Field Gulls
It may not have counted, but how great was it to have Seahawks football back? In arguably one of the biggest preseason games in recent history, Seattle welcomed back former quarterback Geno Smith and now Raiders head coach Pete Carroll. In classic Pete Carroll fashion, the game ended in a wacky 23-23 tie. Let’s break what we saw on Thursday night.
I’ll be honest. I thought it was a little awkward to see Geno Smith in the “Silver and Black.” We only got to see him for one series, but I expect we’ll see a very similar season in 2025 that we saw the past two years Geno was here in Seattle.
Pete Carroll back on the sidelines, even as an opponent, didn’t feel awkward at all. It felt like family getting back together again. Pete will get a status at Lumen Field within the next few years, and he helped create our greatest memories as Seahawks fans. It was also time for some different, for both sides. Seattle has a new coach that is clearly a defensive mastermind and seems more comfortable in year two as the head man. This team is in a better spot to be successful than they have since the 2020 season, and Carroll has a chance to implement his culture for a franchise that desperately needs him.
Everyone is where they should be.
Trying not to get too carried away with it being preseason week one, but this rookie class continued from their strong camps, making an impact.
I thought Grey Zabel looked like the potential franchise altering star when I first scouted him at North Dakota State last October. His versatility is a huge asset, but as a guard, he can be a future All-Pro guard that gets Seattle back to respectability along the offensive line. In his two series, he may have been the best player on the field.
Robbie Ouzts gave some of the older Seahawks fans some real Mack Strong nostalgia from back in the day. Ouzts, who’s been a star in camp, hauled in a 17-yard catch where he bowled over a couple of Raiders, and then was the lead blocker on both of Seattle’s longest runs, including George Holani’s 24-yard touchdown score.
Speaking of camp stars, Tory Horton could be in the driver’s seat to take the No. 3 WR spot on this roster. He looked explosive in special teams, while hauling in three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown.
Elijah Arroyo hauled in two passes, while converting a first down, and Nick Emmanwori physically looked like someone that offenses will have to game plan around.
They may not become superstar names, but the overall depth of the class could be the difference in two or three wins this year.
Lock ran...
