The Seattle Seahawks will report to training camp exactly one month from today. While it’s always a critical time for preparing for the upcoming season, this time around they’ll be holding a quarterback competition for the first time in 10 years. That’s just one of several crucial battles that will have to be decided before the real games begin in September.
Here are five of the most important position battles to watch at camp this year.
1
Starting QB: Geno Smith vs. Drew Lock
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The biggest battle will of course come at quarterback, where head coach Pete Carroll will have to choose between either Geno Smith or Drew Lock. Smith has the advantage when it comes to experience, having been Russell Wilson’s backup for the last three seasons and knowing the offense and its personnel better. Meanwhile, Lock has superior athleticism, arm talent and youth on his side. We’re betting that Smith will win out and start at least at the outset of the regular season. However, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Lock gets his chance to lead the offense by mid-October.
Predicted winner: Geno Smith
2
Right tackle: Abe Lucas vs. Jake Curhan vs. Stone Forsythe
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The next-most important position battle on offense will likely come at right tackle, assuming the team’s top draft pick Charles Cross has left tackle already locked down. Here there appears to be a three-way battle ongoing between third-rounder Abe Lucas and 2021 rookies Jake Curhan and Stone Forsythe. Curhan has the edge here when it comes to familiarity with the system. He started five games last season after Brandon Shell went down with a shoulder injury and performed well at least as a run blocker. That said, Lucas is a vastly superior athlete and we expect him to eventually take over.
Predicted winner: Abe…
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