The Seattle Seahawks‘ defense in 2025 was their calling card, as evidenced by their performances in the last handful of games during the regular season and playoffs.
In their final nine games (regular season and postseason) of the 2025 season, only the Los Angeles Rams scored more than 20 points against the Seahawks’ defense.
Los Angeles recorded 37 points in the regular season meeting in December 2025 and 27 points in the NFC title game. As a result, Seattle’s defense was no fun to play against, as they went on to help the team win Super Bowl LX.
Former Seahawks pass rusher Cliff Avril was part of a standout defense in Seattle, too: The Legion of Boom. Much like the 2025 defense, they won a Super Bowl and could’ve won two.
On the May 14 edition of “Green Light with Chris Long,” Avril shared his thoughts on comparing the defense he was part of this past season to the Seattle defense and how they stack up to the Legion of Boom.
“Those guys played some amazing football last year, but I think the difference between the two defenses comes down to longevity and how long you can sustain that level of play,” Avril said. “Being the No. 1 defense in the NFL for two, three, or four straight years is extremely difficult.
“I think that’s what will separate them. They’re a great defense, with players up front who can pressure the quarterback and stop the run. They were really fun to watch. But the biggest difference between our defense and theirs is maintaining that level moving forward.”
Cliff Avril Wants Current Seattle Group to Enjoy Their Moment
Nonetheless, while it’s fun to compare defenses to see which was better, Avril wants the current Seahawks defensive players to have their moment and not compare the two groups.
“I think it’s extremely important for them, and honestly for the fans, to let them have their moment,” Avril added. “There doesn’t have to be a comparison. We don’t have to compare and say who was greater or who was better. We were the best in our time, and now let them be great in their time.
“You know what I mean? Overall, of course I’d pick us, just that part of it. But they have something special brewing right now, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they bounce back and hopefully repeat.”
Kirk Cousins Doesn’t Hold Back on Seahawks Defense
One player who faced this defense in its dominant form that led to a Super Bowl was Las Vegas Raiders QB Kirk Cousins, who was with the Atlanta Falcons. Cousins and his former team scored only nine points in that game, which ended 37-9.
In a May 8 video from Seattle Sports, Cousins shared his thoughts on the Seahawks’ defense from the 2025 season, particularly head coach Mike Macdonald, the mastermind behind it all.
“I think you see a defense that plays together,” Cousins said. “Some of the effort and passion that came from the Pete Carroll system and world has carried over in Seattle with Mike Macdonald and what he coaches and emphasizes with effort, attacking, and playing together.
“I also think they do a great job schematically of giving the safeties, and even the linebackers, the ability to get to the right call. You may have two or three calls as a defense ready to go on any given play, and, based on how the offense aligns, whether it’s formation splits, shotgun, or whatever, they’ll be ready to get to what they feel is the right call in that moment.”
Cliff Avril Shares True Thoughts on 2025 Seahawks Defense