10 breakthrough moments for the Seahawks

The Seahawks’ emerging stars defined a season marked by defensive dominance. Geno Smith showcased resilience, leading game-winning drives and making critical adjustments under pressure. Playmakers like DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba capitalized on his leadership, while new defensive stalwarts such as Ernest Jones IV solidified Seattle’s run defense.

In multiple victories, timely defensive stops — like Derick Hall’s sacks and Devon Witherspoon’s key tackles — turned the tide. Whether it’s Smith’s last-minute heroics, as seen in the 49ers win, or Leonard Williams anchoring the defensive front with game-changing plays, these players shaped Seattle’s season.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Seattle Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70) reacts after place kicker Jason Myers (5) kicks a field goal to win the game in overtime at Gillette Stadium on Sep. 15, 2024 in Foxborough, Mass. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

NO. 1: GENO SMITH DOES IT ALL — AGAIN — IN 1-DIMENSIONAL SEAHAWKS’ 23-20 OT WIN AT PATRIOTS

The running game went nowhere. So Smith did it all on offense. The defense turned away New England multiple times. Seattle 2-0. | Published September 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (19) is sacked by Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) during the second quarter of the game at Lumen Field, on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Seattle. By Brian Hayes/The News Tribune

NO. 2: GENO SMITH TO DK METCALF SPARKS SEAHAWKS’ FAST START. DEFENSE DOMINATES MIAMI IN WIN

Seahawks are 3-0 for the eighth time, and first time since 2020. But how good is the early first-place team in the NFC West? | Published September 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) walks off the field after failing to convert during the third quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field, on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Seattle, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 3: SEAHAWKS STARS DK METCALF, GENO SMITH ARE TICKED. HOW THEIR ROOKIE COACH’S DEALING WITH IT

After three straight losses, anger and emotion boil in Seattle’s wide receiver and quarterback. Mike Macdonald has a challenge. | Published October 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Oct 20, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) reacts with quarterback Geno Smith (7) after catching a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

NO. 4: GENO SMITH’S POISE, 3 BIG DEFENSIVE PLAYS SEND SEAHAWKS PAST FALCONS, BACK INTO 1ST PLACE

Smith’s two touchdowns were brilliant, as Seattle gets to 4-3. | Published October 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) runs into the locker room before the game against the New York Giants at Lumen Field, on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 in Seattle, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 5: DK METCALF LIKELY NOT PLAYING VS. BILLS. BUT THE SEAHAWKS ARE GETTING BACK KEY DEFENDERS

Tyler Lockett says Seattle has the wide-receiver depth to withstand Metcalf’s sprained MCL against Buffalo. Riq Woolen returns. | Published October 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) scores a rushing touchdown past San Francisco 49ers cornerback Isaac Yiadom (22) to win the game in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

NO. 6: GENO SMITH TOOK SEAHAWKS’ LOSING STREAK TO 49ERS PERSONALLY -- THEN ENDS IT WITH TD LATE

The 34-year-old quarterback runs and throws Seattle to its 1st win over San Francisco in 7 tries, back into NFC West race. | Published November 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) runs out onto the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field, on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 in Seattle, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 7: 3 GAMES, IT’S OBVIOUS: SEAHAWKS MUST RE-$IGN ERNEST JONES. ABE LUCAS EXHAUSTED IN DEBUT

Jones is the middle linebacker coach Mike Macdonald demands in his defense. When he hits guys, they fall. Straight down or back. | Published November 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) reacts to a Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game at Lumen Field, on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Seattle, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 8: MIKE MACDONALD ANSWERS IF SEAHAWKS ARE CONSIDERING A NEW ERNEST JONES DEAL NOW. OR LATER?

It’s been 3 games since Seattle traded for him from Tennessee. Yet it’s obvious Jones is the middle linebacker Macdonald demands. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts to cornerback Coby Bryant (8) touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field, on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Seattle, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 9: MIKE MACDONALD, SEAHAWKS STAND BY GENO SMITH: ‘IT’S NOT LIKE WE’RE LOSING TRUST IN HIM’

The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback leads the NFL in passing yards. And interceptions. His rookie coach says: “We got his back.” | Published November 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates his fumble return for a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

NO. 10: LEONARD WILLIAMS STARS ON OLD FIELD, 1ST-PLACE SEAHAWKS TAKE JETS GIFTS FOR WILD 26-21 WIN

Williams has 2 sacks of Aaron Rodgers plus an improbably, 92-yard pick six from nose tackle. Failed 4th downs don’t kill Seattle. | Published December 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.