How the Seahawks Can Turn Preseason Around Against the Titans

The Seattle Seahawks can turn their rough week around with a good game against the Tennessee Titans.

Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Coming off a Super Bowl win, the Seattle Seahawks had a productive offseason and training camp. The front office answered questions regarding roster holes, and there were players who stepped up this offseason. Since the rough 17-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the first preseason game, the Seahawks had some tough moments. The Seahawks’ second-and-third-string players didn’t have a good performance against Dallas.

That momentum then led to some good, but not great performances in practices. The team saw struggles at key position groups; they had some up-and-down moments in the joint practice against the Tennessee Titans and the Seahawks then lost wide receiver Jake Bobo to a season-ending knee injury. Seattle needs a rebound game against Tennessee to put out the team fires before it heads into the regular season.

The Seahawks have to play better at the Line of Scrimmage

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Seahawks were dominated at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the field against the Cowboys. Through the first drives, Seattle looked like the aggressive team that won the Super Bowl, but not long into the game, they were getting pushed at the line of scrimmage.

Offensively, we saw why Christian Haynes continues to be a disappointment considering he was a former third-round pick. Offensive tackles Bobby Hart and Logan Brown showed why they likely shouldn’t be on the Seahawks’ 53-man roster or earn a spot on the practice squad.

The Seahawks’ defensive line struggled to stop the run and create a pass rush. Second-year defensive tackle/end Rylie Mills struggled significantly and edge rushers Jalan Gaines and Jared Ivey struggled to get in the backfield.

Seattle will likely play their starters for a drive or two just to get some real work in, but all groups of the team need to be more consistent at the line of scrimmage. The Seahawks need to protect the quarterback better and have the backups redeem themselves.

The defensive line needs to be more efficient and not get dominated at the line themselves. Seattle allowed Dallas to convert 11-of-15 on third downs. That can’t happen, or players might be cut sooner than expected.

Seattle Needs a Definitive Solution at No. 3 Cornerback

One of the biggest offseason questions for the Seahawks was the need for a No. 3 cornerback after they let Riq Woolen walk to free agency. The front office signed veteran Noah Igbinoghene early in the offseason and drafted Julian Neal in the third round. Head coach Mike Macdonald also challenged third-year cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett to step up.

The competition has left Neal injured for most of training camp, Pritchett starting with the first-team defense and going back to second-string and Igbinoghene taking the lead for the No. 3 cornerback spot. That hasn’t stopped the Seahawks from agreeing to eventually sign former first-round pick Terrion Arnold and signing former two-time Pro-Bowler Trevon Diggs, who is still learning the defense.

Pritchett and Igbinoghene won’t have many chances to separate themselves for the No. 3 cornerback spot. Pritchett needs to show he can play a critical role, especially with nickel Nick Emmanwori still recovering from ankle surgery in July. Igbinoghene needs to prepare for the long battle against Diggs and, possibly, Arnold. Both will have the chance to make a head start against the Titans.​

Gameday Players need to step up

Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) hands the ball to Seattle running back George Holani (36) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Preseason game one against the Cowboys showed which role players can step up and potentially earn a roster spot. The Seahawks’ game against the Titans will test which 53-man roster spot players can step up. Linebacker Tyrice Knight will be a go-to after a solid performance against the Cowboys. The Seahawks need more from impact players who are not starters, but are likely to make the regular season.

Mills has to be more consistent than he was against the Cowboys, especially with the large hype he received during the offseason. The Seahawks want to see more than solid route-running and a good catch from second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo. Running back George Holani needs more carries and better blocking to truly judge his progress.

Finally, quarterback Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe, defensive end Mike Morris, rookie safety Bud Clark and linebackers Chazz Surratt and Patrick O’Connell need to show their real potential.

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