Seahawks' atypical run defense strategy the new goalpost for NFL

The Seattle Seahawks ’ run defense strategy was just atypical enough to get ahead of the rest of the NFL in 2025, and it’s becoming a foundational system they’ll build their championship window on for the rest of the decade. Last year’s edition of the team that became Super Bowl Champions had several unique players who became irreplaceable to their defense down the stretch. They had strength in depth, too- but the three players I would highlight are Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, and Nick Emmanwori.

With these three players, Seattle is able to run a defensive scheme no other team in the NFL can copy with their own personnel. Leonard Williams was the first to arrive in Seattle, and since being acquired at the 2024 trade deadline, he’s been the best defensive tackle the franchise has seen in the 2000s, possibly since the late Cortez Kennedy. To say he’s well-rounded is an understatement when describing his run game ability.

He’s big enough to take on double teams and eat up space while athletic enough to get off blocks, and sometimes make freakish plays. The once per game plays where he somehow chases a ballcarrier from hash-to-hash are some of the most jaw-dropping in the entire league. He immediately became the centerpiece of the grand plan to stop the run at all costs.

Macdonald also made sure to select Byron Murphy II with his first ever draft choice with the Seahawks, and he knew what pairing him with Williams meant. Murphy is a splendid complement to Williams’ size and athleticism, packing all the size into a uniquely wide, agile, and downright strong frame. He’s four inches shorter than Williams, but weighs about the same.