The Seattle Seahawks took a hit in the ribs as the Cardinals failed to win against the Rams. On Saturday, the Rams broke the tie with the Seahawks by defeating the Arizona Cardinals in a 13-9 game. So, what does that mean? Not only did it secure a playoff spot for the Rams, but it also eliminated any chance for the Seahawks. Mike Macdonald‘s Seahawks were vying for a playoff spot. But with only one game left, all that’s left for them is retrospection.

The Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was nervous when he came to the podium for a conversation with the NFL reporters. But he did face them. Delivering a clear message to the players for the next game, he said, “We’re going to play to win the game.” Appearing visibly tense, the 37-year-old head coach added, “It’s disappointing, but you’ve got to make the best of it for the rest of the week.” When asked why the Seahawks fell short this season, Macdonald kept it simple: “Right now is not the time to diagnose all of that stuff.”

The Seahawks have only one option now. And what’s that? They can win in their final game against the Rams to finish the season with double-digit victories. On this note, Macdonald continued, “Right now, it’s time to go to work this week. Let’s make the best of this opportunity—one more chance to take the field as a team and get to 10 wins. Let’s just focus on that. When the season ends, we’ll digest all of this.”

According to reports, Macdonald’s is confident that his team can secure that last victory, achieving what the franchise hasn’t done in five years. And what’s that fact? Nothing but reaching 10 wins in the regular season. Yep, you read that right! They haven’t yet won even 10 games in the last five seasons if we talk about the regular season. NFL reporter Brady Henderson noted, “Macdonald made several mentions of how the Seahawks (9-7) can get to 10 wins, which has been part of his messaging to players with the playoffs no longer in play.” They are out of the race now, but still have one game left for the season.

Mike Macdonald’s Team Out of the Playoffs: What’s Next?

The Rams vs. Cardinals game was in the fourth quarter, with Arizona trailing by 4 points to the Rams. The game was in full swing, and the Cardinals were on the verge of a touchdown throw. But what happened? Cardinals QB Kyler Murray threw an interception. Bang! It was caught by Rams’ safety Kamren Kinchens, who not only sealed the game but also secured the NFC West title. And how did that turn out? It shattered the Seahawks‘ playoff dreams.

Now the Seahawks have one game left before starting their preparations for the next season, that too against the Rams. The Seahawks expect DT Cameron Young, safety K’Von Wallace, and OT George Fant to return for the week 18 game. But the team’s tight end Brady Russell (foot) and running back Keneth Walker III (Ankle) are injured and may not be active in the franchise’s last game of the season. As Macdonald’s team looks ahead, they have a unique opportunity to regroup and start fresh for the next season, set to kick off on September 4, 2025.

Macdonald will undoubtedly focus on using this time wisely. The Seahawks didn’t make the playoffs this season, but Mike Macdonald’s got the right mindset to keep the team moving forward. And you would agree on this point, right? If they can finish strong against the Rams and use the offseason to regroup and improve, they’ve got a solid shot at coming back even better next year. And you would not disagree, would you? This season’s disappointment could be just the fuel they need for a big comeback in 2025.