Tag: Seahawks preseason

Did Christian Haynes preseason penalty hurt his chances of winning starting job?

Did Christian Haynes preseason penalty hurt his chances of winning starting job?

The Seattle Seahawks still haven’t announced a decision regarding their starting right guard despite being approximately 72 hours removed from their preseason finale victory over the Cleveland Browns. Sophomore guard Anthony Bradford and rookie blocker Christian Haynes have been entangled in that position battle all training camp long. Several developments on Saturday may have indicated that Bradford remains the leader in the clubhouse.

Head coach Mike Macdonald decided to play his starters in the final exhibition game. That included veteran offensive linemen like Laken Tomlinson at left guard and George Fant at right tackle. Bradford was the starting right guard, and Haynes worked with the second-team unit. That was a strong indication that Bradford is close to winning the job.

Haynes unfortunately made a big-time mistake when he received his opportunity with the second-string offensive line. Backup quarterback Sam Howell connected with Cody White for an explosive 73-yard touchdown, but a flag was thrown on the play. Haynes was penalized for holding, wiping out the highlight reel-worthy score.

Penalties happen and Macdonald’s coaching staff will focus on the learning opportunity, but there’s no denying every rep counts when partaking in a position battle. Seattle’s starting offensive line looked great with Geno Smith completing 4-of-5 passing attempts for 62 yards and one touchdown. Smith wasn’t sacked, nor was he under constant pressure.

That qualified as a victory for Bradford. Meanwhile Haynes eventually entered the contest and made an error that hamstrung the offense. It was an outstanding preseason for Seattle’s third-round rookie lineman from UConn, but the margin for error going into Saturday was non-existent. The battle between Bradford and Haynes wasn’t decided by one play, but it could have confirmed Seattle’s thinking that their experienced sophomore is a better fit.

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Analyzing rookie LB Michael Barrett in his Seahawks preseason debut

Analyzing rookie LB Michael Barrett in his Seahawks preseason debut

The Seattle Seahawks didn’t waste any time getting rookie linebacker Michael Barrett integrated into their defense. Despite being acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Mike Jackson on August 22nd, Barrett suited up for the Seahawks’ preseason finale just two days later on August 24th. He was productive in a 37-33 exhibition victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Barrett totaled 25 snaps despite not getting in a *single* practice before making his in-game debut. Barrett was the Seahawks’ third-most snapped linebacker. Only Tyrice Knight (45) and Patrick O’Connell (36) were more involved. Jerome Baker did not play, and fellow starter Tyrel Dodson was limited to seven plays with the first-string defense.

Pro Football Focus assigned Barrett a stellar run-stopping grade of 72.4. The former Michigan standout had an overall defensive grade of 64.0. Barrett made one tackle, and was targeted twice in coverage, allowing one reception for a 13-yard gain. All in all, it represented a promising debut given the circumstances.

Barrett’s familiarity with Mike Macdonald’s defense likely aided his swift transition to his new surroundings. Macdonald was Barrett’s defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2021. This past campaign, the off-ball linebacker won a National Championship with the Wolverines while playing for a coaching staff that included Jim and Jay Harbaugh, the latter of which is now Seattle’s special teams coordinator.

Barrett’s approximate 48-hour-turnaround from being traded to playing was fascinating. It also indicates the Seahawks have faith in Barrett’s ability to execute the defense. His developmental potential will land him on Seattle’s initial 53 man roster later this week.

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Seahawks EDGE Jamie Sheriff possesses clearer pathway to 53 man roster

Seahawks EDGE Jamie Sheriff possesses clearer pathway to 53 man roster

Seattle Seahawks rookie undrafted EDGE Jamie Sheriff has written one of the more heartwarming stories of training camp and the preseason. A regular standout, Sheriff put forth another eye-opening performance in Saturday’s preseason finale victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Sheriff recorded two sacks and three quarterback hits versus the Browns. One of Sheriff’s sacks occurred on fourth down to give Seattle possession back leading 34-26 with nine minutes remaining. He concludes the preseason with three sacks and multiple QB pressures.

Will Sheriff make Seattle’s 53-man roster? It’s one of the larger questions heading into Monday’s and Tuesday’s cut-down days around the league. Sheriff’s pathway to the roster became clearer following Darrell Taylor’s trade, but he’s not guaranteed to survive roster cuts.

