From the opening whistle, the energy was electric. The Seahawks’ offense, led by Drew Lock and new starter Sam Darnold, looked crisp and creative—even as rain lashed down on the Pacific Northwest. In just the first half, Seattle’s playmakers seized control: Lock connected with Jake Bobo for two touchdowns, the second a graceful goal-line fade that had fans roaring above the storm. Darnold, meanwhile, was perfect on his opening drive, going 4-for-4 and looking every bit the poised field general Seattle fans have been hoping for. If tonight is any indication, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s vision for this team could make the Seahawks a force to be reckoned with this season (NFL Game Recap).
But the drama didn’t end there. On defense, Seattle’s Brandon Pili electrified the crowd with a safety, slicing through Kansas City’s offensive line and igniting the sidelines with emotion. Devon Witherspoon and Coby Bryant celebrated with infectious energy, a sign of the young core’s growing confidence. Special teams had their own heroics, as kicker Jason Myers made a touchdown-saving tackle on Jalen Royals’ explosive kickoff return, a play that drew praise from teammates and fans alike.
For the Chiefs, the night was a proving ground for their next generation. Rookie left tackle Josh Simmons impressed in pass protection, while second-year Kingsley Suamataia showcased both his athleticism and his growing pains—topping the team’s run-blocking grades but struggling in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus. Gardner Minshew, stepping in under center, kept the Chiefs competitive with an efficient 7-for-9, 70-yard, one-touchdown performance, finding Robert Tonyan in the end zone to keep Kansas City within striking distance.
Perhaps most heartening for Chiefs fans was the return of promising defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott after a brief injury scare, a crucial development given the team’s lack of depth behind All-Pro Chris Jones. With the regular season fast approaching, all eyes remain on how Kansas City’s young talents will gel and protect superstar Patrick Mahomes when it matters most.
Beyond the Xs and Os, tonight’s game was steeped in storylines and nostalgia. It’s been seven years since the Chiefs visited Lumen Field, then known as CenturyLink Field—a night when Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson dueled in a thriller for the ages. While tonight’s stakes were different, the echoes of history and the promise of future glory filled the stadium.
Off the field, the Chiefs’ connection to pop culture reached new heights as Taylor Swift joined Travis and Jason Kelce on their “New Heights” podcast, revealing details about her upcoming album “The Life of a Showgirl” and sharing her journey from football novice to sideline mainstay. The crossover appeal was unmistakable, as NFL fans and Swifties alike tuned in for this unique blend of sports and stardom.
As the rain poured and the crowd roared, the Seahawks’ 23-7 halftime advantage set the tone for a preseason filled with hope and intrigue. With regular season dreams on the horizon, both Seattle and Kansas City leave Lumen Field with plenty to ponder—and fans with plenty to cheer. The preseason, after all, is about more than the scoreboard; it’s about glimpses of greatness, the birth of new legends, and the relentless pursuit of Sunday glory.