The Seattle Seahawks‘ defense was probably the engine that powered the team’s run to Super Bowl LX. In the Seahawks‘ nine games between the regular season and playoffs, only the Los Angeles Rams were able to score over 20 points against this group.
One of the QBs that faced the Seahawks during this run was Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement to be the Indianapolis Colts‘ signal-caller during their injury situation.
Indianapolis fell 18-16 to Seattle on Dec. 14, 2025, and Rivers appeared on Seattle Sports to recount what it was like to face the Seahawks’ defense as the group was preparing to take off on a championship run.
“I’ve got to make sure I know where [Nick Emmanwori] is all the time,” Rivers said on April 1. “Then here’s [Devon] Witherspoon, that obviously is a heck of a blitzer as well and a great DB. And then there’s the defensive front, and how do we want to handle Leonard Williams? And what about [DeMarcus] Lawrence and Uchenna [Nwosu] and these guys rushing on the outside?”
Philip Rivers Gets Blunt About Nick Emmanwori
Furthermore, the 44-year-old noted that Nick Emmanwori was one of the players whom he was impressed with as he prepared for and then during the game.
“As you’re going through the week, it really felt like the box was their strength, and you felt like (Emmanwori) was kind of the star,” Rivers said. “He’d be the kind of guy that I’d say, look out, he’ll wreck this game. And he can play. He’s as fast as anybody on the field, but he’s also as physical as any linebacker and any guy in the box.”
Rivers kept the Colts in the game, completing 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He was sacked just once against a Seahawks defense that finished the season with 47 sacks, tied for seventh-most in the league.
“It was a heck of a game and a heck of a challenge,” Rivers said. “And obviously there’s no consolation prize and there’s no trying to put a feather in my cap. But I will say with you guys, as candid as I can, it didn’t feel all bad to see the Seahawks win the Super Bowl and go, golly, we had them on the ropes.”
Coby Bryant Ready to Face Seahawks in 2026
One of the players that the Seahawks lost from the defense this offseason was Coby Bryant. Moreover, Bryant, who signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency, was blunt about facing Seattle during the 2026 NFL season.
On March 19, Bryant appeared on “Up & Adams” and understood that the Bears are playing the Seahawks this upcoming season, noting that he would like for his new team to head to Seattle in Week 1 to spoil the celebrations.
“Every game’s a meaningful game, but I wouldn’t mind honestly starting the season off out there [against the Seahawks],” Bryant told Adams. “Weather would be nice; the whole world will be watching.”
Moreover, Bryant believes his new team will be up to the task of facing the Seahawks regardless of where the NFL decides to schedule this game.
“I’m always motivated,” Bryant noted. “I know [Bears head coach Ben Johnson] will be too, and Caleb [Williams] and the rest of the team will be. Like I said, we’re building something special over there, and I’m excited.”
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