1. The attendance at OTA’s followed by mini-camp

In the Pete Carroll era it always felt like somebody was sitting out or not attending for one reason or another. This year, having near enough full attendance at OTA’s and even the unsigned rookies taking part in mini-camp, is great to see.

I’ve always seen it as a missed opportunity not to capitalise on this time of year by sitting out. Even for unsigned rookies — the team isn’t going to use a high pick on you and then not give you the contract you are due if you get hurt in mini-camp. Use the time available to get some work in. Seeing everyone working during the voluntary sessions hinted at a team aligned with an all-in mentality.

I can’t help but feel like players such as Cooper Kupp are having a big impact here. Everything we’ve come to learn about him since signing in Seattle speaks to a consummate professional. Likewise with DeMarcus Lawrence. When you’re seasoned vets are rocking up to camp and taking part, really nobody else has an excuse not to be there.

There’s no contract drama, despite the fact several players are in contract years. The whole vibe around the Seahawks is business-like, determined and goal-minded for the season. I like that a lot and think it’ll pay dividends down the line.

This isn’t to say anything against Carroll’s approach previously. Obviously it worked, especially for the LOB era team. I do think in the latter stages though it was harder to keep everything on track and that a shift was needed. You can’t stick with the same approach forever. This is a very different staff with their own way of doing things and that’s a good thing for the current-day Seahawks.

This is a drama-free team at the moment — and it feels good to write that.

2.The way Abe Lucas spoke about the team during a press conference recently

He talked about being really good at a handful of things on offense, making that the identity of the team and exerting your will — rather than trying to be a hodge-podge of different things (his words) and not excel at anything. That was definitely one of the many issues with Ryan Grubb.

I like the idea of a simplified offense in year one of this system with a focus on being really good in certain areas — namely the run. The Seahawks have no base identity to the offense and need a starting point. They have to establish who and what they are and build off that. I think we saw that approach on defense last year and by the end of the season the unit was really thriving. I suspect we’ll see something similar on offense.

3. The no-nonsense approach to things

My favourite types of players are people like Lucas and Grey Zabel. I got into football for the combination of brutal violence, physical brilliance and tactical challenge. I don’t want to watch a finesse team. I don’t think we’re going to get that in 2025.

This also speaks to the Head Coach too. I have to say I really liked the way he shot down the question last week asking whether Sam Darnold is definitely the starter. Contrary to what some might say, it isn’t a question you ‘have’ to ask. Darnold is clearly the starter, we can all see that. If he struggles then that will change but there are no Russell Wilson/Matt Flynn notes coming out of the Seahawks. If Jalen Milroe was pushing to start and wowing everyone as a rookie phenom, we’d have heard about it by now.

Mike Macdonald had no time for this and made it quite clear to everyone he wasn’t tolerating a manufactured discussion around the starter at the position. There is no guarantee that Darnold will thrive in Seattle but he’s going to get the opportunity to show he can. Macdonald’s answer ended any doubt about that being the case.