Seahawks Finish with 10 Wins and Plenty of Optimism
The Seahawks closed out their season with a thrilling 30-25 Week 18 victory over the Rams, cementing a 10-win campaign. Normally, such a record would guarantee a playoff berth. But in a hyper-competitive NFC and an especially tight NFC West this year, Seattle fell just short.
Still, there’s much to celebrate as the Seahawks enter the offseason with momentum and a sense of promise.
A Rivalry Reignited
The Rams, who started the season at the bottom of the division, clawed their way back into contention, making the final weeks a showdown with Seattle for divisional pride. This wasn’t just a game—it was a statement. And Seattle made several.
A Historic Start for Coach McDonald
First-year head coach Mike McDonald has already made Seahawks history. His 10 wins are the most by any Seahawks head coach in their inaugural season, surpassing Chuck Knox and Mike Holmgren, who each had nine wins. For context, Pete Carroll’s first season with Seattle ended at 7-9—but with a division title, which remains a story of its own.
Geno Smith: Records and Rewards
Geno Smith capped his season with more than just a win; he hit three personal contract incentives, each worth $2 million:
• Passing Yards: Surpassed 4,283 yards by adding 223 against the Rams.
• Completion Percentage: Finished the season with a 70.4% rate, breaking his own franchise record.
• Team Wins: Led Seattle to its 10th victory.
Smith also shattered his career-high for touchdown passes in a game with four. His standout performance reinforces his leadership and ability to deliver under pressure.
Milestone Moments for Key Players
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Four receptions gave him 100 for the season, tying Tyler Lockett’s single-season franchise record.
• DK Metcalf: With his fifth touchdown of the year, Metcalf joined Randy Moss as one of only two receivers in NFL history with at least 50 catches, 900 yards, and five touchdowns in each of their first six seasons.
• Leonard Williams: Recorded two sacks, bringing his season total to a team-leading 11. Williams became the first Seahawk to hit double-digit sacks since 2018, finishing as the NFL’s top interior lineman in both sacks and tackles for loss (16).
• Julian Love: Delivered a clutch performance with three passes defensed, including a key stop on L.A.’s final drive. Love’s takeaway was his third of the season, tying him for the team lead.
A Balanced Offensive Effort
The offense showed exceptional balance, with Geno Smith spreading the ball to six different receivers. Tight ends Noah Fant and A.J. Barner combined for 97 yards and two touchdowns. The ground game also thrived, with Zack Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh combining for 108 rushing yards on 21 carries.
The Shocking News: OC Bryan Grubb Fired
In a surprising postgame move, Seattle parted ways with first-year Offensive Coordinator Bryan Grubb. Despite the team’s success, this decision signals a desire to take the offense in a new direction. Expect an intense search to fill the position in what will undoubtedly be a critical offseason for the Seahawks.
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Plenty to Build On
While the playoffs remain out of reach, the Seahawks have laid a strong foundation for the future. With a record-setting quarterback, emerging stars, and a coach who’s already rewriting history, Seattle has every reason to feel optimistic heading into 2025. Keep an eye on this team—they’re just getting started.
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