The Seattle Seahawks defense has been elite through four games as they have allowed just 16.9 points per game, the second-fewest in the entire NFL. Their seven interceptions also rank second in the league.
Additionally, the team is clicking on all cylinders following a Week 3 44-13 blowout victory over the New Orleans Saints. Sam Darnold showed that his 2024 breakout season was no fluke as he had an incredible showing where the offense did not punt until he was out of the game.
Seattle's special teams also had a great game as they returned a punt for a touchdown, blocked a punt, and returned a kickoff 60 yards -- allowing the team to jump out to a 28-3 lead with just 11 offensive plays.
And then, just four days later, for three quarters, Seattle kept the Arizona Cardinals under wraps, too. It was impressive.
Seahawks expected to get Rylie Mills back this season
The defense was, once again, dominant as they did not allow a touchdown until the fourth quarter. While the team has played great football to begin the season, they are not at full strength. The status of Rylie Mills remains up in the air. The fifth-round rookie is expected to return at some point this season.
Mills has not suited up for the Seahawks after tearing his ACL during last season's College Football Playoff Semifinal. He appears to be ahead of schedule as he is expected to return this season.
Reporter Brian Nemhauser shared the news recently, "I asked Mike Macdonald about Rylie Mills and he said there was no new update on his timeline, but his understanding is Mills should be available to play for the team this season."
Mills should provide additional depth to an interior defensive line that has been among the best in the NFL. In his five seasons with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, he recorded 131 total tackles, 59 solo tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 17.0 sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
He had a strong senior season as he finished with 37 total tackles, 19 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks en route to being named a second-team All-American.
The addition of the rookie defensive lineman will further strengthen the Seahawks' defense and give Mike Macdonald yet another player to use in a rotation to keep the unit fresh. With Byron Murphy II in the midst of a breakout season and Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed continuing to play at a high level, Mills would provide solid depth alongside Mike Morris.