How Seahawks' Klint Kubiak handles next challenge might expose something deeper
Klint Kubiak is doing a very good job as the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator so far in 2025. Instead of former OC Ryan Grubb's lack of efficiency in the red zone, Kubiak's offense is eighth in the NFL in touchdown percentage in the red zone, and first in yards per play (6.3).
Grubb's offense was ranked 15th in red zone percentage, for instance, something that crippled the offense in important games. The former OC seemed to have no imagination in short-yardage situations, and that is one reason he is no longer with the team.
Kubiak is young (he is 38 years old) and smart, and trending toward being on the short-lists of head coach-needy teams. That is, of course, if the offense continues to play at a high level. Doing so will be a challenge in Week 7 against the Houston Texans.
Klint Kubiak and the Seattle Seahawks offense will be tested against the Houston Texans
Houston stumbled to a 0-3 start this season, after winning the AFC South in each of the last two seasons. The Texans appear to have corrected the ship in the last two games, however, as in successive weeks they have smacked the Tennessee Titans 26-0 and the Baltimore Ravens 44-10.
A big reason for the Texans' recent success is their defense. Houston has a good quarterback in the person of C.J. Stroud, but if Seattle can get key players such as Devon Witherspoon and Julian Love back for Week 7, the Seahawks should be fine in that facet.
Seattle might need to win a low-scoring contest, though. While the Jacksonville Jaguars have a good defense, Houston is better. The Texans are easily first in the NFL in fewest points allowed per game at 12.2. Houston is fourth in fewest yards per play (4.7), first in quarterback rating allowed (70.4), and eighth in fewest yards per rushing attempt (3.9).
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba also might be covered quite a bit by Derek Stingley Jr., one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. That could limit JSN's targets, which means another receiver is going to have to step up.
The best way for that to happen is for Klint Kubiak to game-plan for other players to elevate their production. Cooper Kupp is sure-handed, but not explosive anymore. Rookie Tory Horton is explosive, but inconsistently. At least, tight end AJ Barner has been great through six games.
The Seattle Seahawks have also been inconsistent in their rushing attack, and there is no reason that suddenly gets much better against Houston. 12s might see more of the bullish Zach Charbonnet getting carries than the more explosive but less attacking Kenneth Walker III.
Whatever happens will come down to how well Kubiak gets quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense ready. If the group gets 30 points, people are going to notice. Not just how good Seattle might be in 2025, but general managers looking for a new head coach next offseason and believing Klint Kubiak can be that guy.
Denver Broncos Defense on Historic Pace After Record Setting Start
The Denver Broncos have been one of the best defenses in the NFL so far this week. What’s even scarier is that the
The Broncos tied a franchise record with nine sacks against the Jets, showcasing their remarkable balance and depth with eight different players contributing to the sack total.
As The Denver Gazette noted, Denver’s defense held the Jets to only 82 total yards and minus-10 passing yards after sacks, which is the fewest in team history and second-fewest by any NFL defense since 1990.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto couldn’t help but laugh when he learned the stat:
“I was shocked when they told us after the game,” Bonitto said. “That’s pretty funny.”
Bonitto leads the entire
Cornerback Pat Surtain II, last season’s DPOY, thinks Bonitto could be next in line.
“It was honestly pretty crazy,” Surtain said. “It was like I was sitting back watching, being a fan of it. We’re covering for maybe one or two seconds, I look up, there’s a sack. It’s a pleasure to watch and a pleasure to be part of.”
Historic Numbers Through Week 6
Through six weeks, Denver leads the NFL with 30 total sacks, 10 more than any other team.
They rank second in total defense (254.2 yards per game) and scoring defense (15.8 points per game). Only the
The turnaround has been remarkable.
After giving up 473 yards in a Week 2 loss to Indianapolis, the Broncos’ defense has completely locked in. In their last three wins over the
Nose tackle D.J. Jones said the group has found its rhythm:
“We’ve been in that groove, just a relentless groove. It’s special to be a part of it.”
Denver’s Depth and Dominance
Despite missing key contributors like linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quad injury) and still easing Malcolm Roach back into action after a calf issue, the Broncos have emerged as perhaps the league’s most feared defensive unit.
Roach made his season debut on Sunday in London but only logged 25 of 57 defensive snaps.
Even without Greenlaw and Roach for most of the first six weeks of the season, the
“They’ve been playing their butts off week in and week out,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said about the defense.
“It’s been special to watch, and I’m just grateful to be on a team with guys playing at that level. They’re out there with the mindset that nobody can stop them. The sky’s the limit for those guys.”
As dominant as Denver’s defense has been, it could get even scarier once the unit is back to full strength.
The Broncos will host the Giants next before a Week 9 clash with Houston, a game that could turn into a battle between two of the NFL’s top defenses.
