3 problems Seahawks are already dealing with in training camp

Training camps exist for a reason, of course. The time allows for any new schemes to be implemented and any new coaching staff to learn what their players can and cannot do. For the Seattle Seahawks, 2024 training camp is unlike any other since 2011 when former head coach Pete Carroll was entering his second season with the team.

There have been some positives in camp so far. Quarterback Geno Smith has been great and appears in total control of the new offense. Rookie Byron Murphy II looks as good as Seattle hoped when they chose him in the first round of this year's draft.

Just like every camp everywhere, though, there have been hiccups at Seahawks camp. There is time to fix the problems, thankfully. The three that follow have to be addressed before the season begins.

Three problems early in Seattle Seahawks training camp

Backup quarterback is a bit of a mess

Like all the issues listed here, things could be fixed - and must be fixed - prior to the season beginning. The flipside to that is that there is a chance they won't be and that could cause the Seahawks huge trouble during the season. The major issue would be at backup quarterback where Sam Howell is expected to be QB2 but has not been good for a lot of training camp.

Howell's throws have been inaccurate and he has been slow to deliver the ball after a receiver makes his cut. As opposed to Geno Smith, who has been fantastic in camp so far, and presumed QB3 PJ Walker, who has shown an electric arm and precision passing, Howell appears to be trying to find his way in offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's new offense.

Howell will be Smith's backup when the season begins and Walker will be lucky to make the roster, but should Smith be injured, Howell certainly has not done enough to make 12s feel comfortable with him entering a game. At least, not yet.

Defensive line dominance might not be a good sign

At the beginning of many training camps, one side of the ball normally has an advantage. In Seattle's case, however, both the offense and defense are learning new schemes and have been on equal ground. Or they should have. In fact, if anything, the offense should be a tick above because of Smith's rapport with his receivers.

The issue is that the defense line has dominated the offensive line at times. This is especially true in goal-line drills. The defense has been bad for a few years and the hope is that Mike Macdonald will nearly instantly improve the unit, but through a week of camp, the defense looks so much better because of the offensive line's apparent weakness (except for Charles Cross who has been terrific).

Hopefully, the defense is truly that much better. However, the offensive line could just be bad again. At least there is time to work the kinks out.

Dre'Mont Jones missing key reps

Speaking of the defensive line, one key player, Jones, has missed most of the first part of camp with a hamstring injury. The problem isn't that he is unlikely to return before the season - he could return at any point - and the team doesn't think the injury is serious, but Jones is needing to learn a new system and is role in the scheme. Any missed reps are bad.

Jones also might be playing some at edge rusher this year so getting some work at a spot he has never played before in the league is a must. Hopefully, he can get back in the next few days, but hamstrings can be tricky.

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