Our 2025 Seattle Seahawks are a young team, whether player or coach, and are looking to stack reps and tell their story. Early in the Mike Macdonald Regime, our squad has had a signature moment or two, but not a game this clean, this strident. Today’s resounding victory at home against the New Orleans Saints
felt like a statement, a purposeful and crisp dismantling of a semi-decent opponent in front of a ‘Hawk fanbase looking to prove a point.As it were here at Field Gulls, there are these things
called Winners and Losers. Life is often black and white, but it is mostly neither black nor white. Life is a colorful rainbow, a subjective congealing of experience and emotion, cultures and language. Today’s butt whooping was just that: a kaleidoscope of legal pain and punishment, dealt by our Seahawks from a vast array of players, all colliding spirits; tackling, dodging and weaving with purpose and soul.
With that being said, let’s get going!
Winners
Coach Mike Macdonald: One of the overwhelming takeaways from today’s game for me is how crispy and cohesive the Seattle Seahawks team operated on the field today. Mind you, I don’t think it’s an indictment on previous behavior. I just think today’s showing from the ‘Hawks punctuated how prepared this squad looks in all three phases with Coach Macdonald and his homies in charge.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Say what you will about NFL Draft evaluators and prognosticators: not many people guess anything correctly. And when they do, it is either in context or only a deviation or two from their next best competition. Smith-Njigba may have been a first round pick (granted, hard to call him underrated or overlooked, no?), but from the way he is growing quickly into a star NFL receiver, he really should have been a top-5 pick, maybe 7th at worst. Great route running, YAC yards, great hands, tough play. In my opinion, he’s the perfect compromise between DK and Tyler: crisp route running, intelligence, and athleticism. JSN, from Rockwall, TX, is on a trajectory to becoming a Seahawks legend. No cap.
The D-line: Goodness! Those that know were not kidding when they talked glowingly about Mike Macdonald’s ability to scheme pressure with only four players. As has been the case all year, the Seahawks D-line created havoc for their opponents, play after play after play. Today was the brightest example of their growth and effort. Run stuffs, tackles for loss, batted balls, Spencer Rattler getting… rattled (just a little bit). Bless the D-line and all the wonderful gifts they’ve been bringing on large serving dishes for us starving fans this season. Thank you, D-line Gawd!
Special Teams: after looking downright elementary (as in playing American Football like an elementary school team) during the pre-season, the 2025 version of Jay’s Jiants has impressed and today was no different. Great tackling, good blocking on both kickoff and punt returns (a special teams touchdown from Horton, c’mon now!!) The whole squad looked competent, spirited, aggressive, and aware. Save for a long, late return by New Orleans, the oft-maligned ‘Hawks special teams units, under control of Ginger Brethren Jay, played hard and they played fierce and they deserve these flowers. (Cue Beyonce song about how how she wants to be independent and recognized for her achievements.).
Derion Kendrick: claimed off waivers from the division rival Los Angeles Rams, Derion Kendrick, a 6th round draft pick, is becoming both number 1 on the field and number 1 in our hearts. The Seahawks’ CB depth has been tested early and both he and Josh Jobe have been playing with precision and grace. Another interception today, three PDs, and two tackles. It’s going to be very hard to leave him off the field once ‘Spoon is healthy.
Sam Darnold: In a rational world, we have a ways to go before we truly crown our next Franchise QB1. To quickly review recent history, we as Seattle Seahawks fans had a very passionate, and ultimately toxic relationship with Russ Wilson; were seemingly scorned by a man we came to love in Geno, and are now dating the nice guy who lives down the hall, listens to Jason Mraz, and has been wearing the same Kirkland Signature brand t-shirts he’s worn since sophomore year of public high school.. Sam Darnold may not be all that. But I’m pretty sure he might be Rachel Lee Cook in overalls and glasses and we might be Freddy Prinze, Jr.
Byron Murphy II: I know I already highlighted the D-line, but I want to shout out another very solid, disruptive afternoon for Mr. Murphy. Tackles for loss, a sack, a big smile. He’s going to be very good. Better than the very good he already is. We are lucky. Don’t front.
THE 12s: I knew y’all were crazy when y’all were screaming yourselves hoarse on 1st Down, late in the 4th, up by what seemed like 75 points!?!? Y’all are crazy, man. Like, crazy. Good to see you back in form. We missed you. If we take back home field advantage like we should, truly, there will be little to stop our Seattle Seahawks from ascending magnificently.
Kenneth Walker III: Guess what? We have two good running backs. Actually, we have like five good running backs. And Kenneth Walker III is like, all of the best of all of them, their best traits, rolled into one. Plus, he’s like, really, really fast. And he’s a sneaky tough runner. And he listens to constructive criticism. I know, I know. “But T, 2.4 yards a carry? You are straight trippin’. Trade him for an autographed photo of Justine Bateman circa Family Ties,” some might say. He’s a good kid. He’s gonna grow up to be great. Quit complaining.
Losers
Ummm…. There were literally like a few plays that didn’t work for the Seahawks. Literally, like a few. If I had the time and money to run back the game, look at the All-22, count snaps, and chart plays, I’d tell you that someone on our team missed a block, or overran a run fit , or bit on a double move when they know they should’t have. But let’s be realer than Tupac talking to Janet Jackson in the back of the mail truck in Poetic Justice: if you really want to complain about today’s performance in any way, I suggest you stand in the corner like the kids at the end of the Blair Witch Project and shout your complaints at a wall. Today was awesome. Don’t front.
Question Marks
Riq Woolen: I think there is a way to phrase something to someone that lets them know that they need to get their act together, and that you will be there for them on their journey of discovery and acceptance. There are also people who when you talk to them, no matter how direct, concise, or well-spoken, seem to act as if silly sting is falling out of your mouth instead of fantastically vivid life advice. I saw Riq Woolen shrug today more times than he made a play, or a tackle for that matter. I really do wish him the best.
See you tomorrow. Go, ‘Hawks!
