After spending the first nine days of training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, the Seahawks took a short trip west on Saturday for Football Fest at Lumen Field, giving the team a chance to practice in its home stadium and in front of a bigger crowd.
"What an atmosphere, man," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "t's really surreal being in the stadium and then we got the jets flying over. Again, it's just tough to beat and the guy's spirits were high. The music's going and trying to stay organized for the different things we were trying to get done in practice which I think we were able to accomplish. Just having the fans out there was just was really cool so shout out to the 12s. Just an awesome time to get in the stadium."
The day was won by the defense overall, though the offense, which again was without starting quarterback Geno Smith, did have a couple of nice moments late, including impressive touchdown receptions by Jake Bobo and Jack Westover on passes from PJ Walker. In addition to Macdonald providing the latest on Smith, here are five observations from Football Fest at Lumen Field:
1. Practicing at Lumen Field helps players and coaches prepare for gameday.
While Saturday was closer to a practice than a full-on scrimmage, there were some game-like scenarios, particularly late in the practice, and moving things to Lumen Field also provided an added benefit of helping both players and coaches get used to how things operate on game-day.
"There are multi levels to it," Macdonald said. "One, just kind of going through the operation of what it's like to go to Lumen (Field) and get ready to go and play a football game. That's the first thing, especially for the guys that haven't been around, myself included. And then just seeing it in a different atmosphere. So, kind of put a bow on the week, close it out in style, but also put them in situations where we'll see how they react. And then, coaching-wise, go through our operation. We're in the process right now of debriefing on what we thought we could improve on, what we did well. Things like that. I'd say mission accomplished."
In addition to Saturday's practicing benefiting players and coaches for more practical reasons, there also is just a little bit of extra energy injected into things when it's at Lumen Field and in front of a larger crowd than can be accommodated at a typical training camp practice.
"It kind of kicks it up a notch," Macdonald said. "I wouldn't say the lights are on, but they kind of are. So it amplifies the intensity for sure."
2. The competition for kick and punt return jobs both look wide open.
Saturday's practice included a good amount of special teams work, including practicing the new kick off format and several full-team punt drills that included everything but the returner being tackled to the ground. And in both kick and punt return situations, the Seahawks rotated several players through return duties. On kick returns, that included Laviska Shenault Jr., Dee Williams, Dee Eskridge, Tre Brown, Dareke Young and Easop Winston Jr., while the punt return group included Eskridge, Winston, Williams and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
"We're just in the evaluation phase," Macdonald said. "When you see it in preseason hopefully we get a lot of reps of that and opportunities to see who can do something with the ball."
3. It's hard not to get excited about first-round pick Byron Murphy II.
Given how early it is still in camp, Macdonald has been hesitant to heap too much praise on players, while still acknowledging good play when he sees it. But with each passing practice, including Saturday's, it's hard even for Macdonald to keep the excitement in check when it comes to the play of first-round pick Byron Murphy II. Seattle's rookie defensive tackle was in the backfield to wreck plays on a couple of occasions again Saturday, and though he's still far from a finished product, the talent is obvious.
"He's the guy that we thought he was," Macdonald said. "Let's not crown him yet, but he's on the way. He's a force in there, I think the guys see it. I'm pleased with his effort. The guy brings it every day. He's a rookie, there's things that we want to attack, but he's a savvy football player. He knows what he's doing out there, he's not lost, he plays fast, plays rugged. So I think the future is bright for Mr. Murphy."
4. Artie Burns is having a strong training camp.
A veteran cornerback who first joined the Seahawks in 2022, Artie Burns is part of a deep and talented position group that is still being sorted out. There is little doubt that Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon will be on the field on nearly an every-snap basis, and Tre Brown has gotten a lot of work as a starter as well, but Burns is also pushing to earn a significant role on defense. An outside cornerback for most of his career, Burns saw time at nickel cornerback last year, and he has looked good in that role so far in this year's training camp.
On Saturday, Burns' practice included a nice pass breakup of a deep ball in one-on-one drills, a couple of other pass breakups in the team portion of practice, and a "sack" on a blitz from the nickel spot.
"There's production on the football, which is what you want with your DBs," Macdonald said of Burns. "Again, we're in the phase of where he's going to fit in the puzzle and there's more moving parts that goes with it, with him playing inside and out. Artie's having a good camp."
5. Michael Dickson can still kick a football very, very far.
With Saturday's practice including more full-team special teams work, Michael Dickson had several chances to punt in game-like settings, and Seattle's punter showed his leg is as strong as ever, booming several punts of 60-plus yards.
Dickson averaged a career-best 50.0 yards per punt last season, and he looks to again be a weapon for the Seahawks who can help make a big difference when it comes to field position.
"It's impressive," Macdonald said. "I'm glad he's on our team."
The Seahawks held a practice on Friday, August 2 as they prepare for Saturday's Football Fest at Lumen Field.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard McClendon Curtis (66) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Nick Harris (56) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback PJ Walker (15) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at practice on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The linebackers practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (50) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jerome Baker (17) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Nelson Ceaser (46) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Sundiata Anderson (47) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Matt Gotel (77) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Nathan Pickering (57) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Matt Gotel (77) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback PJ Walker (15) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald with linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) and safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) and safety K'Von Wallace (24) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (50) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jerome Baker (17) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21), safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2), safety Julian Love (20) and safety K'Von Wallace (24) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) and linebacker Devin Richardson (43) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) and safety K'Von Wallace (24) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) and tight end Brady Russell (38) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge (1) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) and linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Brady Russell (38) and linebacker Patrick O'Connell (50) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kairee Robinson (35) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback PJ Walker (15) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) and cornerback Tre Brown (22) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20), wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) and cornerback Lance Boykin (18) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback PJ Walker (15) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Brady Russell (38) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at practice on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Devere Levelston (98) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on August 2, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
