Image Source: Mike Gianakos, ClutchPoints
Key Takeaways
- The Seattle Seahawks clinched the division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
- The Seahawks’ defense led the way, holding the 49ers to just three points and 173 yards, and finishing with the NFL’s top-ranked scoring defense.
- Seattle’s defensive DVOA of -24.2% is the 12th-best since 1978, and the team boasts three Pro Bowl defenders: cornerback Devon Witherspoon, defensive tackle Leonard Williams, and linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence.
- The Seahawks earned a bye in the playoffs and hope to make a championship run with their dominant defense.
Introduction to the Seahawks’ Dominant Defense
The Seattle Seahawks have clinched the division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. As stated in the article, "The Seahawks swarmed Brock Purdy in Sunday’s 13-3 win. The fourth-year quarterback was red-hot entering the matchup. But he went 19/27 for 127 scoreless yards and an interception in the divisional clash." This impressive performance was led by the Seahawks’ ferocious defense, which held the 49ers to just three points and 173 yards.
Defensive Statistics and Accolades
The Seahawks’ defense finished with the NFL’s top-ranked scoring defense and sixth-best overall defense in total yards allowed. According to FTN Fantasy’s Aaron Schatz, "Seattle boasted the best defensive DVOA since the 2018 Chicago Bears, per FTN Fantasy’s Aaron Schatz. The Seahawks’ -24.2% defensive DVOA is 12th-best since 1978." This impressive statistic highlights the team’s dominant defensive performance. Additionally, three Seahawks defenders made the Pro Bowl this season: cornerback Devon Witherspoon, defensive tackle Leonard Williams, and linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence.
Team Effort and Contributions
The entire Seahawks unit contributed to the win over San Francisco. As the article notes, "Nick Emmanwori led the team with seven total tackles. Jarran Reed, Uchenna Nwosu, and Derick Hall added one sack each. And Drake Thomas came up with a crucial fourth-quarter interception in the red zone that deflated the 49ers." This team effort was crucial in securing the win and demonstrates the depth and talent of the Seahawks’ roster.
Playoff Implications and Championship Hopes
The Seahawks earned a bye in the playoffs after clinching their first No. 1 seed since 2014. As the article states, "Seattle has had the top seed in the NFC three times before and the team made the Super Bowl all three seasons (2005, 2013, and 2014)." The team hopes to make it 4-4 with a defense built for a championship run. With their dominant defense leading the way, the Seahawks are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run and potentially bring home a championship.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Seattle Seahawks’ dominant defense has been the key to their success this season. With a top-ranked scoring defense and a talented roster, the team is well-positioned to make a championship run. As the article notes, "The Seahawks’ -24.2% defensive DVOA is 12th-best since 1978," highlighting the team’s impressive defensive performance. With their bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage, the Seahawks are a team to watch in the postseason.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/seahawks-news-seattle-finishes-best-defense-since-2018-1-stat
