The Seattle Seahawks are taking a different approach to captains this season, opting for weekly game captains as opposed to season-long captains. Head coach Mike Macdonald believes this strategy allows for a more diverse range of players to assume leadership roles and gain valuable experience. This week, starting center Connor Williams gets captain duties against his former team, the Miami Dolphins. Williams was Miami’s center for two seasons before signing with Seattle in August. He’ll be joined by last week’s hero Jason Myers and star cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
How Are Seahawks Captains Determined?
When asked about his process for selecting captains, Coach Macdonald explained that there is no secret formula. “It’s a combination of guys who are doing a great job, guys who are trying to build up and give an opportunity to have a voice with the rest of the team, guys you want to recognize that deserve an opportunity to do those things. So, that’s really the thought behind it. It’s pretty much that simple. The guys know who the leaders are. You don’t need the title to be the leader of the team, but it’s important to build everybody else up I think.”
Connor Williams – A Perfect Captain Candidate
Connor Williams is a natural choice for captaincy against the Dolphins. He spent the previous two campaigns (2022-23) with the Dolphins after signing a two-year contract worth $14 million during the 2022 free agency period. Unfortunately, the Dolphins didn’t show interest in retaining his services after he suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 14 last year. This is precisely why coach Macdonald prefers the weekly captains approach. It offers Williams an opportunity to serve as a captain versus a familiar opponent. Williams’ familiarity with the Dolphins’ schemes and personnel will be a valuable asset for the Seahawks, providing insights that could help them secure a victory.
Devon Witherspoon – A Rising Star
Devon Witherspoon is another key player on the Seahawks’ roster. Witherspoon is an emerging superstar, and his captaincy selection is no surprise, particularly given that he hails from Pensacola, Florida. Witherspoon has totaled 14 tackles and one pass breakup so far this season. The 2023 first-round draft pick has made a significant impact on the Seahawks defense, showcasing his talent and leadership qualities. The Seahawks are excited to see what he can accomplish as he continues to gain experience in the NFL.
Jason Myers – A Veteran Leader
Jason Myers is the longest-tenured Seahawks player among the three captains, having first joined the franchise in 2019. He’s a perfect five-of-five on field goal attempts this season with a long of 50. He’s also converted 100% of his extra point opportunities. Myers, a two-time Pro Bowler and 2022 NFL scoring leader, is an established veteran in Macdonald’s locker room. His reliable kicking skills and experience make him a crucial asset for the Seahawks, particularly in close games.
Looking Ahead
As the Seahawks prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Dolphins, their choice of captains highlights the team’s commitment to fostering leadership and recognizing the contributions of individual players. The Seahawks are confident that their captains will inspire their teammates and lead them to a successful season. With the Dolphins providing a tough test, the Seahawks will need all the leadership they can get to secure another victory.
