In a remarkable achievement, the Seattle Seahawks defense has secured a spot among the greatest in NFL history, ranking sixth all-time in DVOA, which stands for “Defense-adjusted Value Over Average.” This advanced metric gauges a team”s efficiency by comparing the success of every play to the league average, adjusting for various factors such as situation and opponent quality.
Aaron Schatz, the creator of DVOA and chief analytics officer of FTN Fantasy, recently published a list of the best defenses since 1978, which includes playoff performances. The Seahawks” defense has managed to stand out in this competitive field, especially considering the numerous elite units that have graced the league over the decades.
Notably, the only defenses ranked above the Seahawks are some of the most legendary in NFL history. Just behind Seattle at seventh place is the 2023-24 Baltimore Ravens defense, which fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. Interestingly, the Ravens” defensive coordinator during that season was none other than current Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, adding another layer of significance to Seattle”s impressive ranking.
As the Seahawks prepare for Super Bowl Sunday, they face a formidable opponent in the New England Patriots. The Patriots, familiar with the league”s biggest stage, feature a dynamic offense led by MVP candidate quarterback Drake Maye. The upcoming matchup presents a final challenge for the Seahawks to solidify their place in NFL history.
If the Seahawks” defense can effectively contain offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels“s explosive attack, they not only stand to bring home a Lombardi Trophy but also enhance their legacy by potentially elevating this unit into the top five defenses of all time.
Moreover, there are discussions surrounding the future of quarterback Sam Darnold, with speculation about a possible extension during the offseason despite the Super Bowl appearance. Additionally, the betting odds for the Super Bowl MVP award are generating interest, with various strategies being considered for prop picks.
With John Schneider making history in the NFL by leading two distinctly different Seahawks teams to the Super Bowl, fans have much to look forward to as the game approaches.
