The Seattle Seahawks (1-1) will play host to the Chicago Bears (2-0) in a preseason game Friday night at CenturyLink Field.
Three things to watch:
The starters: Typically, the third preseason game is the one where the starters see significant playing time. “I’m expecting to play all the first half and probably into the third quarter,” quarterback Russell Wilson said. In the case for the Seahawks, it comes against a team that should provide a good test in the Bears, and give a good indication where both teams stand heading into regular season. Each team has one more preseason game next week, but starters play sparingly in that one while guys on the bubble have one last chance to show they belong on the roster.
Christine Michael: Starting running back Marshawn Lynch will get a few carries Friday for the first time in the preseason, but the man who has something to prove is Michael. He has been viewed as the heir-apparent to Lynch, but hasn’t helped himself in the preseason with a fumble in each of the first two games. Meanwhile, backup running back Robert Turbin was sensational last week with 81 yards on 12 first-half carries against San Diego. However, coach Pete Carroll had high praise for Michael on Thursday. “I think he's the most improved player on our team,'' Carroll said. "He’s come a long way in so many ways. He just needs to keep showing he’s growing as a football player. He’s explosive and he mind is in it. He’s really been busting his tail.” Michael has run pretty well, but it won’t matter if he puts the ball on the turf again.
The Bennett brothers: Seattle defensive end Michael Bennett (28) is looking forward to facing his brother, Chicago tight end Martellus Bennett (27), Friday night. “It’s interesting to see how it plays out going against my brother,” Michael Bennett said. “Every year you get to play against some guys you know, but this time it’s my brother.” The Bennetts grew up in Houston and played for Texas A&M. The Bears also are the team that tried to sign Michael as a free agent five months ago, but he took a little less money ($28.5 million over four years) to stay in Seattle. “It’s was weird, but it’s just part of the business,” Michael Bennett said.