Much attention has been given to how new Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald will handle the team’s defense after his successful tenure leading Baltimore’s top-rated defense last season.
Will the Seattle Seahawks be the breakout team in the NFL this year?
Macdonald’s defensive schemes are renowned for their ability to confuse offenses with diverse looks and unpredictable pressure. His system proved highly effective in Baltimore, as the Ravens led the NFL in sacks, allowed the fewest points per game, the fewest yards per passing attempt, and were tied for the third most interceptions. However, despite its perceived complexity, Macdonald’s defense is more straightforward than it appears.
Former NFL quarterback Brock Huard discussed the keys to Macdonald’s “illusion of complexity” during Blue 88 on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk show on Wednesday.
“Organize and simplify,” Huard stated. “Those are going to be the keys.”
Huard’s comments align with insights from NFL writer Ted Nguyen of The Athletic, who recently analyzed Macdonald’s defense and discussed it on Tuesday with Bump and Stacy.
According to Nguyen, Macdonald’s system stands out due to its organization and teaching methods. He focuses on ensuring players understand and execute their roles effectively on game day, which is why many believe he will excel as a head coach.
Nguyen even referred to Macdonald as “the Sean McVay of defense.” Huard shared an anecdote about McVay, the highly regarded Los Angeles Rams coach, from his time covering the NFL for FOX in 2020.
“I covered the Rams three times and admired McVay’s approach,” Huard said. “At its core, his system is quite simple. The offensive line operates with just three schemes: outside zone, screen, and play-action.”
When Huard mentioned the simplicity of McVay’s offense to him, he was surprised by McVay’s positive reaction.
“I told Sean his system reminded me of the military schools’ triple option due to its repeatability,” Huard recalled. “McVay responded, ‘Why would that offend me? That’s the greatest compliment you could give.’”
McVay emphasized simplifying the game for the toughest position group—the offensive line.
“Sean’s point was, ‘I simplify for the hardest position group on the field,’” Huard explained. “If Macdonald is the Sean McVay of defense, we’ll see a similar approach.”
This strategy of simplifying and organizing could be the foundation of Macdonald’s success with the Seahawks, potentially leading them to become the NFL’s next standout team.
