The Seahawks finally lost a football game, exhibition or not. Head coach Mike Macdonald was not happy with the operational process, which led to the loss. Despite his disappointment, Macdonald was chomping at the bit to look at the game film for the teachable moments.
” I told the team we were going to learn a lot from this game, take the result out of it. Obviously it’s disappointing to lose the game. Any time you line up in anything competitively, we’re trying to win, but right now our process needs to improve. That’s really the biggest take-away really in both phases, on offense and defense. Our operation is not up to par, and how we’re finishing plays is not up to par,’ said Macdonald. “
“That will be a focus moving forward, but it’s good to know. You know, I’m glad we know now on the things we need to be able to do to take our team to the next level. We have a great opportunity to go figure it out. We have a big week coming up. A couple of great practices, opportunities. Then off to Tennessee we go. Have a great practice and play another great game and move forward. That’s where we’re at.”
There were plenty of learning moments from the loss, and there were some bright spots as well. The Drew Lock-led offense scored the first touchdown of the game, and it ended up being the last time the team would cross the goal line. Lack of finishing in the red zone was one theme, as was the ability to get off the field. The Cowboys were 11/15 on third down, while the Seahawks were 6/12. As for the red zone, the Seahawks converted just1/4 chances while the Cowboys1/2. Jason Meyers missed a 47-yard field goal, adding salt to the injury.
QUICK TAKEAWAYS
RUNNING BACKS
With rookie Jadarian Price and Emmanuel Wilson on the sidelines, the running back position was always going to be a position of interest. The game provided an opportunity for George Holani and Velus Jones Jr. to impress.
GEORGE HOLANI IMPRESSES
Holani had a decent game in the first half. He had success and showed no hesitation when he was bouncing to the outside on the wide zone runs. Holani played the first half and finished the game with 12 carries for 42 yards. His longest run of the day was eight yards. The running game as a whole was physical, with tempo.
The Seahawks finally lost a football game, exhibition or not. Head coach Mike Macdonald was not happy with the operational process, which led to the loss. Despite his disappointment, Macdonald was chomping at the bit to look at the game film for the teachable moments. We have plenty of film to look at, said Macdonald.
There were plenty of learning moments from the loss, and there were some bright spots as well. The Drew Lock-led offense scored the first touchdown of the game, and it ended up being the last time the team would cross the goal line. Lack of finishing in the red zone was one theme, as was the ability to get off the field. The Cowboys were 11/15 on third down, while the Seahawks were 6/12. As for the red zone, the Seahawks converted just1/4 chances while the Cowboys1/2. Jason Meyers missed a 47-yard field goal, adding salt to the injury.
QUICK TAKEAWAYS
RUNNING BACKS
With rookie Jadarian Price and Emmanuel Wilson on the sidelines, the running back position was always going to be a position of interest. The game provided an opportunity for George Holani and Velus Jones Jr. to impress.
GEORGE HOLANI IMPRESSES
Holani had a decent game in the first half. He had success and showed no hesitation when he was bouncing to the outside on the wide zone runs. Holani played the first half and finished the game with 12 carries for 42 yards. His longest run of the day was eight yards. The running game as a whole was physical, with tempo.
INABILITY TO GET INTO THE ENDZONE
The biggest teaching point will be the running backs’ inability to get into the end zone. After the special teams gift by Harden at the five-yard line, Justin Jones had one carry, and Harden had two cracks to get over the goal line. The two backs combined for four yards in the two carries. The inability to get the ball in the end zone is a must in the regular season. The two backs were slow to hit the line.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUTS
Defensive lineman Brandon Pili and linebacker Jalan Gaines had good games in which they both stood their ground when they were in the game. Pili had one tackle but was a force on the D-line, altering the Cowboys’ plan of attack. Gaines finished the day with four tackles and, like Pili, was effective in his play.
TYRICE KNIGHT
He had ten tackles in the first half and was literally all over the field. Playing the run, he was agile in pass coverage and physical when he was in the box. His performance is not a surprise given the type of camp the team is having. He has been getting reps with the number ones. Knight had ten tackles in the first half.
BUD CLARK
The heralded rookie started the game and finished with three tackles after playing one half. While he did not have a signature play, he looked and played the part. That is, he executed his assignments and kept everything in front.
QUARTERBACKS
Drew Lock started at quarterback and led the offense to a 13-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Montorie Foster Jr. In his next drive, Lock threw three incomplete passes, and the offense went three-and-out. Lock started the second half but was ineffective due to an offensive line that was subpar in its performance. Locke finished the day 9/13 for 40 yards and the lone touchdown to Foster Jr.
JALEN MILROE
Milroe was at quarterback for the Seahawks’ third offensive series. The goal was to have Milroe play early in the game with the same offensive unit as Drew Lock. In his first drive, Milroe engineered a 15-play, 60-yard drive that ended with a missed 27-yard field goal by Jason Myers. Returned to the game in the 4th quarter with 11 minutes left in the game. The six-play drive stalled, and the Seahawks ended up punting the ball. Milroe showed his escapability skills on 3rd-and-19 when he stayed in the pocket for three seconds, spun out to his right, and sidearmed a pass to Nick Vannett for a 10-yard gain. Milroe scrambled for two yards on the next play, and the Seahawks punted. Like Lock, Milroe was undersized and was sacked three times. Milroe completed 5/8 passes for 37 yards.
GIFT NOT RECEIVED
Cowboys punt returner Traeshon Holden muffed Dickson’s punt, which was recovered by T. J Harden at the Cowboys’ five-yard line. Three consecutive runs and a Milroe sack on fourth down turned the ball over to the Cowboys. The drive was indicative of the offense’s inability to move the ball. There is no doubt that this week will be about getting back to basics for the offensive line, which lacked execution and cohesion. As Macdonald said, there will be plenty of teaching moments from the film.
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