Early Returns on New Seahawks Offense Point to Marked Improvement
Mike Macdonald is already on his second offensive coordinator in just his second year. Klint Kubiak replaced Ryan Grubb with the headset and playsheet heading into 2025. It’s always difficult to decipher what is real and what is “just the preseason” in August. However, through two games, it’s obvious Kubiak’s offense is an upgrade.
Play-action was nearly absent in Grubb’s scheme, despite Geno Smith showing signs of being an elite quarterback out of that play set. Seattle’s offense grew stagnant out of the shotgun far too many times. Kubiak’s system will favor play-action to open up the running game. Kubiak also demonstrates a greater ability to adapt to game situations and utilize the skill set of his personnel.
The full (preseason) power of the offense was on display Friday night in Seattle. The Seahawks put up 33 points on 477 yards of total offense. The most obvious point of improvement is in the running game.
Last season, Seattle averaged just 95.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 28th in the NFL. It has been a slog for the Seahawks to activate their rushing attack over the last few seasons.
This preseason, they are averaging a whopping 219 yards on the ground through two games.
Looking back at last preseason with Grubb, in the first two games in August, the offense averaged 110 yards rushing. In just one year, the difference in rushing yards in the first two preseason games has nearly doubled. Many Seahawks carried the ball Friday night. Four different Seahawks rushed for over 40 yards. George Halani averaged 9.8 yards per carry on five totes, including the longest run at 30 yards.
Additionally, the assumed starting offensive line for Seattle bullied the Chiefs for 120 rushing yards in two drives. Seattle got 12 first downs on running plays, compared to just two for Kansas City. It wasn’t just about how many yards the Seahawks racked up, it was how. Ten of Halani’s 12 runs so far this preseason have been zone runs.
Jalen Sundell is earning good marks at center, with an 84.6 pass blocking grade and 73.2 on the ground in 71 snaps. Abraham Lucas appears to be finally ready to take that next step now that he is healthy. He has a sparkling 89.7 overall PFF grade so far this preseason.
Yes, this is all preseason data. However, looking at the first two preseason games under Grubb versus what Kubiak has brought in his first two games for Seattle, the differences are drastic. In the first two August contests last season, Seattle averaged 4.6 yards per play. This preseason, that’s up to 6.2.
It’s extremely early. Preseason football can be very misleading. However, this offense is painting a cautiously optimistic picture. This year might be different after all.
