NASHVILLE—Greetings from Music City, where the Seahawks will face the Titans Saturday night for a preseason game that follows a pair of joint practices between the teams this week. With a good week of practice behind the Seahawks and with a game coming up, now's a great time to open up the mailbag and answer some questions from you, the fans. As always, thanks to everyone who asked questions this week, and apologies if I wasn't able to get to yours this time around. And remember, the mailbag is always open for submissions at Seahawks.com/mailbag.
@swipavisuals asks, "How'd the defense look? I heard Witherspoon and Riq did well, but what else?"
A: It doesn't surprise me you're hearing about Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen this week, because both of them are having great training camps and were good again this week. Witherspoon finished the week off with a bang, intercepting Will Levis in a 2-minute drill to cap an entertaining back-and-forth with former teammates Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams—Witherspoon ran down the sideline to give ball to Adams after the interception—while Woolen was fantastic throughout the two days against the Titans.
As for the defense as a whole, there are a lot of things to get excited about. In addition to those two cornerbacks already mentioned, the Seahawks have seen a lot of good things from several players, a list that includes rookie Byron Murphy II, outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, linebacker Tyrel Dodson and safeties Julian Love and Rayshawn Jenkins, just to name a few. Players seem to be really embracing Mike Macdonald's defensive scheme, and the results have been there, whether it was in holding the Chargers to a single field goal in last week's preseason game or the way the defense performed against the Titans this week.
We don't know yet exactly what it's all going to look like come September when the regular season begins, in practice and the first preseason games, we've seen a lot of reasons for optimism that this year's defense will be able to take a big leap from last season's showing.
@WeaponNext asks, "How much Nashville hot chicken did you have?"
A: When this question was submitted, the answer, sadly, was none. So in the name of journalism, or something like that, I carved out some time Friday afternoon to stand in line for 45 minutes at Hattie B's, and let me tell you, the chicken sandwich I got was worth the wait. I only went medium spice, so maybe I didn't get the full eye-watering, sweat-inducing experience, but it was still great.
Daisy from Suffolk, Virgina asks, "With George Fant back, will we see the old jumbo package where he was an extra blocker and eligible receiver?"
A: For now, Fant is the team's starting right tackle with Abraham Lucas on the physically unable to perform list, so until Lucas gets back, you won't be hearing "No. 74 is eligible" at Lumen Field. And even when Lucas does make it back, I'm not sure how much new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will want to use a sixth lineman in his offense. It's worth remembering that Fant saw a lot of his playing time in that role when Will Dissly was lost to injury and the Seahawks were a little thin at tight end, so if the Seahawks are healthy at that spot, they might not see the need to use a tackle in that role. That being said, a coordinator as creative as Grubb not doubt will consider everything at his disposal, so if he knows he has an athletic tackle who can help in that role—and has a career average of 9.0 yards per reception (OK, it was on one reception)—you can't rule out the Seahawks using Fant in that role at some point.
But again, for now Fant's in a very important role with the No. 1 offense, so that will be his and the offense's focus until Lucas is ready for game action.
@ConnorSchumock asks, "How nervous should we be about the linebacker group in terms of injuries, depth, inexperience, etc.?"
A: I think it's fair to look at linebacker as a position where depth could be a concern if the injuries continue. New middle linebacker Tyrel Dodson has looked really good of late, so that's a positive development, but fellow inside linebacker Jerome Baker is currently sidelined by an injury. It isn't a long-term issue but for now at least the Seahawks are without him and Jon Rhattigan (heel), leaving them a little lacking for depth. Rookie Tyrice Knight is getting some great experience with the No. 1 defense while Baker is out, and Patrick O'Connell has had a good camp, so when fully healthy the Seahawks like the talent they have there. But yes, with two of their off-ball linebackers currently sidelined the depth is going to be tested a bit.
@TrueDrewSports asks, "In scrimmages, how involved was K9? I didn't hear much. How is the run blocking?"
A: Kenneth Walker III is the team's starting running back, so he's been plenty involved. Walker did plenty of good stuff over the week in Nashville, including a few long runs that really showed off his speed and elusiveness. And the last few days are just part of what has been a really good summer for the third-year back, who has been impressing his new coaching staff.
"I think Ken grows every day," offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said last week. "He gets better every single day, the sky's the limit for him. He's a really talented, powerful back, that's a true, three-tool guy. He's going to be able to run the ball every run you got. He's going to be able to catch the football, he's going to be able to pass-protect, and he's growing. He was a natural runner. He knew what to do with the ball in his hand, and now, he's intelligent in the pass-protection scheme. He works really hard at it. I think he's getting a lot better, and he's electric out of the backfield as a pass catcher."
