It was another game of catch-up for the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings. For the second week in a row, the massive amount of pressure to lead the team to victory was once again placed on the shoulders of undrafted rookie free agent QB Trevone Boykin. Unfortunately, Boykin was unable to pull off the miracle once again, while instead throwing a game-clinching pick six to Vikings DB Marcus Sherels.

Hill sets the tone

Jerick McKinnon runs in a touchdown in the Vikings win over the Seahawks. Photo: USA TODAY Sports
Jerick McKinnon runs in a touchdown in the Minnesota Vikings win over the Seattle Seahawks | Source: Troy Wayrynen - USA TODAY Sports
 

In a game that wasn't dominated by either team, it was the inches that counted. Strong early play by Vikings QB Shaun Hill allowed Minnesota to grab an early lead with Jerick McKinnon punching the ball into the end zone to cap off Minnesota's lone touchdown drive. Hill started the game in place of Teddy Bridgewater, who sat out Thursday as part of a coaching decision. After the touchdown drive rookie QB Joel Stave quickly took over the reigns for Minnesota, Stave would go on to finish the game. Other players who stood out for Minnesota include WR Adam Theilen, CB Mackensie Alexander, and DE/LB Justin Trattou.

Seattle still trying to mesh

Christine Michael takes a handoff from Russell Wilson during their second preseason game. Photo: Kevin Clark / The Herald
Christine Michael takes a handoff from Russell Wilson during their second preseason game | Source: Kevin Clark - The Herald

Seattle played their first string offense and defense nearly the entire first half. For the Seahawks, things don't appear to be clicking completely at the moment. They've had many opportunities to cause damage on both sides of the ball and have squandered those opportunities repeatedly. Multiple times receivers were open on deep passes and they were overthrown just slightly. It's the preseason so ultimately this can be chalked up to not being able to find a rhythm quite yet. Seattle will have their "dress rehearsal" next week against the Dallas Cowboys, expect Seattle to begin clicking more as the starters are expected to go deep into the third quarter.

As far as players who stood out for the Seahawks in this game, one, in particular, was RB Troymaine Pope. An undrafted rookie out Jacksonville State, Pope took advantage of the struggles of other rookie counterparts Alex Collins and Zac Brooks. Pope finished the game with 10 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown. Other players who stood out for Seattle include, WR Antwan Goodley, LB Kache Palacio, and QB Trevone Boykin.

The season inches closer

This game will be vital for both in deciding the final outlook of the roster. With only two preseason games left, and the first cut to 75 players approaching, time is running out for the players on the bubble. This also signifies that the regular season is fast approaching and both of these teams are primed for possible runs to the postseason.

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About the author
Kobey Frank
Creator of Highly UnderQualified, Lifelong Seahawks, Mariners, and Sonics fan.