> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Revisiting Seahawks’ Performance in 23-23 Preseason Tie vs. Raiders
- URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/revisiting-seattle-seahawks-performance-preseason-tie-raiders/
- Published: 2025-08-09T20:45:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T05:58:49.000Z
- Author: Corbin Smith
- Tags: Analysis, Seahawks, Jalen Milroe, Preseason, Robbie Ouzts, George Holani

[Embed from Getty Images](http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2229145847?ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com)

One week ago, the Seahawks played their first preseason game hosting the Las Vegas Raiders, which included the return of several franchise legends, including former head coach Pete Carroll, former Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith, and former All-Pro safety Jamal Adams.

More importantly, however, the Seahawks gave fans their first taste of a new look offense and a first glimpse at electric rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe among other things set to be debuted at Lumen Field.

Revisiting the opening exhibition contest, here’s a quick rundown of what I saw from Seattle battling against Carroll, Smith, and Las Vegas:

### A Dramatic Shift in the Offensive Philosophy

Right out of the gate, I noticed a dramatic shift in the offensive philosophy under new coordinator Klint Kubiak, which shouldn’t come as a surprise with his background of using fullbacks and multiple tight ends. There was an urgency to run the heck out of the football under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak from the opening drive onward, as George Holani ripped off 19 and 24-yard runs in the first two series, with the latter being a touchdown to open the scoring.

When looking at the final stats, the Seahawks totaled 65 total plays, with approximately 51 percent of those plays being pass plays and approximately 49 percent of those plays were running plays. This is almost perfect balance with an effective ground game complimenting the passing game, which is something the Seahawks struggled with last season under former offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

### Usage of Fullbacks on Full Display

Standing out schematically, Kubiak’s usage of the fullbacks in the run and passing game couldn’t have been more evident. On the Seahawks first two drives, rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts played a big role on Holani’s two long runs, making his presence felt as a physical mauler.

On the first one, Ouzts managed to block Raiders star EDGE rusher Maxx Crosby along the edge, which resulted in a 19-yard run with Holani exploding out to his left. This came after he hauled in a 17-yard catch out of the backfield, showing he’s more than a blocker. Later in the first quarter, he managed to block Raiders safety Chris Smith II, which resulted in a 24-yard touchdown run for Holani. It was a great showing by the rook, and it certainly served as an exciting preview of how Kubiak will use fullbacks moving forward.

### Jalen Milroe Shows Off His Progression

One of the major talking points coming out of training camp had been Milroe’s early impressions, so I was excited to see how he would look in his first game action, and there was plenty to be encouraged by.

I saw a quarterback who was throwing the ball with more anticipation than in the past who has learned how to go through his progressions at a more efficient pace. I also noticed that when Jalen Milroe was throwing the ball, he had a wider base, as had been reported in the early stages of camp. Milroe also showed off his rushing talents, as he was able to run for a couple of first downs, which included a 27-yard scamper on 2nd and 12 from the Seahawks own four-yard line. Granted, all of this was against a third string defense, but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that there were plenty of positives to glean in his early development.

### Seattle’s Defense Made a Good Impression

Now, let’s talk about the defensive side of the ball. Even without any starters playing, the Seahawks’ second string defense held up well against the Raiders first team offense, which was led by Geno Smith for a series. I thought the run defense looked amazing on the first two possessions, as the front seven shut down explosive top-10 pick Ashton Jeanty and forced a pair of punts.

The pass defense also impressed early as the ‘Hawks built a 16-3 lead at the break. After giving up a 15-yard shotgun pass from Smith to Jakobi Meyers to start the game, Seattle did not yield another completion for the rest of the drive. The Seahawks wound up giving up 18 total yards against the Raiders’ first-team offense, turning in a strong start even without most of their notable veterans seeing a single snap.

### Final Thoughts

All in all, I really liked what I saw from both sides of the ball in this game. I absolutely loved how balanced Seattle’s offense looked, particularly with the effectiveness of the ground game for all four quarters, while the defensive play - for at least the first half - was stellar for Mike Macdonald’s squad. The second half left much to be desired in some regards, leading to a tie after holding a 13-point lead, but the first two quarters featured most of the players who will actually play on Sundays, so that’s what really matters.