SEATTLE -- In what has become a theme this preseason, the rookies stole the show in the Seattle Seahawks' preseason finale Thursday night. Here are some quick thoughts on the team's 31-21 victory against the Oakland Raiders.
Lockett strikes again: On the Seahawks' second offensive play from scrimmage, rookie Tyler Lockett lined up outside against Keith McGill. He blew right past the 6-3 cornerback, giving Russell Wilson plenty of space to hit Lockett in stride down the left sideline for a 63-yard touchdown. It was the third time in four preseason games that Lockett got in the end zone. The other two came on special teams -- a kickoff return against the Broncos and a punt return against the Chargers. Later, Lockett lined up in the slot and made a nice adjustment on a pass behind him for a 14-yard gain. Going into the regular season, the coaching staff will have to find ways to get the ball in his hands.
Dominant performance by Clark: As impressive as Lockett was, rookie Frank Clark might have been better. On one series, Clark knifed into the backfield for a tackle for loss. He then came on a stunt and created disruption that led to a sack. On third down, Clark bull-rushed the Raiders' left tackle, putting him on his backside. During a later series, Clark used a speed move off the right edge to sack and strip Raiders QB Matt McGloin in the end zone. Jordan Hill recovered the fumble for the touchdown. Overall, Clark had four tackles (three solo), a sack, a tackle for loss and a QB hit. He was going up against backups, but dominated.
Take two on offense: The first-team offense, minus wide receivers Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse, took the field together for one possession. On first down, Christine Michael was brought down for no gain. And on the second play, Wilson connected with Lockett for the touchdown. That was all Pete Carroll needed to see. Right guard Justin Britt, center Drew Nowak and right tackle Garry Gilliam stayed in later in the quarter, but the rest of the starters took a seat.
'D' gets a breather: The entire first-team defense got the night off. The starters up front were Cassius Marsh, Demarcus Dobbs, Jordan Hill and Clark. The linebackers were Brock Coyle, Kevin Pierre-Louis and Eric Pinkins. Will Blackmon and Tharold Simon were the cornerbacks. DeShawn Shead and Dion Bailey lined up at safety. Should Kam Chancellor not show up next week, it looks like Bailey would probably start in his place.
Hauschka stays hot: Last week, kicker Steven Hauschka hit a game-winning field goal from 60 yards out. In the first half vs. Oakland, he booted a 55-yard attempt through the uprights. And did you notice the moment of comedy relief with Hauschka? He had Raiders return man George Atkinson III coming right at him in the open field in the first half. Rather than try to be a hero, Hauschka basically waved Atkinson right on by. His teammates seemed to enjoy the decision as they laughed and gave him high fives when he came off the field.
Who's in at WR? Kevin Smith got the start alongside Ricardo Lockette. B.J. Daniels once again showed off his versatility, lining up as a returner, wide receiver and quarterback throughout the night. Kasen Williams made a nice play for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Out of that group, chances are only two will make the 53-man roster. The guess here is it'll be Lockette and Daniels, but no combination would be a huge surprise.
Stating his case: Rookie Thomas Rawls ran well, carrying 11 times for 87 yards (7.9 YPC). The Seahawks' running back situation behind Marshawn Lynch is a bit in flux. Robert Turbin is nursing a high ankle sprain. The team brought in Fred Jackson for a visit, but he did not sign. Rawls could have a shot at making the cut, although Michael appears to be the clear backup.
What's next? The players get three days off, but Carroll and John Schneider will have to get the roster down to 53 by 4 p.m. EST Saturday. The team will return to practice on Monday, beginning preparation for the St. Louis Rams. And all eyes next week will be on Chancellor as we find out whether he's willing to miss regular-season games.