolen. Literally. The Seattle Seahawks cornerback has allowed only four completions against him when targeted in three games, but he has given up just two yards total after the catch. In other words, when someone does get a rare catch versus Woolen, the receiver doesn't go anywhere else.

The myth about Woolen was that he surprised most teams with his athleticism and ability to adjust quickly to the NFL after being a fifth-round draft pick in 2022. He tied for the league lead with six interceptions and he played fairly aggressively against the run. He appeared to be a long-term lock-down corner.

Then, in last season's minicamp, Woolen hurt his knee and though he was able to return by Week 1, he seemed to play tentatively. He was less physical and did not appear to want to set a hard edge against the run. Was Woolen a one-year wonder that other NFL teams had figured out?

Riq Woolen confirming any doubt his 2023 season for the Seahawks was going to be his norm is a lie

Woolen approached this season and the Seahawks' new coaching staff in a way that made it clear he was self-aware enough that he could not assume he was going to be a long-term starter. He had the talent, but needed to prove his true form was the 2022 version and not the 2023 edition. He bulked up and was more aggressive in practice. His excellence did not stop when the real games began.

Woolen has always missed a bunch of tackles - many cornerbacks do - but this year he has cut his whiff rate to 12.5 percent from 20 percent last year. His inability to wrap up and take down was a reason he was benched as a starter in Week 15 last year. He is in no danger of being benched this season.

Woolen ranks fifth currently among the highest-graded cornerbacks to begin the season, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He has been targeted and allowed only four completions and only for 37 yards. He has an interception on a phenomenal play in Week 1 when he was able to undercut a receiver due to his speed. Most humans would not have been able to make the play.

Maybe Woolen was simply worried about his health last season. This year, he is playing like it's 2022 again. The myth of him being a one-year wonder no longer applies. Woolen is not just playing like a Pro Bowler again; he is playing like a First-Team All-Pro.

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