There are plenty of reasons the Seattle Seahawks’ defense has been among the NFL's best, and the Chicago Bears need to be careful against one of their top players.
Head coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme, combined with players coming off last season's Super Bowl victory, makes Seattle an experienced group. Add talent at all three levels of the defense, and it’s easy to see why the Seahawks have not allowed a 200-yard passer or a 100-yard rusher through the first seven games.
That’s the type of defense Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson and his offense will face in the Week 8 primetime matchup on Monday Night Football at Lumen Field.
Johnson will do everything he possibly can to prepare quarterback Caleb Williams for whatever MacDonald may throw at the third-year player. One player in particular demands attention on every snap: safety Nick Emmanwori.
Bears might have a matchup nightmare with Nick Emmanwori
Even though the versatile defensive back has played just 268 snaps this season, he’s been a difference-maker for Seattle’s defense. He has registered 22 total tackles, two sacks, and 11 total pressures.
Against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Seahawks' 20-3 win at Lumen Field, Emmanwori was everywhere. He also played every single defensive snap, allowing the Seahawks to run their nickel package the entire game.
In the primetime win over the Chiefs, Emmanwori finished with two total tackles and allowed one reception for seven yards on six targets. His biggest play, though, was a quarterback pressure he created on Patrick Mahomes, forcing him to run outside the pocket and throw on the move. The Seahawks intercepted the pass.
Despite being 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, he also has the athleticism to run with receivers like Xavier Worthy, who ran a 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Emmanwori brings the whole package on defense.
Three plays last night give you an idea of how much Nick Emmanwori can do.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) October 26, 2026
1) Blitzes, forces an errant throw for an INT
2) Lines up at DE, sets an edge, makes a tackle
3) Covers Xavier Worthy (4.21 speed), forces an incompletion
Said JSN: “Most versatile player in the league." pic.twitter.com/9SBOc7VMO7
Macdonald has a versatile chess piece he can place anywhere on his defense. So far this season, Emmanwori has played 36% of his snaps in the slot, 34% at linebacker, and 27% at edge.
Just as Bears nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon can play multiple spots, Emmanwori can, too. That versatility, combined with speed and power, will challenge every player on the Bears' offense.
Johnson will have a lot ot game plan for in this Monday night matchup, but Emmanwori's skill set makes him a high priority for the Week 8 game. Williams must prove he can make decisive decisions and keep the ball out of harm's way, which he has done this season.
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The Seahawks showed how dominant the defense can be in the win over the Chiefs. If the Bears want to avoid that type of result, they must prepare for Emmanwori on every snap.
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