Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen has shown significant improvement in his performance during recent games. Originally facing trade speculation earlier this season due to a difficult start, the Seahawks chose to retain the 6-foot-4 cornerback through the trade deadline. This decision appears to be beneficial as Woolen has elevated his play on the field.
Riq Woolen’s Performance Metrics
Since Week 5, Woolen has made remarkable strides in his performance metrics. According to Pro Football Focus, he currently ranks 19th out of 100 cornerbacks. Key statistics for Woolen during this period include:
- Limited opposing quarterbacks to 17 completions out of 34 attempts.
- Allowed only 139 passing yards and one touchdown.
- Achieved 4.1 yards per target.
- Recorded five pass breakups.
- Committed only one penalty.
This marks a stark contrast to his performance in the first four weeks of the season, where he ranked 97th among cornerbacks. During that time, he allowed 10 catches on 15 targets for 145 yards, one touchdown, and an average of 9.7 yards per target. He had only one pass breakup and was penalized six times, the highest on his team.
Factors Contributing to Improvement
Analysts, including NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, have suggested several reasons for Woolen’s turnaround. Jeremiah noted that Woolen is now playing with greater competitiveness and physicality, which is vital for a cornerback. His improvement can be attributed to:
- Being stronger and more assertive during plays.
- A noticeable increase in his competitive edge at the catch point.
- A return of his swagger, reflected in his celebratory demeanor after plays.
This shift in mindset and technique has been a significant factor in his enhanced performance.
Upcoming Challenges for the Seahawks
As the season progresses, the Seahawks look to leverage Woolen’s improvement in their upcoming games. The team is set to face several tough opponents, including the Minnesota Vikings. With Woolen’s uplifted performance as part of their defensive strategy, the Seahawks aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
Fans and analysts alike are keen to see how Riq Woolen will continue to evolve as a player in the 2023 NFL season.
