The Seattle Seahawks are back to playing defense like it’s 2013.
For the first time since the Legion of Boom had quarterbacks seeing ghosts, Seattle is fielding one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses. And this isn’t just a hot stretch or a few lucky bounces - this is a full-season transformation that’s rooted in scheme, execution, and a whole lot of physicality.
It started last year, when Mike Macdonald took over as head coach and immediately began reshaping the defense. Over the second half of that season, the unit quietly morphed into a top-five group. Fast forward to this fall, and the Seahawks have leveled up again - now sitting at or near the top in just about every major defensive category.
Their latest statement? A 26-0 dismantling of the Minnesota Vikings, where they forced five turnovers and gave up just 162 total yards. That’s Seattle’s first shutout since 2015 - and a reminder that this defense isn’t just good, it’s imposing.
At 9-3 and firmly in the NFC West title hunt, the Seahawks are winning games the old-school way: by suffocating opponents on defense. Let’s take a closer look at just how elite this unit has been - and how it stacks up with those legendary Legion of Boom squads.
Points Allowed Per Game: 3rd (18.1)
This is rare air for Seattle.
Only five times in franchise history have the Seahawks finished as a top-three scoring defense - and all five came during the Legion of Boom era. From 2012 to 2015, they led the league in scoring defense four straight years, capped by the 2013 Super Bowl team that allowed just 14.4 points per game.
This year’s group is trending toward joining that elite company. They’re one of just seven teams holding opponents under 20 points per game, alongside the Texans, Rams, Broncos, Patriots, Packers, and Chiefs.
Points Allowed Per Drive: 2nd (1.51)
This stat cuts straight to the heart of defensive efficiency - and Seattle is excelling.
They’re one of just four teams giving up fewer than 1.75 points per drive, trailing only the Texans. That means they’re not just keeping teams out of the end zone - they’re doing it consistently, possession after possession.
For context, the Legion of Boom’s peak years from 2012 to 2014 saw them allow fewer than 1.40 points per drive, including a ridiculous 1.17 mark in 2013. That’s the gold standard, and while this year’s group hasn’t quite hit that level, they’re not far off.
Yards Allowed Per Play: 2nd (4.55)
This is where you see how hard it is to move the ball on Seattle. At 4.55 yards allowed per play, they’re on pace for the second-best mark in franchise history - trailing only the 2013 team’s 4.42.
And this isn’t just good by Seahawks standards. Since 2011, only three defenses have held opponents to 4.55 yards per play or fewer for an entire season: the 2013 Seahawks, the 2015 Broncos (who also won the Super Bowl), and the 2011 Steelers. That’s elite company - and this year’s Broncos might join them, too.
Yards Allowed Per Pass Attempt: 1st (6.1)
Seattle’s pass defense has been lights out.
They’re giving up just 6.1 yards per attempt - the lowest in the league - edging out the Packers, Broncos, and Texans. And when you factor in adjusted net yards per attempt, which includes sacks, touchdowns, and interceptions, they’re tied with Houston for the top spot at 4.4.
For comparison, the 2013 Seahawks - with Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor patrolling the secondary - allowed 5.8 yards per attempt and just 3.2 adjusted net yards. That’s the bar, and while this year’s group isn’t quite there, they’re playing at a level that demands respect.
Yards Allowed Per Carry: 4th (3.8)
Stopping the run has quietly been a strength for this defense. They’re one of nine teams holding opponents under 4.0 yards per carry, putting them in the same conversation as the Browns, Broncos, Raiders, and others.
It’s not as flashy as sacks or turnovers, but it’s foundational. When you can shut down the run on early downs, you force teams into predictable passing situations - and that’s when Seattle’s pass rush and coverage can pin their ears back.
Sacks: 4th (40)
Seattle’s pass rush has been relentless. With 40 sacks through 12 games, they’re on pace for 56 - which would be the second-highest total in franchise history, behind only the 61 sacks from the 1985 team.
Only the Broncos, Browns, and Falcons have more sacks this season. And what makes Seattle’s total even more impressive is how they’re doing it - not just with one dominant edge rusher, but with pressure coming from all over the front seven.
Takeaways: T-6th (18)
This was the one area where Seattle lagged a bit - until Sunday. After forcing five turnovers against the Vikings, they now have 18 takeaways on the season, tied for sixth in the NFL.
That includes 13 interceptions and five fumble recoveries. The Bears lead the league with 26 takeaways, but Seattle is trending in the right direction - and if the turnovers keep coming, this defense could become even more dangerous down the stretch.
Defensive DVOA: 1st (19.4%)
If you want one number that sums up how dominant this defense has been, it’s this: Seattle leads the NFL in defensive DVOA at 19.4%.
That means, on a play-by-play basis, they’re performing nearly 20% better than the average defense in the league - adjusting for opponent and situation. They’re ranked No. 1 in run defense DVOA and No. 2 in pass defense DVOA, showing just how balanced and complete this unit is.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just a good Seahawks defense - it’s a great one.
And while it’s always tricky to compare across eras, this group is starting to echo the dominance of the Legion of Boom. They’re physical up front, disciplined on the back end, and opportunistic in the middle.
With December football heating up and the NFC West still up for grabs, Seattle’s defense is giving them a real shot to make noise in the postseason. And if they keep playing like this, don’t be surprised if they make a deep run - powered by a defense that’s starting to look historically good.