Seahawks vs. Vikings Preseason: Rookies Help Lift Seattle Over Minnesota: Live Updates
Football has finally somewhat returned.
The Seattle Seahawks will play host to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday at Lumen Field in their first of three preseason games.
While many key veterans, such as quarterback Geno Smith, receiver D.K. Metcalf, running back Kenneth Walker III, and linebacker Bobby Wagner aren't expected to take the field tonight, it will be interesting to get a look at some of their understudies who have yet to prove themselves in their NFL careers.
Such as quarterback Drew Lock, who entered training camp last year with hopes of beating out Smith for the starting role. However, he found himself watching Smith shine in the starting position last season and never got a chance to prove that he is a different player from his time with the Denver Broncos.
With Lock expected to see game action tonight, turnovers will be the biggest thing to watch with him. During his three years with Denver, Lock threw 20 interceptions in just 21 starts. Since Lock will be a free agent next season, an impressive string of performances during the preseason could earn him a solid payday.
Lock will seek help from some of his rookie teammates, including receiver Jaxon-Smith Njigba and running back Zach Charbonnet, who look to receive their first-ever game action.
While Charbonnet shined at UCLA with 1,359 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022, Smith-Njigba struggled to stay on the field last year, only catching five passes for 43 yards. It will be interesting to see if Smith-Njigba comes with some rust tonight after barely seeing the field during his last season at Ohio State.
Additionally, Smith-Njigba and Charbonnet will both aim to become the first players in Seahawks history to win Offensive Player of the Year this season. However, they will face stiff competition from this year's talented draft class, including their opponent tonight, Vikings' first-round receiver Jordan Addison, who is expected to see game action.
With Addison not expected to have quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Alexander Mattison, or receiver Justin Jefferson on offense tonight, it will be a good opportunity for the rookie to start his career in the right direction.
Stay tuned for live updates of the game.
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FIRST QUARTER
Minnesota started the game with a three-and-out. A holding penalty on 2nd and 8 nullified a five-yard rush by Vikings running back Ty Chandler.
change of possession
After Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock connected with receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a two-yard gain on first down, they couldn't generate any momentum and were subsequently forced to punt following a three-and-out.
change of possession
Chandler began the drive with an eight-yard gain for Minnesota.
On second down, Chandler moved the chains with another eight-yard rush.
Receiver Jalen Reagor gained a first down for the Vikings, following a 9-yard run by Chandler. However, an incomplete pass on second and short allowed Seattle to stop Chandler on third down, forcing fourth and one.
Quarterback Nick Mullens found tight end Johnny Mundt on fourth and short, picking up a first down.
The Vikings found themselves in a second-and-10 situation after an incomplete pass on the first down. However, rookie edge rusher Derick Hall hit Mullens too late, resulting in a roughing the passer penalty being called and giving Minnesota a first down.
A short pass on first down from Mullens to Chandler put Minnesota in the red zone.
The Seahawks' defense forced fourth down in the red zone for the Vikings.
FIELD GOAL VIKINGS: Minnesota kicker Greg Joseph nailed a 26-yarder, giving the Vikings an early lead.
Vikings 3, Seahawks 0
change of possession
On second down, Lock found tight end Colby Parkinson for a pickup of ten yards.
A 12-yard by running back Deejay Dallas catch on second down was nullified by an illegal formation penalty.
Lock found running back Zach Charbonnet on third down, but he was well short of the first-down marker, forcing Seattle to punt on fourth down.
change of possession
After two carries by Chandler on first and second down, Mullens was able to find receiver Brandon Powell for a 13-yard gain, moving the chains.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
START OF SECOND QUARTER
Addison picked up a first down following a 22-yard catch on second and short.
Chandler had three consecutive rushes to pick up a first down on third and short.
Reagor made a sideline catch to put the Vikings on the Seahawks' three-yard line.
TOUCHDOWN MINNESOTA: Mullens finds tight end Nick Muse in the end zone for a short touchdown, extending the Vikings' early lead.
Vikings 10, Seahawks 0
change of possession
On second down, Lock connected with Smith-Njigba for a 15-yard gain, moving the chains for Seattle.
On third and long, Lock had to use his legs in an attempt to pick up a first down for Seattle. He fell short by three yards, forcing the Seahawks to punt.
change of possession
Mullens wasn't able to get the Vikings' offense rolling, resulting in a three-and-out and forcing punter Ryan Wright to give Seattle the ball back.
change of possession
After Lock found tight end Tyler Marby on second down for a gain of six, Charbonnet was able to pick up a first down.
Lock found receiver Jake Bobo for a 29-yard gain.
TOUCHDOWN SEATTLE: Lock found receiver Easop Winston Jr. in the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown, cutting down Minnesota's early lead.
Vikings 10, Seahawks 7
change of possession
Mullens was able to find Chandler on third down, gaining 12 yards and moving the chains.
On first down, Mullens was able to connect with Reagor on a 25-yard pass.
Minnesota couldn't muster anything else on the drive, as they were forced to punt, giving Seattle the ball back.
change of possession
After starting the drive with a 9-yard pass to Marby, Lock followed up with a pass to Charbonnet, gaining 8 yards on the play.
Lock was sacked by Vikings linebacker Luiju Vilian, resulting in a fumble that was recovered by Charbonnet on the last play of the half.
HALFTIME
THIRD QUARTER
After Lock found Bryant Koback for a 9-yard gain on first down, the running back was able to move the chains with an 8-yard rush.
Lock found Koback once again for a large pickup of 32 yards on second down.
Lock wasn't able to continue pushing the drive, resulting in a fourth down for the Seahawks.
FIELD GOAL SEAHAWKS: Kicker Jason Myers nailed a 35-yarder, making it a tie game.
Vikings 10, Seahawks 10
change of possession
Quarterback Jaren Hall finds receiver Thayer Thomas on third down, moving the chains.
After Hall threw an incomplete pass on third down and Seattle declined an offensive holding penalty, Wright punted the ball to the Seahawks' offense.
change of possession
Lock ran on third down after two short passes to start the drive and was able to pick up a first down by rushing for five yards.
Lock was picked off on second down by Vikings cornerback Jaylin Williams, who returned the interception for 13 yards.
change of possession
The Vikings go three and out following Lock's interception.
FIELD GOAL VIKINGS: Joseph nailed a 54-yarder, allowing Minnesota to take the lead.
Vikings 13, Seahawks 10
Lock isn't able to find anything on offense for Seattle, resulting in a three-and-out and forcing a punt.
Thomas calls for a fair catch on Seattle's punt but muffs it, and tight end Griffin Hebert is able to recover, allowing the Seahawks to maintain possession.
TOUCHDOWN SEAHAWKS: Lock is able to connect with Bobo on third down for a 19-yard touchdown, giving Seattle its first lead of the game.
Seahawks 17, Vikings 13
change of possession
END OF THIRD QUARTER
START OF FOURTH
On third down, Hall connects with receiver N'Keal Harry, gaining 19 yards and moving the chains.
The Seahawks hold the Vikings on fourth and short, as they stuff running back DeWayne McBride in his attempt to pick up a first down.
turnover on downs
On third and long, quarterback Holton Ahlers bursts up the middle for a gain of 22 yards, moving the chains for Seattle.
Ahlers utilizes his legs once again to secure a first down, gaining 7 yards on second and short.
TOUCHDOWN SEAHAWKS: Ahlers connects with receiver Matt Landers for a 30-yard touchdown, extending Seattle's lead.
Seahawks 24, Vikings 13
change of possession
Hall is sacked twice before the Seahawks' defense forces a three-and-out.
change of possession
Seahawks running back SaRodorick Thompson Jr. achieved back-to-back first downs on the ground to start the drive. However, his second one was nullified by a holding penalty.
Ahlers isn't able to move the ball down the field, forcing Seattle to punt, which results in a touchback.
change of possession
A pass interference call on third down allowed Minnesota to extend their drive.
The Vikings went for it on fourth down, but Hall was not able to connect with Thomas.
turnover on downs
The Seahawks ran out the remaining time on the clock.
FINAL: Seahawks 24, Vikings 13
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