Under the pouring rain and with a humidity level of 89%, the Seattle Seahawks kicked off against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lumen Field on Friday night. The weather conditions set the stage for a thrilling football game, and the Seahawks made the most of it. They showcased an impressive old-school offense, racking up 119 rushing yards on just 13 attempts, and establishing a commanding 7-0 lead in the first quarter. By halftime, Seattle had significantly extended their lead to 23-7, with a total of 174 rushing yards on 23 carries.
In the end, the Seahawks secured a convincing 33-16 victory over the Chiefs, marking a strong start to their preseason. Seattle safety Julian Love expressed optimism, stating, “It’s really encouraging. I don’t think you can script it better on offense in terms of the flow of how we want to play.” The statistics from the first half highlighted Seattle’s physical dominance, with the team amassing 309 total yards and averaging 8.6 yards per play, while limiting the Chiefs to only 104 yards on 20 plays.
As promised by coach Mike Macdonald, Seattle’s first-team offense was on the field for the initial drive. This included quarterback Sam Darnold, alongside key receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. The only notable absence was running back Kenneth Walker III, who sat out due to a sore foot. Darnold made an impressive debut, completing all four of his passes for 34 yards on his first drive, demonstrating his ability to extend plays, which will be essential for Seattle's offensive strategy.
During a crucial two-play sequence, Darnold executed a bootleg to his left, connecting with fullback Robbie Ouzts for a 13-yard gain, followed by a 9-yard pass to rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo. These plays set the stage for a well-executed 15-yard touchdown run by Zach Charbonnet, who found a massive hole on the left side of the line. The offensive line, featuring rookie Grey Zabel at left guard and Josh Jones at left tackle, delivered an impressive performance, paving the way for Charbonnet’s score and capping off a 10-play, 81-yard drive.
Coach Macdonald praised Darnold’s performance, stating, “Really sharp. I’m sure he wanted to keep going, but you know he showed what he can do. Really great drive.” Charbonnet’s touchdown was a testament to how well the offensive line has adapted to the new outside-zone scheme under first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Seattle’s defense also made a strong impression, playing many of its starters for one series. Notably, defensive linemen Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, and DeMarcus Lawrence sat out, along with injured linebacker Tyrice Knight. The Chiefs started their offensive drive with quarterback Gardner Minshew, filling in for the absent Patrick Mahomes. Despite a promising start that brought them to the Seattle 15, the Chiefs faltered on a fourth-and-one attempt when fullback Carson Steele was stopped short by safety Julian Love.
The first-team defense showcased resilience, proving to Macdonald that they could rise to the occasion even in a preseason game. This performance was vital for building confidence within the team, especially with veteran leaders stepping up in key moments.
After Darnold’s departure, Drew Lock took the reins and guided Seattle to touchdowns on three of his four drives, completing 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Lock’s performance solidified his position as the backup quarterback. Rookie Jalen Milroe also saw significant playing time, finishing with 46 passing yards and an impressive five rushes for 18 yards. Coach Macdonald hinted at experimenting with Milroe’s role on the field, suggesting that he might see more action in the upcoming game against Green Bay.
Rookie receiver Jake Bobo made a compelling case for a roster spot with two touchdown catches during the game. His first touchdown was a result of a well-executed screen pass, while his second came just before halftime, showcasing his ability to outmaneuver the Chiefs' defense. Coach Macdonald praised Bobo, saying, “This guy is a Seahawk the way he operates.” Bobo’s versatility was further highlighted when he returned a punt late in the game, indicating his potential to contribute on special teams.
The Seahawks' 33-16 victory over the Chiefs not only boosts their preseason record to 1-0-1 but also lays a solid foundation for their upcoming match against the Green Bay Packers. With a strong performance from both the offense and the defense, fans can anticipate an exciting season ahead as the Seahawks continue to develop their young talent and build team chemistry.
