SEATTLE, October 16, 2026 — The Seattle Seahawks fell to 3-2 after a 32-29 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, with offensive turnovers undermining a resilient defensive effort.
Recent Performance and Loss to 49ers
The 2026 Seattle Seahawks are not a great team. At this point last season, neither were the 2025 Seattle Seahawks. This 32-29 loss to the San Francisco 49ers had a similar feeling to last year’s Week 5 38-35 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Seattle once again lost a game that they should’ve won, besieged by turnovers on offense. They had the chance to win it at the end, but couldn’t close the deal. Just like last season, this loss drops the Seahawks to 3-2 with both teams having an early season home loss against the Niners.
Offensive Struggles: Turnovers and Settling for Field Goals
Turnovers, settling for FGs the main story in Seattle’s 32-29 loss to San Francisco. Three TD drives spanning a total of less than 30 yards will be hard to overcome. Settling for 5 FGs also is usually a recipe for failure. Even one more TD on any of those drives would’ve totally changed the game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is still the only viable threat for the Seahawks offense, with five catches for 102 yards and 1 TD.
Defensive Resilience Despite Loss
The score makes it look like the defense got shredded, but anyone who watched it knows that they actually played really well. It was the offensive turnovers that put them in a hole. Seattle went on a huge run after Week 5 last season, going 14-1 over the rest of the year. As much as I would love the Seahawks to do that again, it’s highly unrealistic. Point blank, they have to play better on offense.
Quarterback Concerns with Sam Darnold
Turnovers are always a factor, and they’re seen by some as lazy analysis. However, it’s a huge factor with the Seahawks under Mike Macdonald. Seattle took excellent care of the ball at the end of the season in 2025 which was a massive reason for their Super Bowl victory. Darnold’s INTs are a problem. The RB fumbles were even more egregious. Honestly, we were spoiled with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Those two just did not cough the ball up. Both Emmanuel Wilson and George Holani fumbled once. Holani tried to fumble another time as he was running down the sideline and just dropped the ball. Seattle won’t be the team they want until they take care of the damn ball. Brace yourselves for a “Sam Darnold Conversation” if he keeps playing like this. Darnold will want an extension in the offseason. John Schneider has made very tough QB decisions in the past. Brian Fleury was brought in to keep Seattle playing “Seahawks Football” which means running the ball and being efficient in the passing game. Might there be another QB out there (or already on the roster) who could play that way at a fraction of the price?
Injury Updates Ahead of Broncos Game
The Seahawks left for Denver on Wednesday ahead of their Thursday night game against the Broncos, and held a light practice prior to heading to the airport. Among those practicing fully on Wednesday was receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was listed as limited the previous two days because of an ankle injury. Smith-Njigba, who leads the NFL in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, does not have a game status on the final injury report, meaning he is good to go. The Seahawks will be without starting linebacker Drake Thomas, who injured his ankle in Sunday’s loss to the 49ers. Tyrice Knight, who has started 14 games in the past three seasons, will take over for Thomas at the inside linebacker spot opposite Ernest Jones IV. Also ruled out are linebacker Chazz Surratt, who will miss a third straight game with a calf injury, and running back Zach Charbonnet, who remains on the physically unable to perform list as he works his way back from the torn ACL he suffered in last season’s Divisional Round win over the 49ers.
Outlook for Remainder of the Season
The Seahawks’ offense must improve ball security and red-zone efficiency to remain competitive in the NFC West. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba leading the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns, the passing game has a clear focal point, but the team cannot rely on him alone to overcome turnover-prone performances. The running back situation remains a concern, as Zach Charbonnet continues his recovery from a torn ACL, leaving the backfield thin and increasing pressure on the passing attack.
Defensively, the unit has shown resilience, keeping games within reach despite offensive missteps. However, sustaining that level of play will be difficult if the offense continues to put the defense in unfavorable positions via turnovers and short fields. The loss of starting linebacker Drake Thomas to an ankle injury further thins the linebacker corps, though Tyrice Knight’s experience offers stability in his absence.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks face a critical stretch that will determine whether they can rebound from their 3-2 start. The upcoming game against the Broncos presents an opportunity to build momentum, especially with Smith-Njigba expected to play and the Broncos dealing with their own secondary injuries. Consistency in protecting the ball and converting drives into touchdowns will be essential if Seattle hopes to climb back into contention in the NFC West.
Historical Context: Seahawks’ Evolution Since 1976
The Seattle Seahawks joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team, initially placed in the AFC West before moving to the NFC West in 2002. Their home stadium, Lumen Field, has hosted the team since 2002, succeeding the Kingdome and a brief stint at Husky Stadium. Over their history, the Seahawks have won 12 division titles and four conference championships, including a Super Bowl victory in 2025 under head coach Mike Macdonald. The franchise is notable for being the only NFL team to have played in both the AFC and NFC Championship Games.
Sources
- Seattle Seahawks
- Week 6 Injury Report: Seahawks at Broncos
- Seahawks practice self-flagellation, fall farther behind 49ers in NFC West
Photo: FanDuel (CC BY 3.0)
