The Seattle Seahawks are a team on the rise, and their 2026 Football Almanac by Aaron Schatz is a treasure trove of insights into their recent success. While the source material provides a solid foundation, I'll take a more analytical and opinionated approach to explore the team's strengths and weaknesses, and what it all means for the future.
The Passing Game: A Monster in 12 Personnel
The Seahawks' passing game was a standout feature in 2026, and the use of 12 personnel sets was a key factor. With two tight ends on the field, they averaged 9.3 adjusted net yards per pass attempt, third-best in the NFL. This is a significant improvement from the previous year, where they relied heavily on 11 personnel, resulting in less-than-desirable outcomes. The change in strategy under Klint Kubiak has been a masterstroke, and the expectation is that Brian Fleury will continue to utilize heavier formations, giving the offense a clear identity.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the stark contrast between the Seahawks' passing game with and without play action. Without play action, the offense was good but not great. However, when they employed play action, they became the best play-action team in the NFL, with a wider disparity between the two strategies. This highlights the importance of play action in the Seahawks' offense, and the lethal potential of Sam Darnold when given the right tools.
Health: The Unsung Hero
The Seahawks' offensive success can also be attributed to their health. They suffered fewer long-term injuries to key players compared to other teams, with only Charles Cross and Jalen Sundell missing multiple weeks due to injury among all starting players. This is a significant achievement, and it's no coincidence that the offense had the third-best Adjusted Games Lost (AGL) metric, which measures the frequency of starters and important players missing games or playing at less than 100%.
Running Back Screens: The Bane of the Past
One aspect of the Seahawks' game that has been a bane for years is the use of running back screens. In 2026, they used only 10 running back screens, the lowest figure in the league. This is a refreshing change, and it's likely that the team's success in breaking tackles and making people miss has contributed to this shift in strategy. The Seahawks led the NFL in broken and missed tackles on offense, with Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba leading the charge.
Pass Catchers: No Yards Left on the Field
The Seahawks' pass catchers were on fire in 2026, with only 14 dropped passes out of 435 attempts, good for the fourth-lowest drop rate in the NFL. This is a testament to the team's ability to execute and the trust that Sam Darnold has in his receivers. The fact that no Seahawks target was at the top of any dropped pass list is a clear indication of their reliability.
Sam Darnold: Staying Upright
For over a decade, Seahawks quarterbacks have been known for taking beatings behind shaky offensive lines. However, in 2026, Sam Darnold ranked eighth-lowest among starting quarterbacks in knockdowns (sacks + hits) suffered, with a knockdown rate of just 11.7%. This is a significant achievement, and it's a clear indication of the team's improved offensive line play.
The Defensive Wall: Three of the 15 Best Coverage Corners
The Seahawks' defense was also a standout feature in 2026, with three of the 15 best coverage corners by DVOA. Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Josh Jobe were the stars of the show, with Woolen narrowly above Witherspoon, and Jobe performing well given the high volume of targets sent his way. The Seahawks' edge group was also dominant, with DeMarcus Lawrence leading the way in defeats, pressures, and QB hits.
Special Teams: Consistency is Key
Special Teams has long been considered a highly volatile year-to-year statistic, but the Seahawks have consistently performed well in recent seasons. Michael Dickson and Jason Myers are at the top of their game, with Dickson's gross punt value over average (+8.3) the best in the NFL, and Myers second in gross kickoff value and first in net points. The consistency of their ST unit is a testament to the team's overall success.
In conclusion, the Seahawks' 2026 Football Almanac is a fascinating read, and it's clear that the team is on the right track. With a strong offense, a solid defense, and a consistent special teams unit, they are poised for continued success. However, the team must continue to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses, such as the use of running back screens, to reach their full potential. The future looks bright for the Seahawks, and I'm excited to see what they can achieve in the coming years.
