Chargers at Seahawks: Five Roster Battles to Watch for Seattle

The San Diego Super Chargers are ready to do week 2 preseason battle with the Seattle Seahawks, but the best battles of the night might actually be between teammates as roster spots really begin to take shape tonight. Let’s look at five Seahawks roster battles to really keep an eye on as we watch the Hawks try and get back to their winning ways.

5: Justin Britt vs. Whoever

The right tackle position may be Britt’s to lose, but it’s still up for grabs and tonight might be the most important game of the preseason for him to put a stranglehold on it. There were plenty of mistakes in week 1 from the young rookie, but this week he really needs to be solid and protect better. Wade Smith, Cory Brandon, Eric Winston and Alvin Bailey are among those also vying for the position.

4: Ricardo Lockette vs. Chris Matthews, Phil Bates and Bryan Walters

An extreme battle is breaking out at wide receiver, especially after Bates had a successful day in last week’s game. All four of these guys are battling for what looks to be a single roster spot. While Lockette seems like the obvious choice, but Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson was full of praise for Bates this week.

Matthews brings extra size to the table and Walters is multi-faceted, leaving them in the race because Pete Carroll loves “unique qualities” in his players. We also can’t forget about Kevin Norwood, who had foot surgery recently and is on the mend. For now, the Hawks probably need a sixth receiver, but Norwood’s return around mid-season could lead to cutting whoever wins this battle down the road.

3: Tharold Simon vs. A.J. Jefferson, DeShawn Shead and Phillip Adams

I can’t help but think that Simon’s little stunt last week may have cost him a guaranteed spot on this team, at least for now. Adams and Jefferson are veterans and A.J. in particular played really well against the Broncos. The Hawks already know Shead is a steady performer when he gets his chances and he brings intriguing qualities to the defense. That’s going to make this a very difficult decision as these four battle for two spots in the secondary.

2: Brock Coyle vs. Mike Morgan

What a battle we have breaking out between Coyle and Morgan at linebacker! The youngster from Montana was all over the field and showed a passion above the other defenders last week which served him well on film, but can he continue the effort in back-to-back weeks?

Coyle’s production for the Griz certainly points to a positive outcome for him and everybody loves the underdog, but Morgan has been a steady backup the past four years in a Seattle uniform. Perhaps it’s time for some new blood in the Seahawks’ front-seven, or maybe Morgan makes his statement tonight.

1: Terrelle Pryor vs. Tarvaris Jackson

Part of the reason the Seahawks keep their status as one of the most talented and deepest rosters in the league is that they don’t spend unnecessary roster spots where they aren’t needed. Quarterback is generally one such position, but it’s interesting to fathom how much different that theory would be if the team had three former NFL starters on the depth chart.

Of course Seattle has that “problem” and is trying to hash it out. After week 1, Pete Carroll said that Jackson has been “steady as can be”, but also that he he was very impressed with Pryor’s progress and that the coaching staff was very excited to watch his development during the remainder of preseason.

I still contend that Jackson is the best man for the job right now, but that Pryor is the best man for the future. This could very well lead to three quarterbacks in a Seattle uniform this season, but if not, Pryor needs to continue growing at a rapid pace tonight to give himself a glowing chance the rest of the way before roster cuts.