The Seattle Seahawks are preparing for a major test against the Las Vegas Raiders as they look to build on their defensive success. Seattle now has a different challenge heading into Sunday’s matchup after the Raiders traded Kirk Cousins.
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will make his first NFL start after Las Vegas moved on from Cousins. Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II believes Seattle's defensive front can make life difficult for the No. 1 overall pick.
“We can get after this guy,” Murphy said Wednesday. “We can get after him, for sure. Obviously, the guy (was) the number-one draft pick. He can make all the throws. But I feel like as a unit, as a defense, and especially as a D-line, we can get after this guy. Especially in the passing game.”
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald also acknowledged that Cousins' departure changes the team's preparation. He wants his defense to apply pressure and force Mendoza to deal with unfamiliar looks in his first professional start.
“We'll focus on us and making sure that we are playing our brand of ball…and try to apply as much pressure as we can on their offense,” Macdonald said.
The Seahawks have several options to create pressure. Murphy leads the team with four sacks, while the defensive front also features Derick Hall, Dante Fowler Jr., Jarran Reed and Rylie Mills.
Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak, who previously served as Seattle's offensive coordinator, believes Mendoza is prepared for the opportunity. He praised the rookie's work in practice and his preparation for the challenge.