After going winless in the preseason last year, the Seattle Seahawks started the 2019 exhibition schedule with a 22-14 victory over the Denver Broncos.
While the game ended up being a one-score contest, and despite the fact Denver held a 6-3 lead at halftime, this one wasn’t all that close. The Seahawks built a commanding lead in the second half, which included 12 unanswered points in the third quarter.
As a result, Thursday night featured three studs against only two duds.
No. 1 Stud – Paxton Lynch
The star of the night for either team was unquestionably Lynch. Although Seahawks coach Pete Carroll had stated the backup quarterback battle would remain open throughout the preseason, the early money was on Geno Smith to prevail — especially considering his history as a starter in the NFL and the fact Lynch flamed out quickly with the Broncos.
Instead, it was Lynch who vastly outperformed every other quarterback who took the field on Thursday. Using his arm and his legs, the former Memphis standout led Seattle on three straight scoring drives to build their insurmountable lead.
Lynch finished the game 11-of-15 for 109 yards and a touchdown. He also added another 38 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown against his former team. Not bad for someone who spent the entire 2018 season as a free agent.
No. 1 Dud – Geno Smith
While Lynch had himself a night, Smith left much to be desired. He was once a starter for several seasons as a member of the Jets, and was expected by many to beat out Lynch, who has played in only five regular-season games.
Smith played the entire first half, and the Seahawks offense mustered only three points. When Lynch took over in the second half, Seattle scored on its next three possessions.
Smith ended his forgettable preseason debut as a Seahawk at 3-of-9 passing for only 58 yards.
No. 2 Stud – Jazz Ferguson
The undrafted free agent out of LSU had built some early offseason buzz. With a crowded receiving corps and limited roster spaces, Ferguson had to make an early impression for Seattle, and he did just that. He became a go-to target for Lynch in the second half, using his 6-foot-5 frame to bully Denver’s secondary.
Ferguson hauled in four passes for a game-high 54 yards and logged an impressive touchdown to give Seattle its first lead of the night. Should Ferguson continue to perform like that, he shouldn’t have to worry too much about making the final roster.
No. 2 Dud – Rashaad Penny
Seattle’s first-round pick from the 2018 NFL draft didn’t see much action last season behind running back Chris Carson. If Week 1 of the preseason is any indication, Penny might not see much more in 2019.
Penny struggled to find openings on the ground against Denver. With only 15 yards on six carries, Penny was the fifth-leading Seahawks rusher, behind both backup quarterbacks.
The lone bright spot for Penny was that he showed his versatility by hauling in a pass for 27 yards. However, he will need to produce more on the ground.
No. 3 Stud – Marquise Blair
Ever since Kam Chancellor walked off the field in 2017, the Seahawks secondary has been missing its trademark “boom,” but they have regained it in the form of rookie safety Blair.
Blair demonstrated his extreme physicality from the onset, flying across the field and hitting seemingly every Bronco he encountered. Blair finished with five tackles — which was tied for most on Seattle — one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit.
Blair was flagged for a hit on a defenseless receiver and was fortunate to avoid ejection. Regardless of the penalty, Blair is certainly making a name for himself.
