Seahawks Ready for Redemption, Riq Woolen’s Rise, and a Playoff Showdown at Lumen Field
The Seattle Seahawks are staring down one of the most pivotal games of their recent history - a home playoff matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s their first postseason game at Lumen Field since 2020, and the energy around the building is unmistakable. The message from the team is clear: they need the 12s - loud, proud, and fully engaged - to turn the stadium into the kind of hostile environment that’s made Seattle a nightmare for visiting teams in Januarys past.
Defensive Identity: Pressure and Disruption
One of the biggest reasons Seattle is back in the playoff picture? Their defense has found its bite again, especially when it comes to making life uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks. The Seahawks have been among the league’s best at generating pressure this season, and it’s not just about sack totals - it's about forcing offenses out of rhythm.
Mark Schlereth highlighted how Seattle’s defense limits what opposing play-callers can do. The pressure packages, disguised coverages, and improved play on the back end have all contributed to a unit that’s forcing mistakes and creating opportunities. That’s going to be crucial against a 49ers offense that thrives on timing and precision.
Riq Woolen’s Midseason Turnaround
Speaking of the secondary, Riq Woolen’s journey this season has been one of the more compelling subplots. Earlier in the year, there were legitimate questions about his future in Seattle.
But Woolen has responded in a big way. His improved technique and renewed confidence have transformed him into a cornerstone piece of the defense once again.
He’s still dealing with a new injury issue, but his midseason resurgence has already changed the outlook for this defense - not just for this playoff run, but for the seasons ahead. Woolen’s athleticism has never been in question, but now he’s pairing it with sharper instincts and a better understanding of the scheme. That’s a dangerous combination for opposing offenses.
A Running Back Duo for the Ages
While the defense has been making headlines, Seattle’s offense has quietly leaned on what might be the best running back tandem in franchise history. This duo has been electric all season, complementing each other with power, speed, and versatility. One brings the bruising, downhill style that wears defenses down, while the other adds a burst that can flip the field in a single play.
Together, they’ve given Seattle a level of balance and explosiveness that’s been missing in recent years. In a league where running back value is constantly debated, the Seahawks have found a pairing that’s not just productive - it’s dynamic.
Veteran Leadership Meets Youthful Potential
This team has a unique makeup. The core includes a mix of battle-tested veterans and hungry young players stepping into the spotlight for the first time in the postseason. And the message from the vets has been consistent: don’t take this opportunity for granted.
Playoff windows don’t stay open forever. The veterans know that.
They’ve seen how quickly a promising season can end. That urgency is being passed down to the younger players, many of whom are getting their first taste of playoff football.
If this group can channel that energy the right way, they’re capable of making serious noise.
Darnold’s Moment
At the center of it all is Sam Darnold - the quarterback who’s gone from offseason question mark to postseason X-factor. His journey to Seattle wasn’t conventional, but now he finds himself with the keys to a playoff team and a shot at rewriting his NFL story.
Inside the building, there’s no hesitation. The message to Darnold from coaches and teammates alike has been simple: “Let it rip.” And that’s exactly what he’ll need to do against a 49ers defense that thrives on forcing hesitation and capitalizing on mistakes.
Seattle’s decision to start over at quarterback with Darnold raised eyebrows back in March. But now, with the playoffs here and a Super Bowl run in sight, the gamble could pay off in a big way - if he delivers when it matters most.
NFC West Playoff Woes: Time to Flip the Script
The Seahawks haven’t won a playoff game since 2019. And their recent postseason exits have come at the hands of familiar foes - division rivals who know them all too well.
That’s what makes this matchup with the 49ers so compelling. It’s not just about advancing.
It’s about exorcising some ghosts.
Seattle has a chance to flip the script on years of frustration in the NFC West. And they’ll have the home crowd, a surging defense, a revitalized quarterback, and the best running back duo the franchise has ever seen to help them do it.
Tomorrow’s the day. The stage is set.
The 49ers are coming to town, but this isn’t the same Seahawks team they saw earlier this season. This group is tougher, sharper, and ready to prove something - to the league, to their rivals, and maybe most importantly, to themselves.
Let’s see if they can rise to the moment.