The 2024 NFL season marked a significant turning point for the Seattle Seahawks—a team transitioning from the Pete Carroll era to a new chapter under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald. The Seahawks ended the season with a 10-7 record, the best finish for a rookie head coach in franchise history. However, despite this impressive milestone, the season ended on a bittersweet note as the Seahawks fell short of making the playoffs.
A Promising Start Under Mike Macdonald
Mike Macdonald came to Seattle with a sterling reputation as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, where he transformed their defense into one of the league’s most formidable units. His vision in Seattle was clear: elevate the defense while fostering a more balanced offensive strategy. Macdonald made a bold statement by parting ways with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, a coach known for his success at the college level with Washington’s high-powered passing offense. Grubb’s pass-heavy approach didn’t align with Macdonald’s goal of keeping defenses honest with a more balanced attack.
The decision to move on from Grubb was emblematic of the challenges of leadership. As former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner famously said, “If you can’t make the tough decisions, you can’t be the boss.” Macdonald has proven he’s not afraid to make those decisions, and now the search for a coordinator who can implement his balanced vision begins.
An Offense Full of Potential
Quarterback Geno Smith had another strong season, throwing for 4,320 yards, 21 touchdowns, and completing 70.4% of his passes. However, his 15 interceptions highlighted the need for better protection and a more consistent offensive approach. The wide receiver corps remained a bright spot, with second-year standout Jackson Smith-Njigba posting 1,130 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Veteran receiver DK Metcalf, however, had a quieter year by his standards, finishing just shy of 1,000 yards with five touchdowns.
On the other hand, Tyler Lockett, a reliable veteran receiver for the Seahawks in recent years, had a down season. He recorded only 600 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, a significant drop from his usual production. The Seahawks will hope for a bounce-back performance from both Lockett and Metcalf next season to strengthen their passing game.
The running game showed flashes of brilliance despite injuries to Kenneth Walker III, who managed 573 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in a limited season. Second-year back Zach Charbonnet stepped up admirably, contributing 569 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, starting only six games. Together, Walker and Charbonnet combined for 1,142 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, showing potential as a dynamic one-two punch in the future.
However, the Achilles heel of the offense remains the offensive line, a long-standing issue for the Seahawks. For years, the lack of consistent line play has hindered both the passing and running games. With the salary cap space available post-Russell Wilson, addressing this critical area should be a top priority in the offseason.
A Defense on the Rise
On the defensive side, the Seahawks showed notable improvement, climbing from 24th in scoring defense in 2023 to 13th in 2024. This improvement was a testament to Macdonald’s defensive expertise, despite some puzzling personnel moves, such as trading away linebackers Jerome Baker and Tyrell Dodson, who were initially expected to be key contributors.
The secondary featured standout performances from free safety Julian Love, who recorded 109 tackles, three interceptions, and 12 pass breakups, and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who had 98 tackles, six tackles for loss, and nine pass breakups. Up front, Leonard Williams led the defensive line with 64 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks, while outside linebacker Derick Hall added eight sacks.
Despite the progress, the inside linebacker position remains a glaring need after the departure of Bobby Wagner and the failed experiments with Baker and Dodson. Addressing this gap will be critical for the Seahawks’ continued defensive development.
A Season of Peaks and Valleys
The Seahawks’ 2024 campaign was defined by its ups and downs. Early in the season, they found themselves in control of their playoff destiny, only to suffer a midseason slump. They rallied late in the year, finishing on a high note with a 30-25 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, but it wasn’t enough to secure a postseason berth.
Adding to the sting was the surprising competitiveness of the NFC West. What began as a division many considered among the league’s weakest ended with three teams—Seattle, and Los Angeles—finishing with 10-7 records. The Rams edged out the Seahawks for a playoff spot and even advanced past the first round, further underscoring how close Seattle was to taking the next step.
Building for the Future
While missing the playoffs is undoubtedly disappointing, the 2024 season provides a strong foundation for the Mike Macdonald era in Seattle. The improvements on defense, the potential of the young offensive core, and the resilience shown throughout the season all point to brighter days ahead.
With a renewed focus on offensive balance, bolstering the offensive line, and solidifying the linebacker corps, the Seahawks are poised to contend in 2025. For a first-year head coach, leading a team to 10 wins is no small feat, and Macdonald has already demonstrated the vision and leadership needed to succeed in the NFL.
As the offseason begins, Seahawks fans can look forward to seeing how this team evolves under its new leadership. The 2024 season may not have ended with a playoff berth, but it marked the start of what could be a promising new chapter in Seattle Seahawks history.
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