Who is Mike Macdonald?

Mike Macdonald’s journey has been impressive. Starting as a graduate assistant at the University of Georgia, he made his way through various coaching positions, including roles with the Baltimore Ravens where he developed a solid reputation as a defensive mind. His recent tenure at the University of Michigan as a defensive coordinator showcased his ability to mold talent, notably transforming Aidan Hutchinson into a second-overall draft pick. His move back to the NFL and bold appointment as Seattle's head coach puts him at the forefront of a team looking to redefine its identity.

Offense Under Ryan Grubb

Seattle’s new offensive staff, led by coordinator Ryan Grubb, reflects a modern, adaptable approach. Grubb’s record of orchestrating high-powered offenses culminated in leading the University of Washington to the National Championship game. His offensive playbook features a blend of traditional and innovative elements, primarily utilizing an 11-personnel formation. In this setup, the team hopes to exploit mismatches favoring their top wide receivers and create significant yardage opportunities through diverse play-calling.

The Run Game Dynamics

In the run game, there’s a crucial decision to be made this week regarding the health of star running back Kenneth Walker III. If Walker is unable to play, Zach Charbonnet will carry the load, illustrating Seattle’s reliance on productive ground play to take pressure off Smith.

The New NFL Defense with Adon Durde

On the defensive side, Adon Durde brings a wealth of experience, including a background shaped by both European leagues and NFL coaching positions. As defensive coordinator, Durde implements a 34 base defense frequently transitioning to a 24 look in sub-packages. This scheme emphasizes creating confusion in offensive backfields while deploying a strong secondary.

The Coming Face-Off

As the Lions step onto the field, understanding the evolved Seahawks will be key. Both teams have undergone transformative changes in 2024, with the Lions hoping to dismantle a new scheme that could feature vulnerabilities in run defense. Will the Lions capitalize on the Seahawks' transitional phase, or will Seattle’s fresh approach surprise its opponents?