Seahawks Need Supporting Cast of Pass Catchers to Pop
Everyone knows about No. 11 on the Seahawks. That being the reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the one man the opponents can't let beat them, but still manages to do so most of the time anyway.
Smith-Njigba was once again the Seahawks’ biggest weapon in Week 1, and at this point, there’s nothing surprising about that. He finished the 13-10 win over New England with eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown, including the spectacular 45-yard catch-and-run touchdown that tied the game in the fourth quarter. He was responsible for 69 of those yards in the final period alone.
The trouble was, Smith-Njigba was the only one that shined in the passing game. Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury and Lock didn't feature the supporting cast. Rashid Shaheed signed a three-year, $51 million contract to return to Seattle this offseason. The coaching staff envisioned him being a much bigger part of the passing game than he was last season after the trade from New Orleans. Instead, he amassed just 188 receiving yards in nine regular season games in Seattle.
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Battle Patriots in Week 1 Super Bowl Rematch
Finally beginning their march to “run it forward” after winning Super Bowl LX in February, the Seattle Seahawks will open their title defense against the same New England Patriots that they defeated in Santa Clara in a statement Week 1 Wednesday night battle at Lumen Field.
While both teams return many of the same players who played in that matchup seven months ago, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald understands that his team can’t put too much stock into what worked that night in an always unpredictable opener, especially with the changes that the Patriots have made to improve their roster over the course of the offseason.
“First game of the year is a little tricky,” Macdonald said on Saturday. “You don’t want to fall in the trap of applying last year’s things you see too much to what’s going to happen this year. Teams grow and evolve and change and there’s different personnel on both sides. Our focus is trying to do the things that we do that our guys can go play the best they can and also try to apply as much pressure as you can as well but understanding how the game goes, there’s going to be some things that we’re going to be required to make adjustments in game.”
With the Seahawks looking to start off with a win and the Patriots seeking redemption in prime time, which matchups will dictate which reigning conference champion grabs a marquee season opening victory?
Stock Watch: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not After Seahawks’ 19-16 Preseason Loss to Titans
Winning remains the goal for an NFL team any time they take the field, even in the preseason where games don’t count in the standings, for coach Mike Macdonald, there were plenty of positives coming out of the Seattle Seahawks 19-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
“I really do feel like our team got better this week from the work that we got in practice, and I thought we did a lot of great things, especially earlier in this game, which is what we're looking for,” Macdonald said post-game. “I think we took a step. I think we're improving. I think the important thing for our team is that we have to shed an expectation about where we need to be right now. I think the focus needs to be about how fast can we improve on a daily basis, and our guys have had that attitude. So through that lens, I think it was a successful week.”
Looking back at Saturday’s defeat in the Music City, which players improved their stock the most? And which ones didn’t seize their latest opportunity as cut down day and the regular season rapidly approach?
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks Start Hot vs. Titans’ Starters, Fall 19-16 in Preseason Road Tilt
In the aftermath of a 17-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys to begin exhibition season, Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald issued a challenge to both his players and coaches, sharing his unhappiness about the team’s “process” in all three phases.
While the final result didn’t go as planned, it appears everyone in the locker room received the message this week on the practice field and in the film room, as Drew Lock and the Seahawks bounced back nicely with 16 first quarter points for a fast start on the road against the Titans before losing their lead late in a 19-16 loss at Nissan Stadium.
Lock played a near-flawless game under center, completing 12 out of 14 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown pass to Elijah Arroyo, while running back Jacardia Wright paced the rushing attack with 81 yards on eight carries. Defensively, Connor O’Toole led a resurgent pass rush, tallying 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss to help keep the Titans out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter.
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks Fizzle After Fast Start, Fall 17-7 to Cowboys in Preseason Opener
Despite a fast start to kick off the exhibition season with an opening drive touchdown, the Seattle Seahawks whiffed on multiple fourth down opportunities and the offense went ice cold for the final three quarters of play as the Dallas Cowboys earned a 17-7 victory in the preseason opener.
