The Seattle Seahawks had an eventful 2024 season, racking up ten wins yet still finding themselves on the outside looking in when it came to the playoffs. With significant changes made in both the coaching staff and the roster, expectations for 2025 are growing, but are they justified? Let’s dive into what’s been happening in Seattle and what it might mean for the upcoming season.
First off, the Seahawks made a notable change at offensive coordinator, bringing in Klint Kubiak. This shift comes after the departure of Ryan Grubb, and many see it as a potential upgrade. Kubiak brings with him a wealth of experience in crafting a robust ground game, learned from his father, Gary Kubiak, an architect of some formidable rushing offenses. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has made it clear that he wants to emphasize the run game, and Kubiak’s expertise might just provide the spark Seattle needs to balance their offensive attack.
However, the additions of quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Cooper Kupp have left some fans scratching their heads. Darnold, whose Pro Bowl appearance last season with the Vikings raised eyebrows, must now demonstrate that he can maintain that level of play and not revert to the inconsistencies that marred his earlier years in the league. His performance will heavily influence the Seahawks’ success — if he can settle into a rhythm, it could make a world of difference.
On the other side of the ball, Kupp’s health is a big concern. Over the past two seasons, he has been sidelined for 18 games, raising questions about his durability. If he can stay fit, he offers Darnold a reliable target, but that’s a hefty “if” given his injury history.
Defensively, Macdonald is recognized for his prowess in orchestrating a top-tier unit, and this year should be no different. With a mix of All-Pro talent and emerging players ready to step up, the Seahawks could very well boast a defense that ranks among the top ten in the league in both scoring and total yards allowed. However, there’s an undeniable sense that Macdonald’s offensive aspirations may fall flat again, creating a potential rift between what the offense can deliver and what the defense achieves.
As for predictions, one NFL insider anticipates that Seattle may struggle once more. With significant questions lingering about the interior of their offensive line and Darnold’s ability to handle the pressure, a seven or eight-win season seems to be the expected outcome. If that’s the case, being at the bottom of the NFC West might be a tough pill to swallow for Seahawks fans, especially in such a competitive division.
In closing, Seattle’s 2025 campaign is shaping up to be a true test of its new hires, health, and overall synergy. Whether they’re able to bounce back and reclaim their place as a postseason contender remains to be seen, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.