Seattle, WA- The Seattle Seahawks knew that they had something to prove going into their first preseason match-up against the Indianapolis Colts. With Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Earl Thomas out of the line-up for the Hawks, head coach Pete Carroll wanted to see how their younger players would step up to the plate. The defense was very good holding the Colts to only 19 points in a 19-17 loss, but the Seahawks need to improve to make this team a top contender in their division.
Rookie sensation Shaquem Griffin had some good plays on the field. He was very instinctive, broke on the balls that were thrown in his direction and had four tackles in his first four plays. He finished with nine tackles. Despite his great start, the Seahawks struggled to keep the pressure on the Colts’ offense. After a great tackle or a ball that was knocked down, Seattle would give up a big play down the field on third downs. As the season progresses, Seattle will get better with making sure that they have little mistakes that will l cost them yards, as well as the spacing they have between them and their opponents.
On the offensive side of the ball, Russell Wilson looked like he did not miss a beat between offseason and preseason. He played one series, in which he took his team down the field for a touchdown. However, the battle for back up QB position is a toss-up. Austin Davis and Alex McGough struggled to get any production going down the field. Davis threw a pick when the Seahawks was in the red zone and he finished the game 4 of 5 for 55 yards.
McGough has struggled to find his rhythm with his wide receivers in training camp and against the Colts. He was off balanced and inaccurate throwing slants or the go route. McGough looked uncomfortable when the pocket collapsed and did not utilize what the defense was given him. He finished the game 10/13 for 48 yards.
The biggest lost that the Seahawks could lose at this time was their potential second-string running back C.J. Prosise. Before the coin toss, the Seahawks reported that Prosise was not going to play against the Colts. “Unfortunately, C.J. was having a great camp and he’s not going to play tonight, but Penny is looking great,” Schneider said. “Prosise has a little hip injury he’s working through.”
The Seahawks might have hit a home run with Nick Vannett. Vannett had three receptions against the Colts, but what he can do after a catch is amazing. He can catch in traffic can allude hits for more yards down the field and he is a really good blocker. He has exceptional stick-em hands that snag balls out of the air.
Even though the Seahawks lost the game, they have some players out there that can be a game changer for them. Look out for improvements across the board in week 2 of the preseason.
