The Seahawks improved to 6-2 with a big prime-time win over the Commanders, allowing them to keep pace with the other top teams in the conference. Up next is an NFC West contest against the Arizona Cardinals, but before we turn our attention to that game, it's time once again to open up the mailbag and answer some questions from you, the fans.
As always, thanks to everyone who asked questions this week, and apologies if I wasn't able to get to yours this time around. And remember, the mailbag is always open for submissions at Seahawks.com/mailbag.
@ffsemenalo asks, "Who are we trading for for the Super Bowl run?"
A: This question came in on Monday before news of any deadline deals had occurred, but as Seahawks fans are surely aware of by now, the answer is that the Seahawks traded for receiver Rashid Shaheed, sending a pair of 2026 draft picks to New Orleans to acquire the speedy receiver and returner.
I like this deal for the Seahawks for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that he played in Klint Kubiak's offense last year, and was really productive before suffering a season-ending knee injury. That means there won't be the usual adjustment period of learning a new scheme and new language, which can at times hinder the ability of a midseason acquisition to make an immediate impact.
Shaheed, an All-Pro and Pro-Bowl returner in 2023, will help the Seahawks on special teams, but most importantly, he gives the Seahawks another field-stretching threat that will help in a lot of ways. Most obviously, there will be the yards that come with the plays Shaheed makes, but what a player with his skillset—a true deep-threat with elite speed—can do is also affect the way teams defend the Seahawks. As Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues what has been an amazing season, teams will continue to try to find more ways to put more attention on him, but that is harder to do if there's a home-run threat on the opposite side of the field. Yes, Tory Horton has that in his game as well, but having another deep threat always adds value. A player like Shaheed also makes it more difficult to load the box to stop the run game, and if his presence gets opponents in more two-deep safety looks, that will only help the running game going forward.
I know some folks were hoping for more trades, and it's entirely possible the Seahawks were working on other deals that just didn't end up working out, but the beauty of this situation is that the Seahawks were already a really good and balanced team before the deadline, so they weren't in a position where they had huge needs that had to be filled. Instead, they added another playmaker to a passing game that is already one of the most explosive in the NFL.
@Tobstroyer asks, "Who do we continue winning? What is the big difference between this year and the last few years?"
A: The Seahawks are doing a lot of things well already this season, so more than anything, they need to just keep doing what has gotten them to 6-2 at the midway point of the season. On offense, they're getting great play out of quarterback Sam Darnold, Smith-Njigba is on a record-setting pace at receiver, and other playmakers are complementing his big season, while the offensive line is providing great protection for Darnold to operate. The running game still has room to grow, and that might be the final step for the Seahawks to really hit their stride, but overall there's a ton to like about what they're doing offensive. And on defense, the Seahawks have been outstanding, led by what might be the best defensive front in football, and with the secondary working its way back to full health, that unit should only continue to improve.
As for comparing to past years, I don't see much point in comparing the team to where it was under a previous coaching staff, but relative to last year, Macdonald's first as head coach, there are plenty of reasons to like this team's chances of closing out strong. The Seahawks finished last year with a 6-2 record over the final eight games, and this team is playing a lot better on offense than last year's was down the stretch, while the defense, which was really good to close out last season, looks to be as good if not better than last year's squad. Then there are also the intangibles, and this team just feels really close and connected, and as Macdonald noted last week, it feels like they really have found an identity, something that took some time last year under a new coaching staff.
And if you're looking for numbers to make you feel good, consider the Seahawks have a plus-81 point differential that ranks second, by a point, in the NFC and third in the NFL. That's relevant because the best point-differential teams in franchise history are also the most successful ones. That may sound obvious, but there is a difference between an 11 or 12-win team that pulls off a bunch of close wins, and one that wins a lot of games by big margins. The Super Bowl-winning 2013 team had the best differential in team history at plus-186, followed by the 2005 team (181) that reached the Super Bowl, the 2012 team (167) that finished on a tear and reached the divisional round, the 2015 team (146) that also finished as one of the league's hottest teams, and the 2014 team that reached the Super Bowl (140).
@tompage asks, "Listening to some of the media describe JSN, it kind of reminded me of how they described another Seahawks receiver—not the fastest, not the biggest, but one of the best, Steve Largent. Does that comparison make sense?"
A: I don't hate that comparison. Smith-Njigba plays a lot faster than his recorded 40-yard dash times, and he was coming off an injury in the pre-draft process, so I think the talk about his lack of high-end speed might be a bit overblown. But is true that, overall, Smith-Njigba doesn't have the crazy measurables that some of the great pass-catchers have possessed, yet he is still putting up huge numbers, putting him on pace to threaten the single season receiving record held by Calvin Johnson, who very much did possess those crazy measurables.
Smith-Njigba was a highly-productive receiver as a high-schooler in Texas, then at Ohio State, and he was a first-round pick, so he's hardly sneaking up on anyone, but at the same time, but this season has shown that his overall skillset—route running, body control, hands, understanding of defenses, etc.—can be more important than pure size and speed.
@MrEd315 asks, "Who are your MVP candidates at the halfway mark of the season?"
A: Are we talking team MVP or league-wide? Either way, Sam Darnold needs to be in the conversation for the way he is playing. If the Seahawks keep winning and can win the West, Darnold absolutely deserves to be in the MVP conversation, but as always there are a lot of quarterback playing well, so it will be a crowded field, and you can never rule out a running back like Jonathan Taylor or receiver like Smith-Njigba if they continue on their current paces, though in general MVP is a quarterback award in today's NFL.
