That’s more like it!
In a game that garnered significantly more importance than just trying to avoid starting the 2025 season 0-2, the Seattle Seahawks looked more like the team we saw in the preseason as they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-17 on the road with an early kickoff.
This was a statement game. Unlike the opener against the San Francisco 49ers, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak didn’t give up on the run game, mixed in plenty of play action, and utilized his tight ends. It wasn’t always
pretty with Sam Darnold throwing two interceptions. However, Seattle played complimentary football, keeping drives alive and letting their defense get some much needed rest. The offense made big plays on their second-to-last drive when they were up 24-17 with nearly half of the fourth quarter remaining, scoring a massive touchdown to go up by two scores. The Seahawks defense then kept their foot on Aaron Rodgers’ throat and choked him out like they had pretty much all game long. It was exactly how Mike Macdonald wants his team to play.
Seahawks Droppings
- I absolutely loved what I saw out of the Seattle defense today outside of that ugly 65-yard pass to Jaylen Warren. Even with that momentary lapse of concentration, they held Aaron Rodgers to 18/33 for 203 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INT while netting 3.0 sacks. The defense only gave up 72 yards rushing on 21 carries, to boot. They were flying around and making big hits without one of their best players in Devon Witherspoon.
- Riq Woolen was great today, one week after drawing the ire of many in the Emerald City. He had an early penalty, but that’s the only time I heard his name called which means he was doing his job. Woolen was also the one who hustled all the way down the field and tackled Warren on that long pass play – which turned out to be huge since Derion Kendrick picked off Rodgers in the end zone to stymie a scoring opportunity.
- Let’s give some flowers to Kendrick and Josh Jobe as well. Kendrick dropped an easy interception earlier, yet made an even more spectacular pick in the end zone. Jobe was in position all day and helped limit DK Metcalf to 20 yards and 1 TD on 3 catches.
- Sticking with the defense, Rodgers was harassed all day. The fact that all three sacks came from the defensive tackle position shows what a factor quick interior pressure can be. Byron Murphy played like his first-round pick status today with 1.5 sacks and multiple run stops.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a problem. He had another big game today with 8 catches for 103 yards. He’s so slippery and has a great feel for getting open. JSN also proved that he’s not just a slot receiver, hauling in a clutch 43-yard catch with Jaylen Ramsey in coverage on Seattle’s final TD drive that salted the game away. He’s another former first round pick that’s playing like one.
- Cooper Kupp turned back the clock and looked like his old self with 7 catches for 90 yards. He was a great security blanket over the middle, extending drives and fighting for extra yardage. Rookie Tory Horton made his first NFL catch count with the first opening drive TD for the Seahawks since the Shane Waldron era. Elijah Arroyo and AJ Barner also got some looks today with Barner securing a nice TD grab over the middle between coverage.
- Sam Darnold had a few poor throws today, but looked quick and decisive in his decision making overall. I can’t blame him too much for the second INT as he had immediate pressure in his face, and the ball was knocked into the air. Darnold’s TD to Barner was a fantastic example of his ability to rip the ball into a tight space. His deep shot to JSN was right on the money, and something I wish the Seahawks would try to feature a little more – though that will probably come with time. Let’s not forget that he has solid athleticism evidenced by his spin move in the pocket to avoid the blitz and allow him to get the ball away for a first down. There will be some up’s and down’s with Darnold, but he really does look like a great fit for Kubiak’s offense.
- Take a bow, K9! Kenneth Walker III looked like the far superior running back today. There were a couple runs where he danced, but for the most part Walker was decisive and hit the hole hard. There aren’t many running backs in the entire NFL that have his combination of speed and power, so I hope this is just the start of him bouncing back in a huge way. Hat tip to Robbie Ouzts for demolishing two men in the hole to spring Walker on a 20-yard scamper. Ouzts missed some other blocks, but let’s remember that he’s transitioning to the fullback role and will only get better. He’s a key part of this new Seahawks offensive identity.
Nothing is a better salve than a win, particularly one that showcases the attitude and identity of a team. THIS is the Seahawks team that we were promised – albeit in the infant stages. They want to physically dominate you on both sides of the ball and make you feel every snap. How often in the last few decades have you seen the Pittsburgh Steelers get pushed around at home? “Bully ball” is back in the Pacific Northwest and hot damn does it feel good!
