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First Day In Pads & Other Observations From Day 5 Of Seahawks Training Camp

News, notes and observations from the fifth practice of Seahawks training camp.

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The Seahawks were back at work after an off day, and for the first time in this year's training camp, players were in pads, adding to the intensity and physicality of the practice.

"First day in pads, it was a great practice," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "A little bit shorter practice, but really good, a lot of good situational work, both sides making plays… This is a big week for us as a team, and I believe we're off to a great start."

Here are seven observations from Day 5 of training camp:

1. The defense had the upper hand on the first day in pads.

While the offense had its share of highlights, the defense had the better day overall, which as has been pointed out earlier in camp, is probably to be expected given the level of continuity, both in terms of personnel and scheme, Seattle has on that side of the ball.

"We started practice the right way today, which was good, we haven't done that every day on defense, so that was nice," Macdonald said of his defense. "Offense needs to respond tomorrow, because they didn't start fast enough today."

One area in particular in which Macdonald wants to see more from his offense after Monday was the running game.

"We didn't run the ball very well today, so we've got to do better," he said.

2. Rookie Nick Emmanwori's pick six was one of the highlights on a good day for the defense.

Second-round pick Nick Emmanwori came into camp as one of the more intriguing players on defense given his versatility and rare physical traits, and after a solid first week, Emmanwori had his first big splash play on Monday. With the offense starting a drill backed up near the goal line, Emmanwori dropped into a passing lane to snag a Jalen Milroe pass intended for Brady Russell, then took off for a short return into the end zone. Other than subpar ball security on the return, it was a great play for the rookie.

"It was a great play," Macdonald said. "I wish he'd have put the ball away when he caught it. But yeah, I was asking, 'Hey man, you having fun out here or what?' Great atmosphere, competing, we're asking a lot of out him, he's playing hard, learning a lot. Great to see him make a play."

The Seahawks are asking a lot of the rookie, who is being used in multiple ways, and so far he's handling it well, Macdonald said.

"I think he's earning what we give him," he said. "I don't think we're trying to intentionally overload him, we're just going at the pace he's able to pick up. Shout out to him and our coaches for getting him ready."

3. Riq Woolen went way up for a pick.

While most eyes were on the first padded pass-rush drills of camp, cornerback Riq Woolen turned in an impressive highlight on the neighboring field during seven-on-seven drills. Using the combination of speed and size that gave him the nickname, "Riq the Freak," Woolen broke on a pass to AJ Barner on the sideline and leaped in front of the second-year tight end to snatch away what momentarily looked like a sure completion.

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4. Mike Morris is trying to make his case for more playing time.

Due to the depth and talent on Seattle's defensive line, the competition will be fierce for playing time and even roster spots, and one of several players fighting for those opportunities is third-year defensive lineman Mike Morris, a fifth-round pick who played for Macdonald during the coach's one year as Michigan's defensive coordinator.

Trying to state his case Monday, Morris had a highlight play in which he broke through the line of scrimmage to greet George Holani in the backfield for a safety.

"This is where he needs to prove his worth is when we're in pads," Macdonald said. "There's a big role for him that we expect out of him, we've got a vision for him. he's on his way to making it come to life, but he's in a battle too."

5. Rookie running back Damien Martinez took advantage of the first day in pads.

Martinez, a seventh-round pick out of Miami, who before his time in Miami was a standout back at Oregon State, made a name for himself in college as a bruising, physical running back, so it was hardly a surprise that his best day in training camp so far coincided with the first day in pads. In addition to running well through contact, Martinez stood out in pass protection drills between backs and linebackers.

"I think today was the best day he's had," Macdonald said. "Staying off the ground, seeing the runs. I had a feeling he would show up a little bit more in pads, and hopefully that trend continues."

6. DeMarcus Lawrence showed off his strength and power.

Already in camp, Macdonald has praised the practice habits of veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, but the 12th-year vet and four-time Pro Bowler was even more impressive showing what he can do in pads. In particular, Lawrences' strength and power in pass-rush drills was hard to miss.

"This is probably the best compliment I have—he looks like a giant on film," Macdonald said. "Hopefully that paints a picture for you. I don't know what his actual measurements are—I think it's like 6-3 and something, 250-something—but that's how he plays."

7. Unfortunate news on running back Kenny McIntosh.

When third-year running back Kenny McIntosh was helped off the field Saturday, putting no weight on his injured left leg, it looked like a significant injury, and it was confirmed by Macdonald on Monday that McIntosh did indeed tear his ACL, landing him on injured reserve and ending his 2025 season.

"It's obviously really unfortunate, we love Kenny, but it's an ACL," Macdonald said. "What he needs from us is our support and our prayers. It's going to be tough road, but he's the man for the job. Our thoughts and prayers are with him."

Macdonald added that McIntosh will have surgery soon to repair the injury.

Check out photos of the Seahawks roster heading into training camp.

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