A preseason football game that takes place well past sunset in the Pacific Northwest could get the Sasquatch treatment - just move along. In the extended process of trying to get a handle on how the roster will be put together so that it's better than the 13-win operation of a year ago, just brushing it aside would be a disservice.
The first lesson came prior to the game when those whose roster status is on bedrock were given the night to watch from the sideline. The only discernible lesson from that bunch was that Kirk Cousins really likes his helmet, as he wore it until at least halftime.
As for the approximately 75 others who were competing for the remaining 35ish spots, there were a few notables.
KO has gushed about Ty Chandler several times over the last year but until last night Chandler had minimal opportunity to show what he could do. It's clear he already has the inside track for RB2 but if he can go for nearly 4 yards per carry while being an option through the air like he was for Nick Mullens then Alexander Mattison may be in for a true timeshare.
The second-year back wasn't the only one to flash via passes.
Jordan Addison took a page out of Cris Carter's bag of tricks with a toe-drag snag, which also showed that the officials are in peak form already. Considering how much of the offseason program he missed, he may not get to don his sunglasses with Jefferson & Osborn but he could leap-frog KJ before the Tampa game if last night proves to not be an aberration.
Most shockingly, it was also a good night for Jalen Reagor & N'Keal Harry. The former looked like a guy taken in the first round playing against future members of other Leagues while the latter made a case for a contract playing basketball overseas as he high-pointed a throw. With a distinct lack of forward-level size in the receiver room, Harry may be able to go over the top to secure a spot among the five or six when the initial 53 is announced. Could be worth keeping around just for six jump-balls into the end zone over the course of the season!
It was also a good night for Greg Joseph as he got both of his field goals between the pipes, including one from 54. With rookie Jack Podlesny still in the mix, Joseph will need to continue making the most of the opportunities he receives following a so-so 2022.
Which just leaves last year's train-wreck of a defense
Lewis Cine had some flashes that he may be able to fully put last year's horrible injury behind him while this year's Mr. Eagan Ivan Pace Jr. showed good instincts along the defensive front and near the sidelines.
Preseason is typically a time for vanilla scheming but even so, the defense tried to get pressure on the Seattle quarterbacks throughout the night.
The one guy with some name value who could be worried today is Andrew Booth Jr. as he was in the game with a lot of the future departures and didn't show anything to move him up the pecking order.
Evaluating the preseason is like putting a puzzle together in a fog bank but those are the things that were distinguished.
Perhaps next Saturday against Arizona we will learn some more!
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