As the Seattle Seahawks wrapped up their second preseason game on Friday night at Lumen Field, one thing was crystal clear: this isn’t the same team that struggled through the tail end of the Pete Carroll era. Under new head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks delivered a statement performance, dismantling the Kansas City Chiefs 33-16 in a game that showcased a revitalized offense, a tenacious defense, and early signs of an identity built on physicality and efficiency. Let’s dissect what made this victory so encouraging—and what it might mean for the 2025 season.
A Sharp Debut for Darnold and a Tone-Setting Drive
Sam Darnold, the offseason signee on a three-year, $100.5 million deal, made his Seahawks preseason debut after sitting out the opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. He didn’t disappoint, even if his appearance was brief. Leading the starting offense on their sole series, Darnold went a perfect 4-for-4 for 34 yards, connecting with tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo on short gains, fullback Robbie Ouzts, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on deeper throws. His mobility shone through as he rolled out comfortably to both sides, showing no rust in Klint Kubiak’s scheme.
The drive itself was a microcosm of Seattle’s new offensive philosophy: balanced, physical, and relentless. It covered 81 yards in 10 plays, capped by Zach Charbonnet’s 15-yard touchdown run. Charbonnet, who rushed for 45 yards on five carries in that series alone, benefited from massive holes created by the line and tight ends. As one observer noted, this unit looked “physical and efficient,” setting the tone for a night where the Seahawks racked up 268 rushing yards on 48 carries—averaging 5.6 yards per attempt—with five players eclipsing 30 yards on the ground. After ranking fifth-fewest in rushing yards in 2024, Seattle’s emphasis on the run game under Kubiak is already paying dividends.
Darnold’s PFF grade of 64.8 reflected a low-volume but clean outing where he wasn’t asked to do much beyond manage the game. Still, it was a promising glimpse of the franchise quarterback potential that lured him to Seattle.
Offensive Fireworks Continue with Lock and a Surging Ground Attack
Once Darnold exited, backup Drew Lock took over and turned in a rebound performance after a shaky showing against the Raiders. Lock completed 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards, two touchdowns (both to Jake Bobo), and a near-perfect 151.0 passer rating, earning a strong 75.2 PFF grade. He added 34 rushing yards, including a 30-yard scramble that highlighted his athleticism. Under Lock’s guidance, the second-unit offense scored touchdowns on three of four possessions, with the only non-score stalling at the 2-yard line.
The ground game remained the star, though. Charbonnet (who added another score) and rookie Damien Martinez (50 yards on 11 carries, including a 1-yard TD) powered the attack, while George Holani ripped off a 30-yard run and showed versatility on special teams. Fullback Robbie Ouzts, a rookie earning chants of “Ouzts!” from the crowd, posted an 85.9 PFF grade for his blocking prowess, becoming an instant fan favorite in Seattle’s revived fullback role.
The Seahawks didn’t punt until the fourth quarter, amassing 29 first downs, 477 total yards, and converting 4 of 5 third downs in the first half alone. As rapid reactions highlighted, this was a “balanced attack” that hummed even after starters checked out, with big plays on the ground and in the air.
Offensive Line Transformation: From Liability to Strength
Perhaps the most stunning development is the offensive line’s turnaround. Ranked 31st by PFF at the end of 2024, this group has looked elite in preseason run blocking through two games. Four linemen cracked the top six offensive PFF grades against the Chiefs: right guard Anthony Bradford (92.9 overall, 90.2 in run blocking), center Jalen Sundell (92.4), right tackle Abraham Lucas (82.4), and left guard Grey Zabel (78.7). Bradford’s key block on Martinez’s long run exemplified their mauling style, while Zabel continues to solidify his starting role.
Not everything was perfect—Sataoa Laumea struggled with a 46.3 overall grade, dragged down by a dismal 24.8 in pass blocking, putting him on the roster bubble. But overall, under line coach John Benton, this unit is moving forward, creating holes, and gelling in a way that could make the Seahawks’ run game a legitimate weapon. Imagine the boost when starters like Charles Cross and Olu Oluwatimi return.
Defensive Standouts: Safeties Shine, Effort Defines the Night
While the offense stole headlines, the defense held firm, limiting Kansas City’s reserves (sans Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce) to nine first downs, 156 total yards, and just two offensive scores. The Chiefs’ lone highlight was Skyy Moore’s late 88-yard punt return TD, exposing special teams coverage issues that need addressing under coordinator Jay Harbaugh.
Safety Julian Love set the tone early, stuffing fullback Carson Steele on a fourth-and-1 leap for no gain—a play celebrated wildly on the sideline. Love’s 72.2 PFF grade included a 78.5 in tackling. The safety room dominated PFF’s defensive rankings: Jerrick Reed II led with a 90.9 (86.3 coverage, 80.7 tackling), followed by Coby Bryant (80.8, with 75.5 coverage). Nose tackle Brandon Pili (80.0) powered through for a safety on Elijah Mitchell, potentially earning a roster spot over veteran Johnathan Hankins.
Edge rusher Jared Ivey impressed against the run with pressures, while Seth Coleman notched 1.5 sacks. Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori had a coverage lapse on a throw to Isiah Pacheco, but the unit’s overall effort—defending “every blade of grass,” as Macdonald might say—was palpable.
Winners and Losers: A Lopsided Ledger
In a blowout like this, winners far outnumber losers, signaling depth and coaching cohesion.
Winners:
- Offensive Line: As noted, their run blocking is gelling brilliantly; they’re no longer a bottom-five unit.
- Zach Charbonnet: Explosive and fast, he’s poised for a career year with actual holes to hit.
- Drew Lock: A competent QB2 who rebounded strongly.
- Jake Bobo and Dareke Young: Bobo scored twice and added a 20-yard punt return; Young led receivers with 52 yards and excelled on special teams, securing spots in a crowded WR room.
- Damien Martinez and George Holani: Hard-nosed runs and versatility boost their RB3 bids.
- Robbie Ouzts: The fullback revival is real.
- Brandon Pili and Julian Love: Standout plays that embody the defense’s passion.
Losers:
- Special Teams Coverage: A big kick return and Moore’s TD punt return highlight inconsistencies.
- Sataoa Laumea: Penalties and poor pass pro could leave him as the odd man out.
Rookie QB Jalen Milroe, in limited action, showed promise with accurate throws to Ricky White III and Brady Russell but had off-target misses in clock-killing mode. His sneak with the first team teased a potential package.
Looking Ahead: Building Momentum or Preseason Mirage?
Preseason wins don’t count, but this felt different—cohesive, physical, and aligned with Macdonald’s vision. The run game overhaul, Darnold’s poise, and defensive effort suggest the Seahawks could surprise in the NFC West. Up next: a visit to the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 23, likely featuring more starters in joint practices.
Tough roster cuts loom, reminiscent of Carroll’s best teams, but that’s a good problem. If this translates to the regular season, Seattle sports fans might have a special year ahead, especially with the Mariners in playoff contention. The stars could be aligning for the Seahawks to earn national respect by winning when it matters.
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