If we're talking team MVP, Darnold has to be the guy just because of how important that position is, but Smith-Njigba is right there with him for the season he is having and the overall affect he is having on the rest of the offense—go look at where the "middle" of the field safety is on Elijah Arroyo's touchdown, shaded way towards Smith-Njigba, making it impossible to get over in time to help out on the throw to Arroyo. And on defense, Leonard Williams is having a phenomenal year, one that is much better than his very strong numbers suggest. Like Smith-Njigba, Williams' standout play draws extra attention, creating opportunities for teammates as Seattle's defensive front continues to be a handful for opposing offensive lines.
@antdellafave asks, "Did Elijah Arroyo get his first touchdown ball? On the broadcast it looked like he handed it to a fan?"
A: I would imagine he did keep it, yes. I'm not sure if the TV broadcast cut away too soon to show it, but Arroyo did act like he was handing it to a fan, but actually pulled the ball back and flipped it in the air behind him. So as long as he or a teammate or member of the equipment staff thought to grab it, Arroyo should have that important keepsake.
@segdeha.com on Bluesky asks, "How do the Seahawks compare to other teams in terms of dropped passes? It seems like we're doing really well in that department?"
A: Your assessment is very accurate, it turns out. I hadn't given dropped passes a lot of thought this year, probably because the Seahawks haven't had many so it wasn't top of mind, but this question made me look into it, and sure enough, the Seahawks have only two drops this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, the fewest in the NFL this season.
The Seahawks acquired wide receiver Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints, pending a physical. Check out the best photos of Shaheed through the years.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) gestures to the camera prior to an NFL preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) in the first half during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in New Orleans. (Rick Scuteri via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) scores on a 44-yard run in the second quarter during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in New Orleans. (Michael DeMocker via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) runs past Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (22) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) runs for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals' Vonn Bell (24) during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) smiles after catching a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 42-34. (Greg Trott via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) scores a touchdown while avoiding Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) pulls in a touchdown reception as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) and cornerback Marco Wilson cover during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) celebrates his touchdown reception with wide receiver Chris Olave (12) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) looks on during an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz. (Michael Owens via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) runs the ball past Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) runs with the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) returns a kick during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) runs with the ball as Los Angeles Rams safety Nick Scott (33) pursues in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022 in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Rams 27-20. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints' Rashid Shaheed (89) returns a kick in the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) runs a route during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Rams 27-20. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints' Rashid Shaheed in action during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) catches a 58-yard touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) makes a reception to score a touchdown in front of Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sep. 10, 2023, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) catches a touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) and cornerback Sean Murphy-Buntin, right, in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. The Saints won 16-15. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) celebrates a 41-yard pass reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. The Saints won 16-15. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) catches a 41-yard pass in the fourth quarter as Tennessee Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton (26) defends during an NFL game on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 in New Orleans. (Michael DeMocker/ NFL LCC)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Sep. 10, 2023, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) carries the ball against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Titans 16-15. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in Charlotte N.C. The Saints won 20-17. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) celebrates after returning a punt for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) and New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) celebrate a play during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Sept 24, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Saints 18-17. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) returns a punt for a touchdown past Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens (34) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) makes a reception while tackled by New England Patriots defensive back Jabrill Peppers (5) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) pulls in a touchdown pass against Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson (21) in the first half of an NFL football game in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs with the ball against the Houston Texans during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Houston. The Texans defeated the Saints 20-13. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Houston. The Texans defeated the Saints 20-13. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in New Orleans. The Jaguars won 31-24. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs for a touchdown returns during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) poses for a photo after an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) makes a reception in front of Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) to score a touchdown during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Panthers 47 - 10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Panthers 47 - 10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Atlanta. The Falcons defeated the Saints 26-24. (Paul Abell via AP)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints Rashid Shaheed, left, is congratulated by wide receiver Chris Olave after scoring during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) catches a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints 26-13. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New Orleans Saints Rashid Shaheed (22) catches a touchdown pass as Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) watches during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New Orleans Saints' Rashid Shaheed (22) gestures while returning a punt for a touchdown past Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter Jake Camarda (5) during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints' Rashid Shaheed celebrates after returning a punt for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) scores on a 54-yard punt return in the second quarter during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in New Orleans. (Michael DeMocker/ NFL LCC)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) celebrates his punt return with teammate during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, October. 13, 2024, in New Orleans, LA. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints' Rashid Shaheed (22) returns a punt against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs down the field during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) carries against the Buffalo Bills in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) carries against the Buffalo Bills in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball past New York Giants safety Tyler Nubin (27) to score a touchdown during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs past New York Giants safety Tyler Nubin (27) to score a touchdown during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs after a catch for a touchdown against New York Giants safety Tyler Nubin (27) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) catches an 87-yard touchdown in the second quarter during the NFL game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 in New Orleans. (Michael DeMocker/ NFL LCC)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) scores on an 87-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter during the NFL game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 in New Orleans. (Michael DeMocker/ NFL LCC)
Rashid Shaheed #22 of the New Orleans Saints during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in New Orleans, La., Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) runs a route against the New England Patriots during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) celebrates with New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
