Several Seahawks rookies will make their long-awaited debut Saturday when the Seahawks take on the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. No that is no misprint. Acrisure is the new name for the former Heinz Field. The deal was announced last week. Enough of the corporate babble let’s get back to football. Namely the Seahawks.
PROMISING ROOKIES
Since training camp began three weeks ago rookies RT Abe Lucas, LT Charles Cross Cornerbacks Tariq Woolen, Coby Bryant, and running back Kenneth Walker have been turning heads. All of them will get extended playing time due to injuries and in some cases earned time due to exceptional training camp performances so far.
HOW WILL PLAYERS REACT TO GAME-LIKE SITUATIONS
Saturday will be the first NFL game test for the rookies and the young players. Head coach Pete Carroll says he is looking forward to seeing how the young players will react
“It’s the first chance for us to go live now. We understand that we go through camp and practice, that we get great tempo and speed, but it’s not the same thing when you finally crank it up and go. We have to make that next step, introduce our guys to full-speed football, the young guys getting on an NFL field and realizing that it’s just football. There is a lot of stuff that we have to accomplish that has nothing to do with how we playIt’s getting through the process and all. Traveling is really important, teaching them how to travel. This West Coast to East Coast trip has been something that we have really taken a lot of consideration in how we do it and we have been successful at it.
LONG LOOK AT ROOKIE CORNERS
While he will be looking at all players Carroll said during his Thursday press conference that he will be specially focused on Woolen and Bryant
“As much as any position on the team, I’m excited to see those two guys go. They’re going to get a lot of play time. They’ve done a lot of cool stuff. Coby’s (Bryant) really been a gamer. He’s proven that over the years. This is a big step for Tariq (Woolen). If he does like he has been practicing, he’s going to be fine.”
Both have had outstanding training camps due to their quick digestion of the defensive playbook, ball-hawking instincts, and speed. Saturday will be an opportunity for them to show they are ready for the big stage.
A PLEASANT SURPRISE IN THE BACKFIELD
On the offensive side of the ball, Carroll says he has been pleasantly surprised at Kenneth Walker III the second-round pick out of Michigan State. The reigning Doak Walker award has shown he is the complete package.
“You asked about surprises, I’m surprised. I’m surprised he’s so well-rounded. A runner, he’s blocking, again, I think I mentioned it the other day, but his pass protection stuff, he just turned the page. I mean he was not very good in college as a pass protector, and we didn’t know. But Chad’s (Morton) done a great job with him and Amanda (Ruller), they’ve worked really hard with him, so it’s important.
But I think for this kid, everything is important. He wants to be great, and he’s not going to let any stone be unturned. So, I’m really excited to see how he goes. He’s going to get some good playing time in this game and get him comfortable with the speed of the game and all of that. I expect him to do well.”
ABOUT THAT QUARTERBACK BATTLE
As for the much-talked-about quarterback battle Carroll has not wavered with his assertion that Geno Smith is the starter for now. Both Geno and Drew Lock are scheduled to play. How much and when is anyone’s guess? Carroll was coy and deceptive when asked about the game plan for the quarterback position.
“They know what’s going on. You guys will see. We will roll with the game a little bit and make sure that the opportunities, that we can maximize them. Those guys will play quite a bit.”
FRONT SEVEN COMPETITION
One unit Carroll is keen to evaluate is the front seven. The Hawks have just two returning starters on the offensive line in right guard Gabe Jackson and left guard Damien Lewis. The right guard position is up for grabs between Jake Curhan and Lucas. Austin Blythe is the starter center and Cross is looking and acting the part at left tackle. That said Carroll says he is looking at how the players will gel as a unit
“Really, to get started, I want to see the communication sharp, so that what we have done on the field, it goes to the game. Do we make the transition? That is what we are really looking for. That’s calls, adjustments, the alerts, and all of that kind of stuff. I would like to see if we made good progress and can carry it to the game. That is what we will evaluate in that regard.”
BIG TAKE AWAY
The Seahawks coaching staff will be using Saturday’s game to see what the young players can do on offense, defense and special teams. The Seahawks pride themselves on their special teams and could be a way for rookies and young players like Boye Mafe, Dareke Young,Joey Blount, Bubba Bolden, and Aaron Donkor to show they belong on the roster.
INJURY REPORT
According to Carrol, the following players will not play on Saturday
Artie Burns (groin) Jordyn Brooks ( hamstring) Sidney Jones ( high ankle sprain) Marquis Goodman (hamstring ) Ryan Neal (hamstring) L.J. Collier ( sprained elbow),Rashaad Penny is nursing a hamstring and is a game-time decision as is Freddie Swain.
IMPORTANT ROSTER DATES
Tuesday, August 16 Roster reduction to 85 players by 1 p.m. (PT)
Tuesday, August 23 Roster reduction to 80 players by 1 p.m. (PT)
Tuesday, August 30 Roster reduction to 53 players by 1 p.m. (PT)
Wednesday, August 31 Clubs may establish practice squad of 16 players
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