Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is implementing significant changes as he transitions from Pete Carroll's long tenure, including a new system for team captains. Unlike Carroll's approach of naming season-long captains, Macdonald will appoint game captains on a week-by-week basis, allowing players to lead during games that hold personal significance. This shift aims to enhance player engagement and morale in the locker room. Additionally, Macdonald has expressed strong faith in veteran quarterback Geno Smith, who has exceeded expectations and is expected to continue performing at a high level due to his relatively low wear and tear over the years. Macdonald emphasizes the importance of the players' mentality over complex schemes in his defensive strategy, focusing on versatility and communication. As the Seahawks prepare for their season opener against the Denver Broncos, competition remains high, particularly for the right guard position, which Macdonald is keeping under wraps for strategic reasons.