Seahawks offense shines in preseason

Seattle’s first-string unit showcased a physical, well-schemed attack that could influence the season plan.

Seahawks offense shines against Chiefs in preseason win

SEATTLE’s first-team offense delivered a strong showing at Lumen Field, opening with Zach Charbonnet breaking through for 13 yards and fueling a 10-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a 15-yard touchdown. The sequence blended under-center runs, play-action bootlegs, and quick shotgun throws, all aligned with Klint Kubiak’s game plan. Sam Darnold completed his first drive 4-for-4 for 34 yards and kept the pocket clean, helping the unit average 8.1 yards per play while avoiding a single negative play.

The Seahawks’ starting offensive line remained intact through most of the drive, despite Charles Cross’ finger surgery and Olu Oluwatimi’s back issue. The group helped Charbonnet rush for sizable chunks while rookie Grey Zabel and linemen Josh Jones and Abe Lucas contributed to the blocking. After the opening drive, backup quarterback Drew Lock led another series that featured George Holani’s burst through a wide hole for 30 yards and a screen-pass TD to Jake Bobo. Seattle finished the first half with 113 rushing yards on nine carries from the running backs and showed depth with players like Bobo, Barner, and Arroyo making plays.

The Chiefs held back their top defensive players, but Seattle still earned important reps and kept a donut on the scoreboard. Coach Mike Macdonald and his staff stressed the value of the drive and the way the offense was able to stay on schedule, something headlined by the quarterback’s comfort in pre-snap reads and the line’s execution. The team indicated this was an important dress rehearsal, especially with a preseason finale looming against Green Bay.

The night underscored Seattle’s shift toward a more physical, run-first identity under Klint Kubiak. With a strong start from Charbonnet and a clean pocket for Darnold, the offense looked like it could translate the practice tempo to game situations. It also highlighted depth at several positions, from reserve backs to tight ends and a young offensive line that can grow into bigger roles as the regular season approaches. Yet the sample is small and the Chiefs did not play their best defenders, so optimism should be tempered by context and durability questions that always surface in August.

Beyond the numbers, the drive’s tempo and the willingness to mix run and play-action signals a clear plan and buy-in from the team. If the offense sustains this level in the next outing and the injuries to Cross and Oluwatimi don’t linger, Seattle could enter the season with a more complete, cohesive identity than last year. The real test will be consistency when the pressure rises and the roster tightens in September.

Highlights

The real test comes when the action matters the most and the lineup tightens.