2025 Seattle Seahawks in Review

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  • By Anthony Quaranta

    Last Updated on February 5, 2026 3:02 pm by Jon Mosales | Published: February 5, 2026

    The 2024 finished 10-7, good for second in their division but shy of a playoff berth. It was a fine season for first year head coach Mike MacDonald. QB Geno Smith finished 4th in passing yards (4,320) and 13th in passing touchdowns (21). He also finished 3rd in interceptions (15) and was sacked the third most in the NFL (50). All in all, a QBR of 50.4 had him ranked as the QB 21. Overall the offense was 14th in total yards, including being 8th in passing.

    MacDonald decided that he needed to make a change. On March 7, 2025, that change happened. Smith was shipped to Las Vegas, reuniting with newly hired Raiders head coach Pete Carroll in the Sin City. Seattle received third round pick, number 92, in return.

    The internet was buzzing. Smith was coming off a career high in passing yards (4,320), but he also accounted for 15 interceptions, his highest season total since his rookie year. It wasn’t as magical as his breakout campaign in 2022, but certainly more palatable than the 2023 slump. Its not terribly often teams move on from even slightly above average QB play without a plan to improve.  With just Drew Lock in the roster and a perceived streak draft class, the euros was left wondering what in earth was going on in Seattle? The speculation, trade rumors, criticism continued until if happened.

    On March 10, 2025, the Seahawks signed another much maligned veteran journeyman signal caller coming off a career year after an underwhelming start to his career. On March 13, 2025 the Pacific North west introduced their new franchise quarterback, Sam Darnold.

    And then, the criticism continued. Only this time, it was louder. This is the upgrade the upgrade GM John Schneider and his inner circle of decision makers had in mind? We heard all about how Darnold’s breakout was an anomaly, a product of the Vikings system with Kevin O’Connell. The talking heads reminded us of the big game struggles that ended Minnesota’s Cinderella run the year prior. He turned into a pumpkin because he’s always been a pumpkin and he always will be. Just look at his time seeing ghosts with the Jets and bottoming out with the Panthers. It must have been humbling going from third overall pick to backing up Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy in San Francisco. Now, after proving that he can lead a team to the playoffs while playing high caliber ball, the doubters are back.

    Change did not stop there. Three days later on March 13, 2026 out goes DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh for pick 52, 223, and a sixth round swap. Now the chatter is really on. Did the Seattle Seahawks really just make a massive financial commitment to a middling QB and trade his best receiver? The next day they follow that up with signing a largely casted off Cooper Kupp. Could things be trending any lower for this offense?

    Remember that pick the Seahawks got for Geno? Pick 92? Yeah, they used that to draft the electric Alabama QB Jalen Milroe. Immediately following, there was some quick speculation that Milroe would be quick to take over should Darnold slip up. That was quickly put to rest when Lock was announced the QB2 and Milroe would be a work in progress, needing more time to develop beyond the pure athleticism.

    Now lets take a quick look at the defense. In 2024, they finished in the middle of the pack in total defense, passing defense, and rushing defense. For a rookie head coach trying to find his way, this was a good year. For a defense mastermind like Mike MacDonalds, not good enough. The team made three key additions on defense in free agency in edge rusher Demarcus Lawrence, interior defensive lineman Jonathan Hankins, and linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

    Week 1: v. San Francisco 49ers; 17-13 Loss

    This game was not a good look for anyone other than JSN, who notched 9 receptions on 13 targets for 124 yards. Darnold only had 26 passings yards to non-JSN pass catchers, while the dynamic rushing due of Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet underwhelmed with a total of 67 yards. Meanwhile, the defense gave up 277 passing yards and 119 rushing yards. Tough day all around. Record: 0-1 (Division: 0-1)

    Week 2: @ Pittsburgh Steelers; 31-17 Win

    A sluggish first half saw this team go down 14-7 at halftime looking no better than week one. Halfway through the third quarter, Seattle ties the game and starts a 17-0 run before putting it away with a late fourth quarter touchdown. Darnold tossed for almost 300 yards while Walker gets over the century mark for the first time this season. Two interceptions and three sacks are enough to deliver win number one on the season. Record: 1-1 (0-1)

    Week 3: v. New Orleans Saints; 44-13 Win

    This was an absolute undressing of the Saints from top to bottom. The stats offensively don’t paint the picture of a team who scored 44 points because the defense took over, setting Darnold and co. up with great field position all day. Topped off by a Tory Horton punt return touchdown and it was smooth sailing in the Pacific Northwest. Record: 2-1 (0-1)

    Week 4: @ Arizona Cardinals; 23-20 Win

    Heading into the 4th quarter, Seattle had a comfortable 17-6 lead over their division rivals until a late fourth quarter surge almost turned a big win into a bad loss. Thankfully, six sacks and two forced turnovers was enough to stave off the Cards to bring their division record to .500 early on. Record: 3-1 (1-1)

