Three Questions Going Into Seahawks Last Preseason Game

The Seahawks will play the last of their preseason game Saturday night when they host the Los Angeles Chargers. The start time for the game is 7 pm local time. After having been blown out the first two games the Seahawks coaches are expecting a pro-like performance from the players who will participate.

POSITIONAL BATTLES

With Saturday night’s game being a make-or-break opportunity for several players here is a look at key battles that have a dramatic impact on the team.

THE CORNERBACK SITUATION STILL UNRESOLVED

How confident are the Seahawks coaches in cornerbacks Athkellow Witherspoon at left and Trey Flowers at the right? According to the coaches, both are having excellent training camps but neither has stood out in the two preseason games. The Seahawks traded for John Reid this week to bring depth and experience to the defensive backfield.

How much will he play? My guess is that he will see a lot of action in the second half. What remains to be seen is can he play his way into a starting role? Yes, only time will tell with Saturday being the first opportunity.

“He jumped on the scene. He came out here and made a couple plays the first day. He’s hustling around. He’s real active, plays fast, and he’s a smart kid. You can see it because he’s picked things up very quickly already. He’s done a good job. It’ll be really interesting to see him tomorrow night,” Carroll said of Reid during his Friday press conference with the media.

Another play Carroll is anxious to take a look at is Marquis Blair who returned to practice this week after tearing his ACL in last year’s game against the New England Patriots on September 9^th. The Seahawks have high expectations for the third year free safety from Utah.

He’s doing way better, I’m really excited that he’s back and able to play. He’s made a good push this week, so he feels very comfortable. He’s a really competitive kid as you guys know and he’s dying to get out there.”

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Witherspoon and Flowers need to have more than solid games if they are to beat back the competition.  Both D.J. Reed and Damarious Randall had good practice weeks. A good game by Reed could see him leapfrog Flowers for the starting position. Some believe  Reed is the starter. So yes it will go down to who has the best game on Saturday and can that player keep the position before the season starts. This year there is a two-week gap before the last preseason game and the start of the regular season.

IS THIS THE GAME RASHAAD PENNY SHOWS HIS WORTH

Penny had a mere five carries for eight yards in the Hawks game against the Denver Broncos. Rookie Josh Johnson led the team with nine carries for 30 yards and Alex Collins was just behind him with seven carries for twenty yards. DeeJay Dallas had no carries but had another positive showing in the receiving category. Dallas had three receptions for 27 yards. Penny had one reception for six yards. After the Broncos game, Carroll was asked about Penny getting just five carries. Carroll said it was a rhythm thing. Last week was Penny’s first game back after sitting out the Hawks preseason opener due to a non-serious leg injury.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Penny does not need to rush for 100 yards and score multiple touchdowns. He doesn’t have to rush for over 50 yards. What he has to do is show some consistency in his running. Making good decisions when attacking the line of scrimmage and showing some durability by laying a hit or two when running the ball. Dallas saw multiple roles last game playing on specials teams in addition to his offensive reps. A continued performance will get him on the field participating on special teams. Offensive reps might be another story. Collins has been consistent all camp and looks to get the nod before Dallas on the offensive side. Travis Homer returned to practice this