{"id":756267,"date":"2026-02-16T16:14:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T16:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/756267\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T16:14:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T16:14:18","slug":"this-seahawks-position-groups-leap-among-biggest-reasons-behind-super-bowl-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/756267\/","title":{"rendered":"This Seahawks Position Group’s Leap Among Biggest Reasons Behind Super Bowl Win"},"content":{"rendered":"

Seattle Seahawks<\/a> quarterback Sam Darnold played his most efficient football late in his final four outings in 2025. The team\u2019s ground attack kicked into high gear during the second half of 2025, and running back Kenneth Walker III earned Super Bowl LX honors. The defense emerged as a fierce unit, and Mike Macdonald\u2019s club allowed the fewest points in the league.<\/p>\n

The Seahawks are NFL champions for the second time in their 50-year history. They physically dominated the upstart New England Patriots, limiting Mike Vrabel\u2019s team to 79 yards on the ground. They sacked second-year quarterback Drake Maye six times and forced three turnovers. Meanwhile, Macdonald\u2019s club ran for 141 yards, won the time of possession battle (33:11 to 26:49), while Darnold was sacked only once in a convincing 29-13 victory.<\/p>\n

While the defense defined the team’s success, the offensive line’s improvement may have been the biggest reason behind the Seahawks’ overall growth.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0Buy the Seahawks SI Super Bowl LX Commemorative Print Issue<\/a><\/p>\n

Seattle’s Offensive Line Deserves a Bigger Pat on the Back<\/p>\n

There\u2019s lot of credit to go around. But somewhat overlooked was Seattle\u2019s offensive line in 2025. There\u2019s still a lot of room for growth, but this unit has made massive strides considering where they ranked the previous four seasons.<\/p>\n

First, this breakdown by Pro Football Focus\u2019 Zolt\u00e1n Buday,<\/a> who ranked Seattle\u2019s offensive front the 15th-best in the NFL in 2025.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter finishing dead last in 2024,\u201d explained Buday, \u201cthe Seahawks’ offensive line was the 14th-best pass-blocking unit this regular season. The unit gave up 137 pressures, including 13 sacks\u2014tied for the second fewest in the league\u2014on 526 pass plays. As a result, their 85.7 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating ranked 14th in the NFL.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Grey<\/p>\n

Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to throw a pass as guards Grey Zabel (76) and Josh Jones (74) block against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst-round pick Grey Zabel <\/a>endured some growing pains in his first NFL season,\u201d added Buday, \u201cbut Seattle\u2019s left guard saved his best for last. Zabel earned a 93.5 PFF overall grade in Week 18, which led all offensive linemen for the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buday had his usual praise for left tackle Charles Cross<\/a>, although there was this small disclaimer. \u201cCross started the season well, but his play declined later in the year. Regardless, he still earned a 76.9 PFF pass-blocking grade, which ranked 19th among all offensive tackles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Charles<\/p>\n

Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

There’s Still Room For Improvement by the Seahawks’ OL<\/p>\n

Yes, the 15th spot is somewhat in the middle of the pack, which may suggest mediocrity. However, it\u2019s worth noting that Seattle\u2019s offensive front was ranked next-to-last <\/a>the previous season, 28th<\/a> in the league in 2023, 27th in 2022<\/a>, and 25th<\/a> in \u201921. Buday notes that Zabel, center Jalen Sundell, and right guard Anthony Bradford were regarded as this unit\u2019s \u201cweakest links.\u201d <\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0Buy the new Seahawks championship commemorative Sports Illustrated cover<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Abrhama<\/p>\n

Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and guard Anthony Bradford (75) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Could there be changes this offseason up front? <\/a>In any case, credit must also go to new offensive line coach John Benton,<\/a> who came to Seattle last offseason with Klint Kubiak (from New Orleans) and apparently will remain with Macdonald\u2019s team.<\/p>\n

Seahawks\u2019 general manager John Schneider has only nine potential unrestricted free agents to contend with this offseason. None of those are offensive linemen, but that doesn\u2019t mean that he and the reigning champs won\u2019t look to upgrade this improving unit. <\/p>\n

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7 shocking stats from the Seahawks\u2019 Super Bowl win over Patriots<\/a><\/p>\n

Seahawks where they belong in post-Super Bowl power rankings<\/a><\/p>\n