Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is standing by Devon Witherspoon’s role at nickel cornerback despite questions following Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Witherspoon’s positioning became a talking point after San Francisco won 32-29 at Lumen Field. Receiver Mike Evans recorded 113 receiving yards, prompting questions about whether Seattle should move Witherspoon outside to help contain opposing wideouts.
Macdonald, however, remains convinced that Witherspoon is most valuable inside. The Seahawks coach described him as an elite nickel player and indicated that his responsibilities would not change for now.
The decision reflects the demands of Seattle’s defensive scheme. Witherspoon’s work inside helps the team defend the run, disrupt screens and create pressure, making his role about more than covering slot receivers.
Witherspoon also contributed against San Francisco, recording seven tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defended, according to the supplied statistics. Those numbers highlight his activity even as Seattle struggled to contain the 49ers’ passing attack.
Moving him outside might offer a different matchup against opposing receivers, but it could also weaken Seattle’s interior defense. Macdonald appears unwilling to sacrifice Witherspoon’s impact inside simply to answer criticism after one defeat.
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Seahawks are now 3-2 following the loss, while the 49ers remain unbeaten at 5-0. Seattle will need improvements across its defense to keep pace in the competitive NFC West.
The next test comes against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, according to the supplied report. Their offense will give Seattle another opportunity to show whether its current defensive alignment can hold up.
For Macdonald, the message is clear: Witherspoon’s value extends beyond the boundary. Rather than reshuffling his role after a frustrating result, the coach is backing the young defender to keep making an impact where Seattle believes he fits best.
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