The Seahawks played their first preseason game, and the long-awaited debut of the rookie class was worth the wait. While they did not play a perfect game the Seahawks rookies showed that given enough reps, they can accelerate the Seahawks’ rebuild plan.
OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE
With starters, Jordyn Brooks, DK Metcalf, Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Tyler Lockett, Will Dissily Artie Burn, and Al Woods all sitting out Saturday provided the optimum opportunity for a lot of players to prove their mettle. Despite the loss, a lot of players showed they could play.
SHAKY START FOR CORNERBACKS
Cornerbacks Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant were given their dream starts. And as expected the two struggled early but grew into the game. Wollen’s missed tackle on 3rd and 1 during the Steeler’s opening drive led to a 24-yard gain by Steeler running back Anthony McFarland. Two plays later Woolen redeemed himself with excellent coverage that forced an complete pass by Steeler qb Mitch Trubisky. The victory was short-lived. Defensive communication between the Seahawk’s secondary left TE Gunner Olszewski wide open in the endzone for a 7-0 Steelers lead.
MISCOMMUNICATION
Nickle back Justin Coleman was playing man while the rest of the defense was in zone coverage. Bryant’s learning moment came on a 3rd and 13 late in the first quarter. Steeler quarterback Mason Rudolph lofted a perfect pass over Bryant who was not looking to George Pickens for a 14-yard touchdown.
As the game progressed the two cornerbacks found their footing and played up to their potential. Bryant finished the game with three tackles and Woolen with one.
LINEBACKER BOYE MAFE HAD A STATEMENT GAME
Rookie linebacker Boye Mafe was all over the field on defense and special teams. Mafe finished the game with two sacks, a quarterback hit, and two sacks one on defense and one on special teams. His biggest contribution came in the fourth quarter when he sacked Steeler QB Kenny Picket for an eight-yard loss on 4th and 1 with 1:23 left in the game. Drew Lock was sacked and gave the ball back to the Steelers who went on to win the game.
THE OFFENSIVE LINE IS TALENTED AND DEEP
Rookie Charles Cross started at left tackle as expected and showed he is the real deal. Jake Curhan started at the right tackle position but was replaced by Abe Lucas after several plays. Curhan finished the game at right guard. The Seahawk’s offensive line is and will be better than most people expect. Center Austin Blythe‘s leadership has brought focus and determination to a line that had some talent in left guard Damien Lewis and right guard Gabe Jackson.
The Seahawks rushed for 159 yards. Dee Jay Dallas led the way with 10 rushes for 73 yards, Travis Homer had 41 yards on four carries and rookie Kenneth Walker III had five rushes for 19 yards. It did not matter who was in the game at running back there were holes for the backs to run through.
STALEMATE AT QUARTERBACK
Bot quarterbacks had their moments. Geno Smith started out slow but grew into the game and capped off an efficient 9-play 61-yard drive in 1:27 right before halftime with a two-yard run.
Drew Lock started the second half and engineered scoring drives in his first two possessions with the Hawk’s offense. The first was a 9-play 73-yard that was capped off by a 3-yard pass to rookie wide-out Dareke Young.
The other was a 5-play 55-yard drive that ended with a 17-yard pass to DeeJay Dallas.
Lock connected with Travis Homer on the two-point try to tie the game. The next two possession were disastrous for Lock as he overthrew Kevin Kassis on a third and 15. On his last offensive possession Lock was sacked and fumbled which led to the Steelers’ game-winning drive.
BIG TAKE AWAY
A loss would have been nice but the Seahawks coaching staff will take the priceless game film. With another game in just five days, it will be interesting to see how the players make that jump from game one to game two. With only three preseason games Thursday will be a great opportunity to see who can take that next step, especially in the quarterback battle. The Seahawk’s big play wide receivers sat out and will participate on Thursday. Which quarterback will be in rhythm with the stars? On defense a similar picture. Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams sat out. Which of the rookies will be able to jell with those two?
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