@TodaySeahawks asks, "How has the offensive line looked?"
A: To borrow a phrase used by Macdonald when asked about one of his linemen earlier in camp, I'm no offensive line savant, so I don't think I can give you as detailed of an answer here as could, say, offensive line coach Scott Huff.
That being said, I've seen some positive developments from the line that makes me think that position group can take a pretty decent jump from where it was last year. First and foremost, left tackle Charles Cross has looked really good this camp, and at the other tackle spot, George Fant gives the Seahawks a very quality option until Abraham Lucas is healthy. Laken Tomlinson gives the Seahawks a tough, veteran presence at left guard, and at right guard, the competition between Anthony Bradford and rookie Christian Haynes seems to be bringing out the best in both of them. It's too soon to know who will win that job but they both should be better for the competition. Lastly, we haven't even seen Connor Williams on the practice field yet, but his track record suggests that the Seahawks will be in very good hands at center.
@rtsolari asks, "Any updates on Pharaoh Brown?"
A: Nothing more than what Mike Macdonald said after practice Thursday, which is that Brown has a foot injury. For those who may have missed it, Brown left practice early that day after taking a hit following a reception and was carted off the field. We'll have to wait until we hear from Macdonald again to get any more details.
Check out the Seahawks initial 53-man roster heading into the 2024 season.
This is a 2024 photo of Tyrel Dodson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0)
This is a 2024 photo of Rayshawn Jenkins of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2)
This is a 2023 photo of Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4)
This is a 2023 photo of Jason Myers of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5)
This is a 2024 photo of Sam Howell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6)
This is a 2023 photo of Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7)
This is a 2024 photo of Coby Bryant of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8)
This is a 2024 photo of Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9)
This is a 2023 photo of Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10)
This is a 2024 photo of Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11)
This is a 2024 photo of DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14)
This is a 2024 photo of Tyler Lockett of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16)
This is a 2024 photo of Jerome Baker of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Jerome Baker (17)
This is a 2024 photo of Jake Bobo of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks rookie receiver Jake Bobo makes his first touchdown catch on a pass from Geno Smith in the fourth quarter.
This is a 2024 photo of Julian Love of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20)
This is a 2023 photo of Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21)
This is a 2024 photo of Tre Brown of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22)
This is a 2024 photo of KíVon Wallace of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks strong safety K'Von Wallace (24)
This is a 2024 photo of Kenny McIntosh of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25)
This is a 2024 photo of Zach Charbonnet of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26)
This is a 2024 photo of Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27)
This is a 2024 photo of Nehemiah Pritchett of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28)
This is a 2024 photo of Dee Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Dee Williams (33)
This is a 2024 photo of Brady Russell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Brady Russell (38)
This is a 2024 photo of Chris Stoll of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41)
This is a 2024 photo of Drake Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42)
This is a 2024 photo of Tyrice Knight of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48)
This is a 2024 photo of Trevis Gipson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Trevis Gipson (50) runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
This is a 2024 photo of Olu Oluwatini of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51)
This is a 2024 photo of Boye Mafe of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53)
This is a 2023 photo of Dre'Mont Jones of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (55)
This is a 2024 photo of Connor Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2024 photo of Derick Hall of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58)
This is a 2024 photo of Jalen Sundell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks offensive lineman Jalen Sundell (61)
This is a 2024 photo of Sataoa Laumea of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Sataoa Laumea (63)
This is a 2024 photo of Christian Haynes of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64)
This is a 2024 photo of Michael Jerrell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65)
This is a 2024 photo of Charles Cross of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2024 photo of Laken Tomlinson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70)
This is a 2024 photo of George Fant of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74)
This is a 2024 photo of Anthony Bradford of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75)
This is a 2024 photo of Stone Forsythe of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78)
This is a 2024 photo of Laviska Shenault Jr of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81)
This is a 2024 photo of Dareke Young of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83)
This is a 2024 photo of Pharaoh Brown of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (86)
This is a 2022 photo of Noah Fant of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 6, 2022 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87)
This is a 2024 photo of AJ Barner of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88)
This is a 2024 photo of Jarran Reed of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90)
This is a 2024 photo of Byron Murphy II of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91)
This is a 2024 photo of Mike Morris of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94)
This is a 2024 photo of Myles Adams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95)
This is a 2024 photo of Johnathan Hankins of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97)
This is a 2024 photo of Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99)
