The Seattle Seahawks have finally finished their preseason slate, turning in an up-and-down performance on Thursday night at CenturyLink Field in a 17-15 win over the Oakland Raiders. Here are a few takeaways from the game.
THE GOOD
Have a day, BBK: Just one day after coach Pete Carroll stated he wanted to see rookie linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven play more, the former Washington Husky answered with a dominant performance reminiscent of his college days. Burr-Kirven had 12 total tackles (five solo), a goal-line sack, two tackles for loss, a quarterback hit, and defended a pass, showcasing his ability to speed all over the field and make plays. He should be under serious consideration for a spot, on special teams or otherwise.
Geno Smith: Smith seemed to answer the question of who should back up Russell Wilson at quarterback, going 4 for 7 with 107 yards and two touchdowns. The first TD pass came on the Seahawks’ opening possession, with Smith throwing 39 yards to rookie receiver Terry Wright. Smith’s second score was an 11-yard pass to tight end Jacob Hollister in the second quarter. Toward the end of the first half, Smith seemed to be having trouble with his left knee, which recently had a cyst surgically removed, but he was later spotted moving around on the sideline without help.
The run game: C.J. Prosise and Travis Homer led the way for the rushing unit last night. Prosise finished with 42 total yards on five carries, most of those from a big 30-yard run late in the first quarter. Homer had a nearly identical stat line, with 42 yards on six carries and a long run of 27 yards. All in all, the Seahawks look to have plenty of depth at the running back position.
THE BAD
Marquise Blair’s back injury: After leaving the field two weeks ago with back problems and missing Week 3’s preseason matchup against the Chargers, Blair returned to action against the Raiders and lasted all of one series before aggravating his injury. He recorded two tackles before the Seahawks ruled him out for the remainder of the game. The rookie safety has been promising while healthy, but he will need to prove that he can stay that way before Seattle can pencil him into the starting lineup for good.
Gary Jennings: The rookie wide receiver sadly disappointed yet again, with a punt-return penalty and a route miscommunication with quarterback Paxton Lynch that cost Seattle a potential touchdown. With his chances to make the team already in jeopardy, Jennings may well have sealed his fate last night.
THE UGLY
Paxton Lynch: In his return to action after missing last week’s game due to concussion protocol, Lynch looked completely lost, going just 1 for 7 for four yards and a fumble. Couple that with Geno Smith’s standout performance in the first half of the contest, and Lynch will now be looking for a new team after Seattle waived him Friday.
Seattle must trim the squad to 53 players by Aug. 31 at 1:00 p.m. PT. A practice squad of 10 players can be established on Sunday. You can follow our live tracker here.
