NFL preseason games are meaningless, unless your team wins by steam rolling the other team with a powerful running attack. Then, they are actually a lot of fun. This was the case for these mighty 2019 Seattle Seahawks going down to La La Land.

Here’s my thoughts.

The Good

With linebackers Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright, and safety Bradley McDougald back in the starting line up, this Seattle defense starts to look much more formidable. Running becomes more of a challenge, and short passes aren’t as easily given up. This is what solid veteran leadership does for a defense, and why I think Seattle is going to be okay there this year.

Linebacker Mychal Kendricks had a fantastic game.

Poona, Poona, Poona. Another game where second year defensive tackle Poona Ford shows how disruptive he is against the run and pass. Two solo tackles and plenty of activity for this promising young talent. He’s a lot of fun to watch.

Russell Wilson was poised and in control as a passer, but Running Russell is back, and that is a good thing. He looks quicker this year, and it’s not like he has to tuck it and run a bunch, he just has to remain a legitimate threat. I like Running Russell.

Seattle’s run game was dominant. The offensive line was working over the Chargers’ defensive front, Chris Carson ran like a beast, Rashaad Penny ran tough, but a healthy CJ Prosise reminded us what a special talent he can be with the ball in his hands. Tonight, he felt the most dynamic of the trio and it was fun to watch. JD McKissic and Travis Homer also ran well.

Shaquill Griffin had a nice bounce back game from a bit of a rough outing last week in Minnesota. He also had a nice game a couple weeks ago against Denver. Griffin has a ton of physical talent. If he can put it all together, he can be a great cornerback in this league.

Rookie safety Ugo Amadi made LOB like plays. There’s no question he is making this team, but I’m wondering if he’s going to push for more immediate playing time. He just seems to have a knack.

Rookie receiver John Ursua was flashy and has a very Doug Baldwin thing about his game.

Pass rusher Jacob Martin had a nice looking game. As did defensive end Brandon Jackson.

Jason Meyers kicked a 58 yard field goal. BOOM!

The Bad

Wilson missed on a wide open Malik Turner who would have probably scored a long touchdown, but he had pressure in his face because Penny didn’t appear to pass protect particularly well. That might hurt Penny’s chance at being the third down back.

Rookie receiver Gary Jennings did a bone headed blindside block that negated a big time Russell Wilson run. That may not help his chances making this team.

The Ugly

Jason Meyers missed an extra point kick.

The Seattle backup offense failed to close out the game late in the fourth when LA’s offense was making a come back. Instead of running, they called pass plays that failed to gain yardage, and ended the three and out series with a sack. That was pure poo poo.

Closing Thoughts

With Prosise playing as strongly as he did, I wonder if he is trade bait material. Also, with depth at safety, I wonder of one of those guys get dangled.

Most have been speculating that Seattle might go in for a splash trade for a pass rusher, they might, but Seattle now has receiver David Moore out for a while with a shoulder injury, and that leaves only two veteran receivers with substantial experience on the roster. As much as DK Metcalf, John Ursua and Jazz Ferguson excite, they got diddy all genuine NFL experience between them. Something tells me Seattle might look to add there.

I’m going to do a final 53 man roster projection, but it’s kind of silly because I think that this team is going to look to add here and there from the outside, possibly starting next week.

Go Hawks.