Seahawks cuts, and 5 things learned from the preseason finale

Congrats, Seahawks fans, you made it.

The preseason came to an end over the weekend, and soon the real games begin.

Seattle won their final preseason game, 37-33 over the Browns on Saturday night at Lumen Field to finish the preseason 2-1.

Many of the starters made an appearance during the team’s first offensive and defensive drives. They found their way out of the tunnel and laced up their shoes just fine to prove they should be ready to go against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 8 at Lumen Field. They also made some solid plays during their cameo appearances before giving way to backups and players fighting for their NFL lives. Teams had until 1 p.m. Tuesday to cut rosters to 53 players. Organizations then fill practice squads with players released by their own or other NFL teams, and changes to the active rosters were likely to evolve a throughout the day, week and beyond.

Seventeen players were reportedly cut from the Seahawks roster as of press time on Tuesday, including:

— Tight ends Michael Ezeiki, Tyler Mabry and Devon Garrison

— Running back George Holani

— Receivers Easop Winston Jr. and D’Wayne Eskridge

— Quarterback PJ Walker

— Defensive linemen Mario Kendricks and Devere Levelston

— Edge Jamie Sheriff

— Linebackers Jon Rhattigan, Easton Gibbs, Patrick O’Connell and Nelson Caeser

— Defensive backs Willie Roberts, D.J. James and Ty Okada

So far, no surprises in a season that could be full of them.

Here are 5 things we learned from the third and final preseason game:

There is risk in playing starters: While it could have been worse, one of the more important players on the Seahawks defense suffered an injury on the game’s third play from scrimmage and is likely to miss multiple weeks. Outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, a key to the pass rush and run defense, was hit by two Browns as he closed in on Cleveland quarterback Jameis Winston. The Browns were flagged for an illegal chop block, and Nwosu limped off the field to darken an otherwise bright start by the defense. With most of the Seahawks likely starters playing the game’s first series, Seattle appeared to force a three-and-out. Nwosu, however, was called for roughing the passer on third down, which extended the Browns drive. He was then hurt on the next play.

Julian Love likely to love Macdonald’s defense: Last year as defensive coordinator in Baltimore, new Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald utilized safety Kyle Hamilton in multiple ways. Love may be a beneficiary of the new system, and he appeared ready for the task when he crashed into Cleveland running back Bryce Love for a minimal gain on the game’s first play. Julian Love, who is known for using his smarts to diagnose offensive plays, will likely have plenty of opportunities to do damage this season.

Receivers make contested catches: New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb showed during his time with the Washington Huskies that he’s not afraid to allow receivers to fight for the football when they are covered by a single defender. Jaxon Smith-Njigba made a contested, 25-yard catch on a touch throw from starting quarterback Geno Smith on the first drive. That helped set up DK Metcalf to use his physique to maul Browns cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. in the end zone for a TD with 9:55 to go in the first quarter. The prior Seahawks coaching staff appeared less willing to take chances with the football. Grubb likes to get one-on-one coverage and let receivers try to win the ball in the air. While this could lead to a few more interceptions, it’s also likely to result in more big plays downfield.

Offensive linemen, whoever they are, have work to do: The Seahawks started Charles Cross (left tackle), Laken Tomlinson (left guard), Olu Oluwatimi (center), Anthony Bradford (right guard) and George Fant (right tackle) on Saturday. Smith had to move around to avoid pressure in the only drive he played, and it’s possible that three of those starters could change by the opener against the Broncos. Connor Williams, who is returning from a knee injury that ended his 2023 season with the Dolphins, will likely start at center. Abe Lucas, last year’s starter at right tackle when healthy, could be a factor there again. Third-round pick Christian Haynes, who has rotated with Bradford, is also contending for a starting position. We may not know the full starting line until someone snaps the ball to Smith on Sept. 8.

Defense rallies to the ball: Though the starters were only in Saturday’s game for a short time, the defense looks to make a big leap from last year. They seem to stay in their assignments and play fast. When an opponent ball carrier is initially contacted by a Seattle defensive player, there are usually several Seahawks rallying to the ball to clean up the tackle if needed. Though quality depth at linebacker is concerning, expect a Top 10-level production from the Seahawks defense this season.