Three Seahawks with something to prove against the Vikings

Sure, a lot players have to something to prove in the dress rehearsal for the regular season. But these three have a lot riding on their performance Friday.

Players like Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner don’t have to play lights out to keep their starting gig. They will, because they’re two of the best in the league, and that’s what they do. But not everyone is in their position. More than a few Seahawks need to show they belong in Seattle, and there’s no better time than against a good Minnesota Vikings team. Some are fighting for a starting role, while others are fighting to stay employed.

Germain Ifedi. No point in saving him for the big reveal at the end. Everyone knows his job as the starting right tackle is on the line. I don’t expect George Fant to take over the starting job as of tonight, but if Ifedi gets mauled like he did against the Los Angeles Chargers, it will only be a matter of time. I think it’s only a matter of time no matter what, but it will be a very short time if Ifedi doesn’t start playing better tonight.

C.J. Prosise. Before you start a petition to have me committed, I know that Prosise is basically a lock to make the Seahawks. He was likely going to make the 53 man roster anyway, but the unfortunate injury of J. D. McKissic virtually guarantees it. I’m not the least concerned if Prosise has the talent to make the squad. When he’s healthy, he’d make any roster. That’s the problem, of course. Prosise has to be productive tonight, but more than anything, he needs to get a lot of snaps and come out injury-free. That hasn’t been that easy for the versatile Prosise, but he held up just fine after the Chargers game. We hope to see the same result tonight.

Maurice Alexander. Alexander hasn’t seen much action at all this preseason. Until now, the default safety tandem for the Seahawks has been Bradley McDougald and Tedric Thompson. With McDougald resting tonight, Alexander will step into the strong safety role. Alexander is almost certain to make the cut in a couple weeks, but he has to get on the field to ensure that. Tonight, he has a chance to show he’s worth considering as a starter, too.

These three will have every chance to show they belong in the starting lineup tonight. Prosise isn’t likely to unseat Chris Carson, but with his skills, he could have a very big role in the Seahawks offense. Alexander could give second year player Thompson a serious challenge in the defensive backfield. If that happens, McDougald would likely move over to free safety in most sets. And Ifedi – well, Ifedi just needs to get it done.