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Seahawks rookie only needed two preseason games to push veteran out the door

The Seattle Seahawks were able to win ten games in 2024; however, they fell short of the postseason after losing a tiebreaker to the Los Angeles Rams. The franchise overhauled the offense as six of their top nine leaders in snaps played - including quarterback Geno Smith and wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf - are no longer with the franchise.

While their defense will have more continuity as their eight leaders in snaps played will all return, there have been pundits suggesting that the Seahawks will regress. Much of that is centered around the expectation that incoming quarterback Sam Darnold will take a step back after having the best season of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.

The 2024 Pro Bowler will certainly have a lot to prove; however, newly hired offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has done a tremendous job through the first two preseason games. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky recently predicted that the Seahawks will field a very good team this season.

Dan Orlovsky predicts the Seahawks will have a strong year in 2025

The Seahawks' offense has looked great through the first two games of the preseason, thanks in large part to a rushing attack that has averaged 219.0 yards per game - more than double their 95.7 yards per game in 2024. While that number is unsustainable throughout a full season, Seattle's offensive line has been impressive, suggesting that one of the biggest weaknesses of last year's team could now be a strength.

Orlovsky recently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he predicted a strong year from the Seahawks. The ESPN analyst claimed Seattle has not been talked about enough before adding:

"I think Seattle's going to be awesome, man. Klint Kubiak, new offensive coordinator, and in (the) preseason, they looked fantastic just what I watched them present the other night. It looked like a complete offense when it came to changing the snap count, shifting and motioning, different variations in the run game, changing the launch points of the quarterback, different pass games when it comes to sometimes they're trying to get the ball out quickly, sometimes they're trying to push the ball downfield, sometimes you want a play-action concept. So, I watched that and I'm going, man, that looks to be a team that's under control. I think their defense, secondary wise, will be fantastic once again."

"I think two teams that haven't been talked about enough are Arizona and Seattle..

I think the Seahawks are gonna be awesome and that offense looks fantastic with Klint Kubiak..

The Cardinals are gonna be really difficult to play against" ~ @danorlovsky7 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/PU4demvhO6

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 18, 2025

Orlovsky did claim that he believes the Rams are still the NFC West favorites. He noted, however, that he believes the Seahawks are in a position to contend for the divisional crown. Seattle's success will likely boil down to how much the offensive line, running game, and play calling have truly improved.

While fans shouldn't put too much stock into the results of preseason games, following up a 170-yard performance on the ground with 268 rushing yards is very impressive -- particularly when considering that lead back Kenneth Walker III has yet to take the field in the preseason.

If the Seahawks are able to bounce back after finishing with the fifth-fewest rushing yards last season, a return to the postseason seems likely.

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