Can the Seahawks Stop the New Look Steelers Offense?
The Seattle Seahawks did not start the 2025 NFL Season the way they wanted to, falling 17-13 to their bitter rival, the 49ers, on their home turf. The defense struggled to stop a battered San Francisco offense, led by an injured Brock Purdy, who is now out for several weeks. Even with the 49ers receiving corps missing Jauan Jennings, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk, the Seahawks gave up a game-winning touchdown to third-string tight end Jake Tonges. Tonges had never caught an NFL pass going into the game.
The Seahawks' Week Two opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers, had a much more promising performance in their season opener. Pittsburgh narrowly beat the Jets in a shootout, with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers throwing four touchdowns in the win. At 41 years old, Rodgers showed that he still has the skills to be an NFL quarterback after an abysmal stint with the Jets.Pittsburgh's passing attack looked elite, with four different receivers catching Rodgers’ touchdown passes. Despite not catching a touchdown, former Seahawk DK Metcalf totaled four catches for 83 yards in his Steelers debut.
Given how Week One went for both teams, it's safe to say that Sunday’s matchup could be a scary situation for Seattle’s defense. To make matters worse, Seattle will be without their second-round pick, safety Nick Emmanwori. Emmanwori is expected to miss multiple weeks with a high-ankle sprain. Star cornerback Devon Witherspoon is doubtful for Week Two, as he is still recovering from a knee injury sustained against the 49ers. Witherspoon has been a stud in his two years in the league, earning Pro Bowl selections in both years.
When Mike Macdonald was brought in to coach the Seahawks, he was hired for the defensive prowess that he showed as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Here in his second season, after a non-ideal performance in the season opener, Macdonald has a chance to show those defensive chops. With two playmakers out in the secondary, expect Macdonald to deploy some pressure on Aaron Rodgers. While the secondary looked questionable against San Francisco, the defensive line is as solid as ever and could potentially cause major disruption for the Steelers' offense.
