The Seattle Seahawks have come out strong with a 2-0 start under the leadership of first-year coach Mike Macdonald. However, despite their early success, Macdonald is not content and believes there is still room for improvement.
In an interview with Brady Henderson of ESPN.com, Macdonald emphasized the need for the defense to step up their game against the run. Speaking on his Seattle Sports 710 AM radio show, Macdonald expressed his disappointment in the team’s performance, particularly in their recent game against the Patriots.
“All of the things that showed up in the first game [against the Broncos] that was positive, I thought we took a step back this game,” Macdonald said. “I think we ended up with like 10 missed tackles, the ball getting out on our edge. . . You never make it in this league. It’s always week to week, prove it to me. That has to be the mentality. . . . A hundred and eighty yards, it makes you sick to your stomach.”
Macdonald acknowledged the effort put into preparation and game-planning that led to the defense giving up 185 rushing yards to the Patriots. However, he also pointed out fundamental mistakes and missed tackles that need to be addressed.
Despite the challenges, Macdonald praised the defensive linemen for their role in tying up blockers to allow others to make plays. “It’s an unselfish job,” Macdonald said. “Those guys, they’re doing a great job. I know the run stats right now don’t really [show it], but you can’t put it on those guys. I think they’re doing a great job.”
Looking ahead, the Seahawks defense will face a tough test against the Miami offense, which has proven to be effective on the ground. With starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sidelined, the Dolphins may rely even more heavily on their running game, putting pressure on Seattle to shore up their run defense.
As the Seahawks aim to continue their winning streak, Macdonald and his team know that they must rise to the occasion and prove themselves week in and week out in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
