Introduction
In a thrilling preseason finale, the Seattle Seahawks secured a 37-33 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday night. Quarterback Geno Smith made a brief but impressive appearance, leading the Seahawks on a scoring drive that set the tone for the game. Both teams utilized their starters sparingly, giving backups the chance to make their final case for a spot on the roster before the regular season kicks off.
Geno Smith’s Dazzling Performance
Geno Smith, the Seahawks’ starting quarterback, took the field for the first time this preseason and made an immediate impact. In just one series, Smith completed 4 of 5 passes for 62 yards, culminating in a 21-yard touchdown pass to star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Smith’s sharp performance showcased his readiness for the regular season, and his chemistry with new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s system was evident.
After missing his first throw, Smith quickly found his rhythm, connecting on his next four passes, including a 25-yard strike to rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The drive was capped off by a perfectly placed touchdown pass to Metcalf, who easily outmaneuvered Cleveland’s secondary.
Kenny McIntosh and Dee Eskridge Impress
Kenny McIntosh, competing for the No. 3 running back position on Seattle’s roster, made a strong case with a 56-yard touchdown run that featured a powerful stiff arm on Browns safety Chase Williams. McIntosh’s explosive play demonstrated his potential as a valuable asset in Seattle’s backfield.
Injury-prone wide receiver Dee Eskridge also made a significant impact, potentially securing his spot on the 53-man roster with a spectacular 79-yard punt return touchdown. Eskridge’s speed and elusiveness were on full display as he weaved through Cleveland’s special teams unit, reminding fans and coaches why he was a second-round pick.
Seattle’s Defense and Special Teams
On the defensive side, the Seahawks’ starters saw limited action, with most playing just one series. However, the brief appearance was not without incident, as outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu was shaken up on a chop block early in the game. Nwosu, who missed most of last season with a torn pectoral muscle, was able to walk to the locker room under his own power, which was a relief for Seattle.
Backup cornerback Artie Burns wasn’t as fortunate. Burns, who was expected to provide crucial depth for Seattle’s secondary, was carted off with an apparent left foot or ankle injury. His status will be closely monitored as the team prepares for the regular season.
Cleveland’s Quarterback Rotation
The Browns opted to rest starting quarterback Deshaun Watson and many of their key starters, leaving the bulk of the game to their backups. Jameis Winston started for Cleveland, playing the first two series before handing the reins to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who completed 11 of 20 passes for 115 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown pass to Jamari Thrash.
Tyler Huntley took over in the second half and delivered an impressive performance, completing 17 of 22 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Despite the loss, Huntley’s strong showing provides the Browns with confidence in their quarterback depth heading into the season.
Injuries and Ejections
Cleveland’s D’Onta Foreman exited the game in the first half with a rib injury, adding to the Browns’ injury concerns following his previous neck injury earlier in training camp. Additionally, Browns linebacker Winston Reid was ejected in the second quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Seattle wide receiver Easop Winston Jr., drawing an unnecessary roughness penalty.
Conclusion
The Seahawks’ preseason finale showcased the team’s depth and readiness for the upcoming season, with Geno Smith, Kenny McIntosh, and Dee Eskridge all making standout plays. As the regular season approaches, the Seahawks will look to build on this momentum, while the Browns will focus on finalizing their roster and addressing key injuries. Both teams have shown potential, but the regular season will reveal just how ready they are for the challenges ahead.
FAQs:
1. How did Geno Smith perform in the preseason finale?
Geno Smith completed 4 of 5 passes for 62 yards and threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf during his only series on the field.
2. What notable plays occurred during the Seahawks vs. Browns game?
Kenny McIntosh scored a 56-yard touchdown run, and Dee Eskridge returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown, both contributing to the Seahawks’ victory.
3. Were there any significant injuries during the game?
Yes, Seattle’s Uchenna Nwosu and Artie Burns, as well as Cleveland’s D’Onta Foreman, suffered injuries. Nwosu’s injury appeared less serious, while Burns and Foreman’s conditions are more concerning.
4. Why was Winston Reid ejected from the game?
Cleveland linebacker Winston Reid was ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Seattle wide receiver Easop Winston Jr., drawing an unnecessary roughness penalty.
