Seahawks vs. 49ers: A Rivalry Renewed, a Roster Rebuilt, and a Defense That Bites Back
The stage is set. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for another chapter in one of the NFC West’s most heated rivalries.
But if you’re expecting this one to be all about star quarterbacks and flashy highlight reels, think again. This matchup is going to be won-or lost-in the trenches, on the ground, and with a defense that’s earned its nickname: the “Dark Side.”
Let’s break down what’s happening in Seattle ahead of Saturday’s Divisional Round clash, and why this version of the Seahawks might be more dangerous than they’ve been in years.
It’s Not All About Sam Darnold-And That’s a Good Thing
Yes, Sam Darnold is listed as questionable with an oblique injury, and yes, that raised a few eyebrows when it popped up on the final injury report. But the Seahawks aren’t riding or dying on Darnold’s arm alone.
Head coach Mike Macdonald has been clear: they’re not trying to strip away what makes Darnold effective. That means letting him play his game, even while managing the risk of turnovers.
Still, the real story here isn’t Darnold-it’s the team around him. Seattle’s game plan doesn’t hinge on a single player. And that’s by design.
Ground Game Grinding Down the Niners
Two weeks ago, in a regular-season finale that felt like a playoff preview, the Seahawks ran the ball right at the 49ers-and kept doing it until the final whistle. The result?
180 rushing yards and 4.6 yards per carry in a 13-3 win. That wasn’t just a solid performance-it was a blueprint.
Seattle’s offensive line wore down San Francisco’s vaunted front seven with physicality and patience. By the fourth quarter, the Niners’ defense looked gassed. If the Seahawks can replicate that effort, they’ll put the 49ers in a classic catch-22: load the box and risk giving up big plays through the air, or sit back and get run over.
Former Seahawks wideout Michael Bumpus summed it up perfectly: Seattle’s run game could force San Francisco’s defense into uncomfortable decisions. And in a playoff atmosphere, hesitation is costly.
“Dark Side” Defense: A Force to Be Reckoned With
If the offense is setting the tone, the defense is finishing the job. The Seahawks’ “Dark Side” unit has been the identity of this team down the stretch-and it’s not just a catchy nickname. It’s a calling card for a group that flies to the ball, creates chaos, and thrives in pressure-packed moments.
This defense isn’t just good-it’s special. They’ve been the backbone of Seattle’s late-season surge and are a big reason why the Seahawks aren’t just in the playoffs, but being talked about as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu didn’t mince words this week when asked about the rivalry: “None of us like them.” That kind of edge is exactly what you want from your defense heading into a high-stakes playoff game.
It’s personal. And it shows.
From Rebuild to Revenge Tour
It’s hard to believe, but only two players remain on Seattle’s active roster from the day Russell Wilson was traded back in 2022. That’s not just turnover-that’s a transformation. In just three years, the Seahawks have gone from a team in transition to a full-blown contender.
The front office deserves credit for hitting on draft picks, making savvy free-agent moves, and building a roster that’s both young and hungry. This isn’t a team clinging to the past-they’re forging a new identity, and doing it fast.
Injury Watch: All Eyes on Darnold
Back to Darnold for a moment-he left Thursday’s practice with that oblique injury, and while he’s officially listed as questionable, reports indicate he’s “ready to go.” That’s good news for Seattle, but even if he’s not 100%, the Seahawks have shown they can win without needing him to play hero ball.
The key will be protecting him and leaning into the formula that got them here: a punishing run game, a suffocating defense, and a roster that’s bought into the mission.
One More Round in the Rivalry
This will be the third time these teams have squared off this season, and while the Seahawks-49ers rivalry has been intense for over a decade, it’s surprisingly light on playoff meetings. That makes Saturday’s game even more meaningful-not just for bragging rights, but for legacy.
Seattle has gone from little brother to big problem in the NFC West, and they’ve done it with grit, depth, and a defense that doesn’t blink.
The Seahawks aren’t just hoping to survive this round-they’re looking to make a statement. And if they stick to the plan that’s carried them this far, they just might.
Buckle up. This one’s going to be a battle.