The 2024 NFL season has officially come to an end for the Seattle Seahawks. While closing out the year with a 10-7 record would typically signal success, it wasn’t enough to secure a playoff berth. For a franchise accustomed to competing deep into January, the outcome feels like a missed opportunity despite the strong finish.
Throughout the season, the team showcased moments of brilliance, providing fans with hope that they could be contenders. Explosive performances, late-game heroics, and flashes of dominance hinted at the potential for a playoff-caliber squad. However, inconsistency and critical missteps ultimately kept them from realizing that potential, leaving lingering questions about what could have been.
The highs and lows of the campaign reflect a team in transition, grappling with both promise and disappointment. From overcoming adversity to falling short in pivotal moments, the season was a mixed bag that serves as both a reminder of the team's strengths and a call to address glaring weaknesses. As the offseason looms, the focus will shift to building on the positives and learning from the struggles that defined the year.
STUD - Seattle Seahawks defense
The Seahawks entered the 2024 season determined to address glaring issues from the previous year, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. A unit that had consistently struggled to limit opponents and close out games was a major focus as the team aimed to bolster its overall performance. The question heading into the season was whether the defense could make the necessary adjustments to become a reliable force.
This year, the Seahawks' defense took noticeable strides, correcting some of the mistakes that had plagued them in the past. Improved tackling, disciplined coverage, and timely pressure helped turn the tide for a unit that had often been a liability.
Key contributors across the roster stepped up to elevate the defense’s performance, showcasing a more cohesive and resilient group. The ability to hold opponents to fewer scoring opportunities became a defining factor in several of the team's victories.
That's 🔟 sacks this year for @leonardwilliams. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/EMLPHW5Onr
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 5, 2025
While the overall improvements were evident, the defense still faced challenges in critical moments, leaving room for further growth. Despite the strides made this season, the Seahawks fell short of their ultimate goal, missing the playoffs by a narrow margin. However, the foundation laid by this year’s defensive efforts provides optimism for the future as the team looks to build on its progress heading into the next campaign.
DUD - Seahawks offensive Line
The oft-quoted definition of insanity—doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results—aptly describes the Seattle Seahawks’ ongoing struggles with their offensive line. For years, this unit has been a glaring weakness, dating back to the days of their former franchise quarterback. Despite efforts to address the issue in the draft and free agency, the inability to provide consistent protection remains a recurring theme.
This season, the lack of a reliable offensive line once again reared its head, hampering the team's ability to maximize its offensive potential. The line struggled to protect Geno Smith in the pocket, often leaving him under duress and forcing hurried decisions.
Ineffective pass protection also disrupted the rhythm of the passing game and made it difficult for the team to establish consistent drives. Opposing defenses capitalized on these vulnerabilities, making life increasingly difficult for the Seahawks' offense.
Addressing the offensive line has been a problem the Seahawks have yet to solve, and it continues to limit the team's ceiling. As the team heads into the offseason, the need for substantial investment in this area has never been clearer. Whether through fresh talent or retooling the existing unit, fixing the offensive line is essential if Seattle hopes to break free from this cycle and truly compete at the highest level.
STUD - Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald
When the Seahawks decided to move in a new direction by hiring Mike Macdonald as head coach last offseason, the decision came with its fair share of uncertainty. The first-time NFL head coach was tasked with stepping into the sizable shoes of Pete Carroll, a figure synonymous with Seattle’s success. Expectations were tempered, as many wondered whether Macdonald could bring a fresh perspective while maintaining the team’s competitive identity.
Macdonald navigated the highs and lows of his inaugural season with poise, leading the Seahawks to a 10-7 record—a mark that has been achieved by only two other first-year head coaches in franchise history. One of his most notable accomplishments was transforming a previously porous defense into a much more disciplined and effective unit. Under his leadership, the Seahawks showed resilience and improvement on that side of the ball, setting the tone for a promising future.
Though the season ended without a playoff berth, Macdonald’s impact on the team cannot be overlooked. His ability to implement positive changes and guide the Seahawks through a transitional year has drawn well-deserved praise. As Seattle looks ahead to 2025, Macdonald’s first season serves as a strong foundation upon which the team can continue to build.
DUD - Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb
The Seattle Seahawks possess the makings of a formidable football team, particularly on offense. With an enviable roster of playmakers that includes dynamic talents like DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Kenneth Walker III, the foundation for success is undeniably present. These players provide the explosiveness and versatility needed to challenge even the league’s best defenses.
Despite the abundance of talent, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb struggled to consistently maximize the potential of this unit. Missed opportunities were a recurring theme, with Seattle failing to convert critical chances, especially in the red zone. Drives that began with promise often faltered near the goal line, leaving points on the field and momentum unclaimed. These issues underscored a lack of creativity and execution in key moments that ultimately cost the Seahawks in close games.
The inability to capitalize on offensive weapons remains a significant area for improvement as the team looks to turn its potential into sustained success. Refining their approach in high-pressure situations, particularly near the goal line, will be crucial in future seasons. With the right adjustments, the Seahawks offense has the talent to become one of the NFL’s most dynamic and effective units.
The Seahawks’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, beginning with promise but ultimately ending in disappointment as they fell short of a playoff berth. While the team showed flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball, inconsistency and missed opportunities proved costly.
The strides made by the defense and the continued emergence of offensive playmakers were encouraging, but lingering issues—such as red-zone inefficiency and offensive line struggles—held the team back from reaching its full potential.
As the Seahawks head into the offseason, there are both reasons for optimism and clear areas for improvement. Building on the progress made under a new coaching staff and addressing critical weaknesses will be key to turning this season’s setbacks into next year’s successes. With a solid foundation in place, the Seahawks have the tools to bounce back and re-establish themselves as playoff contenders in 2025.