5 reasons Seahawks' offense has struggled to repeat Super Bowl success

Is there a Super Bowl hangover of sorts in Seattle?

With Thursday's 17-14 overtime loss to the Broncos in Denver, the Seahawks have fallen to 3-3, with all three of their losses coming in the last four weeks. For a squad that won 12 consecutive games between the 2025 regular season, playoffs and the start of 2026, it's been quite the turn of events.

For the most part, Seattle's defense isn't to blame for the struggles — Mike MacDonald's unit came into Week 6 allowing an NFL-low 251.2 yards per game and held Denver to 17 points on Thursday. It's the Seahawks' offense that seems to have hit a wall. 

Here are five reasons why the Seahawks' offense is struggling to repeat its 2025 success so far this season.

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Why Seahawks offense has struggled in 2026

Klint Kubiak's absence

Losing one of the most well-respected play callers in football was always going to be an adjustment.

If you didn't believe Klint Kubiak's departure would affect the Seahawks' offense, look no further than the Raiders' improvements from 2025 to 2026, going from the NFL's worst total offense (245.2 yards per game) to a respectable No. 14 so far (335.6 yards per game).

Granted, the Seahawks have also scored at least 30 points in three of their six games. It hasn't all been bad, especially when they've been able to get Jaxon Smith-Njigba the ball consistently; he came alive in the fourth quarter against the Broncos to lead a comeback effort, totaling 12 catches for 134 yards.

But two of the NFL's more talented defenses — the Broncos and the Patriots — have now allowed a combined 27 points to the Seahawks between Weeks 1 and 6. The transition to new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's system from Kubiak's hasn't been without its bumps.

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Beat-up running back room

Perhaps Fleury also deserves some grace, considering the Seahawks' run game has struggled to start the season.

In Week 3 against the Commanders, Seattle finished with 44 yards on 18 carries (2.4 YPC). In Week 5 against the 49ers, they finished with 89 yards on 24 carries (3.4 YPC), though Thursday's matchup against the Broncos did show some improvement with 113 team rushing yards.

Kenneth Walker III's departure, like Kubiak, naturally meant there would be a transitional period to keep Seattle's run game stable. Walker is one of the best tackle-breaking backs in the NFL. Replacing him isn't easy. But health at the running back position also hasn't helped.

Zach Charbonnet has yet to make his return from a torn ACL suffered last season, the most proven running back option on the roster after scoring 12 touchdowns in 2025. Rookie Jadarian Price was also placed on IR with a chest injury in early October, leaving the two most talented backfield options out.

When Charbonnet and Price return, the run game should improve. Emanuel Wilson has been serviceable for Seattle, and George Holani has had a few solid plays, but Fleury and McDonald need a more dynamic weapon in the backfield. 

Sam Darnold's turnovers

Darnold's old turnover issues are starting to show again. Entering Week 6, his five interceptions trailed only Justin Herbert, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford's totals across the NFL. Then, he added two more in critical spots against Denver.

In all three losses to the Commanders, 49ers and Broncos, Darnold's interceptions particularly haunted the Seahawks. Washington ultimately won the game on a pick-six in Week 3. Darnold turned the ball over twice vs. San Francisco in Week 5.

And against Denver, first, Darnold was looking for Tory Horton late in the game, trailing 14-11 with a chance to take the lead, when he threw a pick.

BRONCOS INTERCEPT SAM DARNOLD WITH 1:25 LEFT IN THE GAME SEAvsDEN on Prime Video Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/7vK2rjBe1k

In overtime, he added a second interception, one that then set up the Broncos' game-winning kick.

BRONCOS INTERCEPTION IN OT SEAvsDEN on Prime Video Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/d4mSniqtwZ

Darnold's gunslinger reputation and playstyle will naturally bring some interceptions. But early in 2026, they have directly contributed to Seattle's struggles, and he's now tied for the NFL lead in picks.

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Pass protection issues

Over the first three weeks of the 2026 season, the Seahawks allowed just three sacks. Since then, they've allowed 13.

Protecting Darnold has become just as much of an issue as his turnovers. The Broncos were bullying the Seahawks' offensive line at times on Thursday night, taking them out of field-goal range on multiple occasions.

Denver posted five sacks vs. Darnold, setting him back 38 yards in total.

Make that FIVE sacks on the night for the @Broncos defense ‼️ SEAvsDEN on Prime Video Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/uhyYda3enp

It's been difficult for Darnold to run the offense under pressure lately.

Per ESPN Research: Sam Darnold was pressured on nine of his 17 dropbacks (53%) in the first half, which would be his highest pressure percentage in a game since joining the Seahawks. Darnold is 1 of 7 for 5 yards with two sacks when under duress.

Lack of WR depth

What Smith-Njigba has been doing on a weekly basis cannot go unappreciated. He's the engine of Seattle's offense, the most reliable wide receiver in the league despite seeing a ton of defensive attention. In six games, Smith-Njigba has five 100-yard-plus performances.

It's the lack of contributions behind him that's becoming an issue. Coming into Week 6, Smith-Njigba had 25 more catches than anyone else on the roster, with tight end AJ Barner in second with just 12 receptions.

It's not necessarily a bad thing to rely on the NFL's best receiver, but the Seahawks also could use a more spread-out attack. Cooper Kupp's five catches for 50 yards and Rashid Shaheed's five catches for 66 yards vs. Denver were steps in the right direction, but they'll need to continue to be threats to defenses.

What a catch from Shaheed for the two-point conversion! 3-point game in Denver. SEAvsDEN on Prime Video Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/lZoIHUpbox

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