On Tuesday, Sam Darnold and the offense took some deep shots down the field with Riq Woolen in coverage – a couple to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and one to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. On all of those, they ended up being incompletions. Though it seemed like Darnold and the offense were targeting Woolen's side of the field, he didn't see it that way.
"I'm guarding one of the best receivers in the league, which is Jaxon [Smith-Njigba]. And of course, they're going to try to get him the ball and it is my job to prevent him from getting the ball. So other than that, I was just doing my job protecting the deep ball and that's what I did."
Even though Woolen said he was just doing his job, it's still worth noting, nonetheless. And coach Mike Macdonald can tell the extra effort by Woolen is paying off.
"I think he's having a tremendous camp," Macdonald said. "All the things that we're challenging him to do, he does. He's there every day. You guys know he's a great spirit and he is the same guy every day. He brings a lot of energy to the room, some kind of lightness to everything, some brevity on how he operates, but I think also he's one of those guys where he's also hungry to kind get to the next level too with his game and we're challenging him as coaches doing that, but it's a team effort. But I think he's having a great camp."
The work to seeing improvement in his game started in the offseason where Woolen knew he wanted to be, "more consistent in my techniques, whenever I'm in off and whenever I'm in press."
He worked on, "having good feet this offseason and just having great eyes and being patient."
The work he did in the offseason to be better in press coverage involved lots of work with his trainer and also through ladder drills. "Now that I know the defense, I know what's being asked of me. I know that I got pressed a lot. That's the most I've pressed in my career and I did well at it, but I just wanted to be more consistent at it. And whenever I do play off, I want to be more consistent in that as well."
Macdonald and company know that when Woolen is playing at his best, he is a force on the defense and creates problems for opposing offenses. In his best season, his rookie year, he earned his first Pro Bowl after a season that saw him post 17 starts, tied for a league high six interceptions, had 16 passes defensed and was named to the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie Team.
Woolen has proven that he has what it takes to be great at what he does, and earlier this offseason, coach Mike Macdonald said, "If he sat right here, he'd just tell you play-to-play focus on the checklist of what you need to do, play-in, play-out. Riq had a heck of an offseason last year. I'm really excited about him. We all know what his strengths are, but when he's at his best, he really unlocks our defense, because he takes away the side of the field. We can push coverage away from him, so we're really excited about it, but we have to work together. Him and us as a coaching staff, make it come to life every day and then that's when the best version comes alive."
This training camp, Woolen's showed off his ability to be that best version.
Being familiar with the kind of defense Macdonald is running will "most definitely," help Woolen see more consistency in the way he plays but he knows it takes more than just knowing the defense.
"I just got to be more locked in myself," he said. "Football is more mental than physical if anything, and I'm physically gifted with everything that God gave me. It's just more mental than anything.
"I've been just trying to get better every day, trying to find something better to get better at each day and then just being a great teammate.
The Seahawks participated in a practice in front of the 12s on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Bryce Cabeldue (77) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Isas Waxter (36) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Marshall Lang (49) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Anthony Tyus III (35) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Kam Alexander (35) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) and long snapper Zach Triner (43) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Sataoa Laumea (63) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole (57) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks coach Leslie Frazier with Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde with linebacker Derick Hall (58), linebacker Boye Mafe (53) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Kam Alexander (35) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff (50) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyreke Smith (59) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Tyler Hall (33) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and safety Ty Okada (39) at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Michael Dowell (44) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver John Rhys Plumlee (17) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and running back Anthony Tyus III (35) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) and linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Bubba Thomas (69) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) and linebacker Jamie Sheriff (50) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34), cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) and defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy at practice on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on August 5, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
