BRADY HENDERSON

Matt Flynn to start Seahawks’ preseason opener

Aug 7, 2012, 1:29 PM | Updated: 4:01 pm

By Brady Henderson

RENTON — The Seahawks don’t yet have a winner in their quarterback competition, but they know which one will start Saturday when Seattle opens the preseason at home against Tennessee.

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Pete Carroll likes what he’s seen from Matt Flynn during training camp. (AP)

Coach Pete Carroll announced Tuesday that Matt Flynn will start and play through the first half, with Russell Wilson playing the second half. Flynn will take the first-team reps for the rest of this week. The second-team reps will go to Wilson, while Tarvaris Jackson’s reps will be cut down.

“Matt has done a fantastic job so far,” Carroll said. “He’s learned the system, he’s on it. He can make all of the adjustments, all the calls. He sees the defense really well. I love that he’s moving really well in the pocket.

“All of the things we’re asking him to do he’s fit that together so far, but now I need to see him in a situation where now he takes over, and see what that looks like.”

Carroll said he’s comfortable limiting Jackson’s reps for the time being because he has a good understanding of what Jackson can do based on what they saw from him last season, his familiarity with Darrell Bevell’s offense and how he’s looked physically during training camp.

Carroll noted that Jackson came to camp in great shape, showing improved quickness and no ill-effects of the pectoral injury he dealt with last season.

“I think he’ll be able to survive cutting his reps out to a certain extent,” Carroll said.

Carroll suggested that Jackson isn’t necessarily eliminated from the competition and offered no timetable on making a final decision on a starter, only saying that he would like to do so as soon as possible.

“I’m not going to rush it,” he said. “I’m going to take my time. I’m going to get really good information.”

Wide receiver Terrell Owens will not play Saturday. Owens, who agreed to terms on a one-year deal Monday, is not expected to practice until Wednesday.

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