Seattle head coach describes how the defensive transformation that took the team to the Super Bowl occurred
SAN JOSE — The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, Mike Macdonaldspoke to the press this Tuesday in the week before the Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots and acknowledged the impact the defense has had on his team’s success.
Mike Macdonald He confessed what the process was like to improve a unit that went from allowing 21.4 points per game (No. 12 in 2024) to being the best in the NFL this season, allowing just 17.2 points per game.
“I think our defense has connected more, it is not easy to do so, last year it was difficult, but we have believed in the process,” he declared. Mike Macdonald. “We made a pact, we were going to be a great defense no matter what the cost. They believed it, it didn’t happen overnight, but it’s the kind of dedication it takes, moving in the same direction, to make things happen.
“You have to stop the opposition, you have to not allow points on the scoreboard, you have to control the position on the field, you have to affect the quarterbacks, all those things are really important to win games.”
During the playoffs the Seahawks They started with a similar pace to what they showed in the regular season, limiting the San Francisco 49ers to just 6 points in the Divisional Round, however, in the NFC Championship Game they conceded 27 points and allowed Matthew Stafford to throw for 374 yards and three touchdowns.
“There are some things, the players are intelligent and we have told them that they have to do their best for 60 minutes,” he said. “We have incredible coaches and the work has been very good since the offseason.
“Something I’ve learned in the last four years is that when you trust your players, they support you and that’s amazing.”
In addition to the improvement in defense, the Seahawks They received a big offensive boost with the arrival of quarterback Sam Darnold, who took Geno Smith’s place as the starter.
“Sam has reached this point, we work to help everyone, Sam’s story is incredible and that makes him the person he is, we must support him, we believe in him, we saw many things in Sam that we love and as a coach, we have a vision for our players and we have to help that vision,” he declared. Mike Macdonald. “Sam is very resilient, very, very competitive, he’s a winner and it’s been fun to be with him all year.
The possible sale of the Seahawks it’s not distraction
Mike Macdonald made it clear that he does not consider that the possible sale of the Seahawks have an impact on the work they do leading up to Super Bowl LX.
“To go with the sale, nothing changes for us,” he said. “Nothing has changed since the interview I had two years ago. We have a great owner, he knows what he wants for the Seahawks and the community, We had difficult times the first year, but he gave me a lot of support and I love having him around.
