The Seattle Seahawks took some major risks this offseason by overhauling the majority of the offensive roster by parting ways with Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett this offseason.
These moves have paid off through the first month with Sam Darnold continuing to play at a high level, Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging as one of the premier WRs in the league, and the defense building off its strong 2024 campaign.
This early success has one NFL writer rewarding the organization with a flattering team grade through September.
Seahawks Receive a Team Grade of A- in September by USA Today
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today was very complimentary of the 3-1 start from the Seahawks while giving them a grade of A- through September.
After overhauling its offense and subbing in Sam Darnold for Geno Smith, Seattle could have been forgiven if it stumbled out of the gates this season,” wrote Middlehurst-Schwartz. Instead, the Seahawks have sizzled after a Week 1 misstep against the San Francisco 49ers, surging to a three-way tie atop the NFC West at 3-1.
One could make an argument that the loss against the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener largely fell on CB Riq Woolen, who gave up an explosive play and the go-ahead touchdown in the second half.
Despite the missed opportunity in Week 1, the Seahawks‘ defense has been one of the stingiest units in the league while receiving a boost from the retooled offense with Sam Darnold under center.
Darnold, who ranks third in the NFL with 9 air yards per attempt, has repeatedly taken advantage of the deep shots afforded to him with play-action looks, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the only player other than Nacua to have reached 400 yards through four games,” added Middlehurst-Schwartz.
Darnold has 905 passing yards to go with five scores and just two interceptions, which is a far cry from the high-flying numbers he was posting in Minnesota, but he still has the Seahawks playing complementary football to a solid defensive unit.
One beneficiary of the majority of Darnold’s production through the air has been Jaxon Smith-Njigba — who has 26 receptions for 402 yards and a score through his first four games. The Ohio State product appears to be building off of his breakout season in 2024 and is currently responsible for 44% of the team’s production through the air this season.
Could This Offense Become as Scary as the Defense Once the Running Game Hits Its Stride?
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet have both contributed to the rushing attack in a new scheme behind a revamped offensive line, but still ranks just 18th in the league with 110 yards on the ground per game.
“The big letdown has been the run game, which was supposed to be the focal point of new coordinator Klint Kubiak’s attack but has turned up just 3.6 yards per carry so far,” added Middlehurst-Schwartz. “There’s still plenty of time and intention to get that phase up to the level of the rest of the operation, however, and an outfit that seemed like an afterthought in the playoff race now is very much part of the early discussion.”
The offseason additions along the offensive line are having a positive impact to start the season. If this unit can continue to improve while the backfield roles get sorted out between Walker and Charbonnet, then this rushing attack could peak over the back half of the season.
Seahawks Receive Flattering Team Grade for September