Sam Darnold And The New-Look Seahawks Offense Face Huge Immediate Test

Seattle Seahawks Under New Coaching Regime Face Intense Test Against Weak Titans

Nashville, Tenn.**— In a late‑August joint practice with the Titans, the Super Bowl‑champion Seahawks were outplayed by a defense that finished in the bottom third of the 2025 league standings.

The chemistry between Pro Bowl quarterback Sam Darnold and Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith‑Njigba remained strong, yet Seattle failed to move the ball downfield throughout the session. A Titans secondary that lagged behind in preseason matchups produced multiple explosive plays, highlighted by a touchdown intercepted catch by cornerback Alontae Taylor against Darnold.

One might blame the loss on a single poor practice against an under‑performing opponent primed to challenge the champions. Yet another factor lies in Seattle’s struggle to adjust to the new offensive philosophy under first‑time coordinator Brian Fleury, whose transition represents one of the season’s primary narratives ahead of the 2026 season opener.

「Darnold said, ‘I’ve worked with elite playmakers before. Right now I’m focused on figuring out when to call a play, how to execute it, and managing the play clock.’
He agreed, ‘Brian Fleury is naturally intelligent and capable of handling the adjustment.’

Fleury is clearly talented and ready for the job, offering confidence that the adjustments won’t prove difficult.

What really sets him apart, I think, is just his willingness to listen to the players and refine his system based on individual preferences is uncommon. Unlike many coordinators, Fleury embraces player input and continuously adapts his approach.<

Typically, a rookie coordinator faces a steep learning curve, often requiring multiple seasons to fine‑tune a franchise’s philosophy.

Darnold suggested that the Seahawks need to adjust beyond the playcalling itself to stay competitive.

Standout running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, adding veteran production to Seattle’s backfield. Meanwhile, tailback Zach Charbonnet, the former dual threat, will be sidelined for at least the opening four contests as he rehabilitates a torn ACL suffered earlier in the season.

But the desire to establish the run, Darnold advised, will mirror last season’s priorities. Built on the Shanahan‑style system, the new coordinator plans to leverage the rush to generate play‑action opportunities—a theme familiar to Darnold from his prior tenure with the Denver Broncos.

Typically, a rookie coordinator faces a steep learning curve, often requiring multiple seasons to fine‑tune a franchise’s philosophy.

「What really sets him apart…」

Although the leadership changed, the overall offensive identity appears remarkably consistent.

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The connection between Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith‑Njigba will once again be essential for Seattle’s success, though the team aims to further develop its ground game.

Darnold indicated that the 2026 campaign will bring additional nuance on both the ground and aerial fronts, incorporating strategic tweaks introduced by Shanahan following Darnold’s 2023 exit.

Seattle appeared poised to accelerate its tempo next year. Last season the offense succeeded on nearly half of possessions (45.9%) at ranks near six nationwide, holding an average drive duration of 2 minutes 48 seconds—the 11th‑best metric in the league.

Darnold observed that building a fast pace demanded massive preparation this season, noting that such momentum had yet to manifest on the field.

Thus, the Patriots will encounter a distinct offense on Wednesday compared with the Titans’ challenge last month.

It’s up to new Seahawks OC Brian Fleury to continue the defensive excellence that helped Seattle win the Super Bowl last season. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images)

Fleury was tapped in February to assume the offensive coordinator role after Kubiak’s brief left Seattle, aiming to carry forward the unit’s prestige.

The 47‑year‑old Fleury brings extensive NFL experience as a long‑tenured assistant, most recently serving as run‑game coordinator and tight ends mentor under Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers. His task is to sustain and elevate a roster that was among the league’s best in 2025.

Under Kubiak, Seattle posted third‑place rankings in total offense (28.4 points per game) and allowed second‑lowest pressure rate (27.8%) per Next Gen Stats, while achieving seventh place in yards per game (351.4 yd). Passing totals reached 229.1 yd/game and rushing averaged 123.3 yd/game, bolstered by Darnold’s second consecutive 4,000‑yard passing campaign and Smith‑Njigba’s league‑leading receiving volume.

The Seahawks need to adapt beyond the playcalling itself to remain competitive.

Standout running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, adding experienced talent to Seattle’s backfield. Meanwhile, tailback Zach Charbonnet, the former dual threat, will miss the first four games as he rehabilitates a torn ACL suffered in January.

But the pursuit of a robust ground game remains a priority, echoing last season’s strategy built upon the Shanahan‑derived system.

Darnold emphasized that the new rhythm will incorporate the rush to create play‑action moments—a concept familiar to him from his earlier work with the Denver Broncos.

Typically, a rookie coordinator traverses a demanding learning phase that often requires more than a single season to weave a franchise’s philosophy into practice.

「Although the leadership changed, the overall offensive identity remains strikingly uniform.」
Thus, the Patriots will face a markedly different offense on Wednesday compared with the Titans’ slump last month.

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