Rotating snaps under center, Drew Lock completed nine out of 13 passes for 40 yards and tossed a five-yard touchdown to receiver Montorie Foster Jr., while Jalen Milroe rushed for 36 yards and added 36 yards as a passer. Seemingly playing with clones on the field, linebacker Tyrice Knight stuffed the stat sheet with a team-high 10 tackles and two pass breakups, starring in the middle with mostly backups playing on defense for Seattle, while edge rusher Jalan Gaines and safety AJ Finley produced the team’s only tackles for loss.
Here are five takeaways from the preseason opener at Lumen Field:
1. A methodical drive aided by a big penalty finishes with Lock’s arm giving the Seahawks a quick lead.
Playing with all backups on the offensive side of the ball, Lock didn’t waste much time going into aggressive mode from the pocket. After a short run by George Holani and a quick completion to Jake Bobo on the first two plays of the series, the Seahawks faced 3rd and 4 and the veteran backup uncorked a deep ball down the left sideline for veteran receiver Cody White, who got grabbed by cornerback Caelan Carson from behind as the pass sailed over his head. With his progress severely impeded to prevent a big play, he drew a 19-yard pass interference penalty to extend the opening possession.
Camp Takeaways: Devon Witherspoon Focused on Football, Seahawks’ Defense Steals Show in Practice 15
Still without a new contract three weeks into training camp, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon isn’t sweating his long-term status with the franchise as he continues to take care of business between the lines.
Since camp opened, Witherspoon has been a full participant for Seattle, active in every practice while only having a couple of veteran rest days where he didn’t see much action during team drills. Unlike some players who would have chosen to hold out or “hold in” while still being in attendance, the All-Pro corner told reporters after Tuesday’s 15th practice that even without a new contract in tow just yet, he doesn’t believe in skipping out on practice time.
“I’m not worried about that right now,” Witherspoon said of his contract situation. “I’m focused on making plays and trying to get better day by day. We’ve got other stuff to focus on, with the goal of trying to win games, so that’s my focus right now.”
Entering his fourth NFL season, Witherspoon currently has two years left on his rookie deal after Seattle exercised his fifth-year option back in March. Under the terms of the remaining years on the contract, he carries a $10.3 million cap hit for the upcoming 2026 season and that hit balloons to $21 million next season with the option.
Camp Takeaways: Tempers Flare, Tight Ends Explode for Seahawks in Heated Sixth Practice
Calling themselves a brotherhood, the Seattle Seahawks have as tight knit of a locker room as any to be found in the NFL, which played a crucial role in their recent run to a Super Bowl LX title.
But as any parent who has raised children understands all too well, that doesn’t mean that brothers don’t still fight from time to time, especially on a practice field in late July during the dog days of summer.
With ramped up intensity matching the rising 80-plus degree temperatures on the practice field in Friday afternoon’s second padded practice, coach Mike Macdonald and his staff had to step in to break up multiple skirmishes with tempers flaring on both sides. Most of the discontent came at the line of scrimmage, stemming from tensions that initially started to brew during one-on-one drills when guard Bryce Cabeldue appeared to get under the skin of a few of his defensive line mates.
Sure enough, without enough time to cool down in the heat of a competitive camp practice, those festering emotions boiled over midway through Seattle’s first 11-on-11 team period. Getting the ball rolling, defensive tackle Leonard Williams sprinted 15 yards downfield to tackle AJ Barner from behind in pursuit, something the tight end did not appreciate as the two started jawing at each other post-whistle.
Analysis: Predicting Seahawks 2026 Offensive Breakout Candidates
Now less than a month from reporting date for training camp, the Seattle Seahawks will soon begin their Super Bowl title defense with sights on hoisting another Lombardi Trophy.
But even with most of their roster kept intact after losing only five free agents from their title squad, for the Seahawks to have a shot at a rare Super Bowl repeat in coach Mike Macdonald’s third season at the helm, they will need several players to take a step forward with every opponent ready to give them their best shot each week. On offense, the team will have a new first-time coordinator calling plays in Brian Fleury and have to replace the production lost with Ken Walker III bolting to join the Chiefs as a free agent, doing so without the services of an injured Zach Charbonnet until at least October.
