In their first game of the 2025 season, the Seattle Seahawks managed just 13 points in a 17-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The NFC West rivals had their rematch in the final game of the regular season with the division title on the line. Again, Seattle scored just 13 points. This time, they won surprisingly easily, 13-3.
What had happened in the interim? The obvious answer is that Mike Macdonald’s defense, which had been flirting with greatness all season, played its most dominant game of the year.
Whereas Brock Purdy and company ran up 384 yards of total offense in the first game – more than 100 of them on the ground – San Fran could only amass a paltry 173 yards of offense – just 53 rushing yards – in week 18.
Seahawks must fix one glaring problem on offense
And although it did not show up on the scoreboard, the Seahawks’ offense was also much improved, rushing for 180 yards in the final week, compared to the 84 they totaled in week one. Yes, things had certainly changed for the better.
However, in one area, Seattle still struggles, and if they don’t address the problem quickly, their playoff run may not be nearly as long as they hope it will be.
I know the common wisdom is that the biggest problem Seattle has on offense is Sam Darnold’s propensity for costly turnovers. I don’t mean to underestimate the importance of ball security, but that is not their biggest problem. When you have a stifling defense, you can overcome a few turnovers. But that only happens if your offense scores points.
In other words, with the Seahawks’ defense, two Darnold interceptions are not a major problem provided he also throws three touchdown passes. Darnold cannot play in fear of the turnover as it limits his ability to make big plays. Of course, there are limits. We saw that in the first Rams’ game. Five turnovers, and Seattle still very nearly won the game.
But Darnold did not throw touchdown passes against San Francisco, which is why the game was still in doubt before Drake Thomas’ late interception. And that’s the biggest problem Klint Kubiak faces in designing his playoff offense.
More specifically, the problem is that the Seahawks have not developed any consistent pass-catching threat after Jaxon Smith-Njigba all season long.
In that first game, JSN had more targets than the rest of the team combined. He had more catches and more yards than every other eligible receiver. We wrote about what a problem that could be at the time.
Kubiak seemed intent on addressing the issue as the season went on. At various points, Cooper Kupp and Tory Horton were targeted more, as were tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo.
But in week 18, things were only slightly better. JSN has twice as many targets as the other outside receivers. At least Darnold was able to get his backs and tight ends involved, but JSN still accounted for more than 30% of the targets and more than 40% of the receiving yards.
This is not the only reason that Seattle’s red zone offense faltered last week, but it may be the most significant. On the compressed field, it becomes much easier for opposing defenses to take JSN out of the play. Darnold needs another option. Ideally, he needs several others. But as everyone saw on his early 4th down red zone throw to Kupp, right now, he doesn’t have one.
Kupp has been a decent player this year, but he is no longer the dangerous threat he once was. Rashid Shaheed has been a godsend, but Kubiak has yet to figure out how to involve him in the passing game. Horton is gone, and probably not returning this year. Arroyo is also out, though he may be back in the playoffs.
That leaves Barner and Saubert, along with the backs. All are good receivers. All have made plays in the passing game this year. Especially Barner. But will any of them step up in the intensity of the playoffs? That remains entirely unknown.
Seattle’s defense will carry them a long way. Smith-Njigba and a solid running game will do their part. But unless Sam Darnold can find at least one more dangerous receiving option this postseason, Seattle is going to struggle to keep up with the explosive offenses it is likely to encounter in the playoffs.