The Seattle Seahawks entered Wednesday's Week 1 matchup with the New England Patriots shorthanded in the secondary. Starting safeties Nick Emmanwori and Ty Okada both missed the Super Bowl LX rematch through injury. It was cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett who stepped up in Emmanwori's vacant role as the nickel/No. 3 cornerback.
Pritchett notched a big-time interception in the 13-10 win. The former Auburn standout played a healthy 53 defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus credited Pritchett with allowing just three receptions for 18 yards. He earned an elite coverage grade of 85.3, with a pass breakup and the aforementioned interception.
The Seahawks spent the offseason worried about their third cornerback spot after losing Riq Woolen to free agency.
They recently signed Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs to the practice squad, but he wasn't elevated for Week 1, as they feel he needs more time. Terrion Arnold was also signed to a contract despite facing some off-field legal trouble due to serious allegations.
Pritchett found himself in an unexpected spot due to Emmanwori and Okada being sidelined. The 2024 fifth-round pick took complete advantage of his opportunity to enter Mike Macdonald's defensive lineup. Pritchett was excellent, and it possibly earned him more snaps moving forward.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Nehemiah Pritchett makes strong bid for Seahawks' CB3 job in Week 1
