Six weeks into the 2026 NFL season, the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks sit at 3-3. That is an obvious disappointment, especially considering they are three full games behind the San Francisco 49ers and are currently losing the tiebreaker to Kyle Shanahan’s team. Repeating as NFC West champs seems a tall order.
On the other hand, the Seahawks have lost their three games by a combined seven points and had chances to win all of them. They hope to get both Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet back before too long, which should help the sputtering offense. And though there may be a sense of urgency, there is no panic. Yet.
Grading each position unit on the club makes it clear where the primary responsibility for the modest start lies. The offense has been underwhelming. But it’s safe to say that pretty much every part of the team is playing below the level they achieved by the end of last season. That’s not a reason to panic either. But it does bear watching.
Grading each Seattle Seahawks position group at the one-third mark of the 2026 season
Quarterback
Sam Darnold was hurt early in the first game, and Drew Lock came on to play rather well in his absence. That does earn the group some points. But Darnold has been very shaky since his return.
We are not anywhere near considering benching him in favor of Lock, but Darnold obviously has to up his game if the team is to challenge for a title again this year. As I have said, I am actually more concerned about his plummeting completion percentage and yards-per-attempt than his interceptions, although the picks clearly have to come down as well.
Grade: C-
Running back
This is a major problem. The absence of Kenneth Walker is especially acute with Jadarian Price out. Seattle simply has no back who scares a defense. Charbonnet’s return will help, but it will not cure everything. Price has to return, and he has to stop fumbling. I think by the end of the season, this situation will be significantly better, but right now, the running backs are not getting the job done.
Grade: C-
Wide receiver
How do you grade this position? Jaxon Smith-Njigba, even with his crucial drop against San Francisco, is an A+. Everyone else is a D – and that’s being generous. JSN outpaces all other receivers combined in targets, catches, yards, and touchdowns. And it is not even close. Someone else has to step up.
Grade: B-
Tight end
AJ Barner has gone from being one of the better all-around tight ends in the league to being a good blocker with mediocre receiving numbers. That is one of the stranger developments this season, particularly because 1) Seattle desperately needs to give JSN support in the passing game and 2) it was assumed that Kyle Shanahan disciple Brian Fleury would emphasize his tight ends this season.
Barner is down across the board in every receiving category, and most distressingly, his success rate on catches (based on down and distance) has nosedived from 63.2% in each of his first two seasons to 41.7% this year. With Elijah Arroyo mostly invisible, the tight ends have simply become extra linemen.
Grade: D
Offensive line
I think we are seeing that Kenneth Walker III made the line look better than it was in 2025. That does not mean they are a bad line. They just may have been somewhat overvalued last year. Charles Cross continues to be very solid at left tackle, but both Abraham Lucas and Grey Zabel appear to have regressed a bit this year.
Jalen Sundell is a decent center but will never be dominant. And for some mysterious reason, the team continues to platoon the right guards, even though rookie Beau Stephens is struggling. This may not be a train wreck, but it is a vague disappointment so far.
Grade: C-
Interior defensive line
This is one of the team’s greatest strengths. They may not be playing at their Super Bowl level, and Rylie Mills’ expected breakout has yet to occur, but Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II remain the core of the entire team.
Grade: A-
Edge rusher
Older vets Demarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu are still formidable. But at their age, they need help, and right now they are not getting it. I’m not surprised that Dante Fowler has been a no-show, but I did expect Derick Hall to have more of an impact this year. I still think we will see him become an important part of this defense before the season is over.
Grade: B-
Linebackers
Ernest Jones IV and Drake Thomas are smart, active linebackers, and Tyrice Knight offers plenty of talent in a reserve role. As with the entire team, they may not be up to their Super Bowl levels just yet, but I have no concerns about the linebackers’ ability to continue getting better.
Grade: B+
Secondary
Normally I would separate cornerbacks from safeties, but on the Seahawks, that doesn’t make sense. The players move around and play different roles. That’s especially true of Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori, but it can apply to others as well. Besides, there isn’t much difference between corners and safeties.
Josh Jobe has been a bit of a problem, but I don’t think he’s been as bad as some others have been. Mike Evans simply dominated him – something that has happened to a lot of corners over the years. The others have been quite good – especially Julian Love. I think they can be better – maybe a lot better – so I will be a tough grader here.
Grade: B+
Special teams
Michael Dickson continues to be excellent, and the coverage units have been strong. On the other hand, Jason Myers has looked shaky at times, and Rashid Shaheed has yet to control a game as he did down the stretch last year. As with the secondary, they have been good, but could be a lot better.
Grade: B
In broad terms, the defense is playing at a B+ level while the offense is closer to a C+ (and closer to a D if not for JSN). Both units need to return to where they were last year – basically a full grade higher – if the team is to make another serious postseason run this year.
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