Head Coach Mike Macdonald Recaps The Week 18 Win, Looks Ahead To The Postseason

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald outlines the schedule for the upcoming week, balancing rest and preparation for an unknown playoff opponent. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in building team culture and praises several players, including Charles Cross and Riq Woolen, for their contributions on and off the field. Macdonald discusses improvements in the team's screen game and run defense, crediting players' commitment to aggressive, team-oriented play. He also addresses the development of assistant coaches and the team's approach to potential interview opportunities for staff members. The coach highlights the synergy of the team, particularly praising quarterback Sam Darnold's consistency and wide receiver Jake Bobo's adaptability despite limited playing time.

Head Coach Mike Macdonald expresses immense pride in the Seahawks' performance, highlighting their hard play, teamwork, and complementary football across all phases (0:00). The team's resilience and determination were key factors in their success (1:28). Macdonald praises specific players, including Nick Emmanwori's great game (1:51), Sam Darnold's play-extending abilities (2:21), and Drake Thomas's crucial defensive play (2:41). The coach emphasizes the team's gradual attack strategy and their ability to make in-game adjustments (3:34). Macdonald acknowledges the significance of securing a home playoff game, expressing excitement about playing in front of the "12s" - the team's passionate fanbase (5:58). He also mentions the team's strong start in the run game and the need to maintain it for four quarters (3:34). The coach reflects on the team's growth in his second year and expresses his love for coaching this group (6:19).

Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold discusses the team's crucial victory that secured their playoff berth. Despite offensive struggles in the red zone, Darnold praises the defense's consistent performance and special teams' excellence. He acknowledges missed opportunities, including underthrown passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but highlights the team's resilience and the offensive line's strong performance in the final drive. Darnold commends the defense's talent and cohesiveness, mentioning Nick Emmanwori's impact. He expresses excitement about playing at home for the playoffs, emphasizing the advantage of the 12s . Darnold also recognizes Josh Jones' versatility and impact as a lineman, praising his unselfish attitude. The quarterback emphasizes the team's approach of continuous improvement, regardless of game outcomes, and their unselfish attitude in the locker room.

Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams shares his thoughts on the team's recent playoff victory and the strong bond among players. (0:05) Williams expresses gratitude for the season's success, especially at this stage of his career. (0:39) He highlights the team's "next play mentality" and their ability to thrive in challenging situations. (1:28) Williams emphasizes the importance of complementary football, with all three phases of the game contributing to their success. (2:39) He mentions how activities like shadow boxing have brought the team together, fostering connections across different position groups. (3:47) Williams proudly refers to the defense as "the dark side" and believes they deserve recognition for their performance. (5:24) He describes the current Seahawks team as the closest he's been on in his career, praising their winning mentality and refusal to become complacent. (6:00) Williams commends head coach Mike Macdonald for his leadership, noting the team's trust in him despite initial adjustments.

Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV celebrates the NFC West title win, highlighting the defense's impressive performance in holding the 49ers to just 3 points (0:31). He praises Drake Thomas for his crucial interception (0:50) and emphasizes the team's philosophy of preventing touchdowns (1:34). Jones commends Nick Emmanwori's versatility as a rookie (2:10) and attributes the team's success to Head Coach Mike Macdonald's leadership and community-building in the locker room (2:43). The linebacker reflects on the team's journey, starting from the previous season's challenges to their current position as the number one seed (2:59).

Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp spoke to media following the over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.

Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba expresses excitement about the victory and securing the top seed (0:03). He emphasizes the team's high goals and the need to focus on upcoming challenges (0:09). Smith-Njigba discusses the satisfying win against the 49ers (0:28) and the energetic locker room atmosphere (1:15). He highlights the team's offensive struggles in the red zone (2:05) but praises the defense's performance (2:36). Smith-Njigba also mentions a crucial 8-minute drive late in the game (2:55) and the importance of converting third downs (3:38). Finally, he expresses anticipation for the playoff atmosphere at home (4:29).

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald discusses the team's preparation for the upcoming Week 18 game. He mentions that Josh Jones' status is questionable (1:22) and provides updates on injured players Charles Cross and Tory Horton. Macdonald praises the progress of cornerback Riq Woolen (4:50) and the work of safeties coach Jeff Howard (3:18). He also notes that Rashid Shaheed has had a good week after clearing protocol (2:25) and that several players, including George Holani, could potentially return from injury soon. The coach emphasizes the team's adaptability to schedule changes and highlights the positive attitude of players during the week's preparations.