There Is No QB Controversy in Seattle, but Jalen Milroe Showed Potential In NFL Debut

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Jalen Milroe runs the ball.

The story for the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 of the preseason is rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe, who showed flashes of potential in the team’s 23-23 tie against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jalen Milroe Flashed Some Potential For Seahawks

It’s only a preseason, but the Seahawks should be happy with Milroe’s performance.

The third-round pick out of Alabama came into the game for Seattle in the second half. Two things were apparent right away: speed and arm strength.

Right now, Milroe’s legs are his greatest asset, as the quarterback ran for 38 yards on three carries, highlighted by a 27-yard scamper in the fourth quarter.

Milroe led the Seahawks on five series in the second half. The Seahawks scored once – a nine-play, 65-yard touchdown drive — with Milroe under center.

Milroe completed 6 of 10 passes for 61 yards and zero touchdowns.

Mike Macdonald was pleased with what he saw out of the rookie quarterback.

“I thought Jalen played well. I thought he made good decisions,” Macdonald said in his postgame press conference via the Seahawks X account. “Operation-wise there are some things we want to be a little cleaner on. Throwing the ball accurately, throwing it on time, and then when it wasn’t there, extending plays with his legs, I thought was really cool.”

Milroe is proud of his first performance in the NFL, but he’s not satisfied and will look to improve in his next preseason game.

“As you go on any journey, you have to start somewhere,” Milroe said. “With that, you’re able to look upon what we did well, what we didn’t, and just try to build upon that, get one percent better as we have this opportunity. For me, it was just awesome to be in Lumen Field. That was my first time here in the stadium. So now the biggest thing is to keep on building and see every opportunity for us to get better.”

Seahawks QB Situation

Milroe didn’t have his A-game, but it’s still a solid start for his first NFL action. Remember: Milroe entered the game in the second half and faced the Raiders’ backups.

For now, there is no quarterback controversy in Seattle. Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract to be the starting quarterback. After his 2024 campaign, which included 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, Darnold deserves the chance to start in Seattle.

Drew Lock will remain Darnold’s backup quarterback to start the season.

However, Milroe could still see action this season because of his legs. Don’t be surprised if the Seahawks use Milroe in the running game this season.