The Seattle Seahawks opened the 2025 season with a 17-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, a game that was competitive but frustrating. The defense held strong, limiting San Francisco’s explosive offense for long stretches, but the Seahawks' inability to sustain drives and finish in the red zone ultimately proved costly.
Seattle’s offense has long been built on physicality and balance, but against the 49ers, that formula never found traction. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combined for only modest gains, and too often the Seahawks put Sam Darnold in third-and-long situations against one of the league’s fiercest pass rushers in Nick Bosa.
The path to Week 2, though, looks clearer. The Steelers, Seattle’s next opponent, were exposed in their opener by the New York Jets, especially against the run. Pittsburgh surrendered chunk yardage on the ground and struggled to set the edge, an issue tailor-made for the Seahawks' backfield duo.
Seattle Seahawks need to unleash the running game against the Steelers
Week 2, the Seahawks should incorporate the rushing attack immediately in the game by setting the tone with their one-two punch, and this could be the week where Charbonnet cements his status as RB1 moving forward.
Charbonnet’s downhill style, paired with Walker’s burst, gives Seattle a solid duo capable of dictating tempo. Establishing that rhythm won’t just open up the offense— it will also help protect a defense that showed promise but can’t afford to be overworked.
Despite the loss, there are plenty of encouraging signs on defense. The Seahawks pressured Brock Purdy, tackled well in space, and forced turnovers to give the offense opportunities to score. Seattle’s defense is well-positioned to take away easy stuff from the Pittsburgh offense, making it tough for Aaron Rodgers to find a rhythm.
But for the defense to thrive, it needs support. Long drives built on Charbonnet and Walker’s legs would keep Rodgers and the Steelers' high-powered offense on the sideline, limit the Steelers' chances, and ensure this defense stays fresh for late-game situations.
Seattle’s offensive identity is at a crossroads. Sam Darnold wasn’t disastrous in Week 1, but the passing attack never looked fully comfortable. Asking him to shoulder the load without a complementary run game is a recipe for inconsistency. A ground-heavy plan not only plays to Seattle’s personnel but could also provide Darnold the balance he needs to succeed.
Yes, it’s only September. But after a narrow loss to a division rival, urgency is already building. A 0-2 start could make the road back much steeper. The good news? The fix doesn’t require dramatic changes. It’s hiding in plain sight: run the football, trust Charbonnet and Walker, and let the rest of the team feed off it.
For the Seahawks, the path to righting the ship may be as simple as getting back to doing what they do best.