It's been said time and time again that the Seattle Seahawks were a complete team last year. If they had any weaknesses of any kind on defense, offense, or special teams, they were as minimal as they could be. Seattle's complete roster was one significant reason they were so good and dominated.
There is no reason to believe the Seahawks can't be even better on offense this season with Sam Darnold going into his second year at quarterback. The same can be said on special teams, as Rashid Shaheed will be waiting for those kickoffs for a full season, and not just half.Â
As for the defense, no one could argue against the Seahawks' defense being one of the best last year. They were right up there with the Houston Texans as league leaders in several stat categories. The Texans are expected to be elite again, as are the Seahawks. After leading the league in scoring defense last year, can they repeat?Â
The Seattle Seahawks' defense can lead the league again thanks to Mike Macdonald's elite scheming
The Seahawks were right behind the Texans last year in defensive statistics. Houston led the league in total yards allowed (277.2 per game) and defensive efficiency. Seattle led in fewest points surrendered per game (17.2), allowing just 292 points all season. Both teams should lead the league in these categories again this season, even if they flip-flop which ones.
If the Seahawks are to achieve these leading stats again, much of it will come down to Mike Macdonald's elite scheming on defense. While the Seahawks are an explosive offense under his leadership, Macdonald's greatness as a coach comes from his defensive mind.Â
Macdonald's defensive greatness excels with pre-snap disguises, a dominant pass rush using a four-player system, and the ability to adjust tactically in ways that outsmart opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. Macdonald also invests in versatile hybrid safeties, like Nick Emmanwori, who can shift around in the secondary with elite skill; it's hard for opposing offenses to track him.
All of these masterclass executions from Macdonald were the driving force behind the fewest points allowed last season, and his players carried out his schemes to the letter. The Seahawks' defense has the advantage going into the new season: nearly full returning personnel, minus Boye Mafe, Coby Bryant, and Riq Woolen.
That said, the Seahawks' depth is solid enough that their free-agent losses shouldn’t have a negative impact. Not to mention that the Seahawks drafted heavily on defense and did so significantly well.Â
What the Seahawks do this season could be even more special than last. Macdonald only gets better as the years go on, and he's been gifted with elite defensive personnel. Seattle is in the driver's seat to lead the NFL on defense this season. As for repeating as the NFL's leader in points allowed, it's certainly on the board. Seattle's "Dark Side" defense is just getting started.Â
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