The Seahawks have spent most of the 2025 season fielding one of the NFL's best defenses while also playing at less than full strength for almost the entirety of their first seven games.
Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, who has demonstrated in recent weeks what a big part of the defense he can be, was injured on Seattle's first defensive series of the season and missed three games with an ankle injury. Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon has missed five games due to a knee injury, and Pro Bowl safety Julian Love has missed four with a hamstring injury, while Pro Bowl cornerback Riq Woolen missed one with a concussion. The Seahawks also were without veteran outside linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, a four-time Pro Bowl selection in Dallas, for a game, and were without outside linebacker Derick Hall for two games with an oblique injury.
Yet other than one rough outing against the Buccaneers, Mike Macdonald's defense has thrived this season even as it has been without multiple key players in almost every game. Only one opponent, Tampa Bay, has scored more than 20 points against the Seahawks this season, and five of seven opponents have been held below 300 total yards, allowing the Seahawks to rank in the top 10 in both scoring and total defense.
And a big part of that defensive success has been the way Macdonald and his coaching staff have been willing to tailor the defense to the players on the field as opposed to stubbornly sticking with what he thought would be the ideal scheme and play-calling heading into the season.
"We've talked about how we're always going to be designing our game plans and calling games based off what we feel like our guys do well," Macdonald said. "I'm giving you a lot of coach-speak in this presser, but really that has to be the lens of how you build it. I think that kind of paints you a picture, but it's also why we train the way we do. We don't take practices off, we try to maximize reps, now we try to lever things where we can manage player loads and things like that. But to bank all those reps for the 90 guys initially on your roster and then the eventual 70 (roster) is incredibly important because you don't know what's going to happen. Anybody is a player or two away from being in there. You've got to have a great feeling for what that player can do and the better trained up they are, and the more ready that they are consistently, you feel like you can play the things that you want to play."
And it isn't just injuries that have caused Macdonald and Seattle's defense to evolve. The Seahawks have "detoured pretty significantly" from what Macdonald though they would be on defense as he tries to cater to what players do best. One example is Seattle's low blitz rate this season, which is a departure from what Macdonald has done as a play caller in the past. With Seattle's defensive front emerging as one of the best in the NFL, the Seahawks are using a four-man rush on 79 percent of opponent dropbacks this season, the third-highest rate in the NFL, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
And it's working, with the Seahawks generating the fifth-highest pressure rate (36.1 percent) when rushing four. And while they've blitzed at the third-lowest rate (19.0 percent), the Seahawks are effective when they do bring extra rushers, recording a 51.7 percent pressure rate that ranks third in the league. But how infrequently they the Seahawks are blitzing relative to what was expected coming into the year is just one example of how Macdonald is catering his defense to what players do best.
"Frankly, we've detoured pretty significantly from where we thought we were going to be at the beginning of the season, and that's not really personnel driven," Macdonald said. "I think it's really what we're doing well and what our guys have shown that they're good at. Which is good, to me, that paints a clear picture, means we're watching our players and we're listening to them. We're listening to them when they tell us, through how they play, what they do well. That happens every year, but I'd say, let me be clear, it's not personnel driven. It's really what we're doing well."
Players, of course, are going to appreciate a head coach who tries to cater to their strengths in a way that also produces good results for the team.
"The biggest thing is that he's trying to put us in the best position to make plays, which is good," said safety Coby Bryant. "We have a ton of playmakers on our defense. Whenever a coach does that, especially a head coach—just trying to put us in a position to showcase our talent, that's always fun. He's smart, man. He's always trying to find ways to get better, as we are too."
With the defense thriving, and also getting healthier—Witherspoon and Hall have a good chance to get back this week, Macdonald said—the Seahawks are looking to go on a run coming out of the bye much like they did last season when, after losing five of six prior to their bye, they won six of their last eight to close out the season.
"Year 2, we're a lot more comfortable," Bryant said. "We have the right people in our locker room to lead us to where we want to go.
"Last year, we got on a little run after the bye, and this year, we need to just keep doing what we're doing and continue getting better every week."
A big reason Macdonald feels good about his defense and his team as a whole is that he can see a clear identity for this team, something the Seahawks were still finding last year in Macdonald's first season as a head coach.
"We're trying to be decisive, shocking, and relentless," he said. "here's a lot of times we're there, but we know that's what we're striving towards. I think it's clear on my front in terms of messaging about how we're operating, but we want to be aggressive, we want to be physical, without hitting all the coaching buzzwords. But that really is who we want to be, we want to be attacking and unrelenting and play an exciting brand of ball."
There was no singular moment that Macdonald felt his team and defense found that identity, but that process that has taken place over the past year-plus since he arrived has the Seahawks in a good position coming out of the bye.
"I don't think there's like an aha moment," Macdonald said. "I think we're all going in the same direction the whole time. Probably starts with me being clear and the offseason definitely helps, having a whole offseason and working through it and getting people on the same page, having another year under our belt of understanding how we want to operate and who we want to be, given certain situations. So, I think it's kind of everything. I think it's probably a natural progression. You know me, I always want things that happen, probably sooner than they actually happen. I'm not the most patient guy but really everybody in the building has been tremendous, like, more than you could ever hope for being in a new situation coming from my lens. You realize it takes everybody, and it's really important to get everybody on the same page, pulling in the same direction, and it's not easy to do. It's not easy to do when there's new things going on and our people have been awesome."
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 as they get ready for their prime-time matchup at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Derion Kendrick (1) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Velus Jones Jr. (35) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna (92) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Velus Jones Jr. (35) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Maxen Hook (37) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna (92) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole (57) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) and fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Velus Jones Jr. (35) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Courtney Jackson (84) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
