Seahawks Narrowly Fall to Titans 16-15 in Preseason Showdown

The Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans faced off in a closely contested preseason game on August 17, 2024, with the Titans emerging victorious by a slim margin of 16-15. Held at Lumen Field in Seattle, the game was a hard-fought battle between two teams looking to fine-tune their rosters ahead of the regular season. Both teams displayed flashes of brilliance, but it was the Titans who managed to secure the win, thanks to a late-game field goal that capped off a resilient performance.

The game began with both teams struggling to find their footing offensively. The Seahawks, led by head coach Pete Carroll, aimed to establish a balanced attack, mixing in the run with quick passes. However, the Titans’ defense, coordinated by Shane Bowen, proved to be a formidable obstacle. Tennessee’s defensive line consistently pressured Seattle’s quarterbacks, disrupting their timing and forcing hurried throws. The Seahawks managed to move the ball at times but were unable to capitalize on key opportunities, a theme that would haunt them throughout the game.

Seattle’s offense found some rhythm in the second quarter when backup quarterback Drew Lock led a methodical drive that ended with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This gave the Seahawks a brief lead, but their inability to convert the ensuing two-point conversion kept the game within reach for the Titans. Lock’s performance, while steady, highlighted the ongoing competition for the backup quarterback spot behind starter Geno Smith, as he displayed both poise and areas needing improvement under pressure.

The Titans responded in the second half, with their own backup quarterback, Malik Willis, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Willis led a drive that resulted in a rushing touchdown, demonstrating his capability to make plays with both his arm and legs. Tennessee’s offensive line, bolstered by key offseason additions, provided just enough protection to allow Willis to make critical plays down the stretch. His performance was a bright spot for the Titans as they continue to develop their young talent behind starter Ryan Tannehill.

Special teams played a crucial role in the outcome of this game. Seattle’s Jason Myers and Tennessee’s Caleb Shudak each had solid outings, with Shudak’s late-game field goal proving to be the difference. Myers was reliable throughout, but a missed extra point in the third quarter proved costly for the Seahawks, leaving them trailing by a single point late in the game. This miss forced Seattle into a situation where they had to rely on their defense to keep the game close, which they did until the final minutes.

Defensively, the Seahawks showed both strengths and weaknesses. Their pass rush, led by edge rusher Darrell Taylor, managed to disrupt Willis at times, but the secondary gave up a few critical plays that allowed the Titans to keep their drives alive. Seattle’s defense displayed potential, particularly with younger players stepping up in key moments, but the inconsistency in coverage will be an area of focus as they prepare for the regular season.

The Titans’ defense, on the other hand, was anchored by their linebackers and secondary, who played a pivotal role in limiting Seattle’s offensive production. Veteran linebacker Harold Landry III made several key tackles and was instrumental in containing Seattle’s run game. The Titans’ ability to force Seattle into third-and-long situations repeatedly kept the pressure on the Seahawks’ offense and prevented them from finding a consistent rhythm.

In the end, the game was a testament to the competitive nature of preseason football. Both teams showcased depth and resilience, with younger players making their case for a spot on the final roster. For the Seahawks, the loss highlighted the need for improved consistency on offense and special teams, while the Titans will take confidence from their defensive performance and the development of their young quarterback, Malik Willis. As both teams move closer to the regular season, this game provided valuable insights into their strengths and areas needing refinement, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.