Studs and duds from the Seahawks' Week 2 win against the Patriots

Dud - Seahawks bad tackling

When Mike Macdonald was hired as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, one of the biggest expectations was that the defense would make significant strides. After years of inconsistent play and defensive struggles, the hope was that Macdonald, known for his work as a defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens, would bring a new level of discipline and toughness to the Seahawks’ defense. While there have been noticeable improvements from last season, one glaring issue remains the defense’s inability to finish tackles and prevent opponents from gaining extra yardage.

In Week 2, this issue was particularly evident as the Seahawks’ defense struggled to contain the Patriots' running backs, Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson. Both backs consistently gained additional yards after contact, with poor tackling form and missed opportunities costing Seattle valuable field position.

The Seahawks’ defense, which had been promising in their season opener, was shredded on the ground by the tandem of Gibson and Stevenson. They combined for several key runs, extending drives and allowing the Patriots to control the pace of the game.

Finishing tackles is a fundamental aspect of any defense, and it’s something the Seahawks will need to address quickly if they want to be successful this season. Despite the improvements Macdonald has brought in terms of scheme and overall defensive aggression, the inability to wrap up and bring down ball carriers is preventing the Seahawks from taking the next step. Missed tackles not only allow opponents to gain extra yardage but also keep Seattle’s defense on the field longer, wearing them down over the course of the game.

As the Seahawks prepare for Week 3, fixing their tackling woes will be a top priority. Macdonald and his staff will need to drill the importance of wrapping up and finishing plays into their defenders. There’s no doubt that the Seahawks’ defense has the talent to be a strong unit, but until they can consistently finish tackles and limit extra yardage, they will remain a work in progress.

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