NASHVILLE—Before the Seahawks and Titans took the field Tuesday morning for their first joint practice, head coaches Mike Macdonald and Brian Callahan got together to go over some final details ahead of that day's work.
Both coaches wanted to see a competitive practice that would help both teams prepare for the regular season, but wanted to also make sure that their teams avoided situations that could lead to injuries or the fights that too often mar joint practice around the league.
And for the most part, both coaches saw exactly what they wanted in that regard, as the day was physical and plenty competitive, but with players toeing the line well to make sure things never got out of hand.
Yes, there was plenty of trash talk from both teams, and some hits and tackles to the ground that went beyond what is standard protocol for an NFL practice, but things never escalated too far even when there were some occasional tense moments after a big hit or extra physical blocking.
"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.
"There were a couple of ones where we just want to be a little smarter going to the ground and stuff where we we're trying to stay on our feet, but for the most part, guys did a good job."
Said Callahan, "Both teams had a lot of energy, a lot of back and forth, but no real issues, so that was good… Really happy with the way our team handled themselves, and really enjoyed the fact that the Seahawks did the same. It was good, it was a lot of talking and jawing, but that's football. We all played within the rules today, and I thought that was good. We're all going to take it to the edge, that's how it works; they are too. But it was good to see it not execute past that. We played good, clean football for most of that practice, so that was good."
Whether it was a gunner on punt coverage battling through a double team, or Jamal Adams tackling Kenneth Walker III to the ground, or Coby Bryant knocking a Titans running back off his feet with a well-placed shoulder, or Tyrel Dodson accidentally grabbing ahold of a facemask on cutback run, there were moments in which tensions could have risen to an unacceptable point, but to their credit, players on both teams handled those moments well.
"I'm really proud of both teams, because there was a lot of great competition out there," Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith said. "Guys were really competing and trying to get better, and sometimes things get edgy out there, it's football. You've got big grown men pushing and shoving on each other all day, it's bound to happen, but I thought the coaches did a great job pre-practice just talking about how we want to practice. I thought guys did a great job, even if it did get a little chippy out here, of just pulling back and not getting into a fight or anything."
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And with both teams doing a good job making things competitive but not overly chippy, the Seahawks came out of the day feeling like they got a lot of valuable work and information out of the day. With the Seahawks offense facing the Titans defense on one field and Tennessee's offense facing Seattle's defense on another, Macdonald's attention was mostly on the defense Wednesday—he said he may switch that up Thursday—and for the most part he liked what he saw, especially from the No. 1 defense.
"A lot of positive things at the line of scrimmage, especially with our ones," "Macdonald said. "Some things in the back end we need to clean up for sure… It felt like we played the run pretty well up front. 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's happening inside in real time, but it felt like the guys played the box pretty well and we circled the ball."
One of the big perks of joint practice is that it allows teams to get deeper into their playbook than they would be comfortable doing in a televised preseason game. Macdonald confirmed that the Seahawks indeed were able try out some things they might not be willing to in a game setting this time of year.
"Probably significantly more than you'd be comfortable putting out to everybody," he said. "And some of the things you're showing, it's a balance of, hey this our best stuff right now, let's see how it works, and this is some stuff we want to—not experiment with—but let's see how it works when we might not have as many reps as we want against somebody that we're not used to how they're motioning and shifting and the plays that they're running. So just kind of see how it works. It's a combination."
Fittingly on a day the Seahawks were willing to utilize more of their playbook, the practice ended with Devon Witherspoon flying into the backfield for a "sack" of Titans quarterback Will Levis, not long after Seattle's offense ended its day with Sam Howell throwing a touchdown pass to Easop Winston Jr. one field over.
"I have to blitz him because otherwise he'll complain the whole practice, so I've got to send him early," Macdonald joked when asked about Witherspoon's sack. "He's doing a good job."
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.
