The Seattle Seahawks have one of the more hotly contested training camp battles going on this year as their starting quarterback position is up for grabs. The team traded away franchise icon Russell Wilson, sending him to the Denver Broncos earlier this offseason.
As part of the return package, the Seahawks received quarterback Drew Lock. He has been competing with Geno Smith throughout the offseason, but Smith entered with the upper hand as he is entering his third season with Seattle.
Smith has been ahead on the depth chart, but nothing is set in stone when it comes to Week 1. Head coach Pete Carroll described Smith as consistent and rock solid, which is to be expected. He has had multiple years to learn the nuances of their system.
But, Carroll has also been impressed with Lock. Lock has drawn the head coach’s attention as he is doing things on the field that has drawn praise from Carroll. His quest to be the Seahawks’ starting quarterback is certainly looking solid.
“I’m surprised at some stuff that Drew does,” Carroll said, via Gregg Bell of The News Tribune. “His movement. His natural ability. His ability to move and throw the ball with his feet in awkward positions at times to get the ball out, his quickness of release. I saw that stuff, but until I saw the person, I didn’t know.
“He’s really talented. He has a lot of skills, man, and the game is easy for him in that sense. Physically, he can make all the throws, do the movements, run with the football. We’ve seen him run a lot out here and take off and go. So, it’s just been kind of the whole package that’s been a surprise to see that he’s just well-equipped. Now, it’s just down to the competition of it.”
Carroll also commented on what he wanted to see from Lock and Smith during the preseason games. Through one game, Lock has certainly continued making up ground on Smith.
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith started and the two had almost identical statistics. Lock completed 11-of-15 passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns while Smith completed 10-of-15 passes for 101 yards.
Smith played the entire first half, leading the team on two scoring drives resulting in 10 points. Lock led the team on two touchdown drives, but did fumble the ball after being sacked, leading to a turnover and the Steelers going on a game-winning touchdown drive.
The Seahawks will be back at it on August 18th against the Chicago Bears, providing Smith and Lock another chance to showcase why they should be the starting quarterback in Week 1 when they host Wilson and his new team in the Broncos.
