Does O-Line Continuity Set Seahawks Up for Sustained Super Bowl Window?
Prior to their latest march to a Super Bowl victory last February, the Seattle Seahawks appeared to have a proverbial “peanut” allergy in regard to developing and maintaining continuity along the offensive line, particularly in the interior at the guard and center positions.
Consistently struggling to keep quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Geno Smith upright and at times failing to establish a reliable ground game under several different offensive coordinators over a nearly decade-long period, the Seahawks have had a different Week 1 starting center in six of the previous seven seasons dating back to Justin Britt’s final year with the team. The guard spots have not been that much more stable during that span, with the exception of Damien Lewis starting four years in a row from 2020 to 2023, sandwiched by games of musical chairs on the left and right side.
But the tides have truly turned in the Pacific Northwest for general manager John Schneider, coach Mike Macdonald, and company as they aim to run it forward, not ironically coinciding with arguably the best season in franchise history for the Seahawks. Anchored by tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas along with standout rookie Grey Zabel, the offensive line improved leaps and bounds under the coaching of long-time NFL assistant John Benton in 2025, providing sterling protection for Sam Darnold and igniting a run game that got hot at the perfect time down the stretch and kept rolling into the playoffs, paving the way for a 17-3 record that culminated with hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Seahawks’ Road to Super Bowl Repeat Becomes Far Trickier Following Pair of Blockbuster Trades
Closing in on a new season as the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks will have massive targets on their backs every single week, and rivals have already started throwing darts aiming for the bullseye two months before training camp even begins.
Kicking off the month of June with a rare flurry of blockbuster deals for the early summer, the Los Angeles Rams traded a 2027 first round pick, 2028 second round pick, and 2029 third round pick along with defensive end Jared Verse to the Cleveland Browns to acquire superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett. Shortly after, the New England Patriots executed their own blockbuster to give quarterback Drake Maye a new No. 1 weapon, trading a 2028 first round pick and 2027 fifth round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for standout receiver A.J. Brown.
Of those two moves, the Brown deal carries the most significance in terms of immediacy, as the Seahawks will see Brown donning a silver shell, white jersey, and nautical blue pants right out of the gate in their season opening Super Bowl LX rematch versus the Patriots at Lumen Field. The talented receiver will be reunited with coach Mike Vrabel after previously spending several seasons together in Tennessee and will replace Stefon Diggs as the team’s top pass catcher atop a significantly different receiving corps.
Three-Year Outlook: Seahawks in Great Shape for Present, Future Offensively
As the calendar flips to April and the 2026 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves in the heat of the offseason, continuing to look into ways to improve their roster scanning the free agent market along with wrapping up draft evaluations while also exploring extensions to retain several of their top players.
While building the best roster for the upcoming season remains the top goal with eyes on defending their Super Bowl title, Seahawks general manager John Schneider also has to be cognizant of the future, making every decision in regard to free agency, extensions, and the draft with a multi-year window in mind.
Now less than a month away from the draft, how does Seattle’s offense look for both the present and the future?
‘I’m a Seahawk, Damnit’: Could John Benton Stick Around Post-Super Bowl With Young O-Line Nucleus?
With Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak expected to take the Las Vegas Raiders vacant head coaching job, it has been widely speculated that the play caller will bring offensive line coach John Benton along with him to the Sin City.
But with such decisions not to be made until after Super Bowl LX on Sunday, even considering his previous connections working with Kubiak both in New Orleans and Seattle as well as coaching under Kubiak’s father Gary in Houston, Benton staying put in the Pacific Northwest should not be ruled out.
Speaking with the Emerald City Spectrum during Thursday’s media scramble at the San Jose Convention Center, when asked about whether or not he could provide an answer on the possibility of following Kubiak to Las Vegas on the heels of speaking glowingly about his current offensive line group, Benton emphatically responded, “I’m a Seahawk, damnit!”
Five Distinct Advantages the Seahawks Have in Super Bowl LX
The Seahawks have one more game remaining, the much-awaited rematch against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. Nothing is certain until the downs are played, but what are the Hawks’ key advantages going into the Big Game?
Marquee Matchups to Watch as Seahawks, Rams Duel in NFC Championship Game
Familiar foes will tangle once again at Lumen Field as the Seahawks and Rams vie for a Super Bowl berth. Which matchups hold the weight in a massive NFC West rubber match?
