Seahawks Shine in Preseason Showdown Against the Chiefs 🏈
SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold stepped up as a franchise quarterback in his debut at Lumen Field, leading the Seattle Seahawks to a convincing 33-16 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs during a thrilling preseason matchup on Friday night.
Darnold, who joined the Seahawks this offseason with an impressive three-year, $100.5 million contract, made a striking debut. On the team's initial drive, he completed all four of his passes for a total of 34 yards, effectively commanding the offense.
With a mix of agility and strategic plays, Darnold effectively utilized both his legs and tight ends during his one series on the field. He rolled out to both sides with finesse, connecting with tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo for short completions, as well as wider throws to fullback Robbie Ouzts and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for deeper gains.
“It was fantastic to get out there in front of the 12s,” Darnold said, beaming about the rich atmosphere. “The rain added to the experience. It felt like November or December out there, which was just perfect.”
Backup Brilliance 🌟
Backup quarterback Drew Lock also caught the attention of fans and analysts alike during his time on the field. On a slick Seattle evening, Lock threw two touchdown passes to wide receiver Jake Bobo, completing 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards. Coach Mike Macdonald praised Bobo’s strong performance, emphasizing his aggressive approach to the game.
“This guy’s a Seahawk,” Macdonald declared regarding Bobo. “The way he goes after the ball is simply impressive.”
Running backs Zach Charbonnet and Damien Martinez contributed to the scoring, each finding the end zone with rushing touchdowns in the first and third quarters, respectively.
Chiefs in Recovery 🏃♂️💨
The Kansas City Chiefs opted to rest several key players, including star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, among others, who had contributed significantly to their Super Bowl run last season. In their absence, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew found tight end Robert Tonyan for a short touchdown pass in the second quarter, but the Chiefs struggled to find their rhythm.
The Seattle defense held firm, restricting the Chiefs’ reserves to just three points during the second half. However, Kansas City’s Skyy Moore managed to energize the crowd with a late fourth-quarter punt return for a touchdown, adding some excitement to the scoreboard.
“We’re always striving for perfection, knowing it’s a lofty goal,” said safety Julian Love. “We’re setting our standards high on defense.”
Ground Game Revival 🐾
After finishing 2024 with one of the weakest rushing performances in the league, the Seahawks made it a priority to amp up their ground game this season. They showcased their determination on Friday night, accumulating a remarkable 268 rushing yards on 48 carries. An impressive five players contributed with at least 30 rushing yards each, signaling a full team effort.
“The running backs hit the ground hard,” Macdonald noted. “Each one of them brought it today. I can’t wait to critique how we finished those plays.”
Tight Ends in Focus 🔍
With veteran tight end Noah Fant now playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, the competition at tight end has intensified for the Seahawks. Arroyo and Barner worked well together, combining for three receptions and 24 yards despite the slippery conditions that night. Barner, the more seasoned player with 30 catches and 245 receiving yards from last season, is closely watched, but Arroyo, drafted in the second round in 2025, has shown promising potential with four catches for 33 yards over two preseason matchups.
Looking Ahead 👀
The Seahawks will look to carry this momentum into their next game as they prepare to face the Green Bay Packers on August 23. The Chiefs, on the other hand, will host the Chicago Bears on August 22, eager to bounce back and refine their game strategy.
This preseason matchup showcased the excitement and potential of both teams as they gear up for a new NFL season filled with possibilities. The blend of emerging talent and established veterans indicates thrilling times ahead for fans in Seattle!