What to watch at Seahawks training camp
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks works out at practice in Renton. Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Summer vacation is over for the Seahawks and they're back on the gridiron, giving fans a chance to see the team getting ready for the season.
Why it matters: It's the beginning of a new era for Seattle as head coach Mike Macdonald steps into the shoes left by Pete Carroll, who oversaw the team for 14 seasons and led the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl win.
State of play: Anyone can attend training camp at the team's training facility in Renton, and it's a popular option for fans who can't get enough of the Hawks or who don't have the time or money to attend regular season games.
- It's also just fun to see — and even meet— favorite players and coaches in a more casual setting.
What's happening: Training camp kicked off last week and runs through Aug. 8, followed by a three-game exhibition season and the season opening against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 8.
- Camp is where rookies and hopefuls are evaluated, new players get to know their teams, and coaches refine their strategies and lineups as they watch the chemistry on the field.
- Teams also decide on their final lineups as they must trim their rosters from 90 to 53 by Aug. 27.
The big picture: Macdonald, who ran one of the best defenses in the NFL as coordinator for the Ravens, is tasked first with getting the strongest defensive players on the same page, Sports Illustrated reported.
Catch up quick: Last year, the Seahawks had one the worst defenses of the Carroll years, routinely being "smoked out" by even mediocre offenses, according to Field Gulls.
Yes, but: On the first day of training with pads on Monday, the defense came out strong, Field Gulls reported, with safety Julian Love intercepting a pass meant for DK Metcalf and linebacker Uchenna Nwosu blowing up a run play.
What they're saying: "They make it tough on us," quarterback Geno Smith told the New York Times about the defense. "You saw a few times where I had to scramble left, scramble right — it's not going to be easy back there. As long as we continue to push each other I think we'll continue to get better."
Players to watch: Along with Smith, Love and Nwoso, sports aficionados are keeping their eyes on a number of other standouts, including running back Kenneth Walker III and wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo, who took flight during a diving touchdown this week.
If you go: Fans must register online and purchase a $15 transportation voucher as parking at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center facility is extremely limited, per the team.
- Once you arrive at The Landing in Renton, your voucher will be scanned and you will receive a transportation wristband to access the shuttle to the facility.
- Check-in begins 90 minutes before practice and closes 30 minutes after practice begins.
- Among the special events are College and Alumni Day on Friday, featuring UW and WSU guests, and Kids Day on Aug. 5.