    Week 5: v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers; 38-35 Loss

    A back and forth battle decided late in the fourth quarter, Darnold hits rookie Tory Horton for a touchdown with three and a half minutes left to take the lead. A quick 2 minute drive for Tampa tied it back up with 1:15 left, which leaves plenty of time for Seattle to get into field goal range and kick the game wi— INTERCEPTION?! 58 seconds left and the Buccaneers now have the ball on the edge of field goal range. a 12 yard run by Bucs RB Rachaad White sets up an easy 39-yard field goal to win the game by scoring 10 points in about 75 seconds. Record: 3-2 (1-1)

    Week 6: @ Jacksonville Jaguars; 20-12 Win

    The Seahawks win a relatively mundane game against the Jags, who scored bookend touchdowns to sandwich four scoring drives by Seattle together. JSN sets a career high with 162 receiving yards while Darnold almost hits 300 passing. A season high seven sacks held Jacksonville in check. Record: 4-2 (1-1)

    Week 7: v. Houston Texans; 27-19 Win

    Another one score game that ends in favor of Seattle, who allowed just 285 total yards of offense to the Texans. The run game was the biggest factor here, as we start to see Charbonnet take on a bigger role near the goal line. Both he and Walker rushed for a total of 115 yards. Record: 5-2 (1-1)

    Week 8: Bye; Trade Deadline

    Seattle sits tied atop the NFC West in wins (5) and are looking to make a difference on offense. The Kupp signing hasn’t panned out as well as many hoped, and none of the other pass catching options stepped up in a way that makes you confident. On November 4, 2025, the trade deadline spurred action as the Seahawks send a 4th and 5th round pick to New Orleans for WR/KR Rashid Shaheed.

    Week 9: @ Washington Commanders; 38-14 Win

    Another dog walking that saw Seattle up 31-7 at halftime, there wasn’t a whole lot needed in the second half. Darnold threw for all four of his touchdowns in the first half while ending up with 330 passing yards on the day. Horton, not the newly acquired Shaheed, stepped up and caught two touchdowns in what would end up being his final appearance of the year.  Record: 6-2 (1-1)

    Week 10: v Arizona Cardinals; 44-22 Win

    Unlike week 4’s thriller, this one was a blowout from the start. Seattle scored over 30 points in the first half for the second straight week. This time they were closer to 40 after hanging 38 through 30 minutes of football. five sacks, 10 TFL’s, and two fumble recoveries helped seal the deal. Darnold only needed to throw the ball 12 times for 178 yards and a score, with 5/93/1 of that going to JSN. Feels like he’s going to end up being an offensive player of the year candidate.  Record: 7-2 (2-1)

    Week 11: @ Los Angeles Rams; 21-19 Loss

    What a massive game this was coming into week 11. First place in the division and an inside track to a top seed in the NFC playoff picture are important for both of these franchises. Outside of a pair of first quarter touchdowns for LA, it was largely the Jason Myers show. He connected on four of five attempts including a 57 yarder. A Ken Walker touchdown with about two and half minutes gave Seattle a chance at the end, along with a quick three and out with 1:50 left in the quarter. Darnold led the offense down the field to set up a 61-yard attempt from Myers to win the game. Unfortunately, it was his lone miss in a crushing loss to their division rivals. Dating back to last season with Minnesota, Darnold is now 0-3 against the Rams. Record: 7-3 (2-2)

    Week 12: @ Tennessee Titans; 30-24 Win

    A touchdown drive on the first possession of the second half made this a 23-3 ballgame. Based on the Titans season thus far, this game was in the bag for Seattle. The Titans, however, found a spark through fourth round rookie Chimere Dike’s 90 yard punt return touchdown. A four minute scoring drive for the Seahawks ended up being the difference, despite two more Tennessee touchdowns keeping things interesting. Seattle avoids a trap game and keeps pace with the Rams (9-2) and 49ers (8-4). Record: 8-3 (2-2)

    Week 13: v Minnesota Vikings; 26-0 Win

    SAM DARNOLD REVENGE GAME. With rookie Matt Brosmer getting the mod after JJ McCarthy and Carson Wentz injuries, this was was never in doubt. Four interceptions by the defense, including a pick six, highlighted the shutout effort. Myers capping November with a perfect game, hitting all four field goal attempts. He was named special teams player of the month. The vibes are high. Record: 9-3 (2-2)

    Week 14: @ Atlanta Falcons; 37-9 Win

    A field goal affair in the first half had the score knotted up at 6 apiece. Atlanta kicks it off to Seattle to start the second half, and Rashid Shaheed finally makes an impact as he houses a 100 yard kick return to open the floodgates. It was one of four Seahawks touchdowns scored in the second half en route to a blowout. Record: 10-3 (2-2)

    Week 15: v Indianapolis Colts; 18-16 Win

    The 12th men had to be feeling great heading into this one. Old man Phil Rivers is coming out of a near five year retirement to try and keep the Colts playoff hopes alive. No chance this one goes wrong. The game starts slow and the Colts are up three before Rivers slings a touchdown pass, shocking most fans. All in all, it looks dismal at the break with the Colts leading 13-6. The offense never got anything going, but thanks to SIX Jason Myers field goals, including one at the buzzer, help snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. This would have been an embarrassing one, especially at home. Those vibes from a few weeks ago feel like they are now at an all time low despite still getting the win. It feels like we are about to see the close of a Cinderella run that sees Darnold go back to the pumpkin he has been his whole career. Record: 11-3 (2-2)

