The Seattle Seahawks' preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys was a mixed bag, to say the least. While there were some bright spots, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, the overall performance left much to be desired. Here's a breakdown of the winners and losers from the game, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Winners
Tyrice Knight: Back in the Rotation
I'm impressed by Tyrice Knight's resurgence. Last season, he was a starter but then fell out of favor, spending time on special teams. However, his performance against the Cowboys was a reminder of his talent. Knight's coverage skills and sound tackling make him a valuable asset, and his versatility as an off-ball and edge defender could see him feature in sub-packages. It's a positive sign for the Seahawks' defense.
Montorie Foster Jr.: Rising Star at WR7?
Montorie Foster Jr. made an instant impact, catching a touchdown on the opening drive and showcasing his blocking ability. His early reps over Ricky White III are promising, and he finished with a team-high five catches. While WR7 might not exist on the 53-man roster, Foster's performance suggests he could be an immediate practice squad re-sign. His potential is there, and he might just be the standout bubble player of the preseason.
George Holani: Hard-Nosed Running Back
George Holani was a rare bright spot on offense. Despite the lack of explosive runs, Holani's ability to break tackles and showcase his hard-nosed style was a net positive. Leading the team with 42 rushing yards on 12 carries, Holani is a reliable option behind a second-string offensive line. This year, he won't have to compete for a roster spot, which is a significant advantage.
Noah Igbinoghene: Solid Debut
Noah Igbinoghene had a solid debut, locking down Marquez Valdes-Scantling and creating pressure on Sam Howell. His performance suggests he's in good position to make the 53-man roster alongside Nehemiah Pritchett. The addition of Terrion Arnold will only make the cornerback room more competitive, but Igbinoghene's strong start is a positive sign.
Rashad Rochelle: Special Teams Highlight
Rashad Rochelle's 52-yard punt return in the third quarter was a special teams highlight. While his path to the roster is challenging, his performance could earn him a spot on the practice squad. At the very least, he put something on film for the league to notice, which is a significant achievement.
Losers
Non-Josh Jones Swing Tackles: Horror Show
The second- and third-team offensive lines were a disaster. Logan Brown, Bobby Hart, and Amari Kight all struggled with penalties and poor pass pro reps. Brown's false start issues and Hart's horrific performance are concerning. The rest of the offensive line needs to step up, especially with the starters absent.
Edge Rush Depth: Underwhelming
The Seahawks' edge rush depth was underwhelming, with Mike Morris, Connor O'Toole, Aidan Hubbard, and Marvin Jones Jr. failing to make a significant impact. Jalan Gaines had a couple of nice plays, but the overall lack of impact suggests there are major question marks at the position. The season doesn't depend on these players, but it highlights the need for a gem deep in the depth chart.
Third-String Interior Defensive Line: Not Much Better
The third-string interior defensive line didn't fare much better, with Bubba Thomas and J.R. Singleton struggling against the Cowboys' backup offensive line. Deven Eastern had one notable play, but the overall performance was underwhelming. The Seahawks need to improve their depth at this position to be competitive.
Shemar Jean-Charles: Struggling Cornerback
Shemar Jean-Charles' performance was a struggle, with multiple conversions allowed, an obvious pass interference, and a long touchdown allowed. His struggles suggest he might be on the bubble, especially with the addition of Terrion Arnold. The Seahawks need to make some tough decisions regarding their cornerback room.
Drew Lock: Not Sharp
Drew Lock's performance was not sharp, aside from the opening drive. He was 9/13 for just 40 yards, with some ugly misses. While I'm not overly concerned, it was not a convincing display for the veteran quarterback. Lock needs to step up his game if he wants to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.
Jalen Milroe: Single-Digit Net Passing Yards
Jalen Milroe's performance was underwhelming, with just 9 net passing yards. While he didn't play poorly, he rarely shined. His decision-making and accuracy need improvement, especially in longer developing plays. Milroe's performance raises questions about his development and role on the team.
Bryce Cabeldue: On the Bubble
Bryce Cabeldue's presence on the third-team offense is telling. While his actual game performance is hazy, his position on the roster is uncertain. With Beau Stephens and Christian Haynes also in the mix, Cabeldue might be the odd man out come roster cuts. His positional versatility as G/C might help, but it's a competitive battle.
Final Thoughts
The Seahawks' preseason opener had its fair share of positives and negatives. While there were some standout performances, particularly on defense, the overall performance left room for improvement. The coaching staff has its work cut out for them, and the team needs to step up their game to be competitive in the regular season. As for the winners and losers, it's a reminder that the preseason is a time for experimentation and development, and the Seahawks need to make the most of it.