What to Watch as Seahawks Battle Rams for Super Bowl Spot in NFC Championship Game
In two prior meetings, the Seahawks and Rams have been separated by one point and one yard. As two evenly-matched contenders vie for a Super Bowl spot, where must Seattle excel to advance to Santa Clara for a shot at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy?
Ranking Top 10 Moves Made by John Schneider to Fuel Seahawks Return to Title Contention
Through free agency, trades, the draft, and other bold moves, John Schneider rebuilt the Seahawks into a Super Bowl contender for the second time in his illustrious career, making him a slam dunk choice for Executive of the Year. Which moves stand out as his best?
Analysis: Which 2022 Draftees Will Seahawks Re-sign Following Charles Cross Extension?
Now with both of their young tackles locked in for the next three-plus seasons on extensions, the Seahawks can turn their attention towards the rest of their heralded 2022 draft class. Which of the five players currently on the final year of their rookie deal have the best shot at a second contract?
Seahawks Make Bold Investment Inking Charles Cross to $104.4 Million Deal
In a change of philosophy compared to earlier in the John Schneider era, the Seahawks have made a concerted effort to lock up their best offensive linemen for the long haul, continuing that trend by locking up their blindside protector through 2030.
Rashid Shaheed, Injured Seahawks Trending in Right Direction For Massive 49ers Rematch
With both rivals dealing with late season bumps and bruises, the Seahawks seem to be cautiously optimistic regarding the potential return of several key starters for Saturday’s NFC West title game against the 49ers in Santa Clara.
Week 17 Inactives: Seahawks Deactivate Brandon Pili Again in Carolina
For the second straight game, the Seahawks will go on the lighter side on the defensive line, rolling with six receivers instead of nose tackle Brandon Pili.
Josh Jones Presented ‘Great Opportunity,’ Set to Start For Seahawks vs. Rams
With Charles Cross ruled out, the Seahawks will turn to a veteran backup swing tackle who hasn’t started a game in more than two calendar years, instantly becoming one of the biggest storylines with first place in the NFC and NFC West on the line in prime time.
Comparing Rivals: How Do Seahawks, Rams’ Offenses Stack Up Against Each Other?
Racing out to 7-2 starts, the Seahawks and Rams have put a ton of points on the board behind their star quarterbacks, talented receiving corps, and improved offensive lines. Where does each team hold an edge going into Sunday’s first matchup at SoFi Stadium?
It’s Time to Say It: Seahawks’ O-Line is Best Franchise Has Had in Years
No, the Seahawks don’t have a perfect offensive line in 2025. But with many other teams struggling to build cohesive units in the trenches, the group has taken a massive step forward, emerging as a key reason to believe in Seattle as a contender.
Progress Report: How Have Seahawks’ Offensive Position Groups Fared Through 7 Games?
Ranking fifth in points per game, the Seahawks have eclipsed expectations amid a 5-2 start to the 2025 season thanks to Sam Darnold’s brilliance and an improving offensive line, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement heading into the bye week.
Keys to Victory: How Seahawks Can Defeat Texans on Monday Night Football
Trying to keep pace with the Rams and 49ers in the NFC West, the Seahawks will face the NFL’s top-ranked defense in the Texans on Monday Night Football. What must they accomplish to improve to 5-2?
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Host Texans on Monday Night Football
Pitting two of the NFL’s fiercest defenses against each other in prime time, the Seahawks hope to find a kink in the Texans’ armor and heat up C.J. Stroud, while the visitors intend to make life tough on Sam Darnold with a vicious edge rush and ball hawking defenders on the back end.
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks, Cardinals Square Off on Thursday Night Football
Seeking a third consecutive win and their first victory in the NFC West in 2025, the Seahawks hope a healthier secondary and an improved offensive line will allow them to match up well with the Cardinals’ strengths on Thursday Night Football.
3 Stats That Show 2025 Seahawks Team Could Be Different
It’s easy to overreact through the first three games of an NFL season. But there are clear indicators that suggest the Seahawks have taken a big step forward in year two under Mike Macdonald.
Explore our latest Seattle sports content by clicking on your favorite team(s) below!
