Good afternoon, 12s. Here's a look at what's going on out there and any news you might have missed, about your Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks play Sunday at 5:20 p.m. PT against the Washington Commanders. Here is news from the week to get you ready for the matchup and other news out there about the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks play Sunday at 5:20 p.m. PT against the Washington Commanders. Here is news from the week to get you ready for the matchup and other news out there about the Seattle Seahawks.
In the spring of 2013, Mike Macdonald was a 25-year-old quality control coach at the University of Georgia.
Dan Quinn, meanwhile, was preparing for his first season as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, having returned to Seattle, where he previously was the defensive line coach, after two seasons at the University of Florida.
The two didn't know each other or have many obvious connections, but Macdonald did have a sister who lived in Kirkland, so with a visit already planned to see family, Georgia's defensive coordinator at the time, Todd Grantham, reached out to Quinn to set up an introduction.
So 12 years before Quinn and Macdonald would face off as head coaches on Sunday Night Football, they got together at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center as a young aspiring NFL coach and a defensive coordinator who was about to help lead one of the greatest defenses of all time.
"There's a funny story that happened when I was a GA," Macdonald said this week. "The gist of it was DQ was the defensive coordinator here, and the guy I was working for—I was visiting my sister in Kirkland—he set up a visit with DQ here. I walked right through the entrance right there.
If Devon Witherspoon is indeed back this week, how does Mike Macdonald use him and Nick Emmanwori together?
For most of his first two seasons in Seattle, cornerback Devon Witherspoon has thrived as a nickel corner, making plays near the line of scrimmage, while also showing he can be an elite defender as an outside cornerback. The addition of safety Nick Emmanwori in this year's draft gave the Seahawks another option at nickel, and Emmanwori has played a lot in that role in recent games since returning from an ankle injury.
Emmanwori exited early in the season opener with an ankle injury, then Witherspoon suffered a knee injury late in that same game that has kept him out of five of the last six games, so Emmanwori and Witherspoon have barely played together this season.
But with Witherspoon expected back soon, quite possibly this weekend, that will change for the Seahawks, which brings up an interesting question: what is the best way for the Seahawks to use two versatile, physical players who are both playmakers in the nickel spot? It's a great "problem" for defensive coaches to work out, and one that Macdonald is no doubt having a good time sorting out.
"It's exciting that you have those two players that can play that position, which is awesome," Macdonald said. "We've got to make sure we put a tight enough plan where we can take advantage of both skill sets. That's kind of our burden to bear as coaches to make sure that it's clean and clear so the guys can go play the way they can play. But you know how we feel about Spoon. The guy's a tremendous player and Nick is at the beginning of a great career. He's off to a great start."
@tetons_ asks, "Can anyone stop JSN this year?"
A: So far, the answer has been no. On his way to leading the NFL with 819 yards through seven games, Smith-Njigba has been remarkably consistent, recording 100-plus yards and eight or more catches in five of seven games. And in the two games he didn't top those marks, Smith-Njigba still managed 79 yards on four catches in a win over Arizona, and 96 yards and a touchdown on five catches in a win over the Saints, numbers that would have been bigger had he and several other starters not sat out most of the fourth quarter.
That's not to say Smith-Njigba won't have a quiet game at some point this season. On his way to setting an NFL record with 1,964 yards in 2012, Calvin Johnson had five games under 100 yards, including a season-low 46 yards against Richard Sherman and the Seahawks. Cooper Kupp, who came close to that record with 1,947 yards in 2021, had six sub-100-yard games (though he went over 90 yards in five of those), with a low of 64 yards. All of that is to say that, even in the greatest of receiving seasons, there will be days where the production dips, so Smith-Njigba will probably have a quiet game at some point, but what he is doing so far this season has undoubtedly been very, very impressive.
The Seahawks return from the bye and get set to travel across the country for matchup vs. the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football. The Seahawks will wear their throwback uniforms for the Week 9 primetime matchup.
Player And Coaching Connections
Dan Quinn, Commanders head coach
Quinn was Seattle's defensive coordinator in 2013-2014 before taking a job as the Atlanta Falcons head coach. He also spent time as Seattle's defensive line coach in 2009-2010 before going to the University of Florida as the defensive coordinator.
Bobby Wagner, Commanders linebacker
In 11 seasons in Seattle, Wagner was a nine-time Pro Bowler, nine-time AP All-Pro, a two-time Seahawks Man of the Year nominee and established himself as one of the franchise's most accomplished players and made an equally big impact in the community. For all of his accomplishments, Wagner was voted to the Seahawks Top 50 Players earlier this year.
Social Post of the Week
Other Seahawks News
Week 8 Coaches of the Week
Our Week 8 coach of the week winners are head coach Mike Christensen of Toledo High School (2B)
and head coach Archie Malloy of Mountlake Terrace High School (3A). Each coach will be invited to a Seahawks game later this season to be recognized for their accomplishments and will receive a $500 donation to their football program!
Coach Mike Christensen has served as the head coach at Toledo High School since 2017. During his tenure, he has led Toledo to the state playoffs every season, including one semifinal appearance and six quarterfinal appearances, compiling an impressive overall record of 75–26. Mike has always been passionate about giving back to the community that gave him so much growing up. Toledo is off to a great start to the season, sitting at 8-0, as they prepare for the upcoming crossover game and state playoffs!
Coach Archie Malloy has been a head coach for over 23 years with five of those at Mountlake Terrace. Coach Malloy's philosophy is "Take advantage of every teachable moment, you never know when that lesson will present itself to a player either on the field or in their everyday life." Coach Malloy and his staff have led Mountlake Terrace to their first ever 8-0 season and first league title becoming WESCO South Champs finishing 6-0 in league play!
More From Around The Web
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times: Can Jaxon Smith-Njigba maintain historic pace? What Seahawks greats said.
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times: How Nick Emmanwori is showing Seahawks were smart to trade up for him.
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times: Why Seahawks are optimistic about rushing attack | Notebook.
Matt Calkins of The Seattle Times: Seahawks’ Sam Darnold should be in the NFL MVP conversation.
Stacy Rost of Seattle Sports: Stacy Rost: 3 numbers that matter for Seahawks-Commanders.
Cameron Van Til of Seattle Sports: How Seahawks’ talented rookie draft class has fared.
Zac Hereth of Seattle Sports: How Seahawks can take advantage of Commanders’ defense.
Gregg Bell of The News Tribune: Fine. Yet can be finer: What Sam Darnold worked on during Seahawks’ bye.
Gregg Bell of The News Tribune: Ty Okada starting, excelling in a Seahawks defense not schemed according to plan.
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic: Why the Seahawks, fresh off their bye, look like contenders in a wide-open NFC.
John Boyle of Seahawks.com: Seahawks Prepare To Again Face 'Special Football Player And Special Human Being' Bobby Wagner As An Opponent.
Ari Horton of Seahawks.com: Jaxon Smith-Njigba On NFC Offensive Player Of The Month: 'It's Special, Man.'
The Seahawks continued their week of practice on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna (92) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak at practice on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Myles Gaskin (22) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Myles Gaskin (22) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Myles Gaskin (22) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
