A preseason clash marked the beginning of the 2025 NFL preseason as the Las Vegas Raiders faced off against the Seattle Seahawks. The game, held at Lumen Field, not only initiated the season’s warm-up games but also featured compelling storylines, primarily the return of familiar faces to Seattle.
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Raiders vs. Seahawks: A Preseason Showdown
The Raiders and Seahawks contest represented the first glimpse into both teams’ preparations for the upcoming season. The game commenced at 7 p.m. PT, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike, eager to assess rookie performances and observe evolving team dynamics. According to Raiders.com, this game was the 20th preseason meeting between the two franchises, with the Seahawks holding a significant lead in the series at 13-6.
Pete Carroll’s Return to Seattle
One of the most prominent narratives surrounding this game was the return of Pete Carroll to Seattle. After coaching the Seahawks for 14 seasons, Carroll found himself on the opposite sideline as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. His tenure with the Seahawks was marked by considerable success, including a Super Bowl victory. His familiarity with the city and the Seahawks organization added an emotional layer to the game. SFGATE highlighted Carroll’s legacy in Seattle, emphasizing the impact he had on the team and the city’s football culture.
Geno Smith’s Seattle Homecoming
Adding to the intrigue, quarterback Geno Smith also made his return to Seattle. Smith, who revitalized his career as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback, faced his former team, albeit potentially from the sidelines. While it was anticipated that Seahawks starters would not participate, Smith’s presence was a notable aspect of the game, given his recent history and contributions to the Seahawks’ offensive efforts. CBS Sports noted the significance of Smith’s resurgence in Seattle, underscoring his journey from a backup quarterback to a key player for the Seahawks.
Roster Evaluations and Position Battles
Beyond the storylines of returning coaches and players, the game served as a crucial opportunity for both teams to evaluate their rosters and assess ongoing position battles. With Seahawks starters unlikely to play, backups like Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe were expected to receive significant playing time at quarterback. This allowed the Seahawks coaching staff to evaluate their depth at the position and assess the potential of younger players. According to Seahawks.com, preseason games are vital for identifying talent and solidifying the roster for the regular season.
Raiders’ Potential Starter Play
In contrast to the Seahawks’ approach, there was speculation that Raiders starters might see some action. This would provide an early look at the Raiders’ offensive and defensive schemes under Coach Carroll, as well as an opportunity for key players to build chemistry and momentum heading into the regular season. The decision to play starters, even for a limited time, can be a strategic move to establish a competitive edge and set the tone for the season.
Rookies and Undrafted Free Agents
Preseason games are particularly important for rookies and undrafted free agents striving to make an impression and secure a roster spot. These players often receive extended playing time, allowing them to showcase their skills and potential. The Raiders and Seahawks coaching staffs closely monitored these performances, looking for players who could contribute to special teams, provide depth at key positions, or even emerge as potential starters. The NFL Network broadcast emphasized the importance of these evaluation opportunities for young players.
Broadcast and Media Coverage
The Raiders-Seahawks game garnered significant media attention, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the start of the NFL preseason. The game was broadcast nationally on NFL Network, providing fans across the country with access to the action. Locally, in Seattle, the game aired on KING 5, ensuring that local fans could follow the game closely. Radio coverage was also extensive, with broadcasts on Radio Nation Radio 920 AM in Las Vegas and Seattle Sports 710AM/KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM in Seattle. Furthermore, in Australia, the Seven Network streamed the game live on 7mate and 7plus Sport, demonstrating the global interest in the NFL. This widespread coverage underscores the league’s popularity and the eagerness of fans to engage with the sport, even during the preseason.
Conclusion
The Raiders-Seahawks preseason game delivered a compelling start to the 2025 NFL preseason. Beyond the on-field action, the return of Pete Carroll and Geno Smith to Seattle, combined with crucial roster evaluations, made this game a noteworthy event. The extensive media coverage further amplified the game’s significance, highlighting the enduring appeal of the NFL and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming season. The game served as a valuable opportunity for both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses, setting the stage for a season filled with competitive matchups and compelling storylines.
