Seahawks Tuesday training camp notes: Pete Carroll names starting QB for preseason opener
Seaside Bonus: The Seahawks could have some surprise starters this season based on Carroll's comments after practice on Tuesday
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll finding out that there’s a bonus post at Seaside Joe but left his phone in the office:
Carroll met with Seahawks media following training camp on Tuesday, August 9, and he made a few really important points to clarify competitions at quarterback, running back, receiver, guard, tackle, cornerback, and safety, among other things. Some of which was apparent during Seahawks practice on Tuesday, of which key takeaways include a groin injury to Artie Burns, Drew Lock getting additional reps with the starters, and Coby Bryant continuing to show versatility and advanced abilities as a rookie.
As to Saturday’s Seahawks mock game, Carroll emphasized that Seattle wanted to treat the scrimmage like a real football game and that this was as important in their evaluation process as any preseason contest. The first of those Seahawks preseason game is this Saturday in Pittsburgh against the Steelers, and Pete Carroll confirmed that Geno Smith will start, with Lock waiting to get his chance for more reps with the 1s.
According to Carroll, Lock was “was on time, quick with the ball, made good decisions with it,” during Saturday’s Seahawks scrimmage. “Unfortunately missed chance on the ball down the middle late in the game. But comfortable and poised.”
Carroll called it Lock’s best performance with the Seahawks in camp so far.
“Most solid performance. He’s had good days but that was the best one. I really liked his poise and comfort in the pocket, handling stuff, adjustments, calls on the line of scrimmage.”
But Carroll was not ready to praise Lock’s play like that of a starter and in fact he probably had more enthusiasm when talking about Geno Smith, even if he wasn’t satisfied with how the offense played in the second half. “Geno started well. In the second half, we weren’t as clean with what we were doing. He had a really good start.”
Carroll said that moving forward, the Seahawks probably owe Lock more reps with the starters and for everybody to expect that to happen in the coming days and next couple of weeks. “This week is a big week. We did a lot of switching and changing to make sure everybody’s getting to work with everybody. It’s been heavier in Geno’s favor to get those guys the work so far. I want to make sure that’s not a factor and not out of balance.”
My prediction for Drew Lock this entire time has been that Smith would start the opening preseason game and everything remains on schedule with Carroll’s announcement about Saturday’s starter. Carroll said that Saturday’s mock game was basically like the team’s first preseason contest, so if we were using 2012 as a model, it would mean that the second preseason game against the Chargers is actually more like the “dress rehearsal” for Seattle.
And that would be the ideal game for Lock to get his first start with the Seahawks. If Smith starts both of those games, it definitely does not bode well for Lock. But right now everything Carroll is saying is on schedule.
In Tuesday’s camp, Smith played most of the reps with the 1s, with Lock reportedly getting about “five snaps” with the starters. That’s four more than he got on Friday, so I see that as trending upwards in his favor. Both Smith and Lock had notable connections with DK Metcalf on Tuesday also, which I will cover in today’s second bonus post.
First bonus post: Roquan Smith trade speculation
Free Seahawks newsletter post: Geno Smith listed first on depth chart
This is bonus post number two and already the headline story about Geno Smith and Drew Lock has been delivered for free. In today’s Seaside Bonus for Seahawks training camp news:
Artie Burns leaves with injury, leaving interesting combination among cornerbacks; Carroll names starting RT for preseason opener, but implies one expected starter could be pushed out of his job; injury updates on Dee Eskridge, Tyreke Smith, Jordyn Brooks, John Reid, and more; more praise for Coby Bryant and Josh Jones; is Darrell Taylor the true standout of Seahawks camp or is it a concerning sign for OL?
More quotes from Pete Carroll after Tuesday’s practice:
Abe Lucas starting at RT in preseason opener
Pete Carroll was on NFL Network before practice, reportedly announcing Abe Lucas as the team’s starting right tackle on Saturday. Based on what Carroll said after practice, it sounds like Lucas could start at tackle but the team is also pleased with Jake Curhan. Carroll is even higher on another potential new starter at right guard.
On Abe Lucas and Charles Cross:
“They have everything ahead of them. It’s not scary putting them out there. Poised athletes. You can see in the run game and pass game to be able to adjust to both. I don’t see anything holding those guys back other than time and experience and the guys they’re battling against. They’re going to get a lot of playing time this weekend.”
The receiver stand out is not one of the young guys
Pete Carroll is impressed with Marquise Goodwin and it sounds like that’s a receiver he would love to keep in his locker room this season.
“He’s been one of the highlights of camp. He adds a lot with his makeup in the room with younger players. He does stuff all the time, he’s really disciplined, had a great grab today.”
Goodwin is trying to win a job as a WR3 with Dee Eskridge missing all of practice so far. Carroll noted after practice that Eskridge is at about “70%” and that he is “getting really close.” The Seahawks haven’t seen Eskridge at full speed yet, but what if he’s able to put that on display against the Chargers or in the preseason final against the Cowboys? Nobody has really done enough ahead of him to make him worry yet.