Observations from Seahawks’ preseason opener

SEATTLE – The Seattle Seahawks opened their 2025 preseason slate with a 23-23 tie against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night at Lumen Field.

Recap | Box score | Carroll crashes Schneider’s pregame interview

What stood out from the game? Here are some observations:

Up-and-down debut for Milroe

Rookie third-string quarterback Jalen Milroe, one of the more intriguing players in the entire 2025 draft class, had an up-and-down preseason debut. Playing the entire second half, the third-round pick from Alabama completed 6 of 10 passes for 61 yards, while showcasing his electrifying speed with three carries for 38 yards.

The highlight for Milroe came on a read-option keeper where he raced around the edge and turned on the jets for a 27-yard gain. He also zipped a 15-yard play-action pass to undrafted rookie wideout Tyrone Broden and threaded the needle on a 14-yard completion over the middle to rookie receiver Ricky White III.

But there were some rookie moments too. On his first series, Milroe threw late on a sideline pass that was nearly intercepted. And later on, facing a fourth-and-1 near midfield, Milroe rolled right and was off-target on a throw to undrafted rookie tight end Marshall Lang.

Quick with it. 💨

📺: @King5Seattle or @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/ZiTgaqfrT2

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 8, 2025

Horton continues to shine

Rookie wideout Tory Horton, who’s pushing veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling for the No. 3 receiver role, built on his strong training camp with three catches for 31 yards and a touchdown.

The Colorado State product had a nifty 10-yard score where he hauled in a short third-down pass and spun past a defender into the end zone. He also fought through a pass interference penalty to make a third-and-long catch along the sideline that moved the chains. And as the first-string punt returner, he showed his elusiveness by making several players miss on a short return.

FIRST CAREER TOUCHDOWN 😮‍💨 @toryhorton11

📺: @King5Seattle or @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/PnURclUrWr

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 8, 2025

Holani strikes first blow in RB3 battle

After Kenny McIntosh went down with a torn ACL in camp, an opportunity opened for second-year pro George Holani to battle rookie Damien Martinez for the third running back role. And Holani sure made a strong opening statement.

Holani rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, highlighted by a 19-yard gain on a halfback toss and a 24-yard score where he bounced outside, raced around the edge and fended off a tackle at the pylon. He also eluded a defender en route to a 20-yard gain on a third-down screen pass.

Martinez, meanwhile, finished with just 10 yards on six carries, along with two catches for 15 yards. He also misplayed a squib kick as a kick returner, which backed up Seattle at its own 6-yard line.

Holani takes it HOME!

📺: @King5Seattle or @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/qQImteTokr

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 8, 2025

Ouzts makes his presence felt

For the first time since 2016, the fullback position will be a regular part of Seattle’s offense. And that was clear from the get-go on Thursday night.

Rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts got a lot of early snaps and made his presence felt, using his powerful 6-foot-3, 274-pound frame to make a key block on each of Holani’s two long runs. Ouzts even got involved in the passing game, sneaking out of the backfield for a 17-yard reception. A former tight end at Alabama, Ouzts already looks like the perfect tone-setter for the physical brand of offense the Seahawks want to play.

Fullback sighting.

📺: @King5Seattle or @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/Kqd1qywblV

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 8, 2025

The O-line competitions

In the two position battles along the offensive line, Jalen Sundell got the start at center and Anthony Bradford got the start at right guard.

Sundell has been battling with Olu Oluwatimi for the center job, but Oluwatimi didn’t play Thursday after missing the past couple practices with a sore back.

Bradford, meanwhile, had been battling with Christian Haynes for the right guard job. However, Haynes was the second-string left guard on Thursday, while Sataoa Laumea was the second-string right guard. That might indicate Haynes is out of the running at right guard.

Pritchett helps his roster case

Second-year pro Nehemiah Pritchett, who’s battling for one of the final cornerback spots, had a big night with an interception and two pass breakups. He showed good anticipation by jumping in front of the intended receiver for a second-quarter pick of Raiders backup quarterback Aiden O’Connell. And on one of his pass breakups, he made a good play along the sideline to knock the ball away.

Not in our house! 🚫

📺: @King5Seattle or @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/yoIkbX8reB

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 8, 2025

Emmanwori flashes in limited action

Ultra-talented rookie safety Nick Emmanwori didn’t play many snaps, but showcased his elite athleticism and versatility on a play midway through the first quarter. Lining up on the edge, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Emmanwori raced into the backfield and pursued reigning Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty on a carry to the opposite side. As Jeanty got slowed up by Seattle’s defensive front, Emmanwori quickly caught up and took him down from behind for no gain.

Extra points

• Backup quarterback Drew Lock got the start and played the entire first half, completing 12 of 22 passes for 147 yards, one TD and one interception. His interception came on an underthrown pass to Horton on a third-down out route, which ended a promising opening drive.

• Edge rusher Tyreke Smith and defensive end Mike Morris both had nice performances as they battle for roster spots. That included a pass rush early on where Smith provided the initial pressure and Morris finished the job with a QB hit that helped lead to an intentional grounding penalty. Morris also had a tackle for loss on Jeanty and Smith recorded a QB hit while striking O’Connell right as he was releasing the ball.

• Rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo had two catches for 14 yards, including a third-down reception on the opening drive where he recovered from a slip to haul in a pass that moved the chains.

• Undrafted rookie edge rusher Connor O’Toole filled up the stat sheet with a sack, a tackle for loss and three QB hits.

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• Buy or Sell: Will Tory Horton be Seattle Seahawks’ No. 3 WR?
• 5 undrafted Seattle Seahawks rookies to watch this preseason
• Seattle Seahawks injury updates from Macdonald ahead of preseason opener
• Bump & Stacy: Seattle Seahawks should pursue Micah Parsons trade
• ‘Spectacular’ 1-on-1 Seahawks practice matchup catches Wyman’s eye

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