“There might be an opportunity [for him] to come back, and hopefully the guys feel like we’re invested in their growth as well,” head coach Mike Macdonald said when asked about Sheriff post game.

The Seahawks could go extremely light at outside linebacker. Reps at the position this season are expected to be dominated by Dre’Mont Jones, Uchenna Nwosu, Derick Hall, and Boye Mafe. That expected usage could be what prevents Sheriff from making the roster, though the Seahawks would undoubtedly attempt to get him back on the practice squad, per Macdonald’s comments.

Nwosu’s injury status could also play a determining role on Sheriff’s roster spot. The former South Alabama standout has undeniably done enough to make John Schneider’s roster. Will the Seahawks reward his play, or will they cut a preseason darling?

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Watch Seahawks QB Geno Smith throw preseason TD to DK Metcalf

Watch Seahawks QB Geno Smith throw preseason TD to DK Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald wanted to see the starting offense play a productive series or two in Saturday’s preseason finale versus the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Geno Smith had almost the entire first-team offense available at his disposal, minus center Connor Williams, and veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett.

Seattle’s first offensive series represented Smith’s preseason debut. Smith was outstanding on the first drive, completing 4-of-5 passing attempts for 62 yards and a touchdown. He completed the scoring drive with this 21-yard touchdown to DK Metcalf.

It capped a five-play, 62 yard efficient scoring drive. Smith took possession on his own 38-yard line and swiftly completed a 25-yard pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith later hit Kenny McIntosh for nine yards before targeting Smith-Njigba for another seven-yard gain. The next play was Metcalf’s 21-yard score.

Smith’s starting offensive line had Charles Cross at left tackle, Laken Tomlinson at left guard, Olu Oluwatimi at center, Anthony Bradford at right guard, and George Fant at right tackle.

It was a picture-perfect start for Smith, who showcased terrific command of Ryan Grubb’s offense. Hopefully Smith’s touchdown strike to Metcalf is a sign of things to come. Smith and Grubb could combine to oversee an explosive unit in Seattle this season.

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Analyzing how new Seahawks LB Michael Barrett fits the defense

How new Seahawks LB Michael Barrett fits the defense

The Seattle Seahawks executed a trade on Thursday afternoon as they continue preparing for roster cut downs, a process that will see general manager John Schneider finalize the initial 53 man roster next week. Seattle traded cornerback Mike Jackson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for rookie linebacker Michael Barrett. Barrett will provide the defense with depth and developmental potential.

The Seahawks have been somewhat thin at off-ball linebacker throughout camp and the preseason. Projected starter Jerome Baker has been nursing a multi-week injury. The Seahawks also lost Jon Rhattigan to a brief setback before their second exhibition game, prompting them to sign rookie UDFA Easton Gibbs to help them get through the game.

Given the injuries at the position, it makes sense the Seahawks would sacrifice a cornerback, a position of depth on the defense. Mike Jackson became expendable after Schneider drafted two former Auburn cornerbacks, Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James, in April.

It’s surprising that the Panthers are willing to call quits on a rookie seventh-rounder, but they needed to part ways with something of value to improve their cornerback depth. Barrett was Carolina’s 240th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Perhaps the Seahawks would have signed him in undrafted free agency had he reached that market. Schneider’s final selection came 33 picks earlier, when he drafted Findlay offensive tackle Michael Jerrell.

There are obviously some intriguing connections between Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and Barrett. Macdonald was Barrett’s defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2021. This past season, won a National Championship with the Wolverines while playing for Jim and Jay Harbaugh, the latter of which is now Seattle’s special teams coordinator.

Barrett will provide the Seahawks with necessary depth and developmental potential. He’ll likely spend the majority of his rookie season playing on special teams, where he has an existing relationship and comfort level with coach Jay Harbaugh. Acquiring Barrett was a shrewd move by Schneider.

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Seahawks starters will play in preseason finale

Seahawks starters will play in preseason finale

All 32 NFL franchises have difficult decisions to make regarding whether or not their starters should play in the preseason finale. Some coaching staffs view it as the last live-action opportunity to prepare for the regular-season campaign. Others view it as too risky in regards to injuries.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald sides with the former belief. Macdonald announced that the starters will play in Saturday’s Week 3 preseason game versus the Cleveland Browns.

