The Seattle Seahawks picked up a 26-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night, but wins and losses don't matter much this time of year. It's about the play on the field, competing for playing time and making sure everyone is sharp for the regular season - especially in the third preseason game, which is the "dress rehearsal" for the regular season. Here are the biggest takeaways from the third preseason game:
1) Chris Carson makes his case to be on the active roster
Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise didn't play in the game due to injury, giving seventh-round pick Chris Carson the opportunity to play with the first-team offense behind Eddie Lacy, whose touches were limited to protect him from injury. Carson shined, running eight times for 46 yards while catching two passes for 44 yards.
He was on the roster bubble coming into the game as the fourth running back, but this performance absolutely helped his chances. The coaching staff has been happy with Carson in camp to this point and has played well on special teams, forcing a fumble on kickoff coverage in last week's preseason game against the Vikings. Right now, it looks like Carson has a roster spot locked up.
2) Defense is in midseason form
Both Seattle's first-team and backup defenses only gave up a field goal each in this game, showing that they're ready for the regular season. Kansas City's only touchdown came on a 95-yard kickoff return and really struggled the move the ball throughout the entire game.
The starters allowed just 2.6 yards per pass attempt when Alex Smith was on the field, and the backups performed nearly as well. In total, the Seahawks limited the Chiefs to just 225 yards of total offense - roughly 50 of which came in the final minutes. Richard Sherman also delivered one of the best hits of the preseason:
.@RSherman_25 puts the BOOM in Legion of Boom! #WeAre12 #KCvsSEA #NFL pic.twitter.com/qkWLcF8y4Z
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) August 26, 2017
This group always plays well at home, but this was another level of domination. They seem ready to go.
3) A healthy Russell Wilson is an elite quarterback
This was the most extensive action Wilson has seen in the preseason, and with the running back injuries mentioned above, the passing game really took over as the focal point of the offense. Wilson thrived, completing 13/19 passes (to eight different receivers) for 200 yards and a touchdown - including a pair of really impressive throws.
.@DangeRussWilson out here droppin' dimes. #KCvsSEA pic.twitter.com/0A6XtK56Wt
— NFL (@NFL) August 26, 2017
Another beautifully thrown ball by @DangeRussWilson!
— NFL (@NFL) August 26, 2017
This time to @DougBaldwinJr. #KCvsSEA pic.twitter.com/ZKVZb86V0w
Wilson played through injury last season, which limited his production. However, this gives fans a glimpse at just how great Wilson can be when healthy. Already one of the elite quarterbacks in the game, this shows that Wilson is well on his way to being one of the truly elite passers - if he isn't there already.
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