Leonard Williams affirmed the harsh truth about Seahawks that needed to be said
The Seattle Seahawks are 3-2 and tied for second place in a very tough NFC West. Another loss or three in the next few weeks might be tough for Seattle to overcome and get to the postseason. Under head coach Mike Macdonald, the team has been streaky, but another streak of losses would be crippling.
The problem is that after a tough Week 5 loss, Seattle lost a number of key defensive players. The team already entered the game down two Pro Bowlers. By the end of the game, Seattle was playing with about half of their presumed starters of defense out of the game.
Next for Macdonald's group is the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that is 4-1 and still not playing their best football. They aren't overly explosive, but play big in the biggest moments. Jacksonville's offense is 18th in the league at 5.4 yards per play, but ninth in points scored.
Leonard Williams speaks the truth about the Seattle Seahawks
Whether the Seahawks get defensive starters back or not, the team is going to have to play fundamentally better defensively. The team missed far too many tackles in losing 38-35 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5. Defensive lineman and team leader Leonard Williams knows the issue needs to be fixed.
He told the media ahead of the Jags game, "Effort erases mistakes." If someone misses a tackle, then "nine guys are there" to make the stop. That certainly didn't happen in Week 5, and it has been an issue for most of the season. Macdonald's defenses are usually far better at wrapping up.
Of course, to be fair, Williams, as great and smart as he is, hasn't been perfect in 2025. He has already been called for three needless 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalties through five games. That also has to be cleaned up.
A positive aspect is that under Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks are 9-1 on the road. Their struggles have come at home. Week 6 will see Seattle travel to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars.
To win the game, Seattle must run the ball well. Jacksonville gives up 4.6 yards per rush, 22nd in the NFL. The Jaguars are better against the pass and already have 10 interceptions, and their quarterback rating allowed of 73.6 is second-best in the league.
But no matter how well the Seattle Seahawks' offense does, if the defense does not tackle better, Jacksonville will do the same thing the Buccaneers did in Week 5 and simply outscore Seattle. Seattle going 3-3 would be fine in many divisions, but not in the NFC West.
Payton Wilson Sets NFL History with Jaw-Dropping Speed, Proving Steelers’ Defense Can’t Be Stopped
Pittsburgh, PA — October 10, 2025 — It’s one thing for a linebacker to make a game-saving tackle. It’s another when that same linebacker sets an NFL record for speed. That’s exactly what
With 22.48 mph clocked on Next Gen Stats, Wilson’s speed on a critical play late in the game shattered the previous record for the fastest speed ever recorded by a linebacker. The jaw-dropping moment came during a blown coverage by safety
The tackle prevented a potential game-winning touchdown for the Vikings and forced them to burn valuable time with four more plays, allowing the Steelers to maintain control. While the tackle was a huge play in terms of the game’s outcome, it was Wilson’s speed that stole the spotlight — as it broke a 9-year record previously held by other NFL speedsters.
A Speed That Defies Expectations
Wilson’s impressive speed isn’t just a feat for a linebacker — it places him among the NFL’s elite players, regardless of position. His 22.48 mph clocking is one of the fastest speeds ever recorded, placing him among the top 10 fastest players in NFL history. The NFL’s all-time speed leader is
What’s more impressive is that Wilson isn’t a cornerback or a wide receiver — he’s a 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker. Speed like that, especially from a player of his size, is a rarity. But Wilson’s determination to make the play, his relentless pursuit, and his ability to maintain top speed for such a long distance highlight the unique skill set that has now elevated him into the conversation of the league’s most electrifying players.
A Historic Moment for the Steelers’ Defense
For the Steelers, Wilson’s record-setting performance isn’t just a moment of individual glory — it’s a testament to the strength of their defense.
But it’s not just about physical talent. Wilson’s awareness and discipline on the field were equally impressive. Despite his extraordinary speed, he didn’t rush blindly — he kept his focus on Addison and tracked him every step of the way, making the critical tackle when it mattered most. This combination of physical gifts and mental discipline is what makes Wilson one of the most promising young linebackers in the NFL today.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Payton Wilson
With the Steelers off to a solid start in the 2025 season, Payton Wilson’s incredible performance in Week 4 has the potential to be a defining moment for both his career and the team’s defense. His ability to be a difference-maker in high-pressure situations has made him one of the most exciting players to watch.
While it’s early in the season, Wilson’s speed and playmaking ability are likely to continue to propel him to the forefront of NFL conversations. With 3 sacks, 10 pressures
If this Week 4 performance is any indication, Payton Wilson isn’t just a rising star — he’s on his way to becoming one of the most feared linebackers in the NFL.