    Week 16: V Los Angeles Rams; 38-37 Win

    The vibes are BACK, baby! A game largely dominated by the Rams for three quarters, Seattle turned it on late, scoring 24 points in the 4th quarter and overtime. Despite giving up nearly 600 yards of offense, including 225 receiving yards to Wr Puka Nacua, Sam Darnold and Co were able to do just enough. The game was tied with about 6 and a half minutes left in the 4th, and each team had three possessions. Four ended in punts, Seattle missed a field goal and also had the ball to end regulation on a Darnold sack. The new overtime rules provided an alectric ending. Los Angeles scored a touchdown, but Seattle did as well on their OT possession. Rather than tie and play the “next score wins” game, MacDonalds decides to go for the win right here by attempting a two point conversion. Darnold connects largely unknown Eric Saubert, a reserve tight end, to finally get the Rams monkey off Darnold’s back. Record: 12-3 (3-2)

    Week 17: v. Carolina Panthers; 27-10 Win

    In case you haven’t noticed, there’s been a trend for most of the Panthers season: slow starts. That’s continues here with a dismal first half showing. The road team hit a field goal near the end of 1Q, and the home squad evened it up with 3ish minutes left before half. Then suddenly from the 8:45 minute mark to 5:32 remaining in the third frame Charbonnet runs one in and tight end AJ Barner catches a touchdown from Sam Darnold. That was enough but a couple of late scores extends the victory margin. Record: 13-3 (3-2)

    Week 18: @ San Francisco 49ers; 13-3 Win

    While the Seahawks have clinched a playoff berth by this point, is still incredibly meaningful as Seattle chases the one seed with a win. This was a lackluster game from the start, a defensive struggle. Maybe offensive struggle would be more appropriate seeing as there was a total of 16 points combined. Seattle’s defense only gave up 180 total yards of offense, which is as many rushing yards as the ‘Hawks had in this one. The road to the Super Bowl will run through Seattle. Record: 14-3 (4-2)

    Wildcard Weekend: Bye

    Who would have guess in the preseason that the Seattle freakin’ Seahawks would have the one seed in the NFC? Not I said the cat. They took the skepticism and ran with it, racking up wins from the jump.

    Divisional Round: v. San Francisco 49ers; 41-6 Win

    Another game against the 49ers, Seattle completely suffocated their division foes. Similar to their game two weeks ago, the run game dominated. Walker had 116 yards to lead the crew, with a handful of other’s taking the teams rushing total to 175 yards. There was never any doubt after this one got going; it was a pleasantly easy playoff watch for the Pacific Northwest. Two. More. Wins.

    NFC Championship Game: v. Los Angeles Rams; 31-27 Win

    This game was a battle from the jump. The first quarter saw three scoring drives after the Rams punted on the first possession of the game. Seattle scores a touchdown on their opening possession, which is followed up by Rams and Seahawks field goals on the ensuing two possessions. The end of the first saw a 10-3 Seattle lead heading into the second frame of the contest. The Rams scored a touchdown and field on back to back drives respectively, while Seattle punted in their first two drives of the quarter. An exciting quarter nonetheless saw Seattle go 79 yards on five plays in just 34 seconds, culminating in none other than a Jaxon Smith-Njigba touchdown. The teams head to the locker room with Seattle still up, 17-13. To open the third, somehow the Seahawks gain just 7 yards on seven plays. The team punted it away and and Rams return specialist Xavier Smith muffed it, Seattle Ball! On the very next play, Darnold hits Jake Bobo for a 17 yard strike to open the second half scoring. The Rams answered right back with a 75 yard drive ending in a two yard touchdown pass to the NFL’s touchdown receptions leader Davante Adams. The Seahawks drove the ball down the field monotonously with plays of 3 yards, -2 yards, 12, 11, 9, 12 and 7 yards., along with an incomplete pass. With Seattle sitting on the Rams 13 yard like, Darnold goes to former Rams super bowl champion Cooper Kupp for a much touchdown. The Rams had a nine play drive of their own, ending with Puka Nacua on the receiving end of a 34 yard pass leading to six. Through three, the Seattle still is ahead, 31-27. There wasn’t a whole lot of action in the fourth quarter, with the most important moment being the 15th play of LA’s final full drive. They chewed up almost seven and a half minutes of gametime and found themselves deep in enemy territory for a 3rd and 4 from Seattle’s six yard like. Devon Witherspoon knocked down a pass intended for Rams receiver Konata Mumpfield. Rather than making it a one score game, Rams HC Sean McVay decides to go for two. Stafford drops back and fires a pass to rookie tight end Terrace Ferguson and… INCOMPLETE. Witherspoon comes up with a big stop on back to back plays. Seattle was able to grind out the clock, but the Rams had a shot with 25 seconds left to go and one timeout. With ten seconds left, Stafford finds Puka 21 yards downfield. He tried to get out of bounds but no! His knee is down in bounds! The clock expires! The Seattle Seahawks are going to the Super Bowl!

     

    February 5, 2026, 3:02 pm