The Seattle Seahawks started the third week of training camp back with their leader back under center.
After missing the last two days of practice, Geno Smith returned and made an immediate impact on the Hawks offense and the vibe of practice in general. The Hawks “followed the steps” for Geno’s recovery, according to new coach Mike Macdonald: “It was time for him to go (back) out there. It was great.”
One thing that has picked up is the intensity the past three days of camp, and the players wasted no time getting after each other on Monday.
The first part of practice saw running backs working on pass protection against blitzing linebackers in a drill. Running back Kobe Lewis finished a backer with a pancake block, winning the drill for the ball carriers. That got fellow running back Kenneth Walker fired up in support of Lewis, and that carried to the eleven-on-eleven drills.
In a no-tackling section of the drill, Walker ran up to Tariq Woolen, who grabbed on to his facemask. The two jawed at each other, then Walker smacked Woolen across his facemask, and the two then went to the ground.
After sides were separated, the two were still talking to each other, creating a competitive high-intensity atmosphere for the rest of practice.
“I love the competitor and the spirit. But we need to take care of one another. So if we get in a scrap here and there, it’s understandable, but we gotta make sure everybody is healthy and taken care of,” Macdonald said.
It was a day that was won by the defense. The offense didn’t have much to show in the competitive first team reps. Outside of the return of Geno Smith at QB, the offense just was not in sync.
In the surprise scenario, to win, the offense needed a touchdown. There were 12 minutes left in the second quarter and the ball was on the 30 yard line. The first team offense went three and out and Jason Meyers even missed the field goal.
There is still a lot to learn for this Seahawks offense. Under former University of Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, the Hawks are hoping to have one of the most dynamic playbooks in the NFL. A big part of that is going to be second year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has been working a lot with Geno Smith.
“It is good in the offseason to have that time where no one is around and we can just talk ball,” Smith-Njigba said.
Smith-Njigba is just one of a true three-headed monster that Grubb is planning to deploy on defensive backs everywhere.
“When I see the playbook, my eyes get wide. I see a lot of possible explosive plays and a lot of answers to whatever the defense is giving,” he said.
His head coach agrees — Macdonald referred to Smith-Njigba as having a “fluid-explosiveness.”
The Seahawks preseason starts on August 10 on the road in Los Angeles against the Chargers. For players like Kenny McIntosh, who shined in training camp last year, it is a chance to really earn a spot on the roster. McIntosh is battling rookie out of Boise State, George Holani.
“He is a guy that just keeps doing it. In the preseason, he will have an ample opportunity to see what he can do,” Macdonald said on Holani.
On McIntosh, who has gotten reps with the first team, “Kenny is getting pushed right now and is in a battle. I think George (Holani) is right there with him… McIntosh is getting his money’s worth right now. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out the next few weeks.”
Someone who doesn’t have that sort of pressure is 2024 first round pick Byron Murphy II. Murphy has shown he has the speed and power to be an effective defensive tackle in drills against the Seahawks offensive line.
“It is a blessing to be with them, they keep pushing me. They are pushing me to get better everyday. I appreciate those guys,” Murphy said.
On the field, Murphy is joining the likes of Julien Love and Devon Witherspoon, who really bring a different type of energy and enthusiasm to the game of football — one that Murphy can’t wait to start playing with.
“I am looking forward to it. To have them type of guys on the field, where I am not the only dawg. But everybody is a dawg and we are on the same side of the ball is crazy. I feel like it’s going to be fun,” Murphy said.
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Wide Receiver Ty Scott takes a turn during practice at the VMAC. Photo provided by Maria Dorsten.
Seahawks Tight End Pharaoh Brown makes a catch during practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Photo provided by Maria Dorsten.
Geno Smith drops back to pass during his first practice back after missing time due to injury. Photo provided by Maria Dorsten.
