Seattle aims to bounce back against Tennessee as both teams prepare for their second preseason game
Category: Sports
The Seattle Seahawks are set to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. This matchup marks the second of three preseason games for both teams, following contrasting fortunes in their respective openers.
The Seahawks, who are the defending Super Bowl champions, suffered a 17-7 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys in their first preseason outing. In stark comparison, the Titans secured a 19-13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, though their quarterback Cam Ward struggled significantly, completing only five of twelve passes for a mere 57 yards.
This game carries extra weight for the Titans, as head coach Robert Saleh has confirmed that most of the starters will see action for approximately 20 to 25 plays. This is a chance for players like Ward and rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate to demonstrate improvement after a shaky start to the preseason. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are expected to take a cautious approach, resting many of their key starters to avoid injuries before the regular season begins.
As the Seahawks prepare to take the field, they are looking to rebound from their opening loss. The team's strategy appears to lean heavily on their reserves, with quarterbacks Jalen Milroe and Drew Lock expected to split playing time. Milroe, a rookie, is anticipated to receive the bulk of the snaps, following a preseason debut where he completed five of eight passes but was sacked three times.
In the absence of starters like Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks will rely on players like Montorie Foster Jr., who has been making strides during training camp and may have increased opportunities due to injuries affecting other receivers. With Jake Bobo sidelined and Tory Horton also out, the competition for roster spots becomes more intense, providing a platform for less heralded players to shine.
On the Titans' side, the expectations are higher. After a promising victory against the 49ers, Tennessee aims to build momentum. Ward's performance will be under scrutiny as he attempts to connect with Tate and other offensive weapons, including Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard. The Titans' coaching staff is eager to see if Ward can shake off last week's struggles and lead a more effective offense.
Both teams have a mix of veterans and young players vying for attention in this preseason matchup. For the Titans, the focus will be on Ward as he looks to improve his passing accuracy and decision-making after a shaky start. The Seahawks, on the other hand, will be monitoring Milroe's development closely, particularly how he handles pressure and whether he can stretch the field effectively.
Statistically, the Titans enter this game as 3.5-point favorites, with an over/under set around 37.5 points. The betting lines indicate a close contest, but the expectation is that the Titans' starters will give them an edge, especially considering their performance in Week 1 and the depth of their roster.
Seattle's defense, though resting many starters, still possesses depth and experience, which could play a role in limiting Tennessee’s offensive production. The Seahawks' secondary has shown promise, and the coaching staff will be looking for signs of improvement in their pass rush, which was lacking in the previous game.
As the preseason progresses, both teams are looking to finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season. For the Seahawks, the primary goal is to avoid injuries to key players and to assess the depth of their squad. The coaching staff will be evaluating how younger players perform under the pressure of a live game, especially with the regular season approaching.
The Titans, conversely, are in a position where they need to show tangible improvement, particularly on offense. With their first regular-season game on the horizon, establishing a rhythm and building confidence will be key objectives for Saleh and his coaching staff.
Following this matchup, the Seahawks will have a quick turnaround as they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs in their final preseason game on Friday, August 28, 2026. This will provide another opportunity for players to make their case for a spot on the roster.
As the teams prepare for this highly anticipated game, fans will follow closely closely to see how both squads respond to the challenges of preseason football. The Seahawks will aim to demonstrate resilience and depth, whereas the Titans will seek to solidify their offense and build momentum heading into the regular season.