Jalen Milroe’s Preseason Debut Recap

SEATTLE - The Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders concluded Thursday's preseason tripleheader with a 23-23 tie. Despite the tie, the game showed much upside for the future of the Seahawks.

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The Seahawks jumped to an early 7-0 lead with a 24-yard touchdown run by George Holani. The Raiders responded with a field goal in the second quarter, but the Seahawks answered with a touchdown pass from Drew Lock to Tory Horton, making it 16-3.

A combination of young players and veteran defensive players pressured quarterback Aidan O'Connell throughout the second quarter. O'Connell threw two interceptions, the first pick by former Alabama cornerback Josh Jobe, a four-year NFL player, and the second by Nehemiah Pritchett.

The first half concluded with the Seahawks leading 16-3. Quarterback Drew Lock completed 12 of 22 passes for 147 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, leading the way for rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe to take over in the second half.

Milroe offered a glimpse of his athleticism and playmaking ability, completing 6 of 10 passes for 61 yards. He began to settle in during the fourth quarter. He had an impressive 9-play, 65-yard touchdown drive, featuring seven runs. Milroe completed two passes, a 14-yarder to tight end Marshall Lang and 15-yarder play-action pass to wide receiver Tyrone Broden. Jacardia Wright then rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, increasing the lead to 23-13 in the fourth quarter.

While his passing numbers were modest, they demonstrated improved pocket poise-an area of previous concern during his college career.

Milroe also displayed his trademark speed and elusiveness, rushing for a total of 38 yards. His highlight was a 27-yard scramble, reaching a max speed of 19.88 mph, according to NextGenStats.

With about a minute remaining, Milroe completed a pass for a first down but was later sacked after an incomplete pass, giving the Raiders an opportunity to score and potentially win the game. The Seahawks' defense held, and the game ended in a 23-23 tie due to the absence of overtime in preseason games.

Milroe's preseason left a positive first impression, highlighting the qualities that could make him a valuable asset in the Seahawks' quarterback lineup.