Seattle Seahawks set franchise scoring record, aiming for 500 points milestone
The transition from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season in the NFL has led many to predict a surge in volume-based records. With an additional game comes the potential for increased yardage, touchdowns, and points. Yet, the Seattle Seahawks have managed to shatter a franchise scoring record this season without the advantage of that extra game.
Record-Breaking Performance
In their recent showdown against the Carolina Panthers, the Seahawks reached an impressive 470 points for the season, officially setting a new franchise record. This milestone was achieved during the third quarter when Sam Darnold connected with A.J. Barner for a 17-yard touchdown pass, pushing the team past the previous record of 459 points set in 2020.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that the Seahawks still have room to add to this total, with a chance to surpass the ambitious milestone of 500 points next week against the San Francisco 49ers. To reach this goal, they will need to score at least 30 points—an uphill task, but one that remains within reach.
Overcoming Offensive Challenges
Despite this remarkable achievement, the Seahawks’ offensive performance has often been inconsistent. In several recent first halves, turnovers and struggles with execution have limited their scoring to just a handful of field goals. It’s a surprising twist for a team that has managed to break a franchise record, especially considering their tendency to ramp up production later in games.
The Seahawks’ success can be attributed in part to contributions from their defense and special teams. The team has recorded seven non-offensive touchdowns this season, which includes three defensive scores—two fumble recoveries by Lawrence and a pick-six from Jones—as well as four special teams touchdowns from Holani (kickoff recovery), Horton (punt return), and Shaheed (both kick and punt returns). Leading the league in these big plays has been crucial; without them, the Seahawks would likely be far from their current record.
Historical Context
This record is particularly impressive when considering the context of the previous record-holding 2020 season, which was influenced by the challenges posed by COVID-19. That season saw defenses struggle, contributing to a league-wide uptick in scoring. The Seahawks finished eighth in scoring that year, but their current performance indicates they’ve surpassed that level relative to the competition.
Many fans still regard the 2005 Seahawks as the franchise’s best scoring team, as they racked up 452 points and finished first in the league, nearly a full point ahead of the second-place Indianapolis Colts. Currently, Seattle is just a point per game behind the Rams for the top spot, making the pursuit of that historical benchmark possible.
Navigating Turnovers
Adding another layer of intrigue to their record-setting campaign is the fact that the Seahawks rank second in the league in turnovers. They added two more to their tally in the recent game, a statistic that could be seen as a liability. However, there’s a silver lining: their ability to capitalize on drives that do not end in turnovers has kept their scoring high. This resilience will be vital as they look to build on their offensive output.
As they prepare for their next game, the Seahawks have the opportunity to notch their fourteenth win of the season—a milestone they have never achieved in any regular season. The stakes are high, and the potential for history is palpable as they push toward even greater heights.
