Stock Watch: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not After Seahawks’ 17-7 Preseason Loss to Cowboys
As coach Mike Macdonald loves to say, the Seattle Seahawks value the process over the result, particularly in the preseason, but Saturday’s exhibition opener certainly didn’t live up to usual expectations in a sloppy 17-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field.
“Any time you line up in anything competitively, we’re trying to win, but right now our process needs to improve,” Macdonald said in his opening statement after the defeat. “That’s really the biggest takeaway really in both phases, on offense and defense. Our operation is not up to par, and how we’re finishing plays is not up to par. That will be a focus moving forward, but it’s good to know.”
Looking back at Saturday’s loss, which players improved their stock the most? And which ones failed to make the most of the first dress rehearsal gearing up for the regular season?
STOCK UP
Montorie Foster Jr.
Continuing a fantastic summer thus far, Foster capped off Seattle’s lone scoring drive on the opening possession reeling in a screamer from Drew Lock on a dig route for a five-yard touchdown, turning out of his break with the fastball already halfway to him as it rocketed just over the outstretched hand of a linebacker dropping in coverage. While he did have a bad drop in the fourth quarter, he quickly amended for that mistake two plays later on third down, snatching a first down reception coming back to the football on a curl route to move the chains and showing his mettle overcoming in-game adversity. He finished the night with a team-high five catches for 36 yards and those numbers could have been dramatically better if Lock would not have overthrown a potential 65-yard touchdown where the second-year wideout had come wide open down the left sideline.
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks Fizzle After Fast Start, Fall 17-7 to Cowboys in Preseason Opener
Despite a fast start to kick off the exhibition season with an opening drive touchdown, the Seattle Seahawks whiffed on multiple fourth down opportunities and the offense went ice cold for the final three quarters of play as the Dallas Cowboys earned a 17-7 victory in the preseason opener.
Rotating snaps under center, Drew Lock completed nine out of 13 passes for 40 yards and tossed a five-yard touchdown to receiver Montorie Foster Jr., while Jalen Milroe rushed for 36 yards and added 36 yards as a passer. Seemingly playing with clones on the field, linebacker Tyrice Knight stuffed the stat sheet with a team-high 10 tackles and two pass breakups, starring in the middle with mostly backups playing on defense for Seattle, while edge rusher Jalan Gaines and safety AJ Finley produced the team’s only tackles for loss.
Here are five takeaways from the preseason opener at Lumen Field:
1. A methodical drive aided by a big penalty finishes with Lock’s arm giving the Seahawks a quick lead.
Playing with all backups on the offensive side of the ball, Lock didn’t waste much time going into aggressive mode from the pocket. After a short run by George Holani and a quick completion to Jake Bobo on the first two plays of the series, the Seahawks faced 3rd and 4 and the veteran backup uncorked a deep ball down the left sideline for veteran receiver Cody White, who got grabbed by cornerback Caelan Carson from behind as the pass sailed over his head. With his progress severely impeded to prevent a big play, he drew a 19-yard pass interference penalty to extend the opening possession.
5 Burning Questions for Seahawks Heading Into 2026 NFL Draft
With the Senior Bowl, scouting combine, and official visits all in the rearview mirror and OTAs kicking off across the league, the 2026 NFL Draft will finally commence on Thursday, April 23, providing an opportunity for the Seattle Seahawks to add young talent to their roster after capturing a Super Bowl title in February.
Unfortunately for general manager John Schneider and coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks currently only have four selections, their fewest entering a draft since 2021. By virtue of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the team also picks last in the first, second, and third round, a “reward” for reaching the top of the NFL mountaintop for the second time in franchise history that will undoubtedly complicate efforts to move down the board with less valuable selections.
One day away from the opening round kicking off in Pittsburgh, even if the Seahawks potentially won’t pick on Thursday night, there are still plenty of questions left to be answered this weekend as Schneider and Macdonald conduct their third draft together.
Which Players Have Seahawks Drafted After Official 30 Pre-Draft Visits?
With the 2026 NFL Draft less than three weeks away in Pittsburgh, the Seattle Seahawks and all 32 teams are tying up loose ends and finishing official visits with a variety of prospects. These on-site meetings allow players to meet with coaches and personnel staff as well as undergo medical examinations and physicals.
So far, the Seahawks have been linked to 15 prospects for official 30 visits, including multiple potential first-round targets such as Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood and Missouri defensive end Zion Young.
In terms of relevance, the majority of players who fly out to Seattle for these pre-draft visits won't be drafted by the team, as only 26 of their 137 draft choices since 2011 have been used on players reported to make those visits, or just 18.9%. However, recent history suggests at least one of their slated four picks in this year’s draft will be a player who visited the team facility this spring, while several others could be signed as priority undrafted free agents or brought in for a tryout at rookie minicamp. These visits offer plenty of significance for general manager John Schneider and the front office, and that trend continued even after the arrival of Mike Macdonald as Pete Carroll’s successor.
Looking back at their past 15 drafts, with 2021 being excluded due to most visits being done virtually because of COVID protocols, which players who reportedly attended official “30” visits at the VMAC wound up being drafted or signing with the team?
