NASHVILLE—The Seahawks and Titans held their first of two joint practices on Wednesday, a competitive session that featured plenty of intensity that stayed within the boundaries set by head coaches Mike Macdonald and Brian Callahan.
Both teams had plenty of solid moments with neither coming out of the day feeling like it had dominated on either side of the ball, which is a good indicator of the overall competitiveness of the practice.
"It was great work working with these guys," Macdonald said. "The coaching staff was great setting the whole thing up, the organization was solid. And the guys were ready to practice. It's 8 a.m. our time, I thought the mentality was right. I can't wait to watch the tape. I just told the team, you get to jawing and things, some extra stuff—and for the most part we were responsible and did a good job—but I just want the guys to know that what shows up on tape is who we are, so let's make sure we're doing the right things between the lines. We'll watch it and we'll go from there. Exciting time."
Here are seven observations from Wednesday's practice at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park:
1. Byron Murphy II continues to stand out.
Ever since the Seahawks put on pads five days into practice, it has been evident that first-round pick Byron Murphy II has a chance to bring something special to Seattle's defense. His combination of speed of the ball and power have made him a pretty regular visitor into opposing backfields, both in practice and in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chargers. That trend continued on Wednesday when Murphy once again had several standout moments both in one-on-one pass-rush drills and in the team portion of practice.
Asked about the defense's performance after practice, Macdonald noted, "A lot of positive things at the line of scrimmage, especially with our ones."
Murphy was with the ones a decent amount in practice, especially after Dre'Mont Jones left early, but when Macdonald was later asked specially about Murphy having a strong day, he grinned and deadpanned, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Apparently the first rule of Byron Murphy Hype Club is that you don't talk about Byron Murphy Hype Club.
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a productive day.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to be a consistent receiver that Geno Smith can count on. The two have a connection that they've been growing since the offseason, and it shows in the plays they are able to make on the field.
"I just love the way JSN works," Smith said. "Jaxon he's prepared every single day. In the off season, he was hitting me up, flew down to Miami. We got a lot of one-on-one work. So when this stuff happens out here on the field, it's just a result of all the work that we put in and all the hard work that he's done. So to see him continuing to grow and blossom, man, that's awesome. And I just love the work he's putting in."
Throughout practice, Smith was connecting with Smith-Njigba often and at the end of practice on the final drive that ended with a touchdown, a sack was called on Smith, then on the very next play Smith bounced back and connected with Smith-Njigba for a deep ball.
"It is always good to respond in a big way," Smith said. "And I thought JSN ran a great route. The line did a great job protecting, (offensive coordinator Ryan) Grubb called a great play and then obviously we're able to make that big play that connection and get the chains moving."
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3. Tyrel Dodson looks like he will be a difference maker, especially against the run.
One of Macdonald's takeaways from his defense's day of work was that the run defense looked solid, continuing a trend we've seen throughout camp.
"It felt like we played the run pretty well up front," he said. "There's some things that we've got to play better on some scheme on the edge at the second level. It's tough to tell what' happening inside in real time, but it felt like the guys played the box pretty well and we circled the ball."
And one of the biggest standouts was middle linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who had a ton of run stops at or near the line of scrimmage. Dodson looks equally comfortable ranging from the middle of the field to the sideline to stop a stretch play from turning the corner and plugging a hole in the middle of the field to stuff a run up the middle.
"He sees it really well," Macdonald said. "He sees it really well. I'm impressed with his growth, coming from a scheme where they played some certain looks a little bit differently that we're used to playing them, so it's not as easy of an ask as you might think. So he's doing a great job.
And it isn't just Dodson playing the run well. As Macdonald noted, the players up front did a good job clogging things up in the box, which contributed to players like Dodson, Tyrice Knight and Seattle's safeties being able make plays near the line of scrimmage. Also noteworthy is that the depth looks solid when it comes to the run game. Yes, the frontline players get the most attention, but you don't hold an opponent to a single field goal in a preseason game, as Seattle did last week, without good depth. That showed up on run defense a few times with everyone from Coby Bryant to Marquise Blair to undrafted rookie Sunny Anderson all making impressive run stops behind or at the line of scrimmage. Scheme, of course, is also a big factor when it comes to playing good run defense throughout the depth chart, and from the first to the third team, you just don't see a lot of mistakes or player out of position or edges not set properly. As always the real test will come in September, but it's an encouraging start for a team that struggled to stop the run last season on a consistent basis.
4. Geno Smith is getting 'valuable' reps in this week.
Earlier this week, Macdonald said that most starters on offense probably won't play in this preseason game against the Titans, as they didn't last week against the Chargers. But while Geno Smith and most of the starting offense aren't getting preseason game reps, they are getting in valuable work this week against the Titans No. 1 defense.
