What We Learned From Seahawks and Titans Joint Practice

The Seattle Seahawks had their joint practices with the Tennessee Titans on Friday before the two teams faced each other in their second preseason game on Sunday. There were some good moments, but there were a lot of negative vibes.

The biggest was the serious knee injury to wide receiver Jake Bobo that likely left him out for the year. The Seahawks were the first to acknowledge that this joint practice was what the team needed to build themselves.

It’s okay for Seahawks to need a lot of work

Ernest Jones IV during the joint practice with the Tennessee Titans — Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) warms up during the joint practice with the Tennessee Titans at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

There are several negative reports of the Seahawks in Friday’s practice. A large part of this is that the Seahawks’ beat writers weren’t allowed to live post during practice, but the Titans’ beat writers could. Regardless, many aspects showed the Seahawks had a lot of work.

Just like in the game last season, Titans quarterback Cam Ward scrambled consistently to extend the play and make some efficient throws. Seattle’s defense reportedly struggled in the beginning before catching on.

The offense had some good, but not great moments in the joint practices. Quarterback Sam Darnold and linebacker Ernest Jones IV said after the practice that there are several things they need to get better at.

The Seahawks hold themselves to a higher standard, so if they don’t execute as well as they should, it left them wanting more than they gained. That is the culture effect that head coach Mike Macdonald has created.

No. 3 Cornerback Spot Takes Different Turn

Since the Seahawks gave former first-round selection in cornerback Terrion Arnold a workout leading to an agreement, the No. 3 cornerback spot is more open than when they started training camp. Seattle also signed Trevon Diggs to add to the competition. The competition might have one less contender for the position.

Throughout the last few practices, the Seahawks have lined veteran Noah Igbinoghene up at the boundary cornerback spot, opposite Josh Jobe, while Devon Witherspoon plays the nickel. Second-year Nick Emmanwori isn’t back to full health after recovering from ankle surgery in July.

This mostly means that third-year veteran Nehemiah Pritchett has dropped in the odds for the spot. Even with reports of rookie Julian Neal getting closer to returning, he has missed almost all of training camp.

The Seahawks have their No. 3 spot favoring Igbinoghene. Seattle will have Diggs compete for the position next week after the game versus the Titans. It is unlikely that he plays on Sunday due to him being a late addition to the team, unless things change.

Sam Darnold will still make mistakes

Sam Darnold after the joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) talks with fans after the joint practice with the Tennessee Titans at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

There are several reports that Darnold made some impressive throws throughout the field for big plays. Some of the big plays include deep passes to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a solid wheel route to running back George Holani.

There were also reports of Darnold throwing a tough interception that resulted in a pick-six for the Titans’ defense. This is a play that negative fans will focus on the most.

The interception wasn’t the only thing that Darnold was disappointed in after practice. He mentioned his execution of the offense, connection to offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, and leading wide receiver Rashid Shaheed taking a big hit were areas he didn’t like.

There will be days when he struggles and makes mistakes. That is how he learns and develops himself, as he will likely get better in all aspects.

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