Just outside the top five in scoring defense, the Seahawks have lived up to expectations in Mike Macdonald’s second season in many regards, but Ernest Jones and company still have a ways to go to play up to their high standards.

Licking their wounds after a 38-35 loss to the Buccaneers, the Seahawks could have a few key defensive players returning this week, but Devon Witherspoon’s status remains one of potential concern.

Typically, scoring 35 points in an NFL game leads to victory. But the Seahawks endured an uncharacteristic off day at the wrong time with busted coverages, missed tackles, and an anemic pass rush that left Mike Macdonald seeking answers after a 38-35 loss to the Buccaneers.

Despite over 340 passing yards and four touchdowns from Sam Darnold, one lone mistake from the quarterback cost the Seahawks in a tight, high-scoring affair as the Buccaneers escaped with a 38-35 win at Lumen Field.

In a battle of 3-1 teams with depleted secondaries, what must the Seahawks accomplish to win a fourth straight game and send the Buccaneers back to Florida with a loss?

With the Seahawks and Buccaneers both dealing with several significant injuries, banged up secondaries will be challenged by talented receivers and the onus will fall on both defensive lines to set the tone rushing Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield as an equalizer.

Escaping on a game-winning field goal by Jason Myers, the Seahawks improved their winning streak to three games fending off the Cardinals in a Thursday night thriller. Who starred under the lights in prime time?

Still seeking a new contract and frustrated with negotiations with the Bengals, Trey Hendrickson could be on the move before the start of the 2025 season. What could the Seahawks offer up for the star pass rusher?

John Schneider has made his fair share of all-in trades over the years, and while the rest of the NFL waits to see what happens with Micah Parsons in Dallas, the Seahawks could be the potential suitor with the best resources to pull off a deal for the perennial All-Pro.

Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals seem even further from a resolution on his contract than they were earlier in the offseason, to the point where the team reportedly has started fielding offers. Who could the Seahawks dangle to pull off a blockbuster for the star pass rusher?

Two of the top young players on the Seahawks defense, veterans aren’t being secretive about their expectations for Byron Murphy II and Derick Hall, while the receiving corps may have fewer spots up for grabs than anticipated in the early stages of training camp.

Returning the vast majority of their starters and key reserves from last season, the Seahawks will have heightened expectations on defense in year two under Mike Macdonald. But plenty of questions remain for the unit heading into camp.

With all hands on deck, the Seahawks should have a formidable edge rush group in 2025. But questions remain about the health of a pair of veterans and finding additional depth may be crucial leading up to training camp this summer.

As the gap between the Bengals and All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson continues to widen, so too does the door for a potential trade, and the Seahawks would be an intriguing landing spot.