Seahawks WR Tyler Lcokett turns out to be Russell Wilson’s go-to goal. (Getty)
Saturday’s Seahawks mock game was one of two chances for Seattle to simulate a real game before the September 13 season begins in Atlanta. Unfortunately, it was one that was cut short. Defensive end Branden Jackson – run from the right side – was left with a few minutes left in the first half and taken off the field in an ambulance. A terrible moment for sure, and I obviously hope he’s fine.
What we learned from the Seahawks CB press conference Quinton Dunbar
We may not give many specifications about what we saw on Saturday at CenturyLink. But here are my takeaways from the scrimmage:
• Geno Smith solidified his status as backup team QB of the team. The veteran impressed on an opening series drive against what (appeared to be) the Seahawks first-string defense, showed his legs, and took advantage of free plays where the defense jumped offsides. He dismissed that opening drive with a beautiful touchdown pass in the seam to Jacob Hollister.
Former UW WR Aaron Fuller – an undrafted free agent – made the most of his chances on Saturday. He had three catches, including what I thought was catching the game. On one of those called free plays, the ball was sounded one up for Fuller who, despite some traffic over defense, was able to get down with the football.
• It’s been the summer of DK Metcalf. After a monstrous rookie season, the mountainous WR may be on the verge of taking the leap to NFL superstardom. But based on Saturday, it’s clear that Tyler Lockett is still Russell Wilson’s favorite target. Russ found Lockett early in his reads often for quick wins. The two looked an awful lot like Tom Brady did for so long with Wes Welker and Julian Edelman.
• I can no longer give details about this bullet point. But for those who want to see a more modern Seahawks offense, I was very excited to see a few wrinkles they took for a test run.
• Greg Olsen turned 35 in March. He did not see it Saturday, especially after the catch. He made a flurry of catches for his first catch before giving up field, taking his second all the way to the one yardline.
• The crime was not without its sly moments. Russell Wilson fumbled a snap and had an unforced fumble while rolling to the right in the red zone. Will Dissly throws up a few passes. And while Metcalf hit his man on a post for a passdown pass, he had an ugly drop on a comeback route earlier in the game.
• Benson Mayowa plays smart. He stays at home and is not sucked in by wrong direction. He may not be the kind of impact player Jadeveon Clowney is, but I’m sure the defense coach appreciates his discipline.
The Seahawks have a volume linebacker room, headed by All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner. Wagner had the lone sack of the day, and jumped the middle on a blitz to stop the offense on a fourth and short. Jordyn Brooks also devastated a man with a shiny slap from the shoulder. But the man who stood out to me the most was Ben Burr-Kirven. That may be a byproduct of how animated he was – a lot of talk about trash – but he showed good speed in coverage.
• Phillip Dorsett plays really fast, but he does not seem to be in sync with the offense yet.
• We are all excited about what Jamal Adams can do. He FLYS to the ball in run support. But Quandre Diggs was the more intimidating safety on Saturday, throwing in two offensive players over a span of three plays.
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Is this the best wide receiver group Wilson has had with the Seahawks?
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