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 travel down to Santa Clara for their regular-season finale against the 49ers, but before that, here is some news to get you caught up on all things Seahawks.
Both general manager and president of football operations John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald have cases for Executive of the Year and Coach of the Year honors because of the success the Seahawks are having this season. In this feature, Seahawks senior reporter John Boyle details how they both helped the team get to this point, the key players involved and how their mindset has trickled down to the entire team to create a unit primed for the playoffs.
The end of the regular season nearing that means end of the year awards and honors and ESPN writer Bill Barnwell named his first- and second- team All-Pros, with a couple of Seahawks making the list.
First-team
Wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
If you're sick of hearing me complain about how tough these races are, well, the top two spots at wide receiver were the easiest picks on the board. Smith-Njigba has been a one-man show for the Seahawks in the passing game this season, where the likes of Cooper Kupp and Rashid Shaheed haven't been able to make consistent impacts. Smith-Njigba currently has more than 44% of the receiving yards produced by the Seattle offense this season, the highest percentage since Brandon Marshall racked up more than 45% of Chicago's market share at receiver in 2012.
Everybody knows the ball's going to JSN. Nobody has shown any consistent ability to stop him throughout a game this year, though.
Ernest Jones IV, Seattle Seahawks
Dumped by the Rams and traded away after six weeks by the Titans a year ago, Jones has been a perfect fit in Seattle under Mike Macdonald. He has picked off five passes this season, tying him with Devin Lloyd (who was just a hair behind Jones on my ballot) for the league lead among linebackers. Jones has allowed a 53.7 passer rating in coverage this season, the third-best mark in the league at any position. He has also made 16 tackles stopping players short of a third- or fourth-down conversion -- tied for fourth in the NFL.
Michael Dickson, Seattle Seahawks
Per the Puntalytics EPA-based model, Dickson has been the best punter in the league this season on a per-punt basis. The Sydney-born punter is only around the middle of the pack in terms of average gross and net yards per punt, but just 35.3% of his punts have been returnable this season, a figure only Mitch Wishnowsky of the Bills and Austin McNamara of the Jets have been able to top. Dickson's ability to place his punts has made a difference there, as just 13.7% of his punts have gone to the middle of the field, the lowest rate in the league for regular punters.
The only real argument I can make against him is that the Seahawks just haven't needed Dickson to punt all that often; he has averaged just 3.2 punts per game this season.
Second-team
Defensive tackle
Leonard Williams
@segdeha on BlueSky asks "how do we get back on track" when it comes to the slow starts on offense, one of many questions on that topic.
A: The Seahawks have had some slow starts on offense in recent games, including last weekend's win in which they had just three points in the first half. The good news is the Seahawks keep winning because their defense and special teams are so good—that what coaches and players mean when they talk complementary football—and also because their offense tends to find its way in the second half. Ideally the Seahawks will start better this weekend, and coaches and players will keep working on finding those answers, but if they don't they also won't panic about it because of all of the different ways they have been able to win games this year.
"It's kind of like our run game, you know? We've had some games where we've started really great, we've had some games that we haven't, and we've been able to rebound," Macdonald said.
"I think it's hard to attribute it to just one thing. If not, I think we would have probably found a solution by now, but I'll tell you what. Our guys were into it. It's not easy getting up and having your energy ready. You have to do it, you know, going east and things like that, but you have to be very intentional about it. And I thought our guys were ready to go. I thought our guys prepped really well; I thought they had great energy before the game. That's easier said than done. And so, I think we just got to keep attacking it. Keep looking at the openers, keep seeing who's executing what and how we want to attack their structures, making sure our operation's right, that's going to go a long way. I wish I had a single answer for you, but I know our guys are doing the inputs that we want. I think we're just not getting the results we want right now."
The Seahawks will face off against the division rival San Francisco 49ers in Week 18 for a chance to win the NFC West and earn the NFC's top seed. The team will wear their white jerseys and college navy pants for the regular season finale.
Social Post Of The Week
News From Around The Web
Brent Stecker of Seattle Sports: The Reset: Seahawks will beat 49ers – these are the reasons.
Stacy Rost of Seattle Sports: Stacy Rost: Defense wins championships? Seahawks are counting on it.
Cameron Van Til of Seattle Sports: Jeremiah: What’s changed since Seahawks’ Week 1 loss to 49ers.
Gregg Bell of The News Tribune: How do these ‘Death Zone’ Seahawks compare to their last 13-3 team, 2013 ‘LOB’?
Gregg Bell of The News Tribune: Seahawks defense has 2 weapons new to 49ers for NFC West title game Saturday.
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times: Seahawks’ run-game revival could be key to beating 49ers | Four Downs.
Matt Calkins of The Seattle Times: A Seahawks win over the 49ers isn’t the hope — it’s the expectation.
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic: Three Seattle Seahawks players who could decide the monumental 49ers rematch.
John Boyle & Ari Horton of Seahawks.com: Preparing For A Big Game On A Short Week & Other Takeaways From Mike Macdonald's Monday Press Conference.
Ari Horton of Seahawks.com: 'It's A Big Moment' But Seahawks Are Taking It One Day At A Time Ahead Of Saturday.
Ari Horton of Seahawks.com: Sam Darnold Looks Ahead To Saturday's Matchup: 'Just Treating It Like Another Game'.
The Seahawks kicked off the New Year with a practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on January 1, 2026.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (55) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) and Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) and long snapper Chris Stoll (41) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (37) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) and safety Quandre Diggs (37) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
