The Seattle Seahawks' 2025 season was a testament to their resilience and strategic prowess, as they emerged with a plethora of positive takeaways from Aaron Schatz's 2026 Football Almanac. This partnership with FTN Fantasy has once again provided an in-depth analysis, shedding light on the team's strengths and areas for improvement.
Offensive Mastery
The Seahawks' passing game, particularly in 12-personnel sets, was a force to be reckoned with. With two-tight end formations, they averaged an impressive 9.3 adjusted net yards per pass attempt, ranking third in the NFL. This strategic shift from the previous year's 11-personnel dominance under Ryan Grubb to the current setup under Klint Kubiak has been a game-changer. The team's ability to adapt and excel in different formations is a testament to their coaching staff's expertise.
Play action passes played a pivotal role in Seattle's success. The Seahawks' offense thrived when utilizing play action, showcasing Sam Darnold's prowess as a quarterback. The disparity between play action and non-play action passing was remarkable, with Seattle averaging over 10 yards per play action pass, the highest in the league. This strategic use of play action highlights the team's understanding of quarterback utilization and offensive strategy.
Health was a significant factor in the Seahawks' offensive success. The team suffered minimal long-term injuries, with only a few key players missing multiple weeks. This is evident in the Adjusted Games Lost (AGL) metric, where Seattle's offense ranked third, indicating a relatively healthy and consistent starting lineup. The absence of major injuries to starting players, such as Charles Cross and Jalen Sundell, contributed to the team's overall success.
One area that has long plagued the Seahawks was the underutilization of running back screens. However, in 2025, they led the league in this category, with only 10 screens used. This strategic shift towards a more balanced offensive approach is a positive development for the team's future.
The Seahawks' ability to break tackles and create opportunities for their receivers was exceptional. Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the charge, with Walker III ranking third among running backs and Smith-Njigba ninth among receivers and tight ends in terms of broken tackles. This showcases the team's physicality and skill in creating plays.
Sam Darnold's performance was a bright spot, as he ranked eighth-lowest among starting quarterbacks in knockdowns, with a knockdown rate of just 11.7%. This is a significant improvement, considering the team's history of quarterbacks enduring harsh treatment behind shaky offensive lines. The Seahawks' offensive line, while not ranking highly in pressure allowed, still demonstrated resilience and protection for their quarterback.
Defensive Dominance
The Seahawks' defense was a force to be reckoned with, boasting three of the 15 best coverage corners by DVOA. Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Josh Jobe formed a formidable trio, with Woolen narrowly ahead of Witherspoon. Jobe's performance, despite facing the most targets, is a testament to the team's overall defensive strategy.
DeMarcus Lawrence, the edge rusher, was a standout performer, leading the team with 23 defeats, 54 pressures, and 13 QB hits. His ability to disrupt the offense and create turnovers is a significant asset. The interior defensive line, comprising Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II, was equally dominant, with both players ranking in the top 20 in run stop rate and pressuring the quarterback.
Nick Emmanwori, a nickel safety, showcased his versatility and impact, leading the secondary in defeats and ranking 11th in coverage DVOA among nickelbacks. His performance highlights the team's ability to adapt and utilize players in multiple roles.
However, a surprising detail emerged in the form of Josh Jobe, who was tied for the fourth-most penalized defensive player. Despite the penalties, Jobe's impact on the field was evident, as his penalties were not lethal in terms of long pass interference. This showcases the fine line between success and penalties in defensive play.
Special Teams Excellence
The Seahawks' special teams unit, led by Michael Dickson and Jason Myers, was a model of consistency and excellence. Dickson's gross punt value over average was +8.3, the best in the NFL, indicating a highly effective punting strategy. Myers, the NFL's leading scorer, ranked second in gross kickoff value and first in net points, showcasing the team's overall special teams prowess.
The consistency of Seattle's special teams unit is notable, especially considering the volatility of special teams statistics year-to-year. The team's ability to maintain a strong special teams unit despite the challenges of the Dee Williams/Laviska Shenault Jr. experience is a testament to their coaching and player development.
In conclusion, the Seattle Seahawks' 2025 season was a remarkable display of strategic adaptability, resilience, and overall team performance. The partnership with Aaron Schatz and FTN Fantasy has provided valuable insights, highlighting the team's strengths and areas for further improvement. With a balanced offensive approach, a dominant defense, and a consistently strong special teams unit, the Seahawks are poised for continued success in the NFL.
