As the NFL regular season looms, the preseason is more than just a series of warm-up games—it's a critical period where teams evaluate their rosters, identify strengths and weaknesses, and determine who will make the final cut. For the Seattle Seahawks, fresh off a solid Week 1 preseason victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, the aim was to build on that success and further solidify their lineup.
However, their Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans proved to be a challenging test, one that exposed several areas of concern as the Titans staged a 4th quarter comeback to hand the Seahawks a disappointing loss.
The loss serves as a sobering reminder that preseason games, while not affecting the regular season standings, are crucial for ironing out mistakes and preparing for the grind of the regular season. For the Seahawks, the key takeaways from this game include the need for greater depth, particularly on defense, and the importance of maintaining focus and discipline for all four quarters.
Two studs and two duds for the Seattle Seahawks versus the Tennessee Titans in preseason Week 2
While there were positives to build on, such as Lock's continued development and Bobo's emergence as a potential playmaker, the Seahawks will need to address the critical mistakes that allowed the Titans to snatch victory from their grasp.
As the Seahawks return to practice, the focus will undoubtedly be on correcting these errors and ensuring that they are better prepared to close out games as the regular season approaches. The loss to the Titans may sting, but it also provides a valuable learning opportunity for a team still fine-tuning its approach in preparation for the challenges ahead.
While the loss to the Titans is disappointing, it also provides a valuable learning opportunity. Preseason games are designed to reveal weaknesses and provide a platform for growth, and the Seahawks now have a clear understanding of where they need to improve. The coaching staff will use this game as a teaching tool, reinforcing the idea that attention to detail and execution are critical, no matter the circumstances.
As the regular season approaches, the Seahawks will be working tirelessly to fine-tune their approach, ensuring that they are better prepared to close out games and perform at a high level when the stakes are higher. The lessons learned from this preseason setback will be instrumental in helping the team build resilience and develop the mental toughness needed to navigate the challenges of a grueling NFL season. By addressing these issues head-on in practice, the Seahawks can turn this loss into a stepping stone toward a more successful regular season.
STUD - Sam Howell
When the Seattle Seahawks traded for quarterback Sam Howell during the offseason, the move was largely seen as a way to solidify their backup position behind established starter Geno Smith. Howell, a young and talented quarterback, was expected to learn and develop under Smith while providing insurance in case of injury.
However, as the preseason unfolds, Howell is making a compelling case for himself to be more than just a backup. With each passing game, the conversation is shifting from Howell being the future of the Seahawks to possibly being the present.
In Week 2 of the preseason, Howell delivered a standout performance that has only fueled the growing buzz around his potential. Facing off against the Tennessee Titans, Howell completed 11 of 14 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. His command of the offense, poise in the pocket, and ability to make big plays were on full display. He showed a keen understanding of the playbook, made smart decisions with the football, and demonstrated the kind of accuracy and arm strength that coaches dream of in a starting quarterback.
Geno Smith, who is currently nursing an injury, has been the presumed starter since he took over the reins last season. Smith’s experience and knowledge of the system make him a reliable choice to lead the offense. However, Howell’s preseason performances are forcing the coaching staff to take a closer look at the young quarterback.
With Smith sidelined, Howell has been given more opportunities to run the offense, and he has not disappointed. His ability to step in and perform at a high level has raised questions about whether he should be the one under center when the regular season begins.
The coaching staff is now in the enviable position of having two capable quarterbacks, each bringing their own strengths to the table. While Smith offers veteran leadership and experience, Howell brings a youthful energy and dynamic playmaking ability that could add a new dimension to the Seahawks' offense. The competition between the two is heating up, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that Howell is not content with just being the backup.
DUD - Running Game
The 2024 Seattle Seahawks are a team in transition, still in the process of discovering their true identity under new head coach Mike Macdonald. With any coaching change comes adjustments to the system, new philosophies, and the challenge of melding those with what has worked in the past. For the Seahawks, one thing that has consistently defined their success over the years is a strong, reliable running game. However, as they progress through the preseason, it’s becoming clear that the team has yet to find the rhythm and effectiveness they need on the ground.
In their recent preseason matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the Seahawks struggled mightily to establish the run, a key element that has been central to their offensive strategy for years. Despite some promising moments in the passing game, the inability to move the ball effectively on the ground was a glaring issue that the team will need to address as the regular season approaches.
