Seattle exploded to a 38-6 lead by halftime behind explosive special teams and a clean, efficient offense. Tory Horton’s 95-yard punt return TD and a D’Anthony Bell block set the tone, while Dareke Young added a 63-yard kickoff return. Sam Darnold was precise, delivering a 14-yard TD to Horton in the early frame as Seattle cruised.

The defense stymied New Orleans on third downs (5-for-15) and kept the Saints largely in check despite injuries, with Ty Okada stepping in for his first NFL start and Derion Kendrick seeing more action. Horton’s emergence as a second receiver behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba gives Seattle a dangerous, multi-faceted attack and a raucous home-field advantage heading into a short week against Arizona.

The win solidifies Seattle’s home-field identity and signals a viable path forward: a special-teams-driven, defense-first approach that maximizes Darnold’s efficiency and the growth of young playmakers while the run game remains workmanlike. Seattle sits at 2-1 and eyes a quick turnaround vs. the Cardinals.

D'Anthony Bell returns to Seattle on the Seahawks' practice squad after a brief 53-man stint, re-stocking a depth chart that also saw Sataoa Laumea released. The move pairs Bell's proven special-teams value with Chaz Surratt's LB depth, signaling Seattle's emphasis on versatile, low‑risk depth pieces as Week 1 approaches.

Bell’s return preserves a veteran ST asset who excelled on coverage units and could be elevated for gamedays to bolster kick- and punt-coverage as Seattle seeks consistency from its special teams, while Laumea’s exit clears a roster spot. The acquisition of Surratt adds linebacker depth behind the starters, framing Seattle’s 2025 plan around specialization, cost-control, and pliable depth across units.

The Seattle Seahawks' recent strategy in the 2025 NFL Draft indicates a clear shift towards bolstering their defense, evidenced by their selection of two defensive players among 11 total picks. This influx of talent places several veterans on the roster bubble, including safety D'Anthony Bell, defensive end Mike Morris, and cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett.

D'Anthony Bell's role has diminished significantly with the addition of Nick Emmanwori, relegating him to special teams duties. Meanwhile, Mike Morris faces stiff competition from rookie Rylie Mills, who represents a younger option with greater upside. Pritchett, having struggled during his rookie season, finds himself vying for a spot against several promising undrafted free agents. The Seahawks' moves suggest a strong emphasis on youth and potential, potentially indicating a turning point in the team's defensive strategy.