TALKING POINTS
The Seahawks finished off the preseason with a victory in which few of the first teamers even took the field, and those who did came out after one series. Seattle had no first-unit defensive players take a single snap with the exception of strong safety Dion Bailey, who’s only the starter because of Kam Chancellor’s holdout. On offense quarterback Russell Wilson and the first-team offensive line, minus the other skill players, played one series, a series that consisted of just two plays as preseason sensation Tyler Lockett scored another long touchdown, this time on a 63-yard reception. It was the first TD scored by Seattle’s (sort of) first-team offense in the preseason.
This game was really about the players who are fighting for the final few roster slots. Who made an impression, good or bad?
Those who helped their cause:
DE Frank Clark: Not that the second-round draft pick needed to help his cause, but the defensive end was hands down the best player on the field. He was constantly in the Raiders backfield during the first half, recording a tackle for a loss and a sack that caused a fumble that Jordan Hill fell on in the end zone for a touchdown. Raiders third-string quarterback Matt McGloin will see Clark in his nightmares.
WR B.J. Daniels: The former college quarterback is trying to make the roster as a receiver. However, he was given his chance behind center in the second half and the offense moved much more effectively with him at QB than it did with R.J. Archer. Daniels even provided Wilson-like glimpses as he ran for 75 yards and threw for 45, leading the Hawks on two long touchdown drives. One of the advantages he has is is versatility, and the ability to function as an emergency third-string QB probably earns him a roster spot.
RB Thomas Rawls: Rawls is in all likelihood a longshot to make the team. However, the undrafted rookie free agent out of Central Michigan did everything within his power to open eyes, rushing for 87 yards on 11 carries and scoring a touchdown. If he doesn’t stick with Seattle, he sure gave himself some nice video clips for other teams to peruse. He was a big reason why Seattle ran for nearly as many yards Thursday (224) as it did in its first three preseason games combined (284).
WR Kasen Williams/Kevin Smith: The two former Washington Huskies may have been on the outside looking in heading into Thursday. Both probably needed to show something against Oakland, and both did. Williams made a gorgeous 15-yard touchdown reception, while Smith was again strong in the return game. They definitely gave the Hawks something to think about.
Those who hurt their cause:
CB Mohammed Seisay: Seattle has resources wrapped up in Seisay, trading a sixth-round draft pick to Detroit to acquire the second-year player during the offseason. However, Seisay had a night to forget, getting beat three times in the first half (though he was bailed out twice when receivers bobbled the ball), then was called for pass interference just outside the end zone that set up Oakland’s consolation touchdown. Adding injury to insult, he suffered a dislocated shoulder when the Raiders scored their last-minute TD. Someone should inform him that it’s bad form to celebrate when you get beat bad on a play, the ball is underthrown, and the receiver drops the ball.
The rest of the secondary: This was an opportunity, as all three core members of the Legion of Boom sat this one out — Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas were rested, while Kam Chancellor continues to hold out. But the unit didn’t exactly cover itself in glory. Third-string Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin went 16-for-24 for 186 yards and two TDs, getting Oakland back into the game when it looked like the Seahawks would run away with it. The Seahawks have a lot of decisions to make in the secondary, but no one really made a strong case for themselves.
WR Chris Matthews: Yes, the Super Bowl breakout performer was in his first game back from a shoulder injury. However, he was invisible in the passing game. Matthews provides a different kind of threat with his 6-foot-5 frame, and the coaches laud his work on special teams. But with other receivers making plays, Matthews may have to look over his shoulder.
Seattle finished the preseason 2-2. The deadline for cutting rosters down from 75 to 53 is Saturday at 1 p.m. Other than Seisay the Seahawks escaped without any other significant injuries.
TURNING POINT
After Seattle jumped out to a 17-0 lead and looked like it would run away with it, Oakland pulled within 17-14 with TDs either side of halftime. The Seahawks, who had been doing nothing offensively, gave Daniels his shot behind center. Daniels immediately led the Hawks on a 14-play, 80-yard drive, culminating in a 15-yard TD pass to Williams to turn the game back Seattle direction.
QUOTABLE
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll
… on rookies Tyler Lockett and Frank Clark:
“Those guys have been very active and very obvious that they can help. You’re going to see Tyler play, he’ll be a big factor for us, and Frank really has a role to play for us.”
… on the performance by B.J. Daniels at quarterback:
“B.J. had a great night tonight. It was a blast watching him, everyone had fun watching him. People didn’t want to go home because they wanted to see what was going to happen next.”
… on kicker Steven Hauschka’s less-than-half-hearted tackle attempt (to laughter by the media):
“No, I saw his attempt at not making a tackle. He saw the flag go down, he saw the penalty, so he knew the play was coming back. I thought it was an adept play.”
… on the status of talks with free agent running back Fred Jackson:
“It was an information-gathering visit. He’s an incredible football player and person and has been extremely productive. We’ll see what that means. We had a good visit with him, I really like the kid, we all did, and we’ll see what that means. I don’t know that answer right now.”
BOX SCORE
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