The absence of starting running back Kenneth Walker III, who did not play in the game, was certainly a factor, but it also highlighted concerns about the depth and readiness of the other backs on the roster.
For a team that has long prided itself on a balanced offensive approach, the inability to establish the run early and often is concerning. The running game is not just about gaining yards; it’s about controlling the tempo of the game, wearing down defenses, and setting up play-action passes that can lead to big plays downfield. Without a credible threat on the ground, the Seahawks' offense becomes one-dimensional, making it easier for opposing defenses to key in on the passing game.
It’s important to note that preseason games are not always indicative of regular-season performance. The absence of Kenneth Walker III, who is expected to be the workhorse back, certainly impacted the team’s ability to execute its game plan. However, the preseason is also a time for players vying for roster spots to prove that they can contribute when called upon. The fact that the Seahawks’ depth players were unable to step up and move the ball efficiently on the ground is a red flag that cannot be ignored.
STUD - Derick Hall
The Seattle Seahawks have long been defined by their dominant defense, and at the heart of that defense was legendary linebacker Bobby Wagner. For years, Wagner was the undisputed leader on and off the field, anchoring the Seahawks’ defense with his exceptional playmaking ability, football IQ, and leadership.
His departure left a significant void in the middle of Seattle's defense—one that has been challenging to fill. As the team navigates through the preseason, the search for someone who can step into that role and help maintain the Seahawks’ defensive identity is a top priority.
Enter Derick Hall, a young linebacker who is beginning to show that he may be capable of filling the enormous shoes left by Wagner. In the Seahawks’ recent preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, Hall made a strong case for himself as a potential difference-maker on the defense. His performance, highlighted by three solo tackles and a sack, was a clear indication that he has the talent and determination to step up in a big way.
From the first snap, Hall played with the kind of intensity and awareness that Wagner was known for. He was all over the field, making key stops and showing a natural ability to diagnose plays quickly. His three solo tackles were a testament to his ability to get to the ball carrier and bring him down efficiently, something that is crucial for any linebacker looking to make an impact. The way he patrolled the field, tracking the ball and closing in on the Titans’ runners, was reminiscent of Wagner in his prime.
While it’s important to temper expectations—after all, it’s only the preseason—there’s no denying that Hall’s performance against the Titans is a promising sign. Replacing a player of Wagner’s caliber is no easy task, but Hall is showing that he has the tools and the mindset to be a significant contributor to the Seahawks defense. He is still young, and there will undoubtedly be growing pains, but his ability to rise to the occasion in this game suggests that he has the potential to develop into a cornerstone of Seattle’s defense.
DUD - Team Defense
As the 2024 NFL season rapidly approaches, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves with less than a month to iron out the kinks in their game. While the preseason is designed to identify and address areas of weakness, the Seahawks' recent performance against the Tennessee Titans has raised some serious concerns, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Despite flashes of individual brilliance, the overall defensive performance was far from what is needed to compete in the upcoming regular season.
The most glaring issue was the defense’s inability to stop the Titans when it mattered most. The Seahawks allowed Tennessee to march down the field in the fourth quarter, ultimately surrendering the game-winning drive. This late-game collapse is not just about one bad series; it points to a larger problem with the defense's overall execution and consistency. Allowing an opponent to drive the length of the field, especially in a critical moment, is a red flag that the defense is not yet where it needs to be.
Beyond the game-winning drive, the Seahawks were also outclassed in terms of overall yardage allowed. The Titans moved the ball with relative ease, both through the air and on the ground, exposing gaps in Seattle’s defensive schemes and highlighting weaknesses that must be addressed before the start of the season.
The defensive front struggled to generate consistent pressure, allowing Titans quarterbacks ample time to find open receivers. Meanwhile, the secondary was often caught out of position, leading to significant gains and missed opportunities for key stops.
There is still time for the Seahawks to turn things around, but the clock is ticking. The coaching staff will need to make significant adjustments in both the scheme and personnel to shore up the defense. Emphasizing fundamentals such as tackling, gap discipline, and coverage responsibilities will be critical in the coming weeks. The preseason is the time to make these corrections, and the Seahawks must use every remaining practice and preseason game to get their defense back on track.