The latest fine announcements for the league brought the biggest blow to the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks didn’t just lose 38-35 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; defensive end Leonard Williams’ unnecessary roughness late in the third quarter landed him the largest fine from the NFL’s game day accountability.

Not one, but three simultaneous flags flew up against Williams for unnecessary roughness. The play was already over at the time. With less than a minute left in the third quarter, Williams headbutted Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton in the end zone. Following the incident, the league has fined Williams a whopping $46,371.

Williams and Otton had been “going at it all day,” as the commentators put it. And this headbutt now leaves Williams’ wallet considerably lighter than before. Against the Bucs Williams had logged a single solo tackle (4 in total). But his dominant physicality in the games have now started to hint at a larger trend. This is notably his second NFL fine already in the 2023 season.

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In their 44-13 blowout win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3, Williams had gotten flagged for another unnecessary roughness penalty in the second quarter. That penalty also came with a five-figure price tag of $23,186.

Going into Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Williams will have to be more mindful of these flags, or risk piling up even more fines. As for the Seahawks’ defense itself, Williams has issued a strong warning that could translate well for the team overall.

Leonard Williams’ demand from the Seahawks’ defense

Following their Week 5 heartbreak at the hands of Tampa Bay, the disappointment was palpable. And it was evident in the Seahawks’ defense more than anything else. Speaking about the Week 5 loss, Williams noted that “it wasn’t up to our standard.” He also shed light on what the defensive plans are going forward.

“So we’re just trying to hold each other accountable. Not really point fingers at specific players, but just point fingers at the problem. We felt like we didn’t tackle well enough. … didn’t pursue the ball well enough. We see that offenses are attacking us with screen plays, and that’s something that we’re gonna have to get better at.”

Right now, the Seahawks land mid-range in the defensive rankings across the board. In sharp contrast, the Jaguars’ offense under quarterback Trevor Lawrence feels like it’s firing on all cylinders. They’re gritty and hungry to make plays and bring home wins. If the Seahawks’ defense can match that energy, bring more tackles on the board, and stop the Jags from scoring, their Tampa Bay heartbreak might just become a small snag in their 2025 journey. If not, they risk spiraling out of contention, no matter how well Seattle’s offense plays.