RENTON — What Pete Carroll saw beginning to develop in the first two weeks of training camp showed when the Seattle Seahawks finally got on the field.
In critical areas like the offensive line, backup quarterback and Seattle’s stable of running backs, that development was far more important than the 17-16 victory over Kansas City in the Seahawks’ preseason opener.
“We’re really pleased with what’s happened up to this point because guys are showing in the game like they showed in practice,” Carroll said. “So we’re getting good information and really directs us for the things we need to work on.”
The standouts included the maligned starting offensive line, which held its own against Kansas City’s front, though the Chiefs were without a number of starters. Running back Christine Michael rushed for 44 yards on just seven carries and was decisive during his runs. Backup quarterback Trevone Boykin played adequately even before the final drive, when he took the Seahawks 88 yards in the closing seconds and hit Tanner McEvoy for a 37-yard touchdown on the final play of regulation. And undrafted rookie defensive back Tyvis Powell showed his versatility with a couple of standout plays on special teams and an interception on defense.
“I don’t remember a first-year guy having a first game that was that obvious like that,” Carroll said of Powell.
The more important developments were the play of the offensive line and Boykin’s performance.
The projected starting line has been the most watched position group during training camp because of its perceived weakness. Justin Britt seemed to adjust well to his move to center, tackles Bradley Sowell and Garry Gilliam played well and rookie Germain Ifedi made a few mistakes but overall held up in his first professional game.
“I thought we were tight in our pass protection and really hit some runs against a really nice front,” Carroll said.
Boykin was 12 of 22 passing before the final drive when he hit all four passes, including the touchdown to McEvoy. Carroll said Boykin had some issues in the huddle that led to miscommunication but the coach was pleased overall as Boykin tries to show he can serve as Russell Wilson’s backup.
“He showed the big plays and showed the confidence and the poise to get through it and the clock is ticking down on that last play and the clock is running out and had great poise to finish it off like he did,” Carroll said.
Michael exhibited the continuing maturation he first displayed when he was re-signed by the Seahawks late last season. Michael has received the bulk of the work in training camp as Thomas Rawls recovers from the ankle injury he suffered in December.
“I’m just here to contribute. Whether that’s a 1-2 punch or backing Thomas up or starting, I have to be consistent, I have to do my job, I have to be trustworthy and know what I’m doing,” Michael said.
NOTES: Seattle signed veteran DT Tony McDaniel. Agent David Canter posted on Twitter that McDaniel had signed with the Seahawks. McDaniel played with Seattle in 2013-14 and was in Tampa Bay last year. … RT J’Marcus Webb is not expected to play Thursday against Minnesota. Webb twisted his knee in practice last week and did not play against the Chiefs. Seattle moved Garry Gilliam to right tackle and inserted Bradley Sowell at left tackle against Kansas City and will likely do the same again this week. … SS Kam Chancellor has not returned to practice due to a groin injury and won’t play this week.
