Saturday’s 16-3 triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers marked Mike MacDonald’s first win as the Seahawks head coach. The game offered promising signs that Seattle’s defense is heading in the right direction.
Improvement in the Front Seven
Photo Cred: Photo Cred: USATS
Seattle’s defense struggled significantly last season, particularly against the run. In 2023, the Seahawks allowed nearly 140 rushing yards per game and an average of 4.6 yards per carry, ranking them among the worst in the NFL. However, Saturday’s game provided hope for a turnaround. The Seahawks limited the Chargers to just 77 rushing yards and 4.3 yards per carry. Moreover, Seattle’s defense showed marked improvement on third downs, where they had previously struggled.
In 2023, the Seahawks allowed opponents to convert over 46% of third downs, contributing to an average time of possession of just under 27 minutes—dead last in the league. Seattle held the Chargers to just 2-of-13 on third downs (a 15% success rate). This efficiency allowed the Seahawks’ offense to control the game, resulting in a time of possession of over 39 minutes, nearly doubling the Chargers’ time on the field. If this trend continues, the Seahawks could lead the league in average time of possession.
A Bunch of Ball Hawks
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Seattle’s secondary has been bolstered by savvy draft picks like Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Coby Bryant. On Saturday, they continued to make their mark. Although Woolen played only a few drives, he allowed no completions and nearly secured an interception. Coby Bryant, in particular, stood out with an interception and nearly had another.
Bryant, who has had to adapt from cornerback to safety and overcome a toe injury, attributed his performance to the rigorous practices under Coach MacDonald. “I feel like Coach Mike (MacDonald) challenges us really hard in practice, which helps us perform better in games,” said Bryant in a press conference.
Seattle’s secondary will need to maintain this level of play to improve upon their 2023 performance, where they ranked poorly in passing yards allowed. The Seahawks’ preseason success was evident as they limited the Chargers to just 121 passing yards and no touchdowns.
Byron Murphy II’s Debut
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Byron Murphy II, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft, made an immediate impact in his NFL debut. Murphy II recorded a tackle for loss and came close to a sack. Despite his strong performance, he acknowledged areas for improvement. “It’s a learning experience. Finishing plays is something I need to work on,” Murphy II said post-game.
Seattle hopes Murphy II’s debut is a sign of the dominant presence he will bring to the Seahawks’ front seven, potentially transforming their defensive line into a formidable force.
