The Seattle Seahawks (3-1) are gearing up for a strong comeback after an early bye week as they prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) on Sunday, October 15.
The Bengals faced a challenging start to the season, with quarterback Joe Burrow battling through a calf injury. However, Burrow provided some reassurance to reporters on October 11, stating that he’s “feeling good” as they head into Week 6 and is the closest he’s been to a full recovery.
A healthy Burrow’s return bodes well for his top wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, who’s looking to replicate his outstanding performance against the Arizona Cardinals last week. Chase delivered a spectacular display with 15 receptions for 192 yards and three touchdowns.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf offered praise for Chase’s exceptional talent during a press conference on Wednesday, commending him as “a great receiver” and highlighting his remarkable catching abilities. Metcalf acknowledged Chase’s accomplishments in his first three years in the league.
Nevertheless, he anticipates that cornerback Devon Witherspoon, the Seahawks’ No. 5 overall pick from the 2023 NFL draft, will present a formidable challenge for Chase.
Metcalf added, “It’ll be fun to watch Sunday, but I think ‘Spoon will get the best of him.”
In a recent development, Chase was named the AFC’s Player of the Week following his stellar performance against the Cardinals, while Witherspoon received recognition as the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week for his dominant showing against the New York Giants before the bye week.
In only his third NFL game, Witherspoon tallied an impressive seven tackles, three quarterback hits, two sacks, and a remarkable 97-yard pick-six late in the third quarter.
While Witherspoon began the season as the left cornerback, a series of injuries prompted a position shift as he played in the nickel slot against the Giants, with Mike Jackson taking on left cornerback duties. This strategic adjustment proved highly effective for the team.
With Artie Burns (hamstring) and Coby Bryant (toe) still unable to practice on Wednesday, Witherspoon is expected to remain in the slot while Riq Woolen takes on the role of right cornerback. Consequently, the responsibility of containing Chase will largely rest on Witherspoon’s shoulders.
The New Tribune reported that Chase primarily lined up on the left side of the offense against Arizona, which is the area defended by Woolen as Seattle’s right cornerback. Woolen expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge, stating, “Any time you go against a receiver that is considered high-caliber, I feel like it’s a great competition for me because I feel that’s how I’ll get better in my career, too.”
Woolen believes that facing off against Chase will sharpen his skills and make him a better defender against any opponent he encounters. He looks forward to the matchup and anticipates a competitive and enjoyable contest.
