Coach Pete Carroll is going to have to make a decision soon on who the Seahawks starting quarterback is going to be, and rookie Russell Wilson is doing everything in his power to complicate thngs.
In the Seahawks 30-10 exhibition win over Denver on Saturday, Wilson seemingly outplayed Matt Flynn. However, it's difficult to compare their performances because Flynn played against the Broncos' No. 1 defense and Wilson played against Denver's No. 2 and 3 defenses.
Flynn put up pedestrian numbers -- he finished the game 6 of 13 for 31 yards -- but it's tough to judge him on that because 5 of his 7 incompletions were passes that were targeted for Terrell Owens, who was playing his first game in a Seahawk uniform. Owens and Flynn were never on the same page; Owens' struggles included a pass that went through his hands that would have been a 46-yard touchdown. "It was unfortunate," coach Pete Carroll said of the drop. "He's got to get back in action and that was his first time out there."
Wilson, on the other hand, continued to impress. The third-round draft pick finished 10 of 17 for 155 yards and two touchdowns through the air. The rookie's stellar day included a 26-yard pass to tight end Anthony McCoy that converted a third-and-17 for the Seahawks. Wilson also tacked on 33 rushing yards to go along with his 155 passing yards.
If Carroll is seriously thinking about giving Wilson a shot to start, he'll need to make up his mind this week. The third preseason game is generally the most pivotal one of the preseason, and there's no way for Carroll to know what Wilson is capable of unless he plays him against a first-string defense. Carroll will have to decide soon if he wants to give Wilson first-team snaps at Kansas City on Friday. After Saturday's win, Carroll was non-committal. "We'll see what the film looks like," he said. "We have to evaluate all that."
Pack your bags: One person Carroll probably won't have to evaluate is third-string quarterbackTarvaris Jackson. The Seahawks have informed Jackson that they intend to "move him," and trade talks should intensify this week, according to CBSSports.com. Jackson, who started 14 games for Seattle last season, has been an afterthought this year. He has yet to take a snap in two preseason games and with Carroll apparently happy with both Flynn and Wilson, it's likely that Jackson won't ever take another snap in a Seahawks uniform.
No popcorn needed: Terrell Owens made his much ballyhooed Seahawks debut Saturday, and it was a game the 15-year veteran might want to forget. Owens was targeted five times by Flynn but came away with zero catches. The most frustrating play of the game for Owens had to be a would-be 46-yard touchdown pass from Flynn that Owens simply dropped. The silver lining of the drop is that the 38-year-old Owens proved that he's still capable of getting open. On the play, Owens burst off the line and blew by Bronco cornerback Chris Harris.
Defense doing its thing: Last week against the Titans, the first-team defense interceptedTennessee starter Matt Hasselbeck twice, including one that Brandon Browner returned for a touchdown. The first team D continued its opportunistic ways against the Broncos Saturday with two more interceptions and a fumble recovery. The first interception came at a pivotal situation in the game; the Broncos had a first-and-goal at the Seahawks 9-yard line. Linebacker K.J. Wright ended the scoring threat when he intercepted a Manning pass that was tipped into the air by teammate Red Bryant. The Seahawks have now forced five turnovers in eight possessions against their opponents' first-team offense. One other stat worth noting: after two preseason games, the Seahawks first-team defense has scored more touchdowns (one) than the team's first-team offense (zero).
Hauschka stays hot: Steven Hauschka was handed the placekicking job this week when the Seahawks released rookie kicker Carson Wiggs -- Hauschka's only competition in camp. It's safe to say that Carroll wasn't doubting his decision after Saturday's game. Against the Broncos, Hauschka was a perfect 3 for 3 on FGAs, including two from 43 yards and one from 36.
Opportunity knocks: One of the most impressive performances Saturday came from safety Jeron Johnson, who's not a lock to make the 53-man roster. He saw some action with the first-team defense and made the most of it. The second-year player not only picked off Peyton Manning in the second quarter, he also forced a fumble that the Seahawks recovered and tied for the team lead in solo tackles with four stops. "He's really improved from last year. And he's playing some good ball for us," Carroll said. "It's exciting to see him in there."
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Seahawks blogger John Breech follow @JohnBreech and @CBSSportsNFLSEA.
