Seahawks Defeat Raiders To Conclude Preseason
SEATTLE (AP) — If there was such an award, Seattle Seahawks rookie Tyler Lockett would be the clear MVP of the preseason.
Fellow Seattle rookie Frank Clark would be right behind him.
Lockett scored his third touchdown of the preseason on a 63-yard reception from Russell Wilson, Clark had a sack and forced fumble on Oakland QB Matt McGloin that Jordan Hill recovered for a touchdown, and the Seahawks closed out the preseason with a 31-21 win over the Raiders.
After returning a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown and a punt 67 yards for another score earlier in the preseason, Lockett flashed his straight-ahead speed as a wide receiver. On Seattle's second offensive play, Lockett gave Oakland cornerback Keith McGill a brief hesitation, then sprinted free, catching the only pass thrown by Wilson and outrunning the defense for the early touchdown. Lockett was drafted by Seattle for his ability as a returner on special teams, but will likely be in the wide receiver rotation when the season begins.
Kasen Williams added a 15-yard touchdown reception from wide receiver/quarterback B.J. Daniels in the third quarter, Thomas Rawls had a 6-yard TD run and Steven Hauschka added a 55-yard field goal after his game-winning 60-yarder last Saturday against San Diego.
McGloin recovered from the fumble to throw a pair of touchdowns and at least raise the question if he is the better backup option over Christian Ponder. McGloin was 16 of 24 for 186 yards and threw TD passes of 6 yards to Seth Roberts and 28 yards to Rod Streater.
In limited action, Ponder was 7 of 11 for 99 yards, returning late in the fourth quarter.
Wilson was the only significant star on either team to see the playing field. Marshawn Lynch, Jimmy Graham, Richard Sherman, Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and Bobby Wagner spent the night chewing sunflower seeds on the Seattle sideline. Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree and Khalil Mack were all spectators on Oakland's side.
Seattle did go with its starting offensive line for the first series and Dion Bailey — the starter at strong safety with Kam Chancellor holding out — also played in the first quarter.
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