The Seahawks’ preseason arc points to a run-first identity and a deeper, more capable roster than in years past. Seattle closed out camp with a defensive edge that looked more live and a backfield that finally felt capable of consistent ground success, even as quarterback development remains a work in progress.

Seattle’s offensive line has bright preseason vibes, with early praise for the unit’s run-blocking and pass protection. John Schneider still keeps an eye on veteran help, as Dalton Risner visits the club. Risner, a six-year pro with Denver and Minnesota in recent seasons, could emerge as a swing guard who can play both interior spots, giving Seattle a reliable fallback behind youngsters like Gray Zable and Anthony Bradford. The visit signals depth concerns and a plan to hedge for a long season.

Behind Seattle’s starters, the guard group is young and developing. Bradford has taken a leap, Zable has shown promise, and Bryce Cable has risen to second-string left guard, but the Seahawks aren’t resting on their laurels. Amari Kite and Satala Laumea have flashed potential, yet the coaching staff’s frustration hints at the need for veteran steadiness. Joint practice with Green Bay will stress-test the line against a stout interior, with Packers stars Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary presenting the kind of challenge that separates depth from durability. The ongoing conversations about Haynes and potential roster moves underscore Seattle’s emphasis on reliable depth, mentorship, and a path to a healthier Week 1.

Mekhi Becton’s return to Chargers practice injects needed pop into an offensive line that has been banged up and short on reliable depth. Alt at left and Becton anchoring the right side could unlock Herbert’s play-action and the run game, especially with Slater’s timeline still unclear. The unit remains a work in progress, with Jamari Sawyer sliding between tackle and guard and Branson Taylor toggling positions, underscoring a thin depth chart that could push the front office to add interior help via waivers or a free-agent addition like Risner.

The quarterback hierarchy remains unsettled, with Taylor Heinicke’s status fueling trade speculations and Trey Lance’s name surfacing as a potential match for Greg Roman’s system. If Lance lands in LAC, the offense could gain a mobile chess piece who fits the scheme, altering QB2 dynamics and Herbert’s rushing expectations. Meanwhile, Chris Jones looms as a premier interior rusher for Week 1, pressuring the interior blockers and testing the line’s ability to sustain blocks and create yards after contact. Keenan Allen and Quinton Johnston flashed in camp, signaling a dangerous duo for the air game, while Herbert’s leadership remains a constant booster for confidence and timing.

Daniel Jones was named starter in Indianapolis, a move that shifts short-term fantasy expectations away from Anthony Richardson and toward Jones’s efficient, leadership-driven offense. The pod underscores Richardson’s long-term ceiling but stresses that Jones’ steadiness and veteran poise give the Colts a safer Week 1 floor while Richardson continues to grow behind the scenes.

Across the league, Cincinnati’s preseason woes fuel questions about Burrow and the line, while the Bills’ blowout loss is largely dismissed as preseason noise. The show also weighs Dalton Risner’s visit to Indy and the Sam Darnold option as evidence teams are actively balancing risk and upside at quarterback. Overall, the episode blends early-season curiosity with sharp fantasy angles on talent, development, and opportunity windows.