Seahawks' Defense Shines in 11-6 Run, Jones Sets Career High
The Seattle Seahawks, led by their dynamic teams, are surging after a 27-19 win over the Houston Texans, extending their record to 11-6 since last October. The seahawks' defense, spearheaded by standout linebacker Ernest Jones IV, has been a crazy games force, ranking second in rush defense and sixth in scoring defense. Meanwhile, quarterback Sam Darnold has faced accuracy issues, but the seahawks' pass rush has been exceptional, tying for third-most in the NFL with 23 sacks this season.
Jones, who joined the seahawks from the Tennessee Titans last year, has been pivotal in their success. He intercepted a pass intended for the Texans' leading receiver, Nico Collins, on Monday night, marking his third interception of the 2025 season and setting a new career high. Coach Mike Macdonald praised Jones' leadership, toughness, and stability, which have significantly contributed to the seahawks' impressive record. Jones has made 153 tackles and four interceptions in 17 games since joining the seahawks.
The seahawks' pass rush has been a significant strength this season. With 23 sacks, they tie for third place in the NFL. Remarkably, 12 players have contributed to this tally, with four defenders recording at least three sacks each. The seahawks' effectiveness in pressuring the quarterback has been a key factor in their defensive success.
On the offensive side, running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combined for 115 rushing yards against the Texans, their highest output in a single game since October 5. This performance came despite quarterback Sam Darnold's struggles with accuracy in the past two games, completing a season-low 54.3% of his passes on Monday.
Looking ahead, the seahawks will have a boost in their secondary for the next game after the bye week. All-Pro cornerback Devon Witherspoon, linebacker Derick Hall, and safety Julian Love are all expected to be available. With their strong defense and improving offense, the seahawks look set to continue their impressive form as they push for a playoff spot.
