Seattle’s Depth Players: The Secret Weapon Behind Their Success This Season
SAN JOSE, Calif.—At first glance, Seattle's roster may not seem like it boasts an array of superstars or widely recognized names. While it does feature some All-Pro and Pro Bowl athletes, the true strength of this team lies in its depth—comprised of linebackers ready to step into starting positions, safeties capable of filling in for injured teammates, and offensive linemen who can seamlessly take over when a starter is sidelined late in the season.
Head coach Mike Macdonald takes immense pride in the robust depth of Seattle's roster, which is evident in the preparedness of each player to rise to the occasion whenever called upon. For instance, linebacker Drake Thomas, who joined the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2023, found himself stepping into a starting role after Tyrice Knight suffered an injury during training camp. Remarkably, Thomas participated in all 17 regular-season games, starting 14 and playing in every playoff match. Prior to this season, he primarily contributed on special teams.
How did a player mostly relegated to special teams become a key defensive starter? "It starts with the reps we all get in training camp," Thomas explained. "We focus on building a strong foundation to understand our defense and our objectives. Throughout the week, we emphasize thoroughness and intentionality, ensuring everyone grasps the reasons behind our strategies. This clarity helps us recognize the game plan and how it will manifest on game day. Coach Macdonald clearly communicates the rationale behind his calls, which allows us to play freely, knowing exactly why we're making those decisions on the field."
Macdonald’s commitment to educating players about their roles and responsibilities has been instrumental in helping both depth and practice squad players understand what is expected of them. He often refers to the practice squad as the "ready squad" and describes the active roster along with the practice squad as the "full 70," underscoring that every team member is essential.
Cornerback Josh Jobe remarked, "Every individual has a role on this team. It's crucial to maintain high standards because the person ahead of you is doing just that."
Ernest Jones IV echoed this sentiment, sharing, "From day one, we've been taught that it could be your moment at any time. Each of us is prepared as if we are starters. It’s exciting to witness those players, often unknown to the public, stepping up and demonstrating their professionalism and capability when given a chance."
For Thomas, a pivotal moment occurred in Week 6 against the Jaguars. "That was a significant game for me. It boosted my confidence tremendously and made me more comfortable as the season progressed. I even recorded a sack, which felt awesome. But more importantly, I gained invaluable experience from taking all those reps during that game," he reflected.
Jones praised Thomas’s performance, stating, "Drake is one of the smartest players in the room. You can count on him to be in the right position, and when the tape rolls, he shows his power and ability to make impactful plays."
Macdonald firmly believes that hard work and consistent performance will lead to opportunities for players. Jobe exemplifies this philosophy. Jones mentioned, "Josh might be quiet, but you can see determination in his eyes, signaling his readiness to battle. He’s our little silent powerhouse, bringing necessary energy and toughness to his position."
This season, several players including Thomas, Ty Okada, Josh Jones, Amari Kight, Patrick O'Connell, Olu Oluwatimi, and Nehemiah Pritchett have all stepped up to start due to injuries impacting their teammates. For example, when Julian Love was sidelined for nine games due to a hamstring injury, it was Okada who filled in admirably. Similarly, Jones took over when Charles Cross was unable to play due to a foot injury.
Julian Love noted, "Each player brings unique skills, and we depend on each other. The idea of the ‘full 70’ emphasizes that every individual should strive to be their best self every day. This approach has proven beneficial, allowing us to celebrate each other's successes, especially those who might otherwise remain unnoticed during smoother times."
The accountability demonstrated by the coaching staff mirrors the expectation players hold for one another, which is evident in how every member of the roster prepares as if they are starters.
"If you're not performing your job or contributing, you will be held accountable and coached up," said Thomas. "It’s refreshing because it doesn’t matter if it’s your first year or your tenth; everyone is held to the same standard."
But what do you think about this approach? Does it truly create a winning culture, or are there drawbacks to such intense competition among teammates? Share your thoughts in the comments!
