Seahawks' 'Dark Side' Defense Propels Team to Super Bowl

Aggressive scheme and well-rounded unit lead Seattle to big game

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Seattle Seahawks' defense, nicknamed the 'Dark Side', has been the driving force behind the team's run to the Super Bowl. Led by coordinator Mike Macdonald's aggressive scheme and a deep, versatile unit without any clear weaknesses, the Seahawks have been one of the NFL's stingiest defenses all season. Now they look to lead Seattle to its second Super Bowl title.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' defensive turnaround has been a key factor in the team's resurgence this season after missing the playoffs in 2025. Their ability to suffocate opposing offenses has taken pressure off the offense and allowed the team to win in a variety of ways, setting up a showdown with the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

The details

The 'Dark Side' nickname was chosen by the defensive leaders in the offseason, a nod to Seattle's gloomy weather and the deafening crowd noise at Lumen Field. The unit is led by vocal linebacker Ernest Jones IV and features a deep, versatile group that excels in Macdonald's aggressive scheme. Key contributors include edge rusher Boye Mafe, safety Nick Emmanwori, and the interior duo of Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II.

  • The 'Dark Side' nickname emerged during OTAs or training camp in the summer of 2025.
  • The Seahawks finished the 2025 regular season ranked 10th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (193.9).
  • The Seahawks had the 5th-most interceptions (18) in the NFL during the 2025 regular season.

The players

Jarran Reed

A Seattle Seahawks lineman who was involved in the discussions to choose the 'Dark Side' nickname for the defense.

Nehemiah Pritchett

A reserve cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks who explains the defense's desire to establish its own identity separate from the 'Legion of Boom' teams of the 2010s.

Boye Mafe

An edge rusher for the Seattle Seahawks who takes pride in the defense's well-rounded nature and lack of weaknesses.

Nick Emmanwori

A 21-year-old rookie safety for the Seattle Seahawks who has played beyond his years, breaking up 11 passes in the regular season.

Ernest Jones IV

The vocal leader of the Seattle Seahawks' defense.

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What they’re saying

“We had an identity, but we had to find a name.”

— Jarran Reed, Seattle Seahawks lineman (newstribune.com)

“We kind of wanted our own thing, so, the Dark Side just kind of stuck.”

— Nehemiah Pritchett, Seattle Seahawks reserve cornerback (newstribune.com)

“It's very rare that you can say that about your defense, that you can say that about your team that you feel there's no weak links. So, as you have that opportunity, it's one of those things where you just have to seize the moment.”

— Boye Mafe, Seattle Seahawks edge rusher (newstribune.com)

“Nick's done a tremendous job since he walked in the door, shoot, since we brought him in for a visit pre-draft. I think what's great about Nick is you can see the physical talent, the physical ability. But his eagerness to learn, and the sense of urgency for detail and his hunger to be great really stands out.”

— Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator (newstribune.com)

“They just do a great job, and make it really hard on the offense.”

— Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks quarterback (newstribune.com)

What’s next

The Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Sunday.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' 'Dark Side' defense has been the driving force behind the team's run to the Super Bowl, showcasing a well-rounded unit without any clear weaknesses. Their aggressive scheme and ability to suffocate opposing offenses has been a key factor in Seattle's resurgence this season.