Preseason Opener: What Matters

First of all let me just state that I hate the preseason. I am always happy when it comes around because I know the NFL regular season is just around the corner, but I always fear injury before the games start to count. The Seahawks are dealing with their own injuries, as are the 49ers and every other team in the league. Some teams, however, are feeling the effects more than others. The Green Bay Packers recently lost their starting left tackle, Bryan Bulaga, for the season after tearing his ACL during a team scrimmage. Bulaga is a good player, but the Packs' offensive line as a whole is not that good, and without Bulaga I could see them missing the playoffs. That is how significant the injury to Bulaga is. Additionally, Jordy Nelson will miss the rest of camp after undergoing surgery to his knee. It is possible that he will be back for the season-opener, but it is very likely that he is slowed by his knee for the entire season. The Packers still have Aaron Rodgers and other fantastic players on their roster, so I could also see them still contending for a wild card spot, but I would be shocked if they took the division. I may be a Seahawks fan, but I hate seeing injuries like this, especially during the preseason!

With that being said, the Seahawks kick off their preseason game schedule tomorrow in San Diego (lucky) versus the Chargers. I obviously do not expect a lot of starters to see much playing time on either side, but here are a few things I will be looking for from the Seahawks:

What the rookies can do

What can they do? We’ve seen Christine Michael’s explosiveness, and we have seen Chris Harper make some nice plays in practice, but what will they show when it (slightly) matters more? We shall get a glimpse.

Spoiler Alert: Christine Michael will be a beast!

Receivers 

This matters a lot to me because I was ultra-excited about Percy Harvin, and now that has to be put on hold until Thanksgiving, if we are lucky. If Percy is not back by Thanksgiving then I will be thankful for NOTHING! There is a lot of talk surrounding Jermaine Kearse right now, so that’s cool I guess. Whatever, I just want to see this group be awesome.

The Offensive Line

Right now J.R. Sweezy is listed as the starting right guard while John Moffit is listed as the backup. Paul McQuistan remains the starting left guard while big James Carpenter is listed as the backup, but these guys are still battling for the starting spot come opening day.

Defensive Tackle and Defensive End

That one guy / AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

Some guy named Brandon Mebane seems to be starting on the defensive line, whoever that guy is. Whatever, he better prove himself or we should probably just cut him. As for the others: Tony McDaniel, Jordan Hill, Jesse Williams, Mike Morgon, whoever else, just throw them in there and let’s see what they can do!

I am also intrigued by the Antoine Winfield and Walter Thurmond III battle, but I am not sure how much either of those two guys will be on the field tomorrow. It could be quite a bit, or it could be very little.

Here is what I will not be looking for:

Beast Mode, Cliff Avril, Red Bryant, or any other proven veteran to see significant playing time

Duh. We know what they are capable of. Did I mention how much I hate preseason injuries?

What absolutely should happen after the game

All players and staff meeting at Pizza Port, where the pizza is fantastic and the beer is cold. Go Hawks!