> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Where Does Seattle Seahawks’ Defense Rank Ahead of 2025 Season? - URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/where-does-seahawks-defense-rank-ahead-of-2025-season/ - Published: 2025-08-25T21:03:05.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T06:18:39.000Z - Author: Nick Lee - Tags: Seahawks, Mike Macdonald, Devon Witherspoon, Nick Emmanwori, Ernest Jones [Embed from Getty Images](http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2187748384?ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com) Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald came in and righted the ship on defense last season and looks to continue that effort into 2025\. From Pete Carroll‘s last year in 2023 to Macdonald’s inaugural season last year, the Seahawks went from ranked 25th in points allowed all the way up to 11th. By some metrics, the Seahawks are knocking on the door of having a top 10 defense. Last year, they also ranked 14th in yards allowed, ninth in yards per play allowed, eighth in total pressures and sacks. If you like estimated points added (EPA), Seattle ranked 11th in EPA per play allowed. Do they come into this season as a top 10 defense? NFL.com’s [Gennaro Filice seems to think so](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-s-top-10-defenses-in-2025-broncos-edge-out-eagles-and-ravens-for-no-1-spot-patriots-will-rise?ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com), slotting Seattle ninth. Last year, the best defense in the NFL belonged to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. It will be difficult to replicate that amount of success, given the pieces that left for big contracts elsewhere. The Denver Broncos boast the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in cornerback Patrick Surtain. The Chargers ended up being the top defense for points allowed, but they lost Joey Bosa. The Ravens boasted two First Team All-Pro defenders last season (Marlon Humphrey, Roquan Smith). The Texans are likely feeling good about their chances to be a top defense this year with All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and double-digit sack specialists Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson off the edges. Seattle had just two defensive Pro Bowlers in Leonard Williams (a *very* late addition to the Pro Bowl roster)and Devon Witherspoon, his second selection in as many NFL seasons. The Seahawks had zero First Team All-Pros (Williams and Seahawks fans are punching air reading that). Yet, the Seahawks are getting plenty of love. The Ringer writer Sheil Kapadia even claims that the Seahawks not only begin the season with a top 10 defense, but that [they are the *number one* defense in the NFL](https://www.theringer.com/2025/08/21/nfl/ranking-nfl-defenses-2025-seattle-seahawks-houston-texans-philadelphia-eagles?ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com). “The reason I have the Seahawks in the top spot is simple: coaching plus scheme plus talent. All the ingredients are here for a great defense,” Kapadia wrote. It seems like they are very bullish on Macdonald’s ability to get this defense to a new level. And why not? Williams is back after arguably his best season yet. Witherspoon is rounding into form as one of the best cornerbacks in football. Riq Woolen earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie and just oozes physical gifts. Julian Love is one of the most underrated free safeties in football. Coby Bryant came on late to take a chokehold on the other starting safety spot. Oh yeah, and the Seahawks got arguably the best defensive back in the entire draft in the second round in safety Nick Emmanwori. Throw in former first-rounder Byron Murphy II entering his second year along the defensive line, plus Uchenna Nwosu is getting healthy. Boye Mafe is motivated in a contract year, Ernest Jones IV got paid after changing the entire complexion of the defense midseason at linebacker, adding four-time Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence, and plenty of depth at every level. This Seahawks defense truly could be special if they stay healthy. Perhaps they are another piece away from actually becoming *the* best (we hear there are two disgruntled Defensive Player of the Year-caliber pass rushers that may be available via trade). It’s safe to say they should, at worst, be considered a top 10 defense entering the season. Given how the schedule shakes out, Seattle could pole-vault into the “top five” category with a strong start to 2025.