The Seattle Seahawks may not have reached the playoffs in Mike Macdonald’s first season, but overall, it marked a promising start to a new era for the team.
Heading into the season, expectations for the Seahawks were mixed. Some viewed them as a potential sleeper team, while others predicted them to finish at the bottom of the NFC West. With 10 wins and narrowly missing the playoffs due to a tiebreaker, the result was solid, though they remain far from content.
Looking ahead to 2025, the goal is not only to make the playoffs but also to make an impact once there. While they still have key questions to address, a postseason appearance is definitely achievable.
CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr highlighted the Seahawks as one of the teams most likely to improve in 2025, pointing to the defense’s strong performance late in the season as a key factor.
“Although Seattle missed the playoffs in a competitive NFC, their defense showed an immediate turnaround,” Kerr said. “The Seahawks moved from 29th to 5th in points allowed per possession, showcasing Mike Macdonald’s coaching ability.”
However, the offense remains a major area of concern. The offensive line was poor, the run game struggled, and Geno Smith couldn’t carry the team alone. For the Seahawks to make a playoff return after two years, significant improvement on offense is necessary.
“Starting with Geno Smith’s future, the offense needs a clear direction. Should the Seahawks start developing their next franchise quarterback under Smith? With Klint Kubiak replacing Ryan Grubb as offensive coordinator, the offense should become more balanced, with a focus on a better run game.
“The offensive line also needs major improvements to help Smith avoid his frequent mistakes. Additionally, the team’s cap situation, currently $13.5 million over, will need to be resolved.”
Despite these challenges, the Seahawks possess enough talent to make a playoff run, especially in an NFC where the competition is top-heavy.