Byron Murphy II is a young, emerging interior defensive lineman in the NFL. He was selected 16th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the same year that quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze joined the Chicago Bears’ organization.
In his second year in the league, he played in all 17 games, recording seven sacks, 62 tackles, and seven tackles for loss. Against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, he sacked quarterback Drake Maye twice and recovered a fumble in the dominant 29-13 win.
Murphy’s Seahawks are coming off an impressive performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, a 20-3 win that didn't allow quarterback Patrick Mahomes or the offense to reach the red zone even once.
The Seahawks should feel confident heading into their Week 8 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football at Lumen Field. Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s offense is the league's No. 1 rushing attack, averaging 154.3 yards per game. Chicago's 14 rushing touchdowns are tied for the most with the Buffalo Bills.
The Seahawks’ defense has stopped opposing rushing attacks. San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey ran for 68 yards in the 32-29 win over Seattle. That was the most rushing yards the Seahawks have allowed to any running back this season.
This Week 8 primetime game will feature two of the best units at rushing and stopping the run.
Seahawks defender shares his thoughts on playing Bears' stellar offensive line
Murphy joined Seattle Sports to talk about the upcoming matchup, and the third-year defensive tackledidn'tt shy away from his excitement. He said he likes the challenge and is looking forward to “attacking” the Bears’ offensive line and “playing in their backfield all day long.”
Murphy said nothing wrong, and that's how a player on a dominant defensive unit should talk to an opponent coming to their home stadium. But the 24-year-old better be ready to face two of the top guards in all of football: Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. Center Garrett Bradbury has put on some impressive games since his Week 2 performance against the Vikings, and All-Pro right tackle Darnell Wright, who will help out Jackson whenever he gets the chance throughout the game.
The Bears have failed to reach 100 yards rushing in two games this season: Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers (81) and Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons (98). Bears running back Kyle Monangai missed those two games and last week's win over the Patriots. His status remains uncertain for the Monday night game.
Murphy was also asked about Williams and recognized all the different ways the Bears’ quarterback can challenge the defense, highlighting his mobility and ability to make plays downfield. The Seahawks’ DT said it will be important to keep Williams in the pocket instead of scrambling.
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With how Williams has played this season, it hasn't mattered whether he is in the pocket or on the move. The Bears’ quarterback has made plays all over the field, only adding to the anticipation for this Monday night matchup.
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