Seahawks @ Packers
Final Score: Packers 20, Seahawks 7
Writer: Eric Romoff (@fantasynav)
After starting the week with fairly chippy joint practices in Green Bay, the Packers and Seahawks collided to the conclude their respective preseason campaigns. Seattle opted to rest the majority of their starters and use this as an opportunity to spotlight their 3rd-round rookie quarterback, Jalen Milroe, while Green Bay sprinkled in their healthy starters for a series or two before giving their backups some run. The Packers took advantage of some timely turnovers to secure the victory and finish the preseason with a 2-1 record with the loss knotting up the ledger for Seattle at 1-1-1.
Three Up
- Matthew Golden – The Packer’s first 1st-round receiver in a generation showed is ability as a down-field threat but also played an active role in blocking, earning 16 snaps while the starters were on the field.
- Malik Willis – Willis looked increasingly comfortable in-command of the Packers’ offense and seems capable of keeping the train on the tracks should Jordan Love miss any games this season.
- Romeo Doubs – Its always good to see a red zone look converted for a touchdown and Doubs yet again looks cemented into his starting role in 2-receiver sets for Green Bay.
Three Down
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling – The former Packer actually looked decent in this game but him being on the field with starters resting suggests he might be falling behind in the race for Seattle’s “X” receiver role.
- Damien Martinez – Despite the exciting profile coming into the NFL Draft, the Seahawks’ 7th-round rookie struggled to get anything going on the ground and looks to be buried on their depth chart.
- Israel Abanikanda – Another intriguing prospect from drafts passed, there was hope that Abanikanda could play his way into a roster spot but this week’s performance puts that in doubt.
Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback
Jalen Milroe: 13/24, 148 Yards | 7 Carries, 31 Yards, 3 Fumbles (LOST)
This was Jalen Milroe’s opportunity to showcase himself at the NFL level and it finished with mixed results. He showed a powerful arm and an ability to throw into tight windows but also took 5 sacks, 3 of which resulted in lost fumbles.
Notes
- Milroe flashed the rushing upside that helped him earn his 3rd round draft capital, showing an ability to pull away from defenders on designed runs.
- When pressured he quickly dropped his eyes and looked to his ability as a runner as his safety net, often missing passes that were available to him had he gone through his progression.
Missed Opportunities
- Milroe scrambled for a 6-yard score mid-way through the 2nd quarter but it was called back due to a holding penalty.
- A beautiful deep pass narrowly missed the outstretched arms of Cody White with the halftime whistle about to blow.
Running Back
Damien Martinez: 7 Carries, 24 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Reception, 14 Yards
Martinez drew the start for the Seahawks and ended up leading the team with 25 snaps, playing into the 3rd quarter of the game.>
Notes
- Martinez struggled to get much of anything going in this game, finishing with just 3.4 yards per carry and a long of just 11 yards.
- He flashed as a pass catcher where he showed an ability to release from his block and flash his numbers to the quarterback.
Jacardia Wright: 5 Carries, 65 Yards
Wright was clearly the 2nd man up in a rotation that featured mostly backups but he made the most of his opportunity and broke a 61-yard rush in the 2nd quarter.>
Notes
- Adding a highlight to the reel is always nice but removing that singular play and Wright had 4 carries for 4 yards.
Missed Opportunities
- He clearly gassed out on his long run, which otherwise would have gone for a score.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Cody White: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 69 Yards, 1 TD
It feels like Cody White has been on the Seahawks roster bubble for as long as he’s been in the league but this week’s performance could be just enough to secure him a spot on the 53-man.>
Notes
- White was used all over the field in this game and showed a versatility that could help him earn a roster spot.
- He showed nice ability to adjust to the ball in the air and made a high-point catch before powering through a defender to the end zone in the 4th quarter.
Missed Opportunities
- White had a step or two on his defender nearing the end of the 1st half but Jalen Milroe put the ball just outside of his reach, letting a would-be touchdown hit the turf.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 33 Yards
It was a revenge game for the long-time Packer but the veteran deep-threat did little to make Green Bay regret their decision to move on. >
Notes
- While Valdez-Scantling showed himself capable of creating separation down the field, it appears he will struggle to break the starting lineup and will likely be the “Sacrificial X” when he is on the field.
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback
Malik Willis: 3/6, 50 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT | 2 Carries, 19 Yards
Willis looks increasingly comfortable in the Packers’ offense having a full off-season program under his belt. Green Bay should be feeling confident in their backup QB, should he ever have his number called.
Notes
- Willis showed good awareness and pocket presence in the face of pressure and choose the right times to use his feet to escape a collapsing pocket.
Running Back
Josh Jacobs: 1 Carries, 5 Yards
Jacobs drew the obligatory start and earned a carry, for 5 yards, on 1 of the 2 snaps he played.
Emmanuel Wilson: 8 Carries, 38 Yards
Another injury to MarShawn Lloyd means that backup duties are up for grabs in the Packers’ backfield and Wilson staked his claim this week.
Notes
- Wilson was the next man in after Jacobs drew the start and looked effective at finding the gap being blocked for him and showed himself to be a capable-enough pass-protector.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Matthew Golden: 2 Targets, 1 Receptions, 39 Yards
Golden drew the start on the perimeter and immediately flashed the skills that made him a 1st-round selection back in April.
Notes
- Matthew Golden likely has the inside track to start on the outside and play the majority of 2-receiver looks for the Packers.
- His speed is a known quantity but his ability to snap off routes and adjust to the ball make him very exciting for Green Bay fans and fantasy managers alike.
Missed Opportunities
- His 39 yard haul in the 1st quarter was under-thrown by a good bit and could have easily gone for more yards, potentially even a score.
Romeo Daub’s: 1 Targets, 1 Receptions, 1 Yard, 1 TD
Romeo Doubs did his best Cris Carter impression, scoring a 1 yard touchdown on his only target of the game.
Notes
- The theory remains consistent for Romeo Doubs as he heads into year 4 with the Packers. In a crowded receiving corps, the guy who is on the field the most will see more opportunities than his peers.