Devon Witherspoon reveals blitzing strategy
The Seattle Seahawks created a defense clinic in beating the New England Patriots during Super Bowl. Devon Witherspoon joined the blitz-happy offense on display at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
The young cornerback discovered a blitzing strategy on his own that disrupted a high-powered offense after the game.
“We had a good story about what they like to do and how they like to play, plus how they like to attack us,” Witherspoon began, via Kirk Morrison of Sirius XM Radio. “Our coach put us in the best position to win.”
But here’s how Mike Macdonald set up Witherspoon and the defense to wreak havoc.
Devon Witherspoon part of a brilliant blitz execution with the Seahawks
The star cornerback in the making, considered one of the league’s best players, carefully scanned the offensive line before making the blitz calls.
“We had information about their guards and the moves they like to set up, and they don’t jump on certain drives,” Witherspoon explained. “They don’t fall for certain moves. We caught that today.”
Witherspoon broke free during this moment-killer for the Patriots: He crashed into Drake Mayo to force a fumble. Edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu turned in six points and the proverbial dagger.
SEHAWKS DEFENSE OH MY GOD 🔪
Devon Witherspoon forces Drake May to fumble and Uchena Nwosu returns it 45 yards for a defensive touchdown 😱
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 9, 2026
Here’s how McDonald’s eyes and brain played a role in the blitz strategy on the defensive touchdown: He sends Witherspoon to the side where there is no tight end. May’s back blocking is also disrupted by an oncoming rush between center and tackle — freeing Witherspoon to hit May.
Seattle turned to him on 22% of his blitzes according to ESPN NFL analyst Benjamin Solak. He even came unblocked four times — including that forced fumble. The past five are proof that MacDonald believes his secondary will do more than cover. But to add blitz schemes for a second-year head coach as well.
Witherspoon admitted he felt the defense let up a bit after allowing two late Patriots touchdowns.
“But we are a group of guys that will fight and go after you … and shoot the lights out,” Witherspoon said.
The former Illinois CB has arrived via the Russell Wilson trade in March 2022. Witherspoon became one of the integral reasons why “The Dark Side” hovered over New England.
2026-02-10 00:40:00
