Seahawks vs. Raiders: Preseason game 4 initial reaction of the first half

In the Seahawks final preseason game of 2017, many players were battling for roster spots. Who did well and who did not in the final dress rehearsal before Seattle starts playing real games?

The Seahawks held out most of their starters on Thursday against the Raiders. Still, there were moments worth watching.

Terence Garvin continues to make plays. He had an interception return for a touchdown in the Seahawks first preseason game. Against the Oakland Raiders, Garvin picked up an early Raiders fumble and returned it back to the 10 yard line. This after Neiko Thorpe punched out the ball from the Raiders running back. Good stuff from two guys not necessarily locks to make the team.

On the Raiders second series, offseason acquisition Bradley McDougald made a big hit on a receiver on incomplete pass. McDougald looks quick to the ball and athletic. None of the Seahawks backup safeties in 2016 offered the quality he brings. Having McDougald backing up Earl Thomas or Kam Chancellor definitely should make 12s feel more comfortable.

Trevone Boykin remains a riddle wrapped inside another riddle followed by more riddle stuff. He looks at times accurate and athletic and makes the offense hum. On other plays, he makes poor decisions with his throws. The real problem with this is these opposing actions could happen on the same drive. It is maddening. And I have no belief that Boykin could be consistently good enough to lead the Seahawks to a successful season should Russell Wilson be hurt.

Injuries

DeAndre Elliott was battling for a roster spot. Most likely, Tramaine Brock would have beat him out. But Elliott suffered what looked like a broken ankle in the second quarter. Demetrius McCray took his spot and was not good. Elliott’s injury is one reason starters usually do not play in fourth games of the preseason.

Nazair Jones was playing well in the first half as he has all preseason. He appeared, though, to tweak his ankle after making a tackle for loss in the second quarter. Jones needs to be healthy for the season as depth on the defensive line is becoming a concern.

Related Story: Our final guess at who will make the Seahawks roster in 2017...

Nothing, though, can really be learned about how good the Seahawks will be this year from watching the team play against the Raiders. Both teams played guys they wanted to take one last look at before roster cuts on Saturday.