Seattle Seahawks CB Riq Woolen playing ‘much better’ of late
Seahawks’ Woolen Rediscovering Form After Trade Talk Turbulence
SEATTLE – Just weeks ago, the name Riq Woolen was swirling in NFL trade rumors. The second-year cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, a breakout star in 2022, had stumbled out of the gate this season, prompting speculation about his future with the team. Now, as the Seahawks prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings, a different narrative is emerging: Woolen is playing like the player many believed he could be, and the Seahawks’ decision to hold onto him appears to be paying dividends.
A Rough Start and a Vote of Confidence
The early part of the 2023 season was undeniably challenging for Woolen. After a stellar rookie campaign where he quickly established himself as a ball-hawking threat, his performance dipped. He found himself lower on the depth chart, and questions arose about his consistency. Reports surfaced, as noted by Seattle Sports, that other teams were monitoring his situation, potentially eyeing a trade opportunity.
However, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and the front office remained steadfast. They believed in Woolen’s talent and potential, opting to keep him rather than explore trade options at the league’s trade deadline. It was a gamble, but one that appears to be yielding positive results.
Turning the Tide: A Statistical Rebound
The turnaround for Woolen began around Week 5. The numbers tell a compelling story. According to data from Pro Football Focus, Woolen has dramatically improved his performance. From Weeks 5 through 12, he ranks 19th among 100 qualifying cornerbacks in PFF grading – a significant jump from his 97th ranking through the first four weeks of the season.
During this recent stretch, opposing quarterbacks have completed just 17 of 34 passes (50%) for 139 yards, one touchdown, and a remarkably low 4.1 yards per target. He’s also recorded five pass breakups and only one penalty. Contrast that with the first four weeks, where he allowed 10 completions on 15 targets for 145 yards, one touchdown, and a much higher 9.7 yards per target, along with a team-high six penalties.
This improvement isn’t just about statistics; it’s about the way Woolen is playing the game. “He’s playing more competitive,” observed NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah during an appearance on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk. “I think there’s a more physical edge to the way he’s playing… It’s just being stronger and firmer at the catch point down the field – a little stickier, a little more competitive.”
The Return of Swagger and Competitive Fire
Jeremiah also pointed to a less quantifiable, but equally important, change in Woolen’s demeanor. “I even like after they make plays, you see him celebrating a little bit. He’s got a little bit of the swagger back to him, which as a corner I think is definitely necessary. So that’s been a great sight to see… He has been much better.”
That “swagger” is often a hallmark of successful cornerbacks, a confidence that allows them to thrive in one-on-one situations. It’s a mental aspect of the game that can be just as crucial as physical talent.
Beyond Woolen: Seahawks’ Offensive Momentum
Woolen’s resurgence isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Seahawks’ offense is also clicking, particularly with rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN). Jeremiah highlighted JSN’s ability to “beat defenses in every way,” adding another dimension to Seattle’s attack. This offensive firepower takes some of the pressure off the defense, allowing players like Woolen to play more freely and aggressively.
The Seahawks’ overall success is also tied to the broader context of NFL player development. The league has seen a growing emphasis on sports science and player care, aiming to maximize performance and longevity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for athletes and sports competitors was $63,700 in May 2023, but this figure varies significantly based on league, experience, and performance. The investment in player development, like that seen with Woolen, is becoming increasingly crucial for sustained success.
Looking Ahead: Vikings and Beyond
As the Seahawks prepare to face the Vikings, the focus will be on maintaining this momentum. Woolen’s improved play is a key component of that effort. If he can continue to build on his recent success, he’ll not only solidify his role as a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defense but also reaffirm the team’s faith in his potential. The story of Riq Woolen serves as a reminder that even in the high-pressure world of the NFL, perseverance and a belief in one’s abilities can lead to remarkable turnarounds.
More on the Seattle Seahawks:
- Seahawks place Holani on IR, sign Gaskin to active roster
- Injury Report: Seahawks in good shape for Sunday vs Vikings
- Preview: Seahawks’ Darnold thriving ahead of facing former team
- Seahawks make a flurry of roster moves, including Quandre Diggs’ return
- 3 numbers that matter as Seahawks’ JSN chases NFL history
ARTICOL ORIGINAL:
Earlier this season, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen was the subject of considerable trade speculation amid a rough start that saw him slip down a rung on the team’s depth chart.
But ultimately, the Seahawks hung onto the talented 6-foot-4 corner at the league’s trade deadline.
That decision certainly seems to be paying off, as Woolen has played much better of late.
Jeremiah: Seahawks’ JSN beating defenses in ‘every way’
Since Week 5, Woolen ranks 19th out of 100 cornerbacks in Pro Football Focus grading. During that span, he has limited opposing quarterbacks to just 17-of-34 passing for 139 yards, one touchdown and a mere 4.1 yards per target, per PFF. He has five pass breakups over that span and only one penalty.
That’s a massive turnaround from earlier this season. Through the first four weeks, Woolen ranked 97th out of 100 cornerbacks in PFF grading and had surrendered 10 catches on 15 targets for 145 yards, one TD and 9.7 yards per target. Over those first four weeks, he only had one pass breakup and had committed a team-high six penalties.
What’s changed for Woolen? NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah was posed that question during his weekly appearance on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk.
“He’s playing more competitive,” Jeremiah said. “I think there’s a more physical edge to the way he’s playing. … It’s just being stronger and firmer at the catch point down the field – a little stickier, a little more competitive.
“And I even like after they make plays, you see him celebrating a little bit. He’s got a little bit of the swagger back to him, which as a corner I think is definitely necessary. So that’s been a great sight to see. … He has been much better.”
Listen to the full conversation with NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah at this link or in the audio player at the bottom of the story. Tune in to Brock and Salk weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.
More on the Seattle Seahawks
• Seattle Seahawks place Holani on IR, sign Gaskin to active roster
• Injury Report: Seattle Seahawks in good shape for Sunday vs Vikings
• Preview: Seahawks’ Darnold thriving ahead of facing former team
• Seahawks make a flurry of roster moves, including Quandre Diggs’ return
• 3 numbers that matter as Seattle Seahawks’ JSN chases NFL history