Looking towards the 2026 season, which offensive Seahawks stand out as prime candidates for a breakout campaign?
Growth of Sophomore Class Gives Seahawks Shot to Be Even Better in 2026
Like most Super Bowl winners, the Seattle Seahawks leaned heavily on their established stars on the way to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy last season. From quarterback Sam Darnold to defensive tackle Leonard Williams to linebacker Ernest Jones, the team had plenty of experienced veterans who stepped up with outstanding seasons to guide the team back to the top.
However, what made Seattle’s season truly a special one was the impressive contributions from young players in all three phases. Most notably, the 2025 rookie class played a massive role in taking the jump from a quality 10-win team that narrowly missed the playoffs one year earlier to winning the NFC West, earning the No. 1 seed, and capturing a Super Bowl title.
Continuing to be on a multi-year heater unearthing game-changing talent in the draft, Seahawks general manager John Schneider landed a Day 1 starting guard in Grey Zabel with the 18th overall pick, plugging the former North Dakota State standout into the lineup right away as a clear difference maker for a much-improved offensive line. Defensively, trading up to snag safety Nick Emmanwori with the 35th overall pick proved to be a huge steal for the franchise, as his Swiss army knife traits turned an already great defense into a juggernaut.
Three Breakout Candidates for Seahawks in 2026
Coming off a Super Bowl LX win, the Seattle Seahawks’ path back to championship contention will not hinge on splashy free agent additions or blockbuster trades.
Instead, bolstering Seattle’s chances for a repeat could come from within. As the franchise enters an exciting 2026 season set to defend their title, several young players are positioned to take major steps forward and potentially transform the roster in the process, helping offset some of the key losses suffered in free agency back in March.
Specifically, three Seahawks could be on the verge of breakout campaigns that reshape the roster and help in Seattle’s quest for a repeat Super Bowl title.
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?
Elijah Arroyo Active, Robbie Ouzts Out for Seahawks in Super Bowl LX
After receiving a questionable designation on Friday’s final injury report, the Seattle Seahawks will be without fullback Robbie Ouzts as they battle the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Ouzts, a fifth-round pick out of Alabama, has been dealing with a nagging neck injury since Seattle’s 41-6 Divisional Round win over San Francisco last month. He sat out a 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams two weeks ago, but with the extra week via a bye, the team held out hope he would be ready to return for the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, after being limited in practice this week, he won’t be available.
Robbie Ouzts, Elijah Arroyo Among Seahawks’ Inactives vs. Rams in NFC Championship Game
If the Seahawks are to advance to the Super Bowl on Sunday, they will do so without two noteworthy rookies on offense.
Seahawks Designate Elijah Arroyo for Return Off Injured Reserve
Aided by a week off as the NFC’s top seed, the Seahawks hope to have another athletic pass catching option back available for Sam Darnold as they begin preparation for the Divisional Round.
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?
Keys to Victory: How Seahawks Can Sweep Cardinals in Week 10 Rematch
With both teams battling through a bunch of injuries, the Seahawks and Cardinals will have some new faces set to make an impact as they battle for the second time in seven weeks. What must Seattle do to earn a season sweep against its rival for the second straight year?
Rapid Reaction: Sam Darnold, Seahawks Go Nuclear in Historic 38-14 Blowout Win Over Commanders
Scoring 31 points before halftime, the Seahawks’ offense set Northwest Stadium on proverbial fire behind a historic night from Sam Darnold, leading to an easy blowout primetime victory over the Commanders.
Halftime Observations: Seahawks Come Out Humming Post-Bye, Lead 31-7 in Washington
Spearheaded by an all-world performance by Sam Darnold, the Seahawks showed no rust coming out of their bye week, racing out to a 24-point lead on the road in prime time.
Analysis: Grading Seahawks 2025 Rookie Class Through Seven Games
Closing in on the halfway point of their rookie seasons, how have Tory Horton and company performed thus far for the Seahawks?
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.
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