By Khalid Bennett
The Seattle Medium
The new look Seahawks saw their first bit of action on Thursday night when the Indianapolis Colts came into Century Link field for the first preseason game of the 2018 campaign. With the roster turnover they have had over the offseason, many fans wonder if this is a rebuilding period for the Seahawks. Head coach Pete Carroll used the phrase “reset” rather than rebuild but the differences between last year’s team, and the team that took the field on Thursday is evident.
One of the benefits of the preseason is to get a look at some of the young players and Seattle definitely had a few rookies on display. Shaquem Griffin, twin brother of Seahawk cornerback Shaquille Griffin, was the story of the draft. Reuniting with his twin in the NFL to try and carry on the legacy of the Legion of Boom is not an easy task. Shaquille replaced Richard Sherman at left corner, and rookie Tre Flowers got the start at right. Shaquem Griffin was a starter at outside linebacker in place of KJ Wright who was nursing a minor injury.
“We actually had to tell him to slow down in practice so it’s great to get to see him play at full speed,” Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner about Griffin.
Griffin wasn’t the only rookie the veteran players were excited about during camp. Defensive end Rasheem Green got the opportunity to start in place of Frank Clark. Green recorded 1.5 sacks and was seemingly living in the Colts backfield. Rookie safety Tedric Thompson also started in place of Earl Thomas who has yet to report to camp.
The offense was able to score on their first drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to tight end Nick Vannett. Seattle drove 75 yards on 12 plays and even converted on a 4th and 1 opportunity. Wilson went 4 for 5 for 43 yards and a touchdown but it was the running game that set the tone early. Chris Carson returned from a broken leg last season and carried the ball 4 times for 26 yards in the first half. Seattle’s first round draft pick Rashaad Penny was held in check by the Indianapolis defense, but showed glimpses of his talent and speed being able to bounce the football to the outside which set up the touchdown pass by Wilson. The offensive line added guard DJ Fluker to go with pro bowlers Duane Brown and Justin Britt. Germaine Ifedi, who had struggled last season with penalties, played a clean game as the line held their ground to give Russell Wilson time in the pocket to pinpoint his targets. Tyler Lockett, Jaron Brown, and Nick Vannett all caught passes on the first drive from Wilson.
Rasheem Green finished the game with 7 tackles to go along with his 1.5 sacks and Shaquem Griffin lead the team with 9 tackles. Even though Seattle lost 19-17, the locker room and the coaching staff was pleased with the effort put forth by the young players to stay competitive throughout the game.
“It was actually easier than practice,”said Tedric Thompson after the game which speaks volumes towards how hard the team collectively is working in order to get ready for the regular season.
