The Seattle Seahawks opened their preseason with a 23-23 tie against the Las Vegas Raiders, but the game wasn’t without its teachable moments. Head coach Mike Macdonald addressed several avoidable penalties, including celebration infractions, as areas needing immediate correction.
Seattle was flagged twice when non-playing veterans left the sidelines to celebrate interceptions on the field. While Macdonald appreciated the enthusiasm and team spirit, he acknowledged the need for discipline, emphasizing that such actions could cost the team in more critical moments during the regular season.
The NFL has tightened its rules around celebrations, cracking down on taunting and sideline conduct to uphold professionalism. Macdonald noted that while the excitement was palpable, the team must adapt to these changes to avoid unnecessary penalties moving forward. The preseason, he pointed out, offers a valuable opportunity to address these issues before the stakes rise.
Despite the penalties, Macdonald highlighted the positive aspects of the game, praising the players for their energy and effort. He commended the defense for creating plays that were worth celebrating but reiterated the importance of maintaining focus and adhering to league rules. The balance between enthusiasm and discipline remains a key focus for the team as they prepare for the season.
Just recently, Macdonald got real about Seattle’s violations against the Raiders. This is detailed more in a tweet by Brady Henderson on X.
The Seahawks were twice flagged when vets who weren’t playing left the sideline to celebrate INTs. Said Mike Macdonald: “We really can’t afford to be doing that moving forward. But having the enthusiasm, having the guys being fired up for guys making plays, that was pretty cool.”
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) August 8, 2025
Macdonald expressed confidence in the team’s ability to learn from these preseason experiences. By using this time to recalibrate their approach, the team can fine-tune its execution both on and off the field. These early adjustments are critical as the Seattle aims to compete at the highest level.
While the penalties were a minor blemish on an otherwise solid performance, Seattle views them as a chance to grow. With the regular season approaching, the team is determined to channel its energy in ways that build momentum without incurring costly mistakes.
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