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In the aftermath of their Super Bowl LX triumph, the Seattle Seahawks returned to the NFL season as champions, but according to former Patriots wide receiver and current analyst Julian Edelman, they are carrying a chip on their shoulder that makes them even more dangerous. Appearing on The Herd, Edelman made his stance clear: he is “big on Seattle” for the upcoming season. His confidence stems from a mix of continuity, internal motivation, and a perceived lack of respect. The team is bringing back 20 of its 22 starters from a roster that not only won the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy but did so in dominant fashion, finishing the regular season with a 14-3 record and clinching the NFC West for the first time since 2020. For Edelman, this isn’t just a team resting on its laurels; it’s a squad brimming with a quiet, seething determination that could steamroll the rest of the league.
The core of that motivation lies in the mindset of quarterback Sam Darnold. Edelman shared insights from a preseason production meeting where he sat down with the players and was struck by Darnold’s unusual emotional state. Despite winning the Super Bowl, Darnold was reportedly still “mad” about his personal performance in the championship game, as well as his showing in the NFC Championship the week prior. This level of self-criticism from a quarterback who just achieved the pinnacle of the sport tells Edelman everything he needs to know. Instead of entering the offseason with a satisfied swagger, Darnold approached it with the hunger of a player who felt he had unfinished business. This “he went into the offseason like he lost” mentality, Edelman believes, is a dangerous sign for the rest of the NFL, as it suggests a leader who is far from complacent and driven to perfect his craft even after reaching the mountaintop.
Beyond the quarterback, Edelman’s praise extended to the leadership structure, particularly the man at the helm. He expressed profound admiration for head coach Mike Macdonald, describing him as “cool, calm, and collected” while possessing a “hard alpha trait” that commands respect. This combination of a steady demeanor with an underlying intensity has clearly resonated with the players. Edelman was impressed with how Macdonald has fostered genuine connections within the locker room, a crucial element for any championship team looking to sustain success. This coaching stability is vital, especially considering the one notable change on the offensive side of the ball. The Seahawks lost offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who departed to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. To fill that void, they promoted from within, handing the reins to Brian Fleury, a former 49ers assistant. This continuity, coupled with Macdonald’s steadying influence, suggests the team’s offensive philosophy will remain intact.
Seattle’s success is also built on a formidable on-field product. Their offense, led by Darnold under Kubiak’s scheme, was a top-tier unit, ranking third in the NFL in scoring (28.4 points per game) and eighth in total yards (351.4 per game). However, their true calling card is a defense that has become the league’s gold standard. Coordinated by Aden Durde, who is entering his third season, the defense was the stingiest in football, allowing a league-best 17.2 points per game while ranking sixth in total yards surrendered. This defensive prowess is a testament to the “steering the ship” mentality that Edelman credits Macdonald with. The return of all 11 starters on that side of the ball, combined with a system that is now fully ingrained, points to a unit that will continue to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
While the Seahawks are focused on their own internal drive, they are also acutely aware of the noise coming from their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. Edelman specifically mentioned the “hype” surrounding the Rams, and it’s easy to see why. Los Angeles pulled off a blockbuster offseason, acquiring superstar defensive end Myles Garrett from the Browns and lockdown cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs. They also received a massive emotional and physical boost with the return of legendary defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement after a two-year absence. On top of that, they stole Seattle’s offensive coordinator, making Kubiak their new head coach. Coupled with quarterback Matthew Stafford coming off an MVP-caliber 2025 campaign, the Rams look like a superteam on paper, generating all the headlines and attention.
But for Edelman, this is exactly the scenario that benefits the Seahawks. While the Rams soak up the spotlight with their star-studded acquisitions and blockbuster moves, Seattle has quietly gone about its business by focusing on the opposite strategy: retaining their own talent. The front office locked up key playmakers with massive extensions, including wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (each on four-year, $168.6 million and $132 million deals respectively), making them the highest-paid players at their positions. They also secured defensive lineman Leonard Williams, re-signed receiver/returner Rashid Shaheed, and cornerback Josh Jobe. In the draft, they selected Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the No. 32 overall pick to help fill the void left by departing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. This “draft, develop, and pay their guys” model, as Edelman noted, has created a “quietest Super Bowl champion team” he’s ever seen. “They draft, develop and pay their guys,” he said. “They got a lot of great things going for them, and the biggest thing is that no one’s even talking about them. It’s unreal, and it’s going to play into their favor.” The stage is perfectly set for a clash of philosophies when the Seahawks host the Rams in a highly anticipated season opener, but Edelman is confident that the quiet, hungry champions are a “storm brewing” ready to wipe out anyone who overlooks them.
