Seahawks bench Pro Bowl CB to start ‘Monday Night Football’

Dec 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reacts against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Seahawks sent a message to Pro Bowl cornerback Riq Woolen on Monday night.

Seattle benched Woolen for two possessions to begin their “Monday Night Football” contest against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. He was replaced at cornerback by Michael Jackson.

ESPN announcers Joe Buck and Troy Aikman made note of the benching and pointed out that Woolen had been beaten for a touchdown the previous week on a play-action pass by the 49ers.

Pete Carroll rarely calls out his players, but he did so after his defense blew some plays in a 28-16 Week 14 loss to San Francisco, including the aforementioned play-action touchdown pass to George Kittle. Carroll called out Woolen and Jamal Adams for not defending some of the Niners’ plays well.

Carroll likely used the benching as a tool to get Woolen’s attention.

Woolen had six interceptions as a rookie last season. The former fifth-round draft pick finished third in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award voting in 2022.