Seattle Seahawks’ defense has once again become one of the NFL’s most suffocating units, drawing comparisons to its iconic past while forging a distinct identity of its own.
As Seattle prepares for a potential Super Bowl LX run, former New England Patriots quarterback and current FOX NFL analyst Tom Brady has offered a detailed breakdown of what makes the Seahawks’ current defense—dubbed the “Dark Side”—so difficult to beat.
Seahawks’ defense enters dominant stretch
Since November 30, Seattle’s defense has operated at an elite level. No team has managed to score 20 or more points against the unit during that span, with the lone exception being the Los Angeles Rams on December 18 and again in the NFC title game.
The consistency has elevated Seattle into championship contention and presented a significant challenge for any opponent hoping to outlast them.
Tom Brady, who faced the Seahawks’ legendary “Legion of Boom” during his playing career, shared his insights during an appearance on Seattle Sports radio.
Tom Brady compares Legion of Boom to today’s “Dark Side”
“I think they’re very different defenses, and I would say the Legion of Boom had incredible players at all levels,” Brady said in a video posted by Seattle Sports on Jan. 29. “… There are a lot of differences. [The Legion of Boom’s] scheme was a little more predictable.”
Brady explained that while the Legion of Boom relied on structure and elite talent, the current Seahawks defense thrives on disguise and adaptability.
“If I saw certain coverages, I knew where the weak spots were. It’s not as predictable with this defense. This defense spins the dial a little bit more with their coverage schemes, where they decide to put their help. They do play the shell, and there’s a lot of late rotation.”
According to Tom Brady, that unpredictability has limited even high-level offenses, with only the Rams—led by Matthew Stafford—showing consistent success against it.
What it takes to beat Seattle
Brady also outlined the blueprint required for quarterbacks to challenge Seattle’s defensive structure.
“You’ve got to almost have productive play after productive play, keep the ball moving forward against this defense,” Brady added. “It’s going to take a quarterback that really has to read coverage as well, see the soft spots, deliver the ball accurately, [and] receivers that give the quarterback really good body language.”
He emphasized that versatility in pass catchers is critical, noting the importance of wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs who can all contribute in the passing game.
As Seattle’s defense continues to evolve beyond its famous past, Tom Brady’s assessment underscores why the “Dark Side” may be even more dangerous than the Legion of Boom that once defined an era.