SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

‘Hawk Talk’ highlights: Will Christine Michael take carries away from Thomas Rawls?

Aug 27, 2016, 2:10 PM | Updated: 2:14 pm

Danny O'Neil believes the Seahawks like the combination of Christine Michael and Thomas Rawls. (AP)...

Danny O'Neil believes the Seahawks like the combination of Christine Michael and Thomas Rawls. (AP)

(AP)

Danny O’Neil hosted another edition of “Hawk Talk” on Tuesday. Here’s the transcript. Highlights are below.

NicaHawk asked if Christine Michael could take carries away from Thomas Rawls or if Michael will be slotted into a backup role.

Danny O’Neil: I think that it’s fair to think that Rawls is going to average about 15 carries with Michael getting six or so for at least the first few games. I think they like the idea of Rawls as the bruiser and Michael as the more explosive home-run threat.

AKborn86 asked what was the best thing Danny saw from the Seahawks in Thursday’s preseason win over the Cowboys.

Danny O’Neil: Had to be Russell Wilson scrambling, right? You’re reminded of just how unique he is. Paul Richardson running away from a former first-round pick – who by the way had a handful of Richardson’s jersey – was also pretty darn encouraging.

John asked about the Seahawks’ longsnapper situation.

Danny O’Neil: That’s a really good question. They think that Nolan Frese has all the tools to do the jobs and wanted to see if it was a case of nerves in his first preseason game. Three low snaps last night – two on punts – probably means Seattle will be looking elsewhere.

Jon asked if Danny thinks Tanner McEvoy locked up Seattle’s fifth wide receiver spot.

Danny O’Neil: I did until we heard after the game he injured his groin muscle. That’s significant. If it’s something that’s going to keep him out more than a couple of weeks, that could change the calculus on that position.

borshack asked for thoughts on offensive lineman J’Marcus Webb and who the starting tackles will be in Week 1.

Danny O’Neil: I thought J’Marcus Webb looked good. Then again, he only had one series against Dallas’ starters. Most importantly, you saw him get good push. His pad level is always going to be higher than the Seahawks generally like. He’s an eight-year vet and he’s probably not going to reinvent himself at this point. The fact he was playing left tackle was telling. I believe they’re preparing him to be the swing tackle at this point, capable of backing up both positions.

MR Andy asked if the Seahawks will look for a veteran backup QB or stay with rookie Trevone Boykin.

Danny O’Neil: Well, Seattle is certainly going to look. That would be true even if Trevone Boykin had been entirely perfect. Will Seattle find a better veteran? I think they’ll be real interested to see which of the four quarterbacks the Jets don’t keep. If Bryce Petty and/or Geno Smith were available, does Seattle bite?

AKJester asked what Danny’s impression of Brandon Browner at safety is, and if he provides enough at the position to make the team.

Danny O’Neil: My opinion? No. I think he has played primarily late in games with Kelcie McCray and Steven Terrell getting more repetitions earlier. It very much looks like Browner is a player who won’t be making the team, but I offer one caveat. If Seattle truly has an idea for him in some unique hybrid role, that’s not something they would show in preseason games. I haven’t seen or heard any evidence that’s the case. But if he was going to be Secret Weapon X, the Seahawks wouldn’t give opponents like Miami and the Rams a template for what’s coming.

Ricky R asked who will be the surprise player that doesn’t make the team.

Danny O’Neil: Here will be three guys that I would be surprised to see on the 53-man roster: Patrick Lewis, Brandon Browner, Jahri Evans.

Fred G asked if there seems to be any holes in the offensive line at the beginning of the season.

Danny O’Neil: I think there’s going to be a bunch of questions about the tackles between here and the midway point of the season. I think the reviews are very positive for the interior of the line, and while it might just be typical training-camp talk, the Seahawks are unanimous that this group is further ahead than the line at the same point last year.

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