"It's so valuable," Smith said. "It's important for us to get those drives in and to get ourselves fatigued and be able to think out here, that's when it really matters," Smith said. "Those 12-play drives, long drives, you're playing halves in a complete game and the body's going to wear down. So the more you can get to it out here and you can feel what that feels like, the better you'll be and the more you can push through it and the game. And obviously we want to continue to work on our conditioning and that happens out here."
Smith overall takeaway was that practice went well.
"I thought the guys were prepared, came out ready to go. Obviously we can always be better in all facets of our game, so have to go back and watch the film and see exactly the details of what that is. But overall, we moved the ball pretty well. I thought one-on-ones went well, guys were running fast, making great plays all across the field. So far so good."
5. Riq Woolen keeps stacking good days this summer.
Riq Woolen talked earlier in training camp about his up-and-down 2023 season and about why he expects this season to be better, and he has backed that up with really strong play throughout training camp.
And a change in a venue and opponent did nothing to cool off Woolen's hot start to 2024. As he has done throughout camp, Woolen proved very tough to beat Wednesday, including some great reps against veteran receiver Calvin Ridley in one-on-one drills, a play that tends to favor the receiver since they have virtually every route available to them with no safety help available.
"He's pretty good," Ridley said when asked by reporters about Woolen. "He's tall as crap. Tall, long arms. I mean that's a pretty good corner, man. Looks like he's fast too, so pretty good day. Pretty good."
6. Special Teams units for both teams were amped up.
While there were some competitive and intense moments between the offense and defense for both teams, the special teams unit seemed like the most amped up group after successful plays for either side.
During punt return practice, while Seattle was the receiving team, the Titans had a big hit on a Seahawks blocker, causing the Titans sideline to get hyped up, with players running out onto the field and lots of shouting and celebrating. A few plays later, the Seahawks came up with a big hit, led by safety Ty Okada, who got most of the sideline celebrating, and shouting as if to show the Titans that they can get loud too after a big play.
"If you're winning special teams reps, then you're going to earn more reps," Macdonald said on the performance of special teams today. "And if you're losing special teams reps, then that's not good. So we'll look at it and we'll figure out who's doing what and who shows up. But those are great periods man. It's a high intensity guys are getting after. It's a controlled environment. It is not easy winning against the vice, but if you can do that, then you got some ability."
7. Connor Williams present but not practicing, plus some injury updates.
The Seahawks signed veteran center Connor Williams earlier this week, but as Macdonald noted after the signing, the plan is for Williams to build his way up to practicing for a week or so before taking the field. The plan is for Williams, who tore his ACL last season, to be ready Week 1, but he will first spend some time working with athletic trainers before taking the field. But while Williams isn't yet practicing, he is in Nashville with the team and attended practice, spending some time with his new quarterback, Geno Smith, before things got going Wednesday.
In injury news, defensive end Dre'Mont Jones left practice early after feeling "a little tweek" as Macdonald put it. Jones had missed some time in camp, as well as last week's preseason game, due to a hamstring injury before returning to action recently.
"I think he felt a little tweak or something where he didn't finish practice, but I think he's good to go," Macdonald said.
Tyler Lockett was in pads but was held out of practice, though Macdonald said it's nothing serious.
"He's got a little something going on in his leg right now, but he's good," he said. "Tyler will be ready to roll."
Zach Charbonnet didn't practice as well, with Macdonald explaining, "He was tight this morning, so we're trying to figure out what's going on."
The Seahawks traveled to Nashville, TN to participate in joint practices with the Titans on August 14, 2024 to prepare for the week 2 preseason matchup.
Seahawks linebacker Easton Gibbs (56) and safety Ty Okada (39) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback D.J. James (29) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
The Seahawks practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Blake Lynch (40) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Easton Gibbs (56) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kairee Robinson (35) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kobe Lewis (44) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83)practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Ty Scott (0) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive tackle Mario Kendricks (92) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive end DeVere Levelston (98) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive tackle Kyon Barrs (73) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (55) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Nelson Ceaser (46) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (86) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Tyler Mabry (85) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kobe Lewis (44) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (86) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kairee Robinson (35) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks strong safety K'Von Wallace (24) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Willie Roberts (34) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks safety Marquise Blair (13) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) with former NFL player Ryan Clark at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
The Seahawks practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Hayden Hatten (84) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and strong safety K'Von Wallace (24) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7), quarterback PJ Walker (15) and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback PJ Walker (15) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
The Seahawks practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) and tight end Pharaoh Brown (86) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and the offense practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and the offense practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks center Connor Williams (57) at practice against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Ty Scott (0) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tackle Raiqwon O'Neal (79) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Tyler Mabry (85) and quarterback PJ Walker (15) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) and former Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) and former Seahawks safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) and former Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Former Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) with former teammates Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