“The plan is you’ll see a lot of starters to start the game,’’ Macdonald confirmed following Thursday’s practice. “How many reps and all that it (will be) kind of on a per-person-type basis. But the plan is to see a good amount of the guys. We got a couple nicks and bruises here (so) we’ll hold some guys out. So there’s some guys you might not see that you might expect. (But) for the most part, most of the starters will start the game, Geno included.”

It’s extremely notable. Geno Smith and the offensive starters haven’t played a single snap through the first two preseason contests. That will change in Saturday’s preseason finale at Lumen Field, with the likes of D.K. Metcalf and Kenneth Walker III joining Smith and Co. on the field.

Macdonald ruled out starting center Connor Williams, who just began practicing this earlier this week. The other starters on the offensive line should play, including left tackle Charles Cross and left guard Laken Tomlinson. The right guard position is still being fought for by Anthony Bradford and rookie Christian Haynes.

“Offense, we just hadn’t had a chance to get everybody out there and operate, especially at our home field,’’ Macdonald said. “Go through all those things. And there’s something to putting the pads on and actually going out and moving the ball before we do it for real. Defensively, we only got six snaps in the first game so (this is) an opportunity to go out there and put some more good film on tape and have some confidence going into the first game.”

The defensive starters could also use the warm-up. They’ve totaled just six snaps through two exhibition showings. They started the debut preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but forced a quick three-and-out, limiting their time on the field. Browns starter Deshaun Watson is expected to get the nod at quarterback.

The Seahawks will use Saturday’s preseason finale as a dress rehearsal to get ready for Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos, their Week 1 opponent.

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Seahawks DB K’Von Wallace builds momentum by ending practice with pick 6

Seahawks DB K’Von Wallace builds momentum by ending practice with pick 6

Seattle Seahawks veteran defensive back K’Von Wallace has been one of the bigger surprise performers at training camp. The former Clemson standout has consistently made plays while proving he belongs on the 53 man roster. Wallace ended Tuesday’s practice with a pick-six return touchdown of quarterback Sam Howell, according to multiple media members in attendance.

General manager John Schneider signed Wallace to a one-year contract earlier this offseason worth just $1.5 million. His arrival was part of a major overhaul at safety that included cutting ties with veterans Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. The likes of Julian Love, Rayshawn Jenkins, Coby Bryant, and Wallace, are ushering the Seahawks forward at safety.

Wallace’s pick-six interception to end Wednesday’s practice wasn’t his lone standout play of camp or the preseason. He’s routinely found himself in spots to make game-changing plays. In the Week 1 preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, Wallace delivered a jolting hit on this inaccurate throw that resulted in an interception for Bryant.

Wallace was an underrated performer for the Tennessee Titans last season. He totaled nearly 500 snaps in coverage for their defense after the midseason trade of Kevin Byard, and earned Pro Football Focus grades of 70.7 in coverage and 68.1 for his overall defensive work. Schneider got good value on Wallace via his one-year contract.

Wallace has played more than 50 defensive snaps for the Seahawks through two preseason contests. He’s been especially strong when coming downhill versus the run, earning a PFF score 77.0 as a run defender. Wallace has been strong in coverage too, allowing a pedestrian passer rating of just 83.3.

The Seahawks will finalize their initial 53-man roster by Tuesday’s mid-afternoon deadline. Wallace, a veteran journeyman, doesn’t appear to be at risk. Wallace is likely to serve as a versatile and rotational defender for Mike Macdonald this season.

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Did Seahawks preseason Week 2 indicate who’s winning RB3 battle?

Did Seahawks preseason Week 2 indicate who’s winning RB3 battle?

One of the biggest remaining positional battles on the Seattle Seahawks’ roster is the perceived one at No. 3 running back. While the Seahawks are still searching for their starting right guard between Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford, the ongoing competition between Kenny McIntosh and George Holani is also capturing intrigue.

Seattle’s Week 2 preseason defeat to the Tennessee Titans could have hinted at how head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff currently see things. McIntosh received the bulk of the workload against the Titans, easily leading all backs in the snap count with 23 plays, accounting for more than 52% of Seattle’s offensive plays. McIntosh did a fantastic job maximizing those opportunities.

