Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald jokingly nominated punter Michael Dickson as honorary player of the game after he was unavailable in the fourth quarter, which led to a key fourth-down conversion. However, Macdonald was serious when he highlighted Leonard Williams as a candidate for NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Williams, the veteran defensive tackle, put on a stellar performance in the Seahawks’ 26-21 victory over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, marking his second consecutive dominant outing. His performance was highlighted by a historic 92-yard interception return for a touchdown, the longest pick-six ever by a defensive lineman in NFL history, according to ESPN Research.
Williams’ remarkable interception occurred during a critical moment in the second quarter, as the Jets were threatening to extend a 21-7 lead. With the Jets facing a third-and-7 from the Seattle 9-yard line, Macdonald called a defensive play that saw Williams, typically positioned as a nose tackle, drop into coverage.
He intercepted a short pass from Aaron Rodgers to Garrett Wilson, tipped it with his left hand, and then caught it in stride. Williams, listed at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, showcased his agility by breaking a tackle and racing untouched down the left sideline, setting an NFL record for a defensive tackle’s longest interception return.
Despite the surprise of the play, Williams, a 30-year-old defensive lineman, credited his success to a fortunate bounce that allowed him the time to catch the ball and make a play. As he sprinted downfield, Williams considered pitching the ball to someone else but decided against it as his teammates, including cornerback Devon Witherspoon, ran alongside him in support.
He reached a top speed of 17.8 mph, the fastest by any defensive lineman on any play since the 2022 season. It was a moment of pride for Williams, though he was too winded to celebrate properly, opting instead to lie down after the play and catch his breath.
Williams’ performance didn’t end with the pick-six. He also registered two sacks, and three tackles for loss, and blocked a PAT. His efforts were crucial in securing Seattle’s third straight win, giving them sole possession of first place in the NFC West with a 7-5 record. Seahawks safety Julian Love praised Williams’ remarkable athleticism, noting that despite some great blocks, no one would have caught him on the return. Williams’ performance stood out as one of the best in the league, and Macdonald echoed that sentiment, describing Williams as “playing out of his mind” and at an “elite level.”
The game also saw a controversial turn of events when Williams, frustrated at not receiving the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award the previous week, seemed to play with a chip on his shoulder. He had felt deserving of the honor after his 2.5-sack performance against the Arizona Cardinals but was overshadowed by teammate Coby Bryant, who won the award after his own pick-six. Motivated by this snub, Williams made his statement with the historic interception, reaffirming his status as a key player for the Seahawks.
Seattle acquired Williams in a trade before the 2022 season, sending a package that included a second-round pick to the New York Giants. They later re-signed him in March to a three-year, $64.5 million contract, making him the highest-paid defensive player in franchise history.
His recent performances have justified the hefty investment. Despite battling through a foot injury, Williams has accumulated seven sacks in 11 games this season, alongside 10 tackles for loss and his pick-six. He ranks third among interior defenders in pass rush win rate, playing a pivotal role in Seattle’s defensive turnaround over the past four games.
Williams’ contributions were critical in the Seahawks’ win, as he helped to shut down the Jets’ final drive, securing two sacks in the process. Despite being flagged for a face mask penalty in the first quarter, he remained a constant presence in the Jets’ backfield. His defensive dominance has made him a key figure in Seattle’s recent success. The Seahawks’ defense, bolstered by Williams, has been playing at a higher level, and Macdonald stated that he believes there’s no one performing better in the NFL at the moment than Williams.
The victory was not without its challenges for Seattle, particularly on special teams. Punter Michael Dickson left the game in the fourth quarter with back spasms, leaving Seattle’s special teams in disarray. Coach Macdonald faced a tough decision in the fourth quarter when Seattle was down 21-19 and faced a fourth-and-6 from their own 33-yard line. Opting not to have place-kicker Jason Myers punt, Macdonald elected to go for it. A penalty on the Jets moved the ball to fourth-and-1, and then a defensive pass interference call on the Jets extended the drive, which culminated in Zach Charbonnet’s 8-yard game-winning touchdown run.
Quarterback Geno Smith, who orchestrated his eighth game-winning drive since last season, praised the team’s resilience during the chaotic game. Despite the craziness of the first half, including multiple turnovers and special teams mistakes, Smith credited the team’s leadership and cohesion for their ability to weather the storm.
Williams’ game-changing play was a turning point, and the Seahawks’ defense, led by Williams, helped close out the game and secure the win. Williams was unaware during the postgame interview that his pick-six had set an NFL record, but he was clearly pleased with the historic achievement, responding with a proud “History, baby.”
