Seahawks Rebound After Tough Bye Week with New Strategies

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks faced a critical moment in their 2024 NFL season following three consecutive losses. Head coach Mike Macdonald, in his first year at the helm after a successful stint as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, organized a strategic meeting during the team’s early bye week.

On a recent Tuesday, coaches gathered to reassess their approach to the season. Macdonald emphasized the importance of treating the bye week like the offseason, which included an evaluation of their gameplay and practices. One insider described the atmosphere as open, with the aim to ‘self-scout everything we’re doing’. As a result of this introspection, the team aimed to reset their strategies.

The bye week ultimately proved beneficial. The Seahawks embarked on a four-game winning streak, marking a revitalization of their playoff aspirations. One significant change made during this time was adjusting their offensive plays to slow down on third downs, allowing for a better reading of opposing defenses.

Previously, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who joined the Seahawks after coaching at the University of Washington, favored a rapid pace. However, adjustments were necessary for the NFL level. On defense, Macdonald opted to start younger players, including rookies, fitting them better to his system and phasing out some veteran players.

Across the league, the bye week serves as an opportunity for teams to either recharge with rest or make critical adjustments to their game plan. The Steelers, Falcons, Bears, Packers, Texans, and Vikings all faced similar decisions as they entered their respective bye weeks. Coaches weighed the pros and cons of implementing significant changes against the risks of altering a team formation they had developed through months of training.

The Seahawks’ ability to reset during the bye week speaks to the crucial role that midseason adjustments can play in a team’s fortunes. With their newfound strategies, they seek to make a deep playoff push, driving home the point that some of the most impactful changes occur during these bye weeks.

To summarize the importance of the bye week, Macdonald said, “You can reset your team if you do it the right way. As long as you have no pride about what you thought you were.”