Ask most football fans or pundits why the Seahawks won the Super Bowl last season, and they'll probably point to the dominant defense led by head coach Mike Macdonald. Or maybe they'll bring up the play of quarterback Sam Darnold, who made the Pro Bowl for the second straight season while help lead a team to 14 regular-season wins. Or perhaps they'll bring up Offensive Player of the Year and All-Pro receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, or a running game that hit its stride late in the season.
But one aspect of last season's success that isn't discussed enough is the leap the Seahawks made in offensive line play, improving significantly from 2024 to 2025 thanks to a combination of new scheme, a new position coach and a couple of key new additions to that group.
"It's so fun to be able to work with those guys every single day," Darnold said. "They really set the tone for our offense too. A lot of people don't realize that, or just the offensive line in general in football, I don't think gets talked about enough. They're such a vital part to the team success. Even our offensive line, setting the tone for our defensive line, feeling how they're coming off the ball, that sets the tone for the entire team.
"I don't really think they get enough credit for how they practice and how they play on game day. I'm always going to make sure they get love and all the things that I feel like they deserve. They're an incredible group, a really fun group to be with, and I'm just glad I get to be with them every single day."
With the Seahawks overhauling their scheme last season under Klint Kubiak, and with veteran offensive line coach John Benton taking over to coach that position group, the Seahawks put a lot more emphasis on the running game, going from 28th in rushing yards in 2024 to 10th in 2025. Granted, that had a lot to do with the volume of runs, but a bigger commitment to the run game, led by the line, helped set the tone on offense. And the even bigger improvement came in pass protection, with the Seahawks going from allowing 54 sacks in 2024, tied for the third most in the NFL, to 27 sacks last season, tied for the fifth fewest. Again, volume had something to do with that, with the Seahawks attempting far more passes two seasons ago, but even accounting for that, the Seahawks cut their sack rate significantly, allowing a sack every 10.9 pass attempts in 2024 compared to one every 17.8 pass attempts in 2025.
And the good news for the 2026 version of the Seahawks is that the offensive line should be even better this year after making that leap last season. At this time last year, the Seahawks had a new left guard in rookie Grey Zabel, and had ongoing competitions at both center and right guard, with Jalen Sundell and Anthony Bradford eventually emerging as the starters at those spots. And again, those players were also learning an entirely new scheme while also competing for starting spots.
This year, the Seahawks have all five starters back while playing in a similar scheme, despite a change at offensive coordinator, with Brian Fleury replacing Kubiak, who left to become the head coach of the Raiders. And with Benton back leading that group, which also returns most of its top depth pieces like Josh Jones, Christian Haynes, Olu Oluwatimi, Mason Richman and Bryce Cabeldue, the difference at this stage of the camp is hard to miss.
"I think it's pretty night and day from where we started at last year," said right tackle Abraham Lucas. "Speaking for myself, it's much more confident in the play calling and running the plays because when we were starting up last year, you're still kind of learning. Learning all the calls, the adjustments, and then going out and executing all of them after a day of install and now we have had basically a whole year of install. Coach (Brian) Fleury's offense is a little but different, but a lot of carry over, so it makes it a little bit easier."
Lucas, along with fellow 2022 draft pick Charles Cross, is one of the elder statesmen of Seattle's line, despite not being very old, and those two tackles are leading the charge for what could be Seattle's best offensive line in a long, long time.
"Having a certain level of comradery already built and continuing to build on that whether it's on the field or off the field, in every aspect, we can be our best version of ourselves as a group," Cross said. "… (Continuity) makes our communication better at a higher level. Being able to communicate, see things through the same lens, play together as one. Five of us seeing the same thing as we all see it."
Added Zabel, who is coming off a standout rookie season that saw him earn a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, "
What does continuity do for the line: "Now we're playing five as one, whereas last year we were kind of figuring each other out, how you play next to certain people and it kind of goes game by game. But now, when you've got the same five back, you've got the majority of the O-line room back, now it's starting to have fun together. You know how everyone plays and it's a joy now. We've just got to continue to get better and play for one another."
And it's not just the offensive linemen noticing the difference; the players they face in practice every day can also see the growth.
"They are playing together really well," said veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed. "The way they complement each other, the way they communicate. Their blocks are very crisp, very nice. It makes us work hard. It's only going to get us better."
Fleury, who comes to Seattle after seven seasons with the 49ers, most recently serving as run game coordinator and tight ends coach, will put his own stamp on the offense, but having spent so much time in the same scheme Kubiak came up in, there will also be a lot of carryover, and that similarity in scheme, combined with the carryover up front, should make for a much smoother transition than is normal when a team makes a change at offensive coordinator.
"It's an extremely rare situation to have all five starters returning, especially from a Super Bowl team," Fleury said. "I'm walking into a good situation. I've worked with John Benton before – he does a phenomenal job of coaching that group. The cohesion that they already have makes it easy to implement stuff. When you do realize that an adjustment needs to be made, they are so used to working with each other and communicating, that adjustments happen lightning fast. That's a nice advantage to that situation."
Seahawks players practiced on Wednesday, August 5 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21), Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) and safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) and tackle Logan Brown (73) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) and linebacker Drake Thomas (32) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) and punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Jadarian Price (8)practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) and safety Bud Clark (9) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
ISeahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Irv Charles (85) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (56) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back George Holani (36) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (32) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) and safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (17) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) and safety Bud Clark (9) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (84) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson (27) and punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
