Former Ravens coach behind NFC West team’s best start since 2020

Former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator is taking the league by storm in his new home. The Seattle Seahawks, under the fresh leadership of head coach Mike Macdonald, have blazed through the NFL with an undefeated start, boasting a 3-0 record for the first time since 2020.

This impressive kickoff to the 2024 season places the Seahawks at the pinnacle of not just the NFC West but also ties them for the best record across the NFC. Here’s how Seattle has transformed into an NFL powerhouse under Macdonald’s regime.

Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald has Seahawks soaring to 3-0 start

Under Macdonald’s tutelage, the Seahawks’ defense has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the NFL in multiple defensive categories. They’ve clamped down on opponents with an iron grip, allowing the fewest yards per play at only 3.9. Their pass defense has been particularly stingy, also limiting quarterbacks to just 3.9 yards per attempt.

Moreover, their overall opponent success rate stands at a mere 34.8%. This suffocating defensive play isn’t just about yardage; it’s also about making pivotal plays at crucial moments. Seattle leads the league in creating negative plays for opponents, topping the charts in quarterback hits and opponent dropback EPA, a metric that measures the expected points added per pass attempt, underscoring their ability to disrupt passing games significantly.

The defense also excels in stopping receivers after the catch, leading the NFL in opponent yards after catch over expected. This means they’re not just stopping catches but ensuring that those catches don’t turn into big plays.

Mike Macdonald’s journey through the ranks of NFL coaching staffs has culminated in his role as the head coach of the Seahawks, taking over from Pete Carroll in January 2024. His impact was immediate, pivoting from a successful stint as the defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens, where his defense was highly regarded.

His philosophy and schemes have revitalized a Seahawks team that’s now executing with precision and aggression. The 2024 season has simply highlighted his adaptability and strategic acumen, turning the Seahawks into a defensive juggernaut.

As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see if Macdonald can maintain this high level of play, especially as the Seahawks aim to capitalize on their strong start. With strategic game planning and continued rigorous defense, the Seahawks under Mike Macdonald are a team to watch closely, potentially eyeing a deep playoff run if they keep up their current momentum.

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