Defending a title has often been more difficult than winning one, but few expected the Seattle Seahawks to go through this much trouble so early in their title defense.
Eight months after conquering the NFL in Super Bowl LX, the Seahawks began their campaign with the burden of proving that their championship triumph was not a one-season achievement. However, eight games into the new season, Seattle finds itself with a 4-4 record, raising questions about their ability to duplicate the form that made them champions.
The Seattle Seahawks lost to the Chicago Bears, 34-17, yesterday in Week 8 fixtures, further intensifying the fans concerns. More disturbing than the result itself was the performance on the night.
So, what has happened to the defending champions?
Championship Core No Longer Exists
The biggest explanation for Seattle’s struggles lies in the personnel changes that followed its Super Bowl triumph.
The Seahawks lost several major contributors during the offseason, most notably running back Kenneth Walker III, who departed for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.
Walker was the Most Valuable Player of the Super Bowl LX for a reason. His explosive running style, and ability to create opportunities on the ground where there was none helped prevent opposing defense’s from concentrating exclusively on quarterback Sam Darnold and passing attack.
Walker ran for 1,027 and 221 carries, averaging 110.o rushing yards in 17 games played for the Seattle last season. Although, he was held to 36 yards and 14 carries in his homecoming game against the Seahawks in week 6, he has produced 770 yards, third in the league in rushing yards. He has 6 touchdowns so far for Kansas City Chiefs this season, a number that took the entire running back roster of Seattle to produce.
The departure of edge rusher Boye Mafe, safety Cody Bryant and corner Riq Woolen also weakened the continuity of a secondary that had been instrumental in the championship-winning campaign.
Although Seattle attempted to reproduce that chemistry with a few signings through free agency and internal promotions, it has not worked so far.
Offensive Coordinator Change
Klint Kubaik departed to become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving Brain Fleury with the responsibility of maintaining the offence.
Fleury despite inheriting an offensive unit that has already competed at the highest level, he has found it difficult to reproduce that success.
The Seahawks have struggled to find the same offensive rhythm, particularly in sustaining drives and converting opportunities into points.
Through their first seven games of the 2025 season, the Seahawks averaged approximately 27.6 points per game. Across their first eight games of 2026, that figure has fallen to 23.1.
Fleury has struggled to replicate the effective offense despite the personnel changes around it.
Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold enjoyed a productive championship campaign, reaping the rewards of an effective supporting cast and a balanced offensive approach.
However, the 2026 season has presented a different challenge.
Darnold has faced more pressure this season, already intercepted nine times in seven matches, compared to last season where he had 5 interceptions in 8 matches. The inconsistency in the running game has exposed Sam Darnold’s passing abilities.
Although Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to deliver outstanding performances, individual brilliance has not been enough to compensate for the offense’s collective struggles.
Smith-Njigba recorded six receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown, yet Seattle suffered a 17-point defeat against Chicago.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is just the fifth WR ever with 7 100 yard games through 8 games.
6 REC, 118 YDS, 1 TD vs Bears
Now at 985 yards and 9 TDs, he’s pushing for back to back OPOY awards. https://t.co/1Kk7E0CwYR
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) November 3, 2026
The Defense
Surprisingly, the stats suggests that Seattle’s defensive decline is not as open as the results indicate.
Through their first seven games of 2025, the Seahawks conceded 305.9 yards per game. Their first eight games of 2026, that figure has dropped to 250 yards.
Their opponents have also averaged fewer passing yards against them this season so far.
However, the defense has conceded more points per game this last eight games.
The departure of Mafe, Bryant and Woolen has reduced the continuity of that elite defensive unit.
Nevertheless, Mike Macdonald’s defense still remains the best in the league, and a potential foundation for recovery.
Injuries
The running-back department has been the most affected. Walker’s departure was followed by injuries that disrupted the availability of Zach Charbonnet and rookie Jadarian Price.
For a team attempting to integrate new players into an established system, injuries and the frequent adjustments has proven to be a stumbling block for the team.
Championship Defense at a Crossroad
The most revealing aspect of Seattle’s current situation is the difference between its overall production and its ability to win comfortably.
The Seahawks averaged 8.1 points more than their opponents across their first seven games in 2025. Now that has fallen to 3.3 points per game this season.
However, it is too early to say that the defending champions have run out of time.
They still have enough talent on the roster to defend the title, with Smith-Njigba continuing to perform at an elite level.
But the Seahawks must find that balance that made them champions, before it is too late. Yankee Scores reports.
