Macdonald seeking winning standard for Seahawks

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 26: Head coach Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks stands on the sidelines during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, at Soldier Field on December 26, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Todd Rosenberg / Getty Images)

RENTON, Wash. - Nothing changes for Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and his approach to the final week of the season, even with playoff hopes now gone for his team.

Macdonald said they are still looking to instill a standard of expectation for the team and finding a way to deliver in the final week of the year is a good way to do so.

"We got a standard here of what we're trying to build," Macdonald said. "You can't let all of outside forces affect how we play and our mentality. It's just not how we're going to operate. That's soft frankly, so that's not what we're going to be."

The Seahawks were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday night as they could no longer win a strength of victory tiebreaker over the Los Angeles Rams. A loss to a bad New York Giants team in October is probably the biggest reason Seattle will be watching the playoffs from home instead of having a chance to win the NFC West this weekend against the Rams. But even with that carrot of a playoff berth gone, players and coaches alike want to finish the year on a good note.

"I know it's our last one. Focus is on really closing the year out the right way and starting this year the right way, too. So it's not what we wanted to be at stake, but it is what it is. We're going to make the most of it," Macdonald said.

Macdonald also noted the importance for the team of ending the year with double-digit victories and a winning record in the NFC West, both of which happen with a win on Sunday in Los Angeles

"You're always trying to win your next game. This is the next game. That's number one," Macdonald said. "There is broader implications: getting to 10 wins; trying to be 4-2 in our division; trying to play our brand of football the way we know how; building upon our foundation for years to come. There is a lot at stake for us this weekend."

Said receiver DK Metcalf: "There are a lot of competitive guys in this league, especially on this team," Metcalf said. "So, I mean, I wouldn't expect anything less than for us to go out there and play like we're still fighting to get in the playoffs. I think it just sends a message to the opposing team what type of identity that this team will have moving forward. So, no, I don't think people are going to just lay down and just accept not making it to the playoffs and just think this last week is going to be a cake walk."

The Rams aren't using that same script, however. They now know they are in the playoffs and are taking the chance to rest some of their players, including quarterback Matthew Stafford. Jimmy Garoppolo will make the start this weekend, Rams head coach Sean McVay said.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks will have every player set to play, as long as they aren't risking making an existing injury worse by taking the field. Geno Smith will start at quarterback for Seattle and the game won't be used as an audition for backup Sam Howell.

"In our eyes we're still playing for a lot," said linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was traded from the Rams to the Tennessee Titans in August, and then the Seahawks in October. "Ten wins, just the opportunity to start this year off the right way leading into next year. So I feel like we going to come out and play as we should. "

But it's still a place many Seahawks players aren't used to being. Even in years the Seahawks missed the playoffs previously, they had a chance entering the final week with the lone exception being 2021. Wide receiver Jason Smith-Njigba hasn't had a game that hasn't mattered for playoff hopes going all the way back to high school in Texas.

"This will be my first one," he said. "We've got one more week left so I'm just pouring everything into it and just trying to lock in and give everyone a little sneak peak of what's to come in 2025."

Macdonald acknowledged some players have incentives in their contracts left to play for as well. For example, Geno Smith has as much as $6 million available this weekend, per former agent Joel Corry of CBS Sports. Smith earns an extra $2 million for hitting each of three incentives possible: earning a 10th win, 185 more passing yards, and finishing with a year-long completion percentage of 69.755 percent (currently at 70.2).

"You want your guys to hit those numbers," Macdonald said. "If it's within your power, you're going to try to make that come to life; create as many opportunities for those guys as possible all within the lens of what's best for the team and trying to win."

Macdonald has liked what he's seen from his team early in the week after processing the loss of a playoff chance.

"I mean, it's not an easy situation for anybody, but I think our guys have been awesome," Macdonald said. "Just really, really impressed with our resolve and attitude over the last few days and the communication we've had. Our guys are awesome. They've been great."

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