Seahawks Rookies Have Highlight-Filled 1st Half vs. Cowboys

The Seattle Seahawks had a productive first half against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday thanks to some big plays from their rookies.

The Seattle Seahawks enjoyed a 17-7 lead headed into halftime of Saturday's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field, and they have many of their rookies to thank.

The Seahawks got a handful of highlights from both their drafted and undrafted rookies in the first half, which was headlined by a big 48-yard catch from first-round receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

But it was the two UCLA Bruins who got the action started. On Seattle's second drive, Geno Smith connected with undrafted receiver Jake Bobo down the left sideline for a 28-yard catch despite having two defenders in his space.

The other Bruin, second-round running back Zach Charbonnet, got in on the action as well. He got the start at running back, and finished the first half with just three carries for 31 yards, but got 29 of those yards on a long run in the first quarter.

Charbonnet burst through a big gap created by the o-line and nearly tip-toed his way down the right sidelines, but lost his balance a bit and trotted out of bounds.

Zach Charbonnet, ladies and gentlemen pic.twitter.com/ZNAmN5KPFW

— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) August 20, 2023

And then of course, there was Smith-Njigba's big catch.

Faced with a 2nd and 3, Drew Lock hooked up with JSN downfield, as the rookie showed superb awareness by snagging the ball over his left shoulder before making it all the way to the one-yard line after a 48-yard catch-and-run.

Though Smith-Njigba won't get credited with the touchdown, he may as well have been, as DeeJay Dallas walked in for six on the next play to give Seattle a 10-7 lead.

JAXON SMITH NJIGBA!!
pic.twitter.com/wO07KHSokP

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) August 20, 2023

The Cowboys will receive the second-half kick.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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