The Seattle Seahawks absolutely routed the New Orleans Saints at Lumen Field Sunday, but the team’s head coach is not satisfied.
Rookie Tory Horton exploded for a 95-yard punt return touchdown—the longest in Seahawks history—and also caught one of Sam Darnold’s two touchdown passes as Seattle rolled past the Saints, 44-13.
Kenneth Walker III rushed for two touchdowns for the Seahawks (2-1), with the first following a key special teams play. D’Anthony Bell blocked Kai Kroeger’s punt deep in New Orleans territory, setting up Walker’s 3-yard run that gave Seattle an early, commanding lead in the first quarter.
Seattle didn’t let up the rest of the game. The score was 38-6 at halftime. It was the most points allowed in a half for the Saints since 1973.
It’s two weeks in a row that the Seattle offense has looked great, but head coach Mike Macdonald says it’s still early in their process.
Mike Macdonald ‘Not Satisfied’ with Seattle’s Performance
“The coolest thing about our group: We’re not satisfied,” Macdonald said.
“We know we have room to grow as a football team. We talk about being decisive, shocking, relentless. I thought we were those things, but I also think, especially on defense, there’s room for growth.”
Macdonald said the team has to be more disciplined, racking up eight penalties for 70 yards. And third down execution needs to be better.
“But overall, just a great team effort man. Guys played extremely hard, played together, complimentary football. Our offense was efficient. Defensively, we played hard, we did a great job. And really the story of they day, honestly, is our special teams unit.”
Including the punt return, blocked punt, and three successful field goals from Jason Meyers, Macdonald said the Seattle special teams was basically responsible for 30 points in the game.
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 21: d’Anthony Bell #23 of the Seattle Seahawks blocks a punt by Kai Kroeger #32 of the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Lumen Field on September 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
Seattle’s Top Offensive Players Had Good Days
Darnold completed 14 of 18 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns, posting a QB rating of 154.2. Walker added two touchdowns on 16 carries for 38 yards, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba hauled in five catches for 96 yards and a score.
Second-year running back George Holani picked up more carries Sunday after Zach Charbonnet was ruled out with a foot injury.
Macdonald said earlier in the week that Holani was ready to step up and they’re were excited to see what the Boise State back has to offer. “Every time we’ve given George an opportunity he’s done a tremendous job. We expect the same thing,” Macdonald said Friday.
Holani finished the game with 27 yards on 10 carries, with his longest run going for eight yards. Rookie Jacardia Wright also saw his first NFL action, rushing for 20 yards on five carries.
New Orleans Saints Are in a Bad Place
After starting the season with two close losses, first-year coach Kellen Moore’s Saints (0-3) were outmatched in Seattle. New Orleans didn’t reach the end zone until early in the fourth quarter, when Spencer Rattler connected with backup tight end Jack Stoll for a 13-yard touchdown.
The second-year quarterback dropped to 0-9 as a starter, extending the Saints’ losing streak to seven games dating back to last season. He finished with 218 passing yards and one interception.
Next Sunday, the Saints travel to Buffalo to face Josh Allen and the Bills, while the Seahawks have a quick turnaround with a Thursday night matchup at the Arizona Cardinals.
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