As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for the Super Bowl, their defense has achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking sixth all-time in Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA). This statistic, which assesses a team”s efficiency by analyzing each play against a league average while factoring in situational context and the quality of opponents, highlights the Seahawks” dominance this season.
Created by Aaron Schatz, the chief analytics officer of FTN Fantasy, DVOA data spans back to 1978 and includes playoff performances. The Seahawks” defensive unit is now recognized among the elite, a noteworthy accomplishment given the numerous standout defenses over the years.
The only teams that surpass the Seahawks in DVOA history are some of the most iconic defenses in the NFL. These include:
- 1991–92 Washington Commanders – Super Bowl champions
- 1985–86 Chicago Bears – Super Bowl champions known for the famous “Super Bowl Shuffle”
- 2007–08 New England Patriots – Undefeated in the regular season but lost in the Super Bowl
- 1989–90 San Francisco 49ers – Super Bowl champions with a dominant victory
- 1996–97 Green Bay Packers – Led by Reggie White and also Super Bowl winners
Just behind the Seahawks on the list is the 2023–24 Baltimore Ravens, who faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. The defensive coordinator of that Ravens squad is none other than current Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, which adds an intriguing narrative to Seattle”s impressive ranking.
To solidify their legacy, the Seahawks will need to overcome a formidable challenge in the Super Bowl. They are set to face the New England Patriots, a franchise that has made a return to the championship stage after a long era of dominance. The Patriots boast a high-powered offense and an MVP candidate in quarterback Drake Maye.
If the Seahawks” defense can effectively neutralize the offensive strategies of Patriots” coordinator Josh McDaniels and deliver another stellar performance, they not only have a chance to secure a Lombardi Trophy but could also rise into the top five defenses in NFL history.
As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, Seahawks fans eagerly await what could be a historic game for their team.
