Murphy II Ranks Among Top Interior Defenders

Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has recorded 21 defensive stops this season, second among interior defenders.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman in navy and green mid-lunge at the line, with Chicago Bears navy and orange in the blurred background. — Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has recorded 21 defensive stops this season, second among interior defenders, including a Week 8 showing against the Chicago Bears. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has recorded 21 defensive stops this season, the second-most among interior defenders. His performance in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears drew attention.

Why it matters

Murphy's production against both the run and the pass highlights his contribution to Seattle's defensive front. His stats offer a measure of interior defensive impact in the Seahawks' home city.

Murphy has recorded three sacks, six quarterback hits, and five tackles for loss this season. Simmons leads NFL defensive tackles with 23 stops, while Murphy ranks second among interior defenders with 21.

The players

Byron Murphy II

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle who has emerged as one of the league's productive interior pass rushers and run defenders this season.

Jeffery Simmons

Chicago Bears defensive tackle who leads NFL defensive tackles in defensive stops this season.

Pro Football Focus

Sports analytics company that tracks detailed player performance metrics across the NFL.

The details

Murphy has made plays against both the pass and the run, according to Pro Football Focus tracking. His Week 8 performance against the Chicago Bears was notable within the Seahawks defensive front.

Week 8: Murphy's strong performance against the Chicago Bears.
This season: Murphy's 21 defensive stops and other defensive statistics.

Season Trajectory

Murphy's production places him among the league's leading interior defenders, a group whose stop totals are tracked closely by Pro Football Focus. His early-season numbers could influence how Seattle's defensive front is evaluated against playoff competition.

Murphy's 21 stops and six quarterback hits matter for fantasy rosters and for understanding which Seahawks interior defenders are driving the defensive front. Readers tracking defensive production can use these season totals to compare him with other interior linemen.

The takeaway

Interior defensive tackle production is measurable through stops, sacks, and pressures, and Murphy's season offers a clear example. Comparing these totals across the league helps readers judge which players are shaping defensive results.