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Seahawks open training camp with competition at multiple spots

Seahawks Kick Off Training Camp Amid Fierce Position Battles and High Expectations

RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks officially opened their 2023 training camp on Wednesday, transforming the Virginia Mason Athletic Center into a bustling hub of energy, anticipation, and unyielding competition. Under the watchful eye of head coach Pete Carroll, the team dove headfirst into practices that promise to shape the roster for what could be a pivotal season in the NFC West. With a mix of seasoned veterans, promising rookies, and hungry challengers, the Seahawks are embracing a philosophy of meritocracy, where no starting spot is guaranteed, and every rep counts toward earning a helmet on game day.

At the heart of this camp's narrative is the emphasis on competition across nearly every position group. Carroll, ever the optimist and motivator, addressed the media after the first practice, underscoring the importance of this competitive spirit. "We're not handing out jobs here," Carroll said. "We've got talent at every level, and it's going to be about who steps up, who makes plays, and who shows they can lead this team forward." This approach isn't new for the Seahawks, who have long thrived on internal rivalries that push players to their limits, but this year's camp feels particularly charged following a 9-8 season that saw them sneak into the playoffs only to bow out early.

One of the most intriguing battles is unfolding at the quarterback position, where Geno Smith returns as the incumbent after a breakout 2022 campaign that earned him a lucrative contract extension. Smith's poise and accuracy were key to the team's offensive resurgence last year, but he's not without challengers. Drew Lock, acquired in the Russell Wilson trade, is eager to prove he can be more than a backup. Lock has spent the offseason refining his mechanics and building chemistry with the receivers, and early camp reports suggest he's throwing with confidence. Additionally, undrafted free agent Holton Ahlers, a raw but athletic prospect from East Carolina, adds an element of unpredictability. While Smith is the clear favorite, Carroll has made it known that the position will be evaluated daily, with an eye toward depth and readiness in case of injury.

Shifting to the running back room, the Seahawks boast a talented but crowded stable that could lead to some tough roster decisions. Kenneth Walker III, the second-year sensation who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a rookie, is poised to anchor the ground game. His explosive speed and vision make him a cornerstone, but he's being pushed by Zach Charbonnet, a bruising second-round pick from UCLA who brings a physical, downhill running style that complements Walker's elusiveness. DeeJay Dallas and Kenny McIntosh round out the group, each vying for touches in what could become a committee approach. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has hinted at incorporating more two-back sets to maximize this depth, but the competition will determine who gets the lion's share of carries. "It's about earning trust," Walker said post-practice. "We're all here to win, and that means pushing each other every day."

The wide receiver corps, already one of the league's most dynamic, is set for its own share of fireworks. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett form a formidable duo, with Metcalf's size and athleticism pairing perfectly with Lockett's route-running savvy. However, the addition of first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State injects fresh talent into the mix. Smith-Njigba, recovering from a hamstring injury that limited his final college season, impressed in early drills with his quick releases and sure hands. He's competing for the slot role against veterans like Dee Eskridge and Dareke Young, who are looking to bounce back from inconsistent performances. The depth here is a luxury, but it also means intense scrums for playing time, especially in an offense that loves to spread the ball around. Metcalf, ever the vocal leader, praised the group's chemistry: "We've got guys who can all make plays. It's going to be fun watching this unfold."

On the offensive line, stability is the goal after years of flux, but competition remains fierce, particularly at the guard and tackle spots. Damien Lewis and Phil Haynes are battling for the left guard position, with Lewis's experience giving him an edge, but Haynes's athleticism could sway the coaches. At right tackle, Abraham Lucas, who started as a rookie last year, faces pressure from Stone Forsythe and potentially even a versatile veteran like Evan Brown. The line's performance will be crucial for protecting Smith and opening lanes for the run game, and Carroll has stressed the need for cohesion. "Our O-line sets the tone," he noted. "They're grinding it out, and we're seeing some real progress already."

Defensively, the Seahawks are rebuilding with an eye toward aggression, and camp competitions are highlighting this shift. The edge rusher group is particularly stacked, with Uchenna Nwosu leading the charge after a strong debut season in Seattle. He's joined by Darrell Taylor, Boye Mafe, and rookie Derick Hall, all of whom bring speed and power off the edge. The battle for snaps here could define the pass rush, which struggled at times last year. In the secondary, the cornerback position is a hotbed of rivalry. Tariq Woolen, the breakout star of 2022, is locked in as a starter, but the opposite side features a showdown between Mike Jackson, Tre Brown, and Devon Witherspoon, the fifth overall pick known for his physicality and ball skills. Witherspoon's arrival has elevated the group's ceiling, but he'll need to prove himself against NFL-caliber receivers in camp.

Linebackers also present intriguing storylines, with Jordyn Brooks returning from a torn ACL that sidelined him late last season. His leadership is vital, but he's competing with Devin Bush, a former first-rounder looking to revive his career, and Jon Rhattigan for the middle linebacker spot. The unit's versatility will be tested in new defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt's schemes, which emphasize speed and coverage.

Special teams aren't immune to the competitive fire, either. Kicker Jason Myers, fresh off a Pro Bowl nod, is secure, but the punter role sees Michael Dickson fending off challengers, while return specialists like Eskridge and McIntosh audition for kick and punt duties.

Beyond the on-field battles, the Seahawks' camp is infused with a sense of renewal. After trading away franchise icon Russell Wilson before last season, the team exceeded expectations by making the playoffs, thanks in large part to Smith's emergence and a resilient defense. Now, with a top-10 draft class bolstering both sides of the ball, there's optimism that Seattle can contend for the division title against powerhouses like the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. General manager John Schneider has assembled a roster blending youth and experience, and the early camp vibe reflects that balance.

Players like safety Jamal Adams, who's healthy after injury-plagued years, are vocal about the team's potential. "This group has something special," Adams said. "We're competing hard, but we're building bonds that will carry us through the season."

As practices intensify over the coming weeks, leading up to preseason games, the Seahawks will whittle down their roster from 90 to 53 players. Injuries, always a wildcard, could alter the landscape, but for now, the focus is on growth and grit. Carroll, in his 14th season with the team, remains the steady hand guiding this process. "Competition brings out the best in everyone," he reiterated. "That's how we get better, that's how we win."

This training camp isn't just about preparing for Week 1 against the Rams; it's about forging a team identity that can withstand the rigors of a 17-game slate. With so many battles raging, the Seahawks are poised to emerge stronger, more unified, and ready to make noise in the NFC. Fans watching from the sidelines during open practices can already sense the electricity—it's the dawn of a new chapter in Seahawks football, one rep at a time.

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[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/seahawks-open-training-camp-competition-004230739.html ]