Earlier this season, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Rick Woolen was the subject of much trade speculation amid a poor start that caused him to slide down a spot on the team’s depth chart.
But ultimately, the Seahawks held on to the talented 6-foot-4 corner at the league’s trade deadline.
This decision certainly seems to be beneficial, as Woolen has played much better in recent times.
Jeremiah: Seahawks’ JSN is beating defense ‘in every way’
Since Week 5, Woolen ranked 19th out of 100 cornerbacks in the Pro Football Focus grading. During that span, they have limited opposing quarterbacks to 17 of 34 passing for 139 yards, one touchdown and just 4.1 yards per target, per PFF. He has five pass breakups and only one penalty in that span.
This is a big change from the beginning of this season. Through the first four weeks, Woolen was ranked 97th out of 100 cornerbacks in PFF grading and had 10 catches on 15 targets for 145 yards, one TD and 9.7 yards per target. In those first four weeks, he had only one pass breakup and committed a team-high six penalties.
What’s changed for wool? NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah was asked this question during his weekly appearance on Seattle Sports’ Brock & Salk.
“He’s playing more competitively,” Jeremiah said. “I think there’s more of a physical edge to the way he’s playing. … It’s being strong and tenacious at the catch point down the field — a little stickier, a little more competitive.
“And I also like that when he makes plays, you see him celebrate a little bit. He’s got a little bit of swag back, which as a corner I think is definitely needed. So it’s been a great sight to see. … He’s been much better.”
Listen to the entire conversation with NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah at this link or in the audio player below the story. Tune in to Brock and Salk weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports App.
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