Flynn will start Seahawks’ second preseason game
RENTON, Wash. – Even though Pete Carroll insists the competition is ongoing, it is clear Matt Flynn is the leading contender to be the Seattle Seahawks’ starting quarterback when the season begins.
Flynn will get his second straight preseason start for the Seahawks on Saturday night when Seattle travels to Denver, with rookie Russell Wilson expected to play the second half in a similar format to what the team followed last week against Tennessee.
Apparently left out of the rotation is incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson, who took all the reps with the No. 1 offense as Seattle returned to practice on Tuesday, but will be shuffled to the end of the line and may see limited action, if any, against the Broncos.
Carroll repeated that Seattle needs to learn more about Flynn and Wilson, having seen Jackson for all of last season. But when asked why not start the rookie third-round pick out of Wisconsin against the Broncos, Carroll made clear that Flynn has the lead.
“I think this is the right way to do it. I think this is where they sit right now,” Carroll said. “I thought this would happen. I did consider that as one of the possibilities and it was going to be based on the progress that we’re making. Matt has done a really good job of commanding all the stuff.”
Flynn made his debut with the Seahawks playing an efficient first half in their 27-17 win over Tennessee last Saturday. Flynn didn’t take chances and only made one mistake in completing 11 of 13 passes for 71 yards and an interception. Only one of his throws actually hit the ground, a pass that was dropped by tight end Anthony McCoy. Flynn directed a 9-minute drive in the first quarter that took 15 plays and ended in a field goal.
Wilson’s performance in the second half was far flashier. He threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards on his first possession and added a 32-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter for good measure. Wilson finished 12 of 16 for 124 yards passing and added 59 yards rushing.
Left to watch was Jackson, who didn’t see the field at all against the Titans and is expected to be in the same position again this week.
Notes
OL John Moffitt had surgery to clean up his injured left elbow. He was initially expected to be out two or three weeks, but it’s unclear if that timeline has changed following the surgery. … WR Sidney Rice was a full participant in practice and had ditched the red no-contact jersey he had worn for much of training camp. … Carroll said he did not know yet if WR Terrell Owens will play Saturday.