Good afternoon, 12s. Here's a look at what's going on out there and any news you might have missed, about your Seattle Seahawks this week.
The Seahawks open up their season on Sunday with their home-opener against the Denver Broncos and there is a lot that is to be learned from this first game under head coach Mike Macdonald. The offseason provided a peek at what the Seahawks could look like this season, but the real test will come against another opponent. Here is what the media talked about this week leading up to Sunday.
Michael-Shawn Dugar of the Athletic: What I’m seeing from the Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon’s leadership and other observations
The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar broke down some takeaways that he's had from the offseason heading into Sunday's matchup. From the start of the offseason to this point, the Seahawks have been preparing to do one thing and that's to play football and they will finally get that chance on Sunday.
Devon Witherspoon's voice and versatility
"The second-year cornerback constantly communicated with his teammates and coaches about calls, concepts and corrections. He clearly has a deep understanding of Macdonald's new defense, where the problems may occur and what it takes to be great. Although he's a young player, the rookies and veterans gravitate toward him and feed off his energy. When he speaks, they listen."
Making the most of DK Metcalf targets
"The good news for the Seahawks is few teams have cornerback groups as talented as their own. Some teams on Seattle's schedule don't have one player who can consistently cover Metcalf one-on-one, let alone two or three. But there are a lot of mouths to feed on Seattle's offense, so Metcalf may not see a significant uptick in targets, which is why the name of the game should be making the most of his opportunities.
Front-line firepower
"Williams will move around like a chess piece in Macdonald's defense. He has the power to line up over the center in certain alignments and he's quick and athletic enough to play outside and either set the edge in the run game or rush against offensive tackles. He essentially has the skill set to be what Seattle tried to turn Dre'Mont Jones into last season."
K9 time
"Walker's speed and shiftiness consistently generated oohs and aahs from the crowd during training camp. He's a 4.3 guy who can drop his hips and move laterally in the blink of an eye. There were times during training camp when defensive players marveled at his ability to jump from one gap to the next and make them miss in space. He's also a nightmare for linebackers to cover down the field."
It starts up front
"The strength of the offensive line will determine Seattle's fate. They've been a below-average unit for years, and if that's the case again in 2024, it's hard to imagine Seattle contending for a division title, let alone a championship. If the front line improves under new position coach Scott Huff, then the Seahawks have the potential to compete with any team in the NFC."
New schemes: Having answers and dictating terms
"On offense, one element of the new scheme that stood out was Grubb's usage of pre-snap motion to undress the defense and the freedom Smith has to get the team into whatever play call is most likely to be successful based on that information. "
"On defense, much has been made of Macdonald as a schematic wizard, but you can also tell that when the situation calls for it, he trusts his guys to win one-on-one matchups to get off the field."
Throughout the offseason, players have raved about what they've seen out of the defense and Seahawks Pro Bowl safety, Julian Love is excited about the potential of the team saying, "I think the sky's the limit."
"With Macdonald now steering the ship as the successor for legendary coach Pete Carroll, however, the excitement and exuberance radiating from the VMAC couldn't have been more palpable this summer. A renewed emphasis on fundamentals and physicality stood out during training camp practices and players could be heard barking out signals every play, exemplifying the stress on communication in a complex system renowned for pre and post-snap disguises.
On paper, the Seahawks should have all the pieces necessary to make dramatic improvements on defense, starting with a further reinforced defensive line. Along with Williams returning on a new three-year deal alongside fellow veteran Jarran Reed and newcomer Johnathan Hankins, the team invested a first-round pick in athletic defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, who should immediately play extensive snaps at multiple positions. Off the edge, Derick Hall looks ready to pop in his sophomore season rotating behind Dre'Mont Jones, Uchenna Nwosu, and Boye Mafe in a deep group."
Other Seahawks Related News
Win the Toyota Tundra from the Fan Deck
Hey 12s! The time is now: enter to win the Seahawks Tundra from the Toyota Fan Deck! And get ready - because at the end of the season, we're picking six lucky Seahawks fans to compete during our halftime show for the chance to make the truck theirs. Enjoy the season, and Go Hawks!
The Sound, Episode 3: Home Again
There's fierce competition in the wide receiver room as the Seahawks finalize the 53-man roster. Easop Winston Jr. nods to the competitive crew in the building, while Seahawks Legend Michael Robinson expresses the anxiety he felt around roster cuts each of his eight seasons in the league. Guys are fighting for their dreams - and Mike Macdonald talks about the earned opportunity to play professional football. Now, things are real. And we have everything we need within this team.
Seahawks Visit Denny Middle School for Back to School Blitz
We celebrated the first day with students and staff from Denny International Middle School while counting down to Kickoff with talent including Legends, Blitz, Seahawks Dancers, and a special appearance from EA Sports with the iconic Madden Cruiser.
More from Around The Web
Michael-Shawn Dugar of the Athletic: Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald’s high-wire act: Establish a new culture while preserving the past
Michael-Shawn Dugar of the Athletic: Why Geno Smith’s make-or-break season will determine Seahawks’ future
Tim Booth of the Associated Press: Macdonald drawing praise as Seahawks coach, but test starts Sunday.
Gregg Bell of The News Tribune: Coaches marvel at what he’s doing to start opener. Seahawks’ new C Connor Williams shrugs
Cameron Van Til of Seattle Sports: Macdonald reflects on journey to becoming Seahawks’ head coach.
Cameron Van Til of Seattle Sports: Seahawks Preview: Seattle has potential star duo at cornerback
Corbin Smith of Sports Illustrated: Tested By Mike Macdonald's Defense, Ryan Grubb Excited For Seattle Seahawks Debut.
Connor Benintendi of Sports Illustrated: Year 3: Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith Has 'Settled Down' Ahead of Pivotal Season.
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times: Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb excited for first shot to call plays at NFL level | Notebook.
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times: Mike Macdonald close to debut as Seahawks churn toward season opener
Matt Calkins of The Seattle Times: After all the changes, Seahawks’ hopes still largely rest with Geno Smith.
Matt Calkins of The Seattle Times: Why now is the time for the Seahawks’ DK Metcalf to have a career year
John Boyle of Seahawks.com: After 'Phenomenal' Training Camp, Geno Smith Is Ready To Lead The Seahawks Offense.
John Boyle of Seahawks.com: With Game Week Here, Mike Macdonald Says Seahawks 'Are In A Great Spot'.
Ari Horton of Seahawks.com: Seahawks Offensive And Defensive Coordinators Head Into Week 1 Full Of Anticipation.
Ari Horton of Seahawks.com: DK Metcalf On Week 1: 'Looking Forward To [Ryan Grubb] Opening Up The Playbook'.
Social Post Of The Week
Five things to know about the Denver Broncos, who come to Lumen Field on Sunday for the NFL season opener.
DK Metcalf needs one touchdown reception of at least 50 yards to tie Darrell Jackson and Steve Largent for second-place in franchise history with six.
Tyler Lockett needs six yards on Sunday to become the second player, behind Steve Largent, in franchise history and 113th player in NFL history with 8,000 receiving yards.
The Seahawks begin their 49th season opening at home for the third-consecutive season, their longest streak of opening the season at home since a five-year streak from 1976-80.
If Seattle wins on Sunday, it would mark the 19th win in its last 22 home openers since 2003, with losses coming in 2008, 2021 and 2023.
Since 2005, rookie quarterbacks are 4-12 at Lumen Field, formerly Century Link Field/Qwest Field.
