The Seattle Seahawks are officially rolling. Sunday's 37-9 win over the Falcons in Atlanta wasn’t just another tally in the win column-it was a statement. That’s three straight victories and seven wins in their last eight games, and they’re doing it with a defense that’s not just good-it’s suffocating.
Let’s start with that side of the ball, because this defense is playing at a level that demands attention. They didn’t just limit the Falcons-they overwhelmed them.
No touchdowns allowed, barely any meaningful yardage, and three more takeaways that directly turned into 17 points. That’s the kind of complementary football that wins games in December-and beyond.
The star of the day? Rookie Nick Emmanwori.
And make no mistake, this wasn’t your typical “rookie flashes potential” performance. Emmanwori was everywhere-blocking a field goal, recording a sack, flying in for tackles, and picking off a pass.
It was a breakout game, but more than that, it felt like the latest chapter in a story this entire defense is writing together. Every week, it’s someone else stepping up.
Last week it was Witherspoon. This week, Emmanwori.
And that’s what makes this unit so dangerous-they’re deep, they’re fast, and they’re playing with a swagger that’s hard to shake.
Speaking of Witherspoon, he was back in the mix again, recovering a fumble after Jarran Reed punched the ball loose. It’s the kind of heads-up, aggressive play that’s becoming standard for this group. They’re not just reacting-they’re dictating.
But while the defense continues to dominate, the offense took a little longer to get going. The first half?
Let’s just say it was forgettable. But the second half?
That’s where things got interesting.
It all started with Rashid Shaheed. The second-half kickoff return-100 yards, untouched-was the spark this team needed.
It flipped the momentum instantly and seemed to wake up the entire offense. From that point on, the Seahawks scored on their next four drives.
That’s not a coincidence.
Shaheed didn’t just make noise on special teams, either. He had a key third-down reception that helped extend a drive and set up a touchdown later in the half. If he continues to emerge as a reliable secondary option in the passing game, this offense could take a big step forward down the stretch.
Then there’s Sam Darnold. It was a tale of two halves for the quarterback, but the second half showed why Seattle brought him in.
He started using his legs more-extending plays, moving the pocket, and making smart decisions. He didn’t try to force anything.
He let the game come to him, and when he had to take off and run, he did it decisively. That version of Darnold?
That’s the one that can win playoff games.
And let’s not forget the poise. You could see it in the way he handled pressure, the way he kept his eyes downfield, and the way he led scoring drives with confidence. It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient-and exactly what the Seahawks needed to put the game away.
Now, the Seahawks are entering the defining stretch of their season. With the defense playing lights out and the offense showing signs of real rhythm-especially in the second half-they’re positioning themselves as legitimate contenders for the NFC’s top seed.
If this team can put together four quarters like the two they played after halftime in Atlanta, the rest of the conference better be ready. Because the Seahawks aren’t just winning games-they’re starting to look like a team nobody wants to face in January.