Viewed as a linebacker whisperer coming over from Baltimore, Mike Macdonald’s most impressive coaching job lies the middle of the Seahawks’ vaunted defense with long flowing hair and infectious energy as a do-it-all cog in the team’s top-three defense.

Forcing five turnovers and pitching their first shutout of the 2025 season, the Seahawks received key contributions from all three levels of their defense in a commanding 26-point blowout of the Vikings. Who starred in Seattle’s ninth win of the year?

Racing out to 7-2 starts, the Seahawks and Rams have been stingy allowing points to opponents with ferocious defensive lines, underrated linebackers, and versatile secondaries. Where does each team hold an edge going into Sunday’s first matchup at SoFi Stadium?

Granted his first chance to start in the NFL by Mike Macdonald, Drake Thomas continues to make his mark as an unexpected cog in the Seahawks' defense and prove his coach right on the field.

The Seahawks could have some significant advantages in the trenches against the Commanders on Sunday night, but the return of one of the NFL’s most dynamic dual threat quarterbacks creates an even bigger issue for Mike Macdonald to scheme around.

While the Seahawks won’t be quite at full strength in the secondary for Sunday night’s clash with the Commanders, Mike Macdonald will have to navigate a potentially tricky situation with two of the team’s best weapons playing together for the first time since Week 1.

Boasting a top-five offense and top-six defense, the Seahawks stack up favorably with the best of the best, at least on paper, after seven games. But to be viewed as a true contender that can stay atop a competitive NFC West, several areas must be shored up in the second half.

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.

Stifling the Texans’ offense from the outset, the Seahawks received strong contributions from all three levels of their defense to land a fifth win in six games. Who stood out the most in an eight point win over Houston on Monday Night Football?

Winning five of their past six games, the Seahawks still remain under the radar for some national outlets. But after their latest win on Monday Night Football, that narrative may be changing as Mike Macdonald’s squad stays in the hunt in a highly competitive NFC West.

Even as injuries mounted over the past month, with one blemish as an exception in Week 5, the Seahawks have kept momentum rolling with a top-five defense, further evidenced by stars and role players alike shining under the prime time lights against the Texans.

Turnovers and dropped interceptions kept a game that appeared to be teetering towards a blowout close on Monday Night Football, but the Seahawks found a way to close out a pesky Texans squad and keep pace in the NFC West heading into their bye week.

Missed opportunities cost the Seahawks multiple chances to pad their lead, but the home team held serve in the first two quarters behind Sam Darnold’s arm and a stingy defensive effort to go into the break up eight points 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.

A true unknown for Mike Macdonald and the majority of his coaching staff upon arrival, Drake Thomas quickly put his name on the map and in his third season, his hard work coming back from injury has propelled him to unexpected starter status for the Seahawks.

In an otherwise sleep-inducing punt fest, the Seahawks received just enough explosives from Sam Darnold and the offense coupled with a feisty pass rush to fend off the Jaguars for a satisfying eight-point road victory.

Winding up on the wrong end of a shootout on Sunday, the Seahawks allowed nearly 400 passing yards to Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, leaving Mike Macdonald searching for answers. Looking at 10 explosive pass plays allowed, what went wrong defensively?

There’s no such thing as a moral victory in the NFL and the Seahawks blew a prime opportunity to make a statement in the NFC West by falling short against the 49ers in Week 1. Still, film showed plenty of positives to glean from the defeat at Lumen Field.

The regular season may be underway, but after a close loss to the 49ers on Sunday, the Seahawks have a few positions with ongoing competitions set to play out in coming weeks and some tough conversations could soon be on tap in the secondary.

Already with 10 practices in the books, several starting jobs and roster spots remain up for grabs as the Seahawks prepare for their first preseason game. Who would be on the final roster if those decisions were made today?