Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks vs Raiders, 3 things to watch

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

We give you three things to watch for as the Seattle Seahawks take on the Oakland Raiders in the final preseason contest before the cut down to final 53 man rosters.

The final preseason game used to be the one to watch. This is the game teams would use as a final tuneup for the regular season. Starters would play the entire first half and well into the third quarter. It was as close to a real game as you were going to see during the preseason.

Now, due to concern over injuries to key players, the third game is the real dress rehearsal. Game #4 is now primarily used to give players on the bubble one last chance to impress coaches and show they belong.

For the Seahawks, there aren’t many clear-cut battles left to settle, but that doesn’t mean tonight’s game doesn’t hold any intrigue.

In fact, here are 3 things to watch as the Seahawks face the Raiders tonight:

1: TREVONE BOYKIN’S READINESS

It’s been obvious for a while now that Seahawks brass were committed to going with the undrafted rookie out of TCU as the backup to Russell Wilson, and for the most part he’s rewarded their faith in him with some impressive preseason moments.

Still, it’s fair to question the wisdom of running with such an inexperienced under study if you have Super Bowl aspirations, because what if?

What IF Wilson were to get injured?

Looking good in the preseason doesn’t always equate to success when real bullets are flying (see Teel, Mike for an example). Tonight Boykin will get most of the run. I’d expect him to take around 75% of the snaps against Oakland. Another strong showing should solidify his place on the team.

If he struggles, however, the Seahawks could still be looking for a more experienced backup QB option when teams make final cuts on Saturday.

Aug 13, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Ramik Wilson (53) defends against Seattle Seahawks running back Alex Collins (36) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Seattle won the game 17-16. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

2: ALEX COLLINS VS. TROYMAINE POPE

Alex Collins has been a bit of a disappointment this preseason. The 5th round rookie out of Arkansas was expected by many (me included) to challenge for carries this year. After all, he has the size/speed combo the Seahawks love and was wildly productive in college, putting together three 1,000 yard seasons while sharing carries with other backs.

But Collins hasn’t done anything to stand out, and has had some costly errors in pass protection.

Meanwhile, Pope burst on the scene with the winning 2-point conversion against Kansas City, and then burst for 86 yards on 10 carries against the Vikings. He’s quick, runs hard, and has added value as a kick and punt returner.

Collins upside and draft position give him the edge here, but the fact that we’re even talking about his status on the roster speaks to his lack of production this summer. A good game tonight would cement his spot on the team.

Jul 30, 2016; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Garry Gilliam (79) lip-syncs in between training camp drills at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

3: WHO’S THE RIGHT TACKLE

Tempting here to go with who wins the 5th WR job, but questions along the starting offensive line are more crucial. Bradley Sowell looks like the surefire starter on the left side, but at RT it’s Garry Gilliam vs. J’Marcus Webb.

For Gilliam, this must be disheartening. After starting all 16 games last year on the right side he was told he’s “the man” at LT and spent the entire offseason preparing to switch sides and take on that key role. An early injury to Webb prompted the team to move him back to his old spot, presumably because Sowell was much more comfortable on the left.

Since then, Gilliam’s performance has been less than overwhelming, while Webb has gotten healthier. Listening to coaches this week, it sounds like they’re looking at this spot hard. This should be Gilliam’s job to lose. He needs to play well tonight.

Meanwhile, Webb’s status may be start-or-bust. If he can’t beat out Gilliam, the Hawks may choose to keep another younger, cheaper player as a backup tackle. Webb finds himself in the odd position of fighting for both a starting job tonight and a place on the roster all together.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Other things I’ll be watching tonight are the depth roles on the defensive line, and the fight for the starting OLB spot Bruce Irvin used to hold. Cassius Marsh, Mike Morgan and Eric Pinkins have all had their moments there.