Rapid Reaction: Colts At Seahawks

August 9, 2018

Preseason week one is underway as the Indianapolis Colts traveled to Seattle to take on the Seahawks.  We got a live-action look at a new Seahawks’ offensive scheme, a revamped defense, an intriguing group of rookies and multiple position battles on both sides of the ball.

The play turned out to be pretty entertaining in the first quarter, but as the night wore on, it definitely looked like the first preseason game. Sloppy play ensued in the second half and the Colts would get the win, 19-17.

Full Press Coverage brings you their rapid reaction to all the action on the field.

Russell Wilson and the first-team offense:

Seahawks’ starting offense: Duane Brown, Ethan Pocic, Justin Britt, D.J. Fluker and Germain Ifedi along the line.  Russell Wilson at quarterback.  Chris Carson at tailback with Tre Madden at fullback.  Tyler Lockett and Jaron Brown at wide receiver with Nick Vannett at tight end.

The Seahawks spread it out early and Wilson looked sharp, hitting three different receivers on the opening drive.  The offensive line got a great push on the right side for a Chris Carson fourth-and-one conversion.  Russell capped the possession by evading pressure and finding Nick Vannett in the endzone for a score.  Vannett had two receptions on the drive. That would be it for the starters, as the backups entered on Seattle’s second offensive possession.

If you give @DangeRussWilson time, he'll make you pay.#INDvsSEA pic.twitter.com/0iYUxnOuXv

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 10, 2018

Defense redux:

Seahawks’ starting defense: Brendan Jackson, Marcus Smith at defensive end with Tom Johnson and Jarran Reed at defensive tackle. Barkevious Mingo, K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner at the linebackers. Bradley McDougald at strong safety with Tedric Thompson the free safety. Tre Flowers and Shaquill Griffin at cornerback.

The first-team defense gave up a fourth and one conversion at their own 38-yard line when they left Robert Turbin wide open in the right flat. Was one of four receptions surrendered to Indy running backs on the drive.  Three plays later, Bobby Wagner stopped a third-down run by Andrew Luck just short of the first down. The Colts wound up kicking a field-goal. The majority of the defensive starters played just the one series.

Shaquill Griffin, stepping in for the departed Richard Sherman at left cornerback, was matched up early against T.Y. Hilton. Griffin had one pass breakup while Hilton had one reception on a slant route, good for eight yards.

Throughout the game, it was evident that Seattle has vastly improved their team speed on defense.  Shaquem Griffin and Barkevious Mingo were flying around at the linebacker spot, with Mingo recording a sack off the edge and Griffin finishing with nine total tackles.

Seahawks ascending:

RB Chris Carson– Was impressive in his first game action since a horrific leg injury in 2017.  Even with an added ten pounds of muscle, Carson showed quick burst and cutting ability. Forced a few missed tackles and finished with four carries for 26 yards.

DE Rasheem Green– The rookie, lined up at right defensive end, was able to get around the left tackle for a sack of Andrew Luck on the Colts’ second offensive drive. Later in the third quarter, lined up inside at left defensive tackle, he beat the guard with a quick first-step to sack Jacoby Brissett on third down. Showed up strong in the run game as well.

WR David Moore– The second-year player made a nice grab on a 50-50 ball along the right sideline for 28 yards in the second quarter. Plays like these are key to gaining separation in a crowded depth chart. Nearly came up with a diving attempt on a deep throw from Alex McGough before taking a blow to the head and exiting the game.

Seahawks descending:

C.J. Prosise- GM John Schneider announced pre-game that Prosise would sit because of a hip injury.  This is terrible news for the third-year pro out of Notre Dame who has dealt with a history of injuries and badly needs a strong preseason to make the team.

Austin Davis- Forced a throw to a covered Keenan Reynolds in the endzone resulting in an interception. Then took back-to-back sacks on Seattle’s next drive.

Other news and notes:

George Fant, after missing all of last season with a torn ACL, returned to action at right tackle on the Seahawks’ second offensive possession…DT Quinton Jefferson left with a lower leg injury after getting kicked by a Colts’ player but was able to walk off the field under his own power…RT Isaiah Battle went down with a left leg injury, though he was able to limp off to the exam tent…Rookie offensive tackle Jamarco Jones had his leg rolled up on by a Colts’ player in the fourth quarter, had to be carted off…Former University of Washington Husky and Seattle Seahawk wide receiver Kasen Williams had 46 yards on three receptions for the Colts…Luck completed six passes for 64 yards in his first action in  almost 600 days…This was Seattle’s first preseason loss since 2016.

Final Analysis:

All in all, despite the loss, this could be considered a fairly successful game for the Seahawks.  The first-team offense was able to move the ball, and the offensive line got some push in the run game.  For the defense, they held up against the run and were able to generate a pass-rush, totaling three sacks in the contest. The night will be further soured if Jones’ injury is serious.