Three-Year Outlook: Seahawks Face a Few Pressing Questions on Defense Beyond 2026
As the calendar flips to April and the 2026 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves in the heat of the offseason, continuing to look into ways to improve their roster scanning the free agent market along with wrapping up draft evaluations while also exploring extensions to retain several of their top players.
While building the best roster for the upcoming season remains the top goal with eyes on defending their Super Bowl title, Seahawks general manager John Schneider also has to be cognizant of the future, making every decision in regard to free agency, extensions, and the draft with a multi-year window in mind.
Now less than a month away from the draft, how does Seattle’s defense look for both the present and the future?
Seahawks Place WR Tory Horton on Injured Reserve, Elevate 2 From Practice Squad to Face Titans
After already missing the previous two games, the Seahawks will be without their standout rookie playmaker for at least another month as he continues to battle through a shin injury.
WATCH: Ken Walker III Among Questionable Seahawks to Play vs. Titans in Nashville
Already down two key contributors for Sunday in Tennessee, it remains to be seen how close to full strength the Seahawks will be in Week 12, particularly on offense with three starters listed as questionable.
Comparing Rivals: How Do Seahawks, Rams’ Defenses Stack Up Against Each Other?
Racing out to 7-2 starts, the Seahawks and Rams have been stingy allowing points to opponents with ferocious defensive lines, underrated linebackers, and versatile secondaries. Where does each team hold an edge going into Sunday’s first matchup at SoFi Stadium?
Report Card: Top Performers in Seahawks’ 44-22 Thrashing of Cardinals
Scoring multiple touchdowns on offense and defense, the Seahawks put away the Cardinals in the first 20 minutes of Sunday’s rematch, coasting to a 22-point victory. Who shined brightest in Seattle’s fourth consecutive win?
Seahawks Clearly On a Mission To End Several Droughts
Before the start of the season, few pundits expected the Seahawks to be a playoff team, let alone a Super Bowl contender. But after nine games, they absolutely belong in that conversation with a chance to snap several lengthy droughts.
‘It Takes Everybody’: Competition-Driven Culture Back For Seahawks Under Mike Macdonald
Evident again on Sunday with multiple reserves contributing in a 22-point beatdown of the Cardinals, from the starting quarterback to the latest practice squad signing, the Seahawks continue to embody the principles of their coach as they emerge as a top contender.
Closing Thoughts: Seahawks Annihilate Cardinals, Complete Season Sweep of NFC West Rival
Scoring 35 points in a first half avalanche, the Seahawks left no doubt as they quickly discarded the Cardinals in their Week 10 rematch, lighting up the scoreboard on offense and defense to cruise to a 22-point victory and set the stage for a massive road tilt with the Rams in Week 11.
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks Capitalize on Fast Start, Coast to 44-22 Win vs. Cardinals
While sloppy play allowed the Cardinals to close the gap a bit in the second half, an offensive and defensive scoring implosion by the Seahawks in the first two quarters provided an insurmountable lead as they raced to a fourth straight win to stay atop the NFC West in blowout fashion.
Halftime Observations: Seahawks Celebrate Fumble Palooza, Build 38-7 Lead vs. Cardinals
Making history with two defensive touchdowns while Sam Darnold and the offense kept humming, the Seahawks boat raced the Cardinals from the opening kick to build a 31-point halftime lead in front of a raucous Lumen Field crowd.
Emergence of Drake Thomas Keys Seahawks’ Top 5 Defense
Granted his first chance to start in the NFL by Mike Macdonald, Drake Thomas continues to make his mark as an unexpected cog in the Seahawks' defense and prove his coach right on the field.
Unsung Heroes Thrive as Seahawks Throttle Commanders in Primetime Thrashing
Throwing four touchdowns in the first half, Sam Darnold deserved all the flowers leading the Seahawks to a blowout win in Landover. But with injuries on both sides of the ball, it was a complete team win with no shortage of standouts shining under the lights.
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Host Texans on Monday Night Football
Pitting two of the NFL’s fiercest defenses against each other in prime time, the Seahawks hope to find a kink in the Texans’ armor and heat up C.J. Stroud, while the visitors intend to make life tough on Sam Darnold with a vicious edge rush and ball hawking defenders on the back end.
‘He’s All In’: Drake Thomas Seizing Increasing Opportunities in Seahawks’ Defense
A true unknown for Mike Macdonald and the majority of his coaching staff upon arrival, Drake Thomas quickly put his name on the map and in his third season, his hard work coming back from injury has propelled him to unexpected starter status for the Seahawks.
Film Breakdown: Diagnosing Seahawks’ Coverage Breakdowns vs. Buccaneers
Winding up on the wrong end of a shootout on Sunday, the Seahawks allowed nearly 400 passing yards to Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, leaving Mike Macdonald searching for answers. Looking at 10 explosive pass plays allowed, what went wrong defensively?
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Duel Saints in Week 3
While both teams enter Week 3 battling injuries at key position groups that could dictate who wins Sunday, slowing down the Saints’ still elusive, dynamic running back stands atop the goals for the Seahawks.