The Seattle Seahawks are starting to look like a team that knows exactly who it wants to be-and more importantly, how to win when it counts. And while this version doesn’t have a Marshawn Lynch trucking defenders or a young Russell Wilson scrambling for first downs, the identity forming in Seattle feels familiar in all the right ways.
Back in 2013, the Seahawks rode a punishing ground game all the way to a Super Bowl title. That team finished fourth in the league in rushing, powered by Lynch’s bruising style and Wilson’s dual-threat ability. Fast forward to 2026, and while the personnel has changed, the philosophy is starting to echo that same formula: run the ball, control the clock, and let the defense do the rest.
Over the last month, Seattle has leaned heavily into its ground game-and it’s paying off. Heading into Sunday’s NFC Championship clash with the Rams, the Seahawks are averaging 172.3 rushing yards per game over their last four contests, with a healthy 5.2 yards per carry. They’ve topped 160 rushing yards in each of those games, including a 171-yard performance in an overtime win against these very same Rams in Week 16.
What’s even more impressive? They’ve had three different 100-yard rushers during that stretch.
That kind of production hasn’t been seen in Seattle since Kenneth Walker III closed out his rookie season in 2022 with three straight games over the century mark. Now in his fourth year, Walker is once again leading the charge, and his explosive runs have been a key spark for an offense that’s found its rhythm at just the right time.
But this wasn’t always the story. Earlier in the year, Seattle’s run game was middling at best-22nd in the league in yards per game (113) and 28th in yards per carry (3.9). The turnaround didn’t happen overnight, and it certainly didn’t happen by accident.
Credit goes to offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and head coach Mike Macdonald for sticking with the run game even when it wasn’t producing big numbers. ESPN analyst and former NFL lineman Jeff Saturday praised their commitment, noting that many teams would’ve abandoned the ground game in favor of a pass-heavy approach.
“My favorite part about Kubiak and Macdonald and what they were able to do: even when they weren’t efficient in the run game, because they weren’t all year, they called it,” Saturday said during an appearance on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk. “They never got away from it, just becoming this one-dimensional team.”
That kind of persistence is rare in today’s NFL, where offensive coordinators often fall in love with the passing game and the allure of a highlight-reel throw. But Seattle has stayed true to its identity, and now that the run game is clicking, it’s opening up the rest of the offense.
Saturday also pointed out the physical dominance up front-the offensive line is creating lanes and washing down defenders, giving backs like Walker and rookie Zach Charbonnet room to work. Charbonnet’s recent injury is a blow, no doubt, but the blueprint is in place, and it’s working.
The way Seattle is winning right now reminds Saturday of how the Philadelphia Eagles powered their way to a title last season-with explosive plays in the run game setting the tone and creating opportunities across the board.
“I’m not comparing the two,” Saturday noted, “but that’s really what opened it up for Philly last year. … It’s no different for the Seahawks. They’re allowing that offense to stay true to who they are.”
That authenticity-sticking to the plan, grinding it out, and letting the run game dictate the flow-is what makes this Seahawks team so intriguing. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective. And it’s a big reason why they’re one win away from a return to the Super Bowl.
Tip your cap to Kubiak and Macdonald. In a league that often chases trends, they’ve doubled down on physical football-and right now, it’s working.