There was plenty to analyze in the Seattle Seahawks’ 22-14 victory over the Denver Broncos Week 1 of the preseason. Here, we briefly examine a few takeaways from the game.
THE GOOD
Paxton Lynch: The former Broncos quarterback was electric in his debut as a Seahawk, completing 11 of 15 attempts for 109 yards and adding 38 yards on the ground, notching a touchdown in both the passing and rushing categories.
His connection with rookie wide receiver Jazz Ferguson turned plenty of heads, as Ferguson emerged victorious with receptions in both contested and wide-open situations, helped strongly by Lynch’s near-perfect ball placement.
Under pressure, Lynch appeared steady and non-skittish in the pocket. Overall, he has made a strong case for himself to land the backup role behind Russell Wilson.
Running back depth: Rashaad Penny demonstrated his improved pass-catching ability, Bo Scarbrough bull-rushed his way to 32 yards on seven attempts, and new signee Xavier Turner immediately showed why the Seahawks picked him up with an 11-yard burst to kick off a gritty second-half performance.
Even without starter Chris Carson, the Seahawks were able to find success with several different running backs on their roster, acting as support for the more-prominent passing game.
THE BAD
Geno Smith: Smith fared much more poorly than his competitor for the backup spot, as he posted only three completions on nine attempts for 58 passing yards. Although he also gained 21 rushing yards on just three attempts, Smith’s showing also included two sacks that stemmed from his tendency to scamper backwards out of a collapsing pocket.
He also overthrew speedy receiver D.K. Metcalf on two long balls downfield, with Metcalf pounding his fist into the turf in frustration after the second incompletion.
After Thursday’s performance, Smith will need to take a giant step forward over the next week if he hopes to gain back some ground on Lynch.
THE UGLY
Penalties: The first flag of the game was thrown with 7:04 left in the first quarter, with an offensive hold by Seahawks right tackle Germain Ifedi.
Throughout the rest of the game, the calls rained down upon both sides of the field with the Seahawks and Broncos combining for 26 total penalties, the most of any of Thursday’s matchups, with the majority of Seattle’s 15 penalties being offensive holds.
Expect the team to spend a significant amount of time addressing the offense’s lapse in discipline before their next preseason game.
Week 2’s preseason matchup against the Minnesota Vikings kicks off at 5:00 p.m. PT on Sunday, Aug. 18.
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