Seahawks stud Byron Murphy II flashes brilliance early against Chargers

It took a couple of series, but Seattle Seahawks rookie Byron Murphy II eventually made a huge impact in Seattle's first preseason game. Soon, the Los Angeles Chargers realized they needed to double team the young player or he might consistently be a visitor inside the Chargers backfield.

Murphy was credited with just one tackle in the first half against LA, but his presence was felt. Besides getting in the face of LA quarterback Easton Stick while two blockers tried to keep Murphy at bay, he got interior pressure against the run as well. Once he got free and absolutely plastered a Chargers running back for a loss.

The play was more impressive because Murphy wasn't simply accidentally able to bust through the line. His quickness and strength overwhelmed the Chargers' offensive line. He appeared to be a veteran against a bunch of rookies instead of the other way around. The play was the kind that Murphy could likely replicate many times throughout the season.

Byron Murphy II makes a big impact for the Seattle Seahawks in the first half of his first preseason game

Of course, he was facing some backups for LA, but both teams played many of their starters early in the game. Nearly Seattle's entire presumed starting defense was on the field in the first couple of series for LA and the Chargers could not muster a first down. The Seahawks' tackling was better overall, even though new head coach Mike Macdonald's scheme remained vanilla.

12s should be happy with how much better the defense appears to be. Sure, the Chargers did not have quarterback Justin Herbert available, but even if he had been, Seattle's defense was clearly better. This could change once the real games begin in September, but with the help of rookie Murphy, the unit is likely to be much improved.

So much so that the Seahawks might be a real threat to get back to the postseason. This might be only the first preseason game of 2024, but the defense already looks ready to explode more than it ever did in 2023.

More Seahawks news and analysis: