Five Observations From Episode Two of Seahawks Hard Knocks

Episode two of the Seattle Seahawks edition of Hard Knocks is out, and we learned a bunch more about the team we’re about to be rooting for in 2026.

Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Derick Hall rushes the passer during a drill at training camp. | Corbin Smith/Seahawks On SI

Hard Knocks Episode Two is officially a go. It was another phenomenal showcase of what’s going on at the VMac as the Seahawks prepare to defend their title. As always, the production is a mixture of entertainment and information, fluff and substance. It remains a must-see for any Seahawks fan. But what were the major themes of this week’s episode?

Derick Hall Needs to Chill

The early seconds of the episode picked up where the first episode left off, in a manner of speaking. Derick Hall, the edge rusher who was rewarded with a $42 million dollar contract extension in the offseason, was getting just a little too excited during practice, hitting too hard and getting too close to the quarterback. Quickly, Mike had seen enough.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) fumbles as he is sacked by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He sent Derick off the field, amid protests, in response to his refusal to amp things down. When this event happened, and how soon it happened after the brawl depicted in episode one, isn’t clear, but it does seem to establish a trend. Hall is one of the instigators in camp so far, and he’ll need to find a way to crank it down now and bring it back up for the season.

We had an expanded look at the scene later in the episode as well, making it one of the biggest emphasis points of the episode. Mike Macdonald wants to protect his quarterbacks, especially this early in camp, so his frustration is understandable. And while there was some anger, ultimately, it was a learning moment for Derick. 

Mitch Johnson Stops By

One of the highlights of the episode was the cameo by Mitch Johnson, coach of the San Antonio Spurs. He and Brian Wright (San Antonio’s General Manager) had a short conversation with Macdonald in Mike’s office. They exchanged notes, with Mike talking about how his training camp process has changed from last year to this year. 

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald speaks to the media at Super Bowl LX press conference at the San Jose Convention Center. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It was a cool moment, two successful professional coaches in different leagues trying to find ways in which they could help the other. Mike has spoken about how he feels like you can learn things from experts in other sports, and it speaks to his focus on chasing edges. And perhaps Mitch picked up something that will help him on his quest to his first title.

Darnold’s Spins It

One extended sequence in the episode focused on Sam Darnold’s spin rate, of all things. Darnold, apparently, puts more spin on the ball when he throws it than any other quarterback in the league. The average rate is around 570, and Darnold is around 100 more than that. According to Jake Peetz, this creates a more catchable and accurate ball.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the New England Patriots. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

I can’t say I’ve ever heard of spin rate when looking at and scouting quarterbacks, and I don’t know about the science behind it actually being easier to catch a fast-spinning ball. But for whatever it’s worth, Cooper Kupp expressed his belief that the faster spin is superior, so I suppose it’s another thing that Darnold is getting right so far in Seattle.

Shadowboxing Is All The Rage

One of the recurring recreational activities the players partake in during camp, going back to last year, is shadowboxing. I can’t say I came out of the episode with a great understanding of exactly how the game worked, but to make a long story short, it’s a way for the players to bond and remain in competition with each other, as a sort of rock-paper-scissors game.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates on the field following an NFC Divisional Round game. | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

It gets players who typically don’t work with each other to interact, and it sure seems like they’re having plenty of fun doing it. If nothing else, it’s a non-violent way for the players to settle disputes, which is always appreciated. I don’t think I’d be very good at it, but they’re having a good time, and that’s all that matters.

Terrion Arnold Teaser

The episode included a brief discussion of the Terrion Arnold conundrum, as the Seahawks have an opportunity to make a play for him in free agency. Obviously, the issue is complicated, with his legal issues and felony charges making it unclear if he’ll even be allowed to play. But Schneider makes it clear he believes he can help the team.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Bo Melton (16) catches a pass against Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

I can understand why the squad would be tempted to allow Mike Macdonald to get an opportunity to coach someone as talented as Terrion Arnold. Furthermore, one scene involved a discussion about how they had inquired with Jalen Milroe, who developed a relationship with Arnold in college. We even got to see some of the workout Arnold had in the VMac.

Other Occurences

There was plenty of fun content as well, like Leonard Williams’s affinity for gardening and Derick Hall’s truck hobby. Nick Emmanwori’s pool rehab got a couple minutes. A sledgehammer-based competition of strength between Mason Richman and Rylie Mills was used to settle a particularly physical moment on the field. The mock game got some focus as well.

All in all, it was another great look into the team. It gave fans just about everything they could want. Three more episodes left. We will be seated.

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