Seahawks Safety Coby Bryant Thanks Mike Macdonald for Calling Him Out
Following some missed tackles a week ago, Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant was called out in a team meeting and he said he is grateful for that.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported Sunday that Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald called out Bryant in a team meeting on Monday, saying he expected better tackling from his best players.
Bryant went on miss zero tackles in Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and had a team-high Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 86.9.
“That’s what we need, honesty,” Bryant said of being called out. “It was much needed, and I’m thankful for that.”
Mike Macdonald called out Coby Bryant in a team meeting last Monday, expecting better tackling from one of his best players.
Message received, by Bryant and the rest of the defense.
“That’s what we need, honesty,” Bryant said. “It was much needed, and I’m thankful for that.”
Seattle Defense Dominated Against Jaguars
Bryant recorded seven tackles, including two for loss, helping lead a stout Seattle defense that limited Jacksonville to just 12 points.
Despite a depleted secondary and multiple injuries in the front seven, Seattle’s defense turned in a dominant performance—recording seven sacks, stifling the Jaguars’ rushing attack, and reaffirming its status as one of the league’s top defensive units.
The front four, anchored by DeMarcus Lawrence and Byron Murphy II, controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game, consistently collapsing the pocket and keeping Trevor Lawrence under duress.
Murphy, who notched just half a sack as a rookie last season, has already tallied 4.5 through six games, while Lawrence continues to set the tone up front in his first year following a decade in Dallas.
The impact was clear: Jacksonville mustered only 59 rushing yards on 19 carries, with standout back Travis Etienne Jr. limited to 27 yards on 12 attempts.
GettyJACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 12: Head coach Mike MacDonald of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the game at EverBank Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
Mike Macdonald Brings Forward Stealthy Defense Despite Injuries
Through six weeks, the Seahawks boast one of the NFL’s stingiest run defenses, ranking second in rushing yards allowed per game (79) and fourth overall in total rushing yards allowed (474), trailing only Houston, Atlanta, and Green Bay.
Seattle also sits inside the top 10 in scoring defense, surrendering just 19.5 points per game—nearly identical to the marks posted by Minnesota and Indianapolis.
That blend of balance and physicality is exactly what the Seahawks envisioned when they hired Mike Macdonald last winter. The former Ravens defensive coordinator arrived with a proven scheme built on hybrid fronts and disguised pressures, and it’s now beginning to take full effect.
Despite a wave of injuries across all three levels of the defense—Devin Witherspoon (knee), Riq Woolen (concussion), and Julian Love (hamstring) among them, with veterans Derick Hall, Johnathan Hankins, and Rylie Mills still sidelined—the unit hasn’t wavered. Depth contributors like Ty Okada, Coby Bryant, and Josh Jobe have stepped in seamlessly, preserving Seattle’s defensive identity.
Resilience has become the defining trait of Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks — and his defense exemplifies it each week. Despite ongoing roster turnover, Seattle continues to control the tempo, dominate the line of scrimmage, and shut down opposing run games.
Once the secondary returns to full strength, Macdonald’s unit has the potential to stand among the NFC’s elite. At 4–2, the Seahawks’ ceiling keeps climbing — and their defense is leading the way.
Next week, Seattle hosts the Houston Texans on “Monday Night Football,” Oct. 20.
Teryl Austin Preaches No Overlook of Opponents as Steelers Prepare for Bengals
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense was nothing short of elite on Sunday. The unit held the Cleveland Browns' offense to just nine total points and Cleveland was unable to find the end zone at any point in the matchup. Jalen Ramsey played at an extremely high level throughout all four quarters of the game and the veteran was ultimately rewarded by recording two sacks for the first time in his career.
The Steelers' defense has improved immensely since their Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets. The defense will need to continue playing at a high level on Thursday night as Pittsburgh finds themselves facing Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals in a heated AFC North matchup. Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin recently took a moment to share his thoughts on the game, as Austin sent a clear message to his team prior to facing the veteran quarterback. Austin doesn't want the Steelers to overlook Flacco and he believes nobody should be taken for granted.
"We don't take anybody for granted," Austin stated. "If you're out there playing, it's because you deserve to play. We don't short anybody."
Flacco is an 18-year veteran who shined during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. The experienced signal-caller has bounced around the league in recent years, but Flacco could still prove to be a serviceable quarterback on Thursday. The Steelers' defense could be in excellent position for another big game against the Bengals and Flacco may struggle in just his second start with the team.
TJ Watt and Cam Heyward will need to consistently apply pressure on Flacco throughout the matchup. Watt was credited with five tackles and half of a sack in Sunday's win against the Browns, but the veteran could find himself having an even better game against the Bengals on Thursday. Heyward recorded two tackles against the Browns on Sunday and the veteran could play a crucial role on the defensive line against Cincinnati.
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Could Also Play A Crucial Role On Thursday Night
Ramsey had one of the best games of his career against the Browns on Sunday. The talented veteran will certainly have his hands full once again on Thursday as Ramsey will be tasked with covering superstar wide receiver Ja'Maar Chase. Chase is widely regarded as the best wide receiver in football and Ramsey will have to be at his best against the generational playmaker.
Ramsey's role on Thursday could have a direct effect on the outcome of the game. Chase is an elite route runner with excellent speed, and Ramsey will need to contain him to the best of his ability. Both Ramsey and Chase are two of the best at their position and the veteran cornerback will need to play at an extremely high level for the second week in a row.
Flacco has struggled in 2025 but the veteran quarterback could still shine with Chase as his top weapon. The Steelers' defense will look to apply constant pressure on Flacco and contain Chase as much as possible, as the unit as a whole has played much better over the course of the last few weeks. Pittsburgh will be on the road in Cincinnati on Thursday night as the Steelers will look to widen their lead in the AFC North.
