SEATTLE (Sept. 21, 2025) — A record-setting punt return, a balanced offensive surge, and a suffocating defensive effort propelled the Seattle Seahawks to a commanding 44-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon at Lumen Field.
Rookie wideout Tory Horton stole the show early, igniting the crowd with a 95-yard punt return touchdown — the longest in franchise history. Starting from his own five-yard line, Horton weaved through open lanes untouched, capping a highlight-reel play that gave Seattle an early 14-0 advantage and set the tone for the blowout.
“Once the ball’s in my hands, it’s like going back to being a kid, just reading blocks,” Horton said. “That’s what I love about special teams — it’s about instincts.”
The rookie wasn’t done. Later in the half, he hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sam Darnold, marking his second scoring reception in as many weeks. His emergence has added a new spark to Seattle’s passing game.
Special Teams Spark Surge
Seattle’s special teams were relentless in the opening quarter. After Horton’s historic return, Chazz Surratt’s block on Saints punter Kai Kroeger set up a short field. Running back Kenneth Walker III capitalized with a three-yard touchdown run, extending the Seahawks’ lead to 21-0 before the Saints could find any rhythm.
Walker wasn’t finished. He added a second touchdown in the second quarter, finishing off a 76-yard drive that pushed the margin to 35-3. By halftime, the Seahawks had tallied 38 points — the second-highest-scoring half in franchise history.
“We just executed in every phase,” Darnold said. “When special teams makes plays like that, it fuels the entire team.”
Darnold Efficient, Smith-Njigba Gutsy
Darnold put together his most complete performance since joining Seattle, completing 14 of 18 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns. His 154.2 quarterback rating ranks as the second highest in team history, just shy of Russell Wilson’s perfect rating in 2018.
Wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, battling illness throughout the week, delivered a gutsy performance with five receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Mike Macdonald praised the second-year receiver’s toughness, comparing his effort to Michael Jordan’s legendary “Flu Game.”
“He came back from the dead, honestly,” Macdonald said. “That’s the kind of competitor he is.”
Saints’ Struggles Continue
For the Saints (0-3), it was another afternoon of frustration. First-year head coach Kellen Moore watched his team fall behind early and struggle to recover. Quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 25 of 34 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown to tight end Jack Stoll, but much of that production came after the game was out of reach.
New Orleans has now lost seven straight games dating back to last season, with Rattler winless in nine career starts. Costly penalties again haunted the Saints, who were flagged 11 times for 93 yards — bringing their season total to 31 penalties through three games.
“At this point, teams look at us as undisciplined,” veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan admitted. “We have to clean it up. We can’t keep beating ourselves.”
Kendrick Steps Up on Defense
With All-Pro corner Devon Witherspoon sidelined, Seattle’s secondary didn’t miss a beat thanks to Derion Kendrick. Claimed off waivers from the Rams just weeks ago, Kendrick recorded his second interception in as many games and broke up three passes to stymie the Saints’ offense.
“He’s just got a knack for being around the football,” Macdonald said. “For someone new to our system, he’s been outstanding.”
Looking Ahead
The Seahawks (2-1) appear to be finding their rhythm under Macdonald, with contributions coming across all three phases. They’ll look to continue their momentum on the road next week against the Detroit Lions.
For the Saints, the path doesn’t get easier. Still seeking their first win under Moore, they’ll need to regroup quickly before facing division rival Atlanta in Week 4.
📌 Final Score: Seahawks 44, Saints 13
