The NFL announced on Wednesday that Leonard Williams, a defensive lineman with the Seattle Seahawks, was chosen NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 13 after having the game of his life on Sunday.
With the Seahawks defeating the New York Jets 26–21, Williams was a one-man wrecking crew. By trading him to the New York Giants in 2019, Williams reminded the Jets that they had made a mistake by facing the team that had taken him with a first-round pick (No. 6) in the 2015 NFL draft.
During the game, Williams recorded three tackles for loss, two sacks, a blocked extra point, and a pick-six interception return of 92 yards.
BzcOiWAM5g: LEO TAKES IT HOME.pic.twitter.com
Williams is the first player in NFL history to record multiple sacks, a blocked kick, and an interception returned for a score in the same game, the league said.
On Wednesday, Seattle coach Mike Macdonald told reporters, “We believe he’s been playing at an elite level the entire year, and we’re happy for his recognition.” However, teams are aware today. We therefore anticipate that he will play a significant role in their game plans. Thus, greater urgency and preparation are needed. As coaches, we must acknowledge it, but he must continue to do what he is doing and push the pedal to the metal.
Since he recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks and 30 quarterback hits in 2020 while playing for the Giants, Williams is perhaps playing his best football.
I believe I earned Defensive Player of the Week two or three times in a season when I had 11.5 sacks. According to Williams, it’s somewhat similar to that season. However, I don’t believe that season was as dominant as what I’m doing now, simply because I don’t believe that the statistics always give the whole picture.
In the Seahawks’ 16–6 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12, he recorded 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, and four quarterbacks. Williams has seven sacks and 20 quarterback hits so far this season, and with five games left, he’s easily on track to surpass his single-season career highs in both categories.
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