Although the game ended in a tie, it felt like a win overall. Seattle’s primary backups all excelled against Las Vegas’ starters. The offensive line played well and the Seahawks had success at the line of scrimmage. Rookies shone and gave cause for optimism about the 2025 class. All-in-all, this was a good night.

You have to start by talking about Tory Horton. Reports from training camp suggest he’s been making plays pretty much every day. To come into a game and continue that form is a great sign. His touchdown featured a nifty move at the goal-line, he looks quick and sharp and made for the NFL.

I gave him a round 2/3 grade on my horizontal board accounting for injury. The fact he lasted until round five was surprising. The Seahawks got a steal provided he can continue building on this promising start. Right now, they look like they’ve played a blinder making this pick. Horton feels like he could quickly take on WR3 duties this season. Have they found the next Puca Nacua-value receiver?

Other rookies played well too. The whole starting offensive line played well in the first half and Grey Zabel appears as advertised. Elijah Arroyo showed little flashes of what he’s capable of, as did Nick Emmanwori. Then there’s Robbie Ouzts. It’s pretty difficult to get excited about a full back (apologies to all full backs). However, Ouztz was superb. His seal-block off the edge for George Holani’s touchdown was perfectly executed. He also showed off his pass-catching skills from a tight end background with his catch and run.

A modern day full back is so rare he needs to possess Kyle Juszczyk potential. It’s one pre-season game and Juszczyk is not a typical player for his position. That said, Ouzts looked good enough to think he can make things work in the NFL.

It was a decent first look at Klint Kubiak’s offense and some of the concepts he will use. The blocking schemes they used showed evidence of things coming together and again, while it’s only one game, this was encouraging for a team that has struggled up front in recent years.

Holani had a good pre-season a year ago and he shone again. The Seahawks need a RB3 and he made his case strongly. Jacardia Wright also ran with a purpose and looks interesting. It’ll be interesting to see this battle with Damien Martinez. Meanwhile, defensively Tyreke Smith and Mike Morris flashed enough to feel good about the depth they could potentially provide in the front seven.

I got a good chuckle at the Peacock being called ‘big #33’ in the game too.

I will re-watch it in more detail tonight but this felt like a good start to the 2025 season.

As for this:

I think Pete Carroll’s face says it all. This section of Lumen Field is notorious for giving a not-so-welcoming greeting to opponents. Yet surely the role of a franchise quarterback, especially one as seasoned and as well compensated as Geno Smith, is to rise above it.

It’s not a great image and frankly, it’s another reason why I’m glad the Seahawks have moved on.