The Seattle Seahawks' defense is so stacked that it's extremely hard to stand out. They excelled in coverage with their heavy nickel packages and disguises; they put pressure on the quarterback with their elite pass-rush rotation, and they shut down the run with a sturdy interior.
However, even in a crowded defense, it's impossible not to notice Byron Murphy II, and not just because of his massive 6-foot, 306-pound frame. The former first-round pick showed flashes as a rookie and broke out last season as one of the best interior defenders in the game.
He's not the most vocal guy out there, but he definitely makes his presence felt. Also, he's much more athletic than one might tell by his rather wide build, and he's sneaky enough to surprise ball-carriers every time they think they turn the corner. That's why his teammates have dubbed him "The Ninja."
'Ninja' Byron Murphy II is the Seattle Seahawks' run-defense anchor
“Byron’s always been that quiet assassin," Uchenna Nwosu told Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob. "We call him the ninja, because he’s got so many moves and he’s so athletic and elusive. He’s always had the tools, but now he’s just come into his own being another leader on that defensive line. He’s just got so much confidence now and it’s awesome to see.”
Few monickers are as perfect as this one. Murphy boasts a combination of crafty moves, elite body control, and a relentless mentality that would've probably helped him in Japan in the 15th century. He probably would've had to drop a few pounds, though.
Murphy started 9 of his 14 games as a rookie, showing promise as a run-stopper but not providing much in the pass rush. He took things up a notch in his second year under Mike Macdonald's guidance, piling up 7.0 sacks, the third-most among defensive tackles.
Per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Murphy logged 38 run stops, the seventh-most among defensive linemen, as well as 50 pressures (ninth-most). He only missed three tackles and was the building block of a run defense that gave up just 3.7 yards per carry, the fewest in the league.
Watching him take the next step as a pass-rushing tackle was hardly surprising. His elite get-off speed, quick first step, and outstanding body control help him excel in 3-technique settings, penetrating the backfield, turning the corner, and shooting gaps like a younger Quinnen Williams or DeForest Buckner.
This is the worst he'll ever be, and that should be a scary thought for the rest of the league. He wins leverage because of his raw power and God-given traits, but he'll be unstoppable once he refines his repertoire to shake off double-teams, which will come in bunches after his seven-sack season.
The Seahawks know how vital it is to impose their will on the trenches to run a successful operation, and they've found a truly unmovable force in Byron Murphy II. He doesn't need to do much talking becuase his game speaks for himself, and make no mistake, he'll be right there waiting to take you down when you least expect him.
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