McIntosh rushed for 46 yards via eight carries, averaging an explosive 5.8 yards per carry. His longest run of the day picked up 12, and the former Georgia standout also recorded two receptions for 17 additional yards. McIntosh flashed dual-threat ability, paired with a decisive running style.

Meanwhile Holani earned just nine offensive snaps. The undrafted free agent from Boise State rushed twice for three yards. There are multiple ways to interpret Holani’s lack of usage in Nashville. He’s been impressive all offseason long, making it likely Seattle’s decision-making brass has seen enough from him on offense and special teams to make their determination.

Perhaps the aforementioned “RB3” battle is no battle at all. Sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet has been nursing a lower body injury. Though he recently returned to practice in pads, the Seahawks may ease him back in. Retaining both McIntosh and Holani remains a distinct possibility.

Macdonald’s usage of both McIntosh and Holani versus the Titans indicate they’re in good graces. McIntosh put forth a convincing performance that proved he still belongs. Holani has shown enough to warrant a roster spot.

Seattle should keep both McIntosh and Holani when trimming down their roster to 53 next week.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers update on the RG position battle

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers update on the RG position battle

The Seattle Seahawks’ starting offensive line for Week 1 is nearly settled. Connor Williams returned to practice on Monday, and indications are that George Fant will begin the season starting in place of the injured Abe Lucas at right tackle. The bigger remaining question is who will be named the starting right guard.

Rookie third-round selection Christian Haynes and sophomore guard Anthony Bradford have been entrenched in a position battle all summer long. Both Haynes and Bradford have taken turns with the first-team offense throughout training camp and the preseason. The battle is going right down to the wire with Seattle’s third and final preseason game scheduled for Saturday evening with the Cleveland Browns.

“They look good,” Macdonald said when asked about Bradford and Haynes following Monday’s practice. “They have a great battle going. I was pleased with the crew that started the game. AB has been a pro about it,” Macdonald added when asked about Bradford not starting a recent joint practice with the Titans. “I commend his attitude. He stacked a few good practices and reps throughout the [preseason] game [versus the Titans]. We’re still in it right now. The competition is yet to be settled.”

Both Bradford (RG) and Haynes (LG) started the Week 2 preseason game versus the Titans. Bradford began Monday’s practice as the starting right guard, according to Gregg Bell. In true rotational fashion, Haynes replaced him with the first-team offense when the team began 11-on-11 scrimmaging.

The Seahawks have a small handful of training camp practices remaining. Saturday’s exhibition finale versus the Browns could help Macdonald and offensive line coach Scott Huff make a determination. With roster cuts looming next Tuesday, the Seahawks remain undecided on whether Bradford or Haynes will be their starting right guard.

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Connor Williams partakes in first practice with Seahawks

Connor Williams partakes in first practice with Seahawks

When the Seattle Seahawks signed free-agent Connor Williams on August 6th, questions over when he’d be fully healthy loomed. Williams suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury in Week 14 with the Miami Dolphins last season, and had yet to practice or play since. Good news arrived on Monday evening as he participated in his first Seahawks practice since signing his contract approximately one week ago.

Williams received snaps with the first-team offense. He was eventually replaced by Olu Oluwatimi, who has worked as the starting center ever since Leroy Harris was traded to the Cleveland Browns. The Seahawks are simply easing Williams into their lineup. He did some position drills as well as he began acclimating back to the physical aspects of practice.

Williams served as the starting center at the start of Monday’s scrimmage. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald commented on Williams’ involvement following practice. Clearly a plan is in place.

“We have a plan for him to ramp him in, and it’s good to see him get a few reps today,” Macdonald said about getting Williams back at practice. “Hopefully we’ll keep that process growing as we head towards the season.”

Macdonald has consistently said that he hopes for some starters to play in Saturday’s preseason finale versus the Browns, though he’s still working through the details. That obviously won’t include Williams. Williams appears on schedule to be healthy for Seattle’s regular-season opener with the Denver Broncos though.

Williams took a big step on his path to integrating into Seattle’s offense on at Monday’s practice.

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