The Seattle Seahawks offered fans a glimpse into the new era under head coach Mike Macdonald on Friday night, hosting the Kansas City Chiefs for their second preseason game at a rainy Lumen Field. While the Chiefs rested most of their starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Seahawks gave their first-team units a brief but telling run, ultimately providing a clearer picture of the team’s direction heading into the 2025 season.
The Seahawks’ starting offense, led by newly acquired quarterback Sam Darnold, took the field for the initial series. The drive culminated in an impressive 15-yard touchdown run by running back Zach Charbonnet, who went untouched into the end zone to give Seattle an early lead. The game, which was broadcast nationally on NFL Network, saw the Chiefs answer back, holding a 14-7 lead midway through the second quarter. The contest served as a crucial evaluation period for a roster undergoing significant changes.
With Macdonald confirming starters would see limited action, the focus quickly shifted to key position battles and the performance of players vying for roster spots. The running back position, a traditional strength for Seattle, showcased its depth. Beyond starter Kenneth Walker III and Charbonnet, rookie Damien Martinez turned heads with a powerful 19-yard rush, while George Holani displayed his speed on a 30-yard sprint. These performances highlight the intense competition for the third-string running back role.
In the passing game, Darnold is settling into his role as QB1, backed by the returning Drew Lock and rookie Jalen Milroe. The receiving corps, featuring established stars like Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is also looking for depth. Rookie Tory Horton, who scored a touchdown in the preseason opener against the Raiders, is a player generating considerable buzz in training camp. Veteran receiver Jake Bobo also contributed, hauling in a 12-yard touchdown reception later in the game.
Defensively, the Seahawks demonstrated flashes of the aggressive style Macdonald is known for. A key moment came when the defense stonewalled the Chiefs on a fourth-down attempt, a sign of the disciplined and physical identity the new coaching staff aims to instill. The defensive line, anchored by veterans Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed alongside second-year defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, will be pivotal to the team’s success.
This preseason marks a significant transition for the franchise, moving on from the long and successful tenure of former head coach Pete Carroll. Macdonald, who took the helm after Carroll was fired following the 2023 season, is tasked with building upon the foundation while implementing his own systems. The team’s front office, led by General Manager John Schneider, has been active in reshaping the roster to fit this new vision.
Off the field, the future of the team’s ownership remains a topic of discussion. The franchise is currently managed by Jody Allen as the chair of the Paul Allen Estate. Recent news of the estate reaching a tentative agreement to sell the Portland Trail Blazers has naturally led to speculation about the Seahawks’ long-term ownership, though no sale is imminent. For now, the focus remains squarely on the field, as Macdonald and his staff work to finalize their 53-man roster ahead of the regular season opener. The performances in these preseason matchups, particularly against a championship-caliber organization like the Chiefs, are invaluable in that process.
