The Seattle Seahawks have made the playoffs the last five times they have started 3-0. The Seahawks are also the first team in 45 years to start 3-0 and allow less than 150 passing yards since the Pittsburgh Steelers did it in the 1979 season. Pittsburgh went on to win the Super Bowl that year. Coincidence? 

Yes, there are 15 more weeks of NFL football and the Seahawks could very well go 3-14 the rest of the way. That being said, this is not by accident. 

After a disappointing end to 2023 for the Seahawks, change was needed; this change was in the departure of long-time legendary head coach Pete Carroll as well as defensive coordinator Clint Hurt and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.

They were replaced by now the youngest head coach in the NFL, former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike McDonald. Former University of Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is the new Seattle offensive coordinator and Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde is the defensive coordinator. 

This is a complete identity change as it seems the era of elite defense and balanced offense is returning to Seattle. That’s what makes this start to the season so much more exciting for Seattle.

This start is so remarkable because the core of the Seattle defense left, including the likes of linebacker Bobby Wagner and safety Jamal Adams. Even with those guys in the lineup last year Seattle was third worst in yards allowed and eighth worst in points allowed. 

Naturally one might assume regression but not only has this defense gotten better they have exceeded all expectations to begin the campaign. This defense is second in yards allowed, fourth in points allowed, and first in yards per play. 

A big part of this defensive success is because of the pass rush, which is fifth in sacks, second in QB pressures, and has only allowed one passing touchdown through three weeks. If the Seahawks would like to sustain this success the run defense needs to improve, but so far this defense looks very promising. 

Yes, this has come against Bo Nix, Jacoby Brissett, and Tua Tagovailoa’s backup Skylar Thompson but there seems to be an intangible energy and quality that this unit has as opposed to years previous. 

One thing that hasn’t changed is the offensive personnel. Through the first three weeks, there have been some kinks in first-time NFL play caller OC Ryan Grubb’s system. The Seahawks have only 292 rushing yards as a team, which is the ninth worst in the league, but the passing game has made Seattle’s offense so effective.

The Seahawks and quarterback Geno Smith are fifth in passing yards, third in completion percentage, and eighth in passing first downs. They are also a top-ten scoring offense after playing three imposing defenses (Broncos, Patriots, and Dolphins).  

Let’s highlight two players on each side of the ball that have been crucial to the initial success of the Mike McDonald era in Seattle.

First is edge-rusher Boye Mafe who is tied for fifth in sacks, and fourth in QB pressures, and has been the main contributor to Seattle’s effective pass rush. Cornerback Riq Woolen already has an interception, he has a 25% completion percentage when targeted and a 0.0 QB rating when targeted. His presence on the outside has been key to Seattle’s defensive success. 

On the offensive side, there are a lot of players to choose from, but these two players have seen their roles increase in 2024. 

First is running back Zach Charbonnet, who has taken over the backfield for the injured Ken Walker. Against the Dolphins, Charbonnet racked up a career-high 91 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Next is second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba had a career-high 11 catches and 117 yards in week two against the New England Patriots. 

These performances have shown that when stars like wide receiver DK Metcalf aren’t performing, the team can lean on these guys to win games. 

The biggest test of this year will be this coming Monday, Sept. 30, when Seattle plays the Detroit Lions. The Lions will, by far, be the best team the Seahawks have played in the young season, so could prove as a litmus test to see if Seattle is contenders or pretenders. Seattle has had Detroit’s number as of late, winning the last six meetings. 

Expectations will only continue to grow if Seattle keeps winning, and with the NFC wide open, the Seahawks could make some noise come playoff time. This is a team to watch. 

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