The Seattle Seahawks are on an upward trajectory, and Aaron Schatz's 2026 Football Almanac highlights their strengths and areas for improvement. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Offense: A Well-Oiled Machine
The Seahawks' passing game in 12 personnel sets was a force to be reckoned with, averaging 9.3 adjusted net yards per pass attempt, third-best in the NFL. This is a significant improvement from the previous year's heavy reliance on 11 personnel, which yielded less desirable results. The shift in strategy under Klint Kubiak is paying off, and the expectation is that Brian Fleury will continue to utilize these formations effectively.
Play action was a key differentiator for Seattle, with Sam Darnold showcasing his lethal passing skills when utilizing play action. The stark contrast between play action and non-play action passing is impressive, with Seattle averaging over 10 yards per play action pass, the best in the league. This highlights the importance of strategic play calling and the quarterback's ability to read defenses.
Health played a pivotal role in Seattle's offensive success. The team suffered fewer long-term injuries to key players compared to other teams, with only Charles Cross and Jalen Sundell missing multiple weeks. This is a testament to the coaching staff's ability to manage the roster and keep the offense on the field.
The Seahawks also excelled at breaking tackles and making people miss, with Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba leading the charge. This is a significant improvement from previous years, where the team struggled with this aspect of the game. The low number of running back screens used (10) is also a positive, indicating a more dynamic and creative approach to offense.
Sam Darnold's performance was a bright spot, as he ranked eighth-lowest among starting quarterbacks in knockdowns, with a low knockdown rate of 11.7%. This is a significant improvement from previous years, where Seahawks quarterbacks often took beatings behind a shaky offensive line. The line's performance was also notable, with no player ranking in the top 20 in pressures allowed, and Abe Lucas leading the way at his position.
Defense: A Force to Be Reckoned With
The Seahawks' defense was a standout performer, with three of the 15 best coverage corners by DVOA. Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Josh Jobe formed a formidable trio, with Woolen narrowly ahead of Witherspoon. This is a significant improvement from previous years, where the secondary struggled.
The edge group was also a strength, with DeMarcus Lawrence leading the way in defeats, pressures, and QB hits. Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II were dominant in the interior, with 39 pressures and top-20 rankings in run stop rate. This tandem was an unsolvable puzzle for opposing offenses.
Nick Emmanwori, a nickel safety, led the secondary in defeats and had a strong coverage DVOA ranking. His performance is a sign of the team's ability to adapt and find success with versatile players.
However, the defense was penalized frequently, with Josh Jobe tied for fourth-most flags against among all defensive players. This is an area for improvement, as penalties can be costly in games.
Special Teams: Consistency is Key
The Seahawks' special teams unit has been consistently strong for several seasons, with Michael Dickson and Jason Myers at the top of their game. Dickson's gross punt value over average was +8.3, the best in the NFL, indicating a high level of accuracy and efficiency.
Jason Myers, the NFL's leading scorer, was second in gross kickoff value and first in net points. This consistency in special teams is a testament to the coaching staff's attention to detail and the players' execution.
In conclusion, the Seattle Seahawks are on a positive trajectory, with a strong offense, a dominant defense, and a consistently strong special teams unit. The team's ability to adapt and improve is a sign of a well-run organization, and the future looks bright for the franchise.
