Seahawks vs Raiders: what to look for

This final Seahawks vs Raiders preseason game has historically been equal parts bad football and outstanding individual performances. This time last year, Raiders rookie quarterback Derek Carr shredded the Seahawks defense, going 11-13 for 143 yards and 3 TD’s and sending waves of panic throughout Seahawks Country.

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And who can forget 3rd string QB Mike Teel in 2009? He went 11-19 for 148 yards and 2 TD’s and had my Dad thinking he was the second coming of Johnny Unitas.

As you all know, this final preseason exercise is akin to an NFL Europe game, where 3rd and 4th stringers battle it out for the final positions on the roster. For some, it could be the performance that earns them a spot on the team and a shot at future stardom. For many, it’s their ticket to free agency and hopefully another shot with another team. For most, it’s the last time they’ll ever strap on a football helmet in a game.

Tomorrow is NFL cut day. 704 players will ultimately be affected. Cut calls usually start around 6 am...it's a brutal day.
— Ken Sarnoff (@KenSarnoff) September 3, 2015

For the Seahawks, there are still some intriguing position questions that need to be answered:

The most tangible battles are at WR and RB. Assuming the team keeps 6 receivers, you have B.J. Daniels, Chris Matthews, Kevin Smith and Kasen Williams all fighting for the remaining 2 spots. Matthews has been hurt but may play tonight. The struggles of the passing game this preseason has made it tough for these guys to make in-game impressions. Matthews, if healthy, would seem to be a near lock, meaning there may be only 1 more spot up for grabs. B.J. Daniels is intriguing because of his ability to return kicks and serve as the emergency QB, but my personal favorite here is Smith. He too can return kicks, and he looks to me like a guy who can contribute on Sunday’s.

The running back spot got a lot more interesting with the news that backup Robert Turbin has a severe high ankle sprain and could miss 6-8 weeks. Veteran Fred Jackson will reportedly sign with Seattle, but that may not happen until week #2 so that the team isn’t required to guarantee his entire salary for the year. So there may be an opportunity for undrafted rookies Thomas Rawls or Rod Smith to make the roster, at least for the season opener. I prefer Smith for his size, but Rawls has had more opportunites in games.

The other spot where there are some real last-minute battles happening is on the defensive line. Undrafted T.Y. McGill is undersized but has made plays at every opportunity. DeMarcus Dobbs, Jesse Williams and David King have all had their moments as well. I’ll be watching the front 7 closely tonight.

Who am I kidding? I’ll be watching it all closely tonight. Most likely with a 10 Barrell Apocalypse IPA in one hand and binoculars in the other.

If I can pull that off it will be almost just as amazing as…….. that performance Mike Teel once had in this very game 6 years ago.

Next: Seahawks vs Raiders Gameday Primer

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