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Julian Love, Zach Charbonnet top Seahawks PFF grades vs. Panthers

Once again, the first-place Seattle Seahawks came up with a solid road win. A starting safety and a busy backup running back stood out for the team at Carolina.
Russell Baxter|
Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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Seattle Seahawks

The grades are in for the Seattle Seahawks following their impressive 27-10 road win over the improved Carolina Panthers. There were numerous standouts for Mike Macdonald’s club, but a veteran safety and an emerging running back that earned the top grades for Seattle’s defense and offense, respectively.

Let’s start for the former. Safety Julian Love finished the afternoon tied for the team lead with six tackles (5 solo). He also came up with a third-quarter interception of Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young that he returned 26 yards. It set up a four-play, 29-yard drive that resulted in a Sam Darnold-to-A.J. Barner 17-yard touchdown pass that helped Seattle elevate its lead to 17-3.

The seven-year performer, in his third season with the ‘Hawks, earned a 92.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for his performance at Carolina. That includes a 90.2 mark when it came to coverage.

While that was Love’s first pick of 2025, the Seahawks have done a great job in terms of turning teams over. Last season, Macdonald’s club managed only 18 takeaways in 17 contests—including only 13 interceptions. This season, Seattle has forced 24 turnovers, including 17 picks.

Zach Charbonne
Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) runs the ball against Carolina Panthers safeties Nick Scott (21) and Lathan Ransom (22) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

On the other side of the ball, running back Zach Charbonnet had his most productive performance of 2025. His 18 carries and 110 yards rushing were season bests, and his two rushing touchdowns tied his outing in the Monday night win vs. the Texans. The three-year pro has already rushed for a career-high 656 yards this season, to go along with scoring a team-best 11 touchdowns—all via the ground. He earned a 90.7 grade from PFF for his strong showing for the Panthers.

Seattle’s ground game has really taken off during this second half of the season. Led by Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III, Macdonald’s club has averaged a brisk 135.6 yards per game in their last eight contests.

The Seahawks continue to play complimentary football, and it’s a big reason for the team’s current six-game winning streak. It figures to be a fascinating showdown with the 49ers on Saturday night at Santa Clara.

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Russell Baxter
RUSSELL BAXTER

Russell S. Baxter has been writing and researching the game of football for more than 40 years, and on numerous platforms. That includes television, as he spent more than two decades at ESPN, and was part of shows that garnered five Emmy Awards. He also spent the 2015 NFL season with Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFLN.