The Seattle Seahawks opened the 2025 season with a 17-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field, a tightly contested NFC West battle that came down to a critical fumble in the final minute. For Seattle fans, the defeat was a frustrating start, but it revealed both strengths and areas for growth. Here are five objective takeaways from the game.
1. Offense Struggles to Find Rhythm in Klint Kubiak’s Debut
Seattle’s offense, under new coordinator Klint Kubiak, managed just 230 total yards and converted only 3-of-10 third downs. The team was out-possessed 37:58 to 22:02, with only 142 yards through three quarters. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the standout, catching nine passes for 124 yards, including a 40-yard gain on the final drive. However, the reliance on JSN exposed a lack of balance—Cooper Kupp had two catches for 15 yards, and rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo added just seven. The running game, a preseason focus, produced 84 yards, with Zach Charbonnet (12 carries, 47 yards, one TD) outpacing Kenneth Walker III (10 carries, 20 yards). The offense must diversify to compete in a tough division.
2. Sam Darnold Shows Poise but Falters at the End
In his Seahawks debut, Sam Darnold completed 16-of-23 passes for 150 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions, and an 87.2 passer rating. He handled pressure well, taking one sack and scrambling effectively, but his game-ending fumble—caused by Nick Bosa pushing Abe Lucas into him—halted a promising drive inside the 49ers’ red zone. Darnold faced a brutal debut environment: new playbook, elite defense, and a rival-heavy crowd. While he avoided catastrophic mistakes, he’ll need to better utilize his full arsenal of weapons against Pittsburgh in Week 2.
3. Defense Shines but Allows Costly Explosives
The Seahawks’ defense, expected to be the team’s strength, held the 49ers to 17 points and 384 yards despite being on the field for nearly 38 minutes. Julian Love (10 tackles, one sack, one blocked field goal), Ernest Jones (interception), and Josh Jobe (interception) led a unit that limited Christian McCaffrey to 3.1 yards per carry. However, critical lapses hurt: Riq Woolen hesitated on a 45-yard pass to Ricky Pearsall and was outjumped on Jake Tonges’ game-winning touchdown. These big plays were the difference, underscoring the need for consistency in clutch moments.
4. Special Teams Shows Marked Improvement
After a shaky 2024, Seattle’s special teams delivered in Week 1. Julian Love’s blocked field goal preserved a 10-7 lead, and Jason Myers went 2-for-2, outperforming the 49ers’ Jake Moody, who missed a 27-yarder and had another attempt blocked. These plays nearly swung the game. This unit’s progress is a positive sign, offering a potential edge in close contests moving forward.
5. 49ers Continue Dominance Over Seattle
San Francisco has now won seven of the last eight meetings, including four straight at Lumen Field, where Seattle is 3-7 under Mike Macdonald. The loss, coupled with a noticeable 49ers fan presence, amplified concerns about Lumen’s fading home-field advantage. The game echoed last year’s Week 5 loss to the Giants, which cost Seattle a playoff spot. With a challenging Steelers defense awaiting, the Seahawks must address offensive inconsistencies and rediscover their home dominance to shift this rivalry’s narrative.
Looking Ahead
This loss, while disappointing, is not a season-ender. The defense and special teams provide a solid foundation, and JSN’s emergence is a bright spot. However, the offense must find balance, and the team needs to protect the ball (three fumbles, two lost) to capitalize on its defensive prowess. Seattle’s formula—run the ball, lean on Darnold’s efficiency, and rely on an elite defense—can work, but it requires sharper execution. The 12th Man will be eager to see progress in Week 2.
