Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald. Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Why Seahawks are the surprise of the NFL

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 24, 2024 3:29 PM ET

Through three weeks of the NFL season, five teams remain undefeated. Those five teams are the Chiefs, Bills, Vikings, Steelers and the surprise of the season, the Seattle Seahawks.

First-year head coach Mike Macdonald has gotten off to a great start in his first year with veteran quarterback Geno Smith. Smith, a longtime backup, has found a new home and rejuvenated his career in Seattle.

So, what exactly has gone right for Seattle thus far? It's been a combination of a stifling and gritty defense as well as timely offense and production from all parties involved.

On the offensive side of the ball, Smith is third in the NFL in total passing yards (787) and passing yards per game (262.3)

Smith has been on the same page with star wide receiver DK Metcalf so far, as the two have connected 17 times for 262 yards and two touchdowns.

DK. 71. YARDS. pic.twitter.com/6uQblU6h22
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 22, 2024

Running back Zach Charbonnet hasn't exactly moved the needle with his rushing yards, but he has found the end zone three times over the last two games and is tied for fifth in the NFL with his three rushing touchdowns.

Defensively for Seattle, it has been outstanding as a unit. It is allowing the second-fewest points per game in the league (14.3) as well as the second-fewest yards per game (248.7), only trailing the also undefeated Steelers in both categories.

Dialed in. pic.twitter.com/wejhCACHtp
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 24, 2024

Coach Macdonald has been pleased with the way his team is performing so far this season. After Sunday's victory, the Seattle head coach said, "We are in a great position where we've done enough to win each game that we've played," per the team's website.

Looking ahead to Week 4, the Seahawks will have their first true test of the season, as they will travel to Detroit and take on the Lions in one of two "Monday Night Football" games in Week 4. This is a rematch of a game from last season in which Seattle was victorious over Detroit, 37-31.

With continuous dominance from the defense and timely play from Geno Smith and the offense, Seattle will be a tough team to square off against all season long.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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