Packers may have just sealed a longtime starter's fate with brutal benching
It took a year longer than anticipated and a whirlwind of positional changes to get there, but Jordan Morgan has finally broken into the Green Bay Packers' starting lineup.
Is he a tackle? A guard? Until now, his primary position has been sitting on the bench as the first reserve wherever the Packers needed him. The left or right tackle goes down? Bring in Morgan. The Packers need guard help? Morgan. It's surprising he didn't catch passes or call plays.
Now, when the Arizona product introduces himself at parties, he can proudly say: Jordan Morgan, starting right guard for the Green Bay Packers. But where that leaves Sean Rhyan is a different conversation altogether.
Packers finally promoted Jordan Morgan but doomed Sean Rhyan to an inevitable exit
On Sunday, the Packers notably had Morgan start ahead of Rhyan. There was some rotation early on, but it soon became Morgan's job, as he played 49 snaps to Rhyan's 12.
And Morgan delivered. Per Pro Football Focus, the second-year pro didn't give up a single sack, and he allowed just one hurry. He also secured his second-best run-blocking grade of the season.
Morgan's promotion doesn't just relegate Rhyan to the bench but likely signals his inevitable departure. The former third-round pick is among a long list of 2026 free agents, and the Packers will have plenty of other priorities.
They reportedly have interest in re-signing Romeo Doubs, which could drain any resources they planned to use on extending other contracts.
It's not all that surprising that the Packers made the right guard switch. Rhyan's performances haven't met expectations, and Morgan offers more long-term upside, but there hasn't been a night-and-day difference between the two.
By PFF's count, Morgan has allowed more pressures (11) than Rhyan (10) this season, with each giving up a sack. However, Morgan has the better pass-blocking grade.
Morgan endured a nightmare in Week 3, giving up three penalties while surrendering three pressures and a sack. In his defense, the Packers put him in an unfamiliar position at right tackle before shifting him to left guard, which requires an entirely different approach and technique.
Still, the Packers used their bye week to make an important decision. Morgan is their future, and the starting job is finally his. Is he their eventual left tackle, or is this his permanent home?
Like Morgan's entire Packers career to this point, that's an unanswered question. For now, though, he has earned his spot at right guard, while Rhyan likely needs to start thinking about his inevitable exit.
Seahawks Safety Coby Bryant Thanks Mike Macdonald for Calling Him Out
Following some missed tackles a week ago, Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant was called out in a team meeting and he said he is grateful for that.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported Sunday that Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald called out Bryant in a team meeting on Monday, saying he expected better tackling from his best players.
Bryant went on miss zero tackles in Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and had a team-high Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 86.9.
“That’s what we need, honesty,” Bryant said of being called out. “It was much needed, and I’m thankful for that.”
Mike Macdonald called out Coby Bryant in a team meeting last Monday, expecting better tackling from one of his best players.
Message received, by Bryant and the rest of the defense.
“That’s what we need, honesty,” Bryant said. “It was much needed, and I’m thankful for that.”
Seattle Defense Dominated Against Jaguars
Bryant recorded seven tackles, including two for loss, helping lead a stout Seattle defense that limited Jacksonville to just 12 points.
Despite a depleted secondary and multiple injuries in the front seven, Seattle’s defense turned in a dominant performance—recording seven sacks, stifling the Jaguars’ rushing attack, and reaffirming its status as one of the league’s top defensive units.
The front four, anchored by DeMarcus Lawrence and Byron Murphy II, controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game, consistently collapsing the pocket and keeping Trevor Lawrence under duress.
Murphy, who notched just half a sack as a rookie last season, has already tallied 4.5 through six games, while Lawrence continues to set the tone up front in his first year following a decade in Dallas.
The impact was clear: Jacksonville mustered only 59 rushing yards on 19 carries, with standout back Travis Etienne Jr. limited to 27 yards on 12 attempts.
GettyJACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 12: Head coach Mike MacDonald of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the game at EverBank Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
Mike Macdonald Brings Forward Stealthy Defense Despite Injuries
Through six weeks, the Seahawks boast one of the NFL’s stingiest run defenses, ranking second in rushing yards allowed per game (79) and fourth overall in total rushing yards allowed (474), trailing only Houston, Atlanta, and Green Bay.
Seattle also sits inside the top 10 in scoring defense, surrendering just 19.5 points per game—nearly identical to the marks posted by Minnesota and Indianapolis.
That blend of balance and physicality is exactly what the Seahawks envisioned when they hired Mike Macdonald last winter. The former Ravens defensive coordinator arrived with a proven scheme built on hybrid fronts and disguised pressures, and it’s now beginning to take full effect.
Despite a wave of injuries across all three levels of the defense—Devin Witherspoon (knee), Riq Woolen (concussion), and Julian Love (hamstring) among them, with veterans Derick Hall, Johnathan Hankins, and Rylie Mills still sidelined—the unit hasn’t wavered. Depth contributors like Ty Okada, Coby Bryant, and Josh Jobe have stepped in seamlessly, preserving Seattle’s defensive identity.
Resilience has become the defining trait of Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks — and his defense exemplifies it each week. Despite ongoing roster turnover, Seattle continues to control the tempo, dominate the line of scrimmage, and shut down opposing run games.
Once the secondary returns to full strength, Macdonald’s unit has the potential to stand among the NFC’s elite. At 4–2, the Seahawks’ ceiling keeps climbing — and their defense is leading the way.
Next week, Seattle hosts the Houston Texans on “Monday Night Football,” Oct. 20.
