Three things from the Seahawks’ preseason opening loss to Denver

The preseason is more like a progress report than a test, and here are some early observations after the Seahawks’ exhibition opener:

Three things we learned

1. Lockett is in fact a rocket.

So is Lockette for that matter, but right now we’re talking about Tyler, not Ricardo. The rookie out of Kansas State got plenty of opportunities, returning four kickoffs in the first half alone. He ran the second one back 50 yards, which not only jump-started a field-goal drive but was longer than any kickoff return the Seahawks had last season. Later in the first half, he ran the kickoff back 103 yards for a touchdown. The Seahawks ranked 30th in the NFL in kickoff returns with an average of 21 yards, and they were one of 14 teams that didn’t have a single kickoff return of more 50 yards. That’s quite a change from a team whose returns were among the best in the league during Leon Washington’s three years in Seattle.

2. Frank Clark’s ready to roll.

Only one Seahawk was on the field for more snaps in Friday’s game than Seattle’s rookie defensive lineman, and no one had a bigger impact than Clark. Whether it was playing defensive end or sliding inside to tackle, he showed that he’s quick enough to play on the outside and strong enough to hold his own inside. That kind of versatility has been Michael Bennett’s calling card, and with Clark logging a team-high nine tackles, including one in which he shot into Denver’s backfield, Clark is going to be a part of Seattle’s rotation along the defensive line. Coach Pete Carroll said Clark’s performance validated what he’d already shown in training camp. “He has looked like that in practice,” Carroll said. “He has looked like he can be a factor and help us, and it was great he carried it to the game.”

3. Christine Michael is fumbling his opportunity. Again.

The problem wasn’t that four of Michael’s seven carries gained 2 yards or fewer. The problem was that he fumbled. Again. And it happened without an excessive amount of contact. He fumbled twice last preseason, allowing defenders to get under him and hit the ball. Carroll tells his players it’s all about the ball, and there’s no one that’s more true for than Michael.

Three things we’re still trying to figure out

1. How did Seattle’s first-unit offensive line look?

Pass protection was the single biggest worry coming out of this game. The number of points the Seahawks scored in the first quarter was equal to the number of sacks they allowed with three apiece, but afterward Carroll didn’t seem especially concerned about his starting offensive line. “First groups on both sides did OK,” Carroll said. “Unfortunately we got hammered on the sack early on, the fumble.” That was caused when Denver pass rusher Von Miller beat right tackle Justin Britt, coming around and not only sacking Russell Wilson but forcing a fumble. It was an omen for a night in which all three quarterbacks Seattle played took significant hits. While Carroll conceded pass protection was a concern, his focus was trained on the second and third tier of the roster. “Disappointing that we struggled up front,” Carroll said, “but not surprised the young guys might have some trouble. We just need to get a lot better and we need to get a lot better fast for all the backup guys.”

2. Do the Seahawks need a backup plan for their backup?

Tarvaris Jackson left the game with an ankle injury in the third quarter, a Denver defensive lineman falling hard on his leg after he released a pass. Carroll said after the game that it looked like an injury that would keep Jackson out a couple of weeks at least, though the coach later said he didn’t know if it was a high ankle sprain or not. A high ankle sprain often takes four to six weeks to heal. Expect Seattle to add a quarterback in the short term, and depending on if Jackson will be healthy Week 1, perhaps long term as well.

3. Is Tye Smith the next of Seattle’s cornerback steals?

He was chosen in the fifth round, same spot the Seahawks selected Richard Sherman four years ago, and while that’s obviously a high bar for comparison, Smith’s preseason debut was plenty impressive. He was on the field for 52 plays, most of any Seahawk, and his coverage was outstanding as he blanketed opposing receivers. The Seahawks’ secondary was missing plenty on Friday night with Sherman (hip) and Will Blackmon (groin) sitting out and Jeremy Lane (arm, knee) and Tharold Simon (shoulder) still on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Smith – a rookie from Towson – showed he might be ready to crack Seattle’s roster this season.

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