The Seattle Seahawks just lost to the Tennessee Titans in the second preseason game of their 2024 campaign by a score of 16-15.
In their preseason debut last Saturday night head coach Mike Macdonald played his starters on defense for a few series, plus Jaxon Smith-Njigba saw at least some action on offense. However, this time around there were no starters to be found on the field for either unit. That gave us an extended look at the team’s depth on both sides of the ball. Here are a few backups who stood out from this week’s win for the Seahawks.
Stud: QB Sam Howell
After a shaky showing against LA last week, Sam Howell bounced back with a strong game here despite not getting great protection. Howell handled the pressure well, navigating the pocket like a seasoned vet, throwing into the blitz and dealing on the run. His 23-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to Easop Winston had some gorgeous touch on it.
Later, Howell showed he can put plenty of zip on the ball too when he completed a laser of a pass to Cody White for 33 yards. Howell finished the game 11/14 for 153 yards, one score, no picks and a 136.0 passer rating.
Dud: Pass protection
Seattle’s offensive line did a pretty good job of blocking for the run, opening up lanes for third-string running back Kenny McIntosh. However, they weren’t nearly as sharp in pass protection. Once again backup offensive tackles Stone Forsythe and McClendon Curtis got pushed backwards too much, not giving Howell or P.J. Walker much room or time to operate in the pocket. They allowed three sacks, four QB hits and a lot of pressures.
Stud: Seahawks edge rotation
The Seahawks didn’t play their number one edge rusher, Uchenna Nwosu. The rest of the group was more than alright without him, though. Boye Mafe, Derick Hall and Darrell Taylor all flashed especially early on in the game, getting consistent pressure on Malik Willis and setting the edge against the run.
Seattle also got good returns from the lower end of the interior rotation, with both Myles Adams and Mike Morris having their moments.
Stud: WR/KR Laviska Shenault Jr.
The tone was set on the very first play of the game when Dee Williams broke off a 41-yard kick return to set the Seahawks up in great position for their first drive. However, the play wouldn’t have happened without some brilliant blocking by Laviska Shenault Jr.:
Shenault also flashed on offense and made a nice stop on special teams, too.
Dud: CB D.J. James
It’s been a rough couple of weeks for rookie cornerback D.J. James out of Auburn. After earning one of the lowest defensive grades on the team from Pro Football Focus last week against the Chargers, James followed it up with another poor showing against the Titans. Tackling is the big issue for James, who missed two key ones on Tennessee’s scoring drive in the second quarter. James was also flagged for a few penalties.
Stud: RB Kenny McIntosh
McIntosh did get some help from Seattle’s backup offensive linemen up front. It’s a two-way street, though and McIntosh showed some solid vision running against the Titans. He also flashed a mean stiff-arm and some chops as a receiver. McIntosh racked up 46 rushing yards on eight carries and added another 17 yards on two catches.
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