Burgundy & Gold Reaction: Kain Medrano’s Moment in Improbable Win

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September 30, 2026

by David Earl

David Blough Against an Elite Seattle Defense

Heading into Week 3, the Seahawks’ defense was considered one of the top units of the NFL, having surrendered a microscopic 17 points combined over their first two games. Being a fast, disciplined, and physical unit, it was fair to expect offensive coordinator David Blough to run a more conservative offense with veteran backup Marcus Mariota by running a predictable, heavy dose of Run-Pass Options (RPOs).

Instead, Blough drew up a game plan that prioritized intermediate passing concepts, play-action designs, and intentional personnel spacing. Mariota was incredibly efficient under Blough’s direction. His stat line was exactly Washington needed from their backup: 15-of-25 passing for 183 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. He stayed calm in the pocket and avoided game changing mistakes completing touchdowns to Terry McLaurin, Rachaad White, and Treylon Burks.

The run game was not great but certainly efficient enough to keep Seattle’s defense honest. At a glance, the run game, with Jacory Croskey-Merritt handling the majority of the work, rushed 32 times for a meager 82 yards produced a brutal 2.6 yards per carry. But context matters. This wasn’t explosive running as much as it was highly efficient situational running. Blough utilized the ground game to maintain a 31:28 to 28:32 time of possession advantage, keeping Seattle’s pass rush from overwhelming Mariota. More importantly, the threat of the run forced Seattle’s linebackers to bite on play-action and opened up passing lanes for Mariota over the middle of the field. When the game was on the line late in the fourth quarter, Washington iced the victory by converting a crucial 3rd-and-9 and a 3rd-and-7 squarely on the ground. It wasn’t flashy, but it was certainly functional.

The Defensive Front Seven Setting the Physical Tone

While the offense did its part, the real identity of this win belonged to the defensive front seven. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones’ unit came out throwing punches at the point of attack, completely eliminating Seattle’s ability to run the football. Seattle was held to a ridiculous 44 total rushing yards on 18 attempts as Washington neutralized their primary ball carriers:

By strangling the run game on first and second down, Jones put Sam Darnold in predictable passing situations. Jones dialed up an aggressive blitz package heavily reminiscent of the Brian Flores system he studied under during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. Washington blitzed on over 42% of dropbacks, registering a massive pressure rate that forced Darnold into hurried throws and two interceptions which produced points. Led by rookie linebacker Sonny Styles having the best game of his young professional career, the front seven dominated, but the secondary remains the clear vulnerability of this defense.

Sam Darnold threw for 379 yards and 4 touchdowns, with wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba carving up the middle of the field for 10 catches and 128 yards. However, it wasn’t a total failure back there. Cornerback Amik Robertson played at a high impactful level finishing the game with 6 tackles, a forced fumble, and an incredible 4 passes defended as he was consistently locked in tight battles on the outside. The problem lies away from Robertson. Second-year corner Mike Sainristil continues to look highly uncomfortable in this scheme. Jones limited his snaps, playing him on just 26 of 67 defensive snaps (39%). Yet, in those limited reps, Sainristil was targeted 4 times and gave up 4 receptions for 41 yards and 2 touchdowns. He frequently looked lost within his assignment, getting caught flat-footed against Seattle’s vertical routes. With Trey Amos eligible to return soon, Sainristil’s grip on significant playing time is slipping fast.

Sonny Styles

Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles truly had his NFL breakout performance in the victory over Seattle. In his first two professional outings, Styles was steady but relatively quiet from a playmaking standpoint. He recorded a solid four tackles and his first career sack in the season opener against Philadelphia, followed by a quieter three-tackle performance against Dallas where he failed to log a solo stop. Through those first two games, he had yet to force any turnovers or break up a pass.

Everything changed against the Seahawks. Forced to play all 67 defensive snaps due to a depleted linebacker corps, Styles became an impactful force. He recorded a season-high five tackles, including four solo, but it was his game-changing game changing plays that stole the show. He racked up a quarterback hit, two passes defended, a forced fumble, and his first career interception. Prior to this game, Washington’s defense had not forced a single turnover all season. Styles single-handedly generated two, showing exponential growth from his first two weeks in the league.

One specific moment perfectly captured his immense value. His blanket coverage on running back Jadarian Price to force a critical pass deflection showcased exactly what this linebacking group has lacked for far too long. Last year, that exact same wheel-route pass against Washington’s sluggish linebacker unit would have been an incredibly easy completion, instantly turning into a massive chunk play for the opposing offense. Instead, Styles showcased his speed and coverage skills that the front seven has desperately missed.

                  Sonny Styles: Game-by-Game Statistical Breakdown
Week / Opponent Defensive Snaps Total Tackles (Solo) Sacks / QB Hits Int Forced Fumbles Pass Deflections
Week 1 vs. PHI 48 4 (2) 1.0 / 1 0 0 0
Week 2 vs. DAL 52 3 (0) 0.0 / 0 0 0 0
Week 3 vs. SEA 67 5 (4) 0.0 / 1 1 1 2

The sudden jump in impact may highlight how quickly Styles is beginning absorbing the defensive scheme. While his snap counts climbed out of pure necessity due to the unit’s injuries, his instinctual play in passing lanes gives Washington a massive athletic upgrade at the second level moving forward.

Kain Medrano’s Legendary Moment

The unfortunate turning point of this game came late in the second quarter, when starting linebacker Leo Chenal suffered a reported fractured neck while making a tackle and had to be carted off the field. While the news that he has feeling in his extremities is a massive relief, the diagnosis of a fractured neck means his 2026 season is over. With Frankie Luvu already sidelined with a groin injury, Washington was down to the bare bones at linebacker. Enter second-year man Kain Medrano. Prior to Sunday, Medrano had played exclusively on special teams but now was thrusted straight into the fire against a championship offense.

He didn’t just fill a gap; he won the game. Medrano played with good instincts, racking up 5 tackles and a quarterback hit. Then came the moment that will quite possibly define his career. With just under four minutes left in the game and Washington clinging to a two-point lead, Medrano perfectly read a Sam Darnold play-action pass. He dropped into his passing lane producing an interception that resulted in a 50 yards return for a pick-six touchdown. It pushed Washington’s lead to 33-24, providing the vital cushion needed to withstand Seattle’s final touchdown drive. From zero career defensive snaps to scoring the game-winning touchdown against the defending champs, Medrano’s moment will surely become lure for this organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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