That 9-9 final score against the Kansas City Chiefs in the preseason finale might look like just another exhibition game, but let me tell you, it was our defense that made a statement, turning an early Kansas City blunder into a crucial field goal that locked up the tie. The final week of the 2026 preseason wrapped up, and while the league focuses on rookie signal-callers, our D showed up big when it mattered.
Our D Punished the Rookie QB in Kansas City
Kansas City’s rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier got the start against our Hawks, playing the entire game, and our defense made him pay for an early mistake. Nussmeier, a seventh-round pick, completed 22 of 34 passes for 198 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception. That pick came on his second drive, and you know our guys aren’t letting opportunities like that slip by. The Seahawks immediately converted that turnover into three points, setting the tone for a grind-it-out game that ultimately ended in a 9-9 tie. Even after that early hiccup, Nussmeier eventually settled in, leading the Chiefs on two subsequent scoring drives, both field goals. But the damage was done, and our defense made sure it counted.
Rookie QBs Across the League Are Feeling the Heat
While our defense was busy making life tough for Nussmeier, earning him just a C grade for his efforts, other rookie QBs around the league were getting their final evaluations before cut-down day. This is the last chance for a lot of these young quarterbacks to make an active roster or at least a practice squad, hoping to turn their tape into a shot with another team. For example, Rams first-round pick Ty Simpson apparently earned an impressive A grade for his preseason performance. On the flip side, some guys had a rough weekend. Philadelphia’s Cole Payton, a fifth-round pick, ended his night with an F, leading his offense to a three-and-out that actually lost three yards. Jalon Daniels, an undrafted guy from Kansas playing for Tampa Bay, also got an F after fumbling the ball away and seeing his team punt on six of seven drives.
What’s Next for Our Hawks?
The preseason is officially over, and the focus now shifts completely to the regular season, with roster cuts looming for teams across the league. For us in the Emerald City, that 9-9 tie against Kansas City, and especially our defense’s performance, is a solid sign of what’s to come. We know we’ve got players ready to capitalize on every single opportunity. The intensity only ramps up from here, and it’s time to see what our full squad, led by Coach Macdonald and OC Fleury, can do when the games really matter. Get ready, Seattle, because the regular season is right around the corner!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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