Finally, the games start counting. The Seattle Seahawks went 2-2 in the preseason -- not that it matters -- and here are nine players who shined:
Russell Wilson: It's hard to imagine how he could have been any better. In the first half of the final three games, Wilson completed 27 of 33 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns, along with three rushing scores. He had nine carries for 61 yards. On 10 possessions in the first half of the last three games with Wilson on the field, the Seahawks had eight touchdowns, two field goals and no punts.
Brock Coyle: The biggest surprise of the preseason. The undrafted rookie from Montana led the team in tackles with 22, including 11 solo stops and one quarterback hit, while filling in for Bobby Wagner at MLB.
O'Brien Schofield: After losing out on would have been an $8 million deal with the New York Giants, Schofield returned to Seattle with a big chip on his shoulder, knowing he needed to play well to earn a spot. He has played like a man with his shoulder pads on fire, a constant presence in the opposing team's backfield. Schofield had two sacks and five other quarterbacks hits in the preseason.
J.R. Sweezy: It seems safe to say now that Sweezy is a quality guard who used to play defensive tackle, instead of being a college DT who is learning to play guard. Now starting his third NFL season, Sweezy has manhandled defensive linemen in the preseason.
Percy Harvin: He only saw meaningful minutes in two games, but that was more than enough to know Harvin is going to make a dramatic difference in the Seattle offense this season. He had seven receptions for 92 yards, along with a 46-yard kickoff return. It's obvious Harvin's presence on the field changes how defenses play and opens up things for others on Seattle's offense.
Justin Britt: The thought of starting a rookie at offensive tackle in a division that has some of the best defensive ends in the NFL is a bit scary, but Britt appears ready to meet the challenge. He's mature for his age (23) and fundamentally sound in his technique. He's also a far better all-around athlete at right tackle than Breno Giacomini was as the starter last year.
Paul Richardson: The rookie receiver didn't get a chance to show off his blazing speed in the preseason games by beating anyone deep, as he did routinely in in training camp, but everyone knows he can fly. More importantly, he showed he has good hands and can take a hit. Richardson had seven catches for 65 yards, most coming on out routes. He still makes mental mistake, as rookies do, but Richardson has proven he will be an asset to the Seahawks this season.
Jermaine Kearse: He may qualify now as the most underrated player on the team. Kearse continues to show he can make the big catch at key moments. He has seven receptions for 118 yards and one touchdown in preseason, including a 44-yard catch on a deep sideline route Thursday night.
Steven Hauschka: There may not be a better kicker in the NFL today. He made eight of nine field-goals attempts in the preseason, including a 59-yarder. The only one he missed was a 53-yarder that hit the upright. Hauschka will be the difference in close games this season.