Seattle Seahawks Jalen Milroe Gets Limited Reps In 2nd Preseason Game, Puzzling Some Fans

The preseason is often a time for emerging talents to showcase their skills, and for Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe, expectations couldn’t be higher. Armed with a rocket arm and athleticism that electrified fans during his time at Alabama, Milroe was expected to make waves instantly. But through the early stages of the preseason, his limited reps have sparked frustration among Seahawks faithful, who are eager to see their young star in action.

Despite the clamor for more Milroe snaps, head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak are steering the rookie’s development carefully—and perhaps wisely. For a quarterback transitioning from college dominance to the intricacies of the NFL, a patient approach might be the secret to unlocking his long-term potential.

Seattle Seahawks Jalen Milroe: Limited Reps, Unlimited Upside

Jalen Milroe’s Seahawks debut was understated yet promising. Against the Raiders in Seattle’s first preseason outing, Milroe completed six of ten passes for 61 yards. While the stat line may not have set the world on fire, it hinted at underlying potential. His poise stood out, as did his ability to process the game quickly and avoid turnovers.

Macdonald’s early assessment mirrored what many observed. “He moved the chains,” the head coach noted, “but left some opportunities in the red zone and had some operational errors.” Macdonald was particularly candid about the areas where Milroe needs improvement—calling plays cleanly, managing huddles efficiently, and mastering situational football, particularly inside the 20-yard line.

This honest evaluation underscores why the Seahawks are opting to take things slow. Developing a franchise quarterback isn’t solely about feeling the heat of game action; it’s about learning the minutiae that separate good players from great ones.

The Challenges of Transitioning to the NFL

Jalen Milroe’s college resume is dazzling. At Alabama, he led the team with 2,844 passing yards, supplemented by 726 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns, embodying the dual-threat quarterback archetype. However, the NFL presents challenges far removed from his collegiate experience.

For one, the speed and complexity of NFL defenses dwarf those seen on Saturdays. At Alabama, Milroe’s athleticism often allowed him to escape trouble and make highlight-reel plays on the fly. But in the NFL, creativity must follow command. Understanding pre-snap reads, diagnosing changing defensive looks, and delivering throws within tight windows are skills that take time to develop.

This learning curve is particularly steep given that Milroe is adjusting to Klint Kubiak’s offense. The Seahawks’ system demands efficiency, rhythm, and precision. Kubiak’s play-action-heavy design requires quarterbacks to balance under-center execution with split-second decision-making. Even minor huddle missteps or timing errors can throw off an entire drive—a reality that explains Macdonald’s meticulous approach to Milroe’s development.

Why Sitting Behind Veterans Makes Sense

One of the loudest critiques from frustrated fans revolves around the Seahawks’ decision to divide reps predominantly in favor of veteran Drew Lock. While it’s easy to understand the excitement surrounding Milroe, there’s logic to this phase-in approach.

For starters, quarterbacks can often benefit significantly from observing and learning behind established veterans. Serving as the backup allows Milroe to absorb more of the system’s intricacies, familiarize himself with defensive tendencies, and refine the fundamentals required for success—all without the immediate pressure of starting. He can also lean on Darnold’s experience navigating the challenges of the NFL, including bouncing back from adversity.

The Seahawks, like any team, are building for the long haul. Rushing Milroe into extensive preseason action at the expense of his long-term development could prove detrimental. By taking a measured approach and ensuring his transition is deliberate and comprehensive, they set him—and the franchise—up for sustainable success.

Fan Frustration Is Understandable

That’s not to say the fans’ grievances are unwarranted. Watching Milroe’s physical tools during his limited action has been tantalizing. His rocket arm delivers passes with zip, while his quick bursts of speed give him the ability to escape collapsing pockets. He does, to put it simply, have the “it” factor that draws people to stadiums.

After years of cycling through uninspiring quarterback situations, Seahawks fans are understandably eager to see him take the reins. The anticipation, bolstered by his college highlights, adds a sense of urgency to the question, “Why wait?”

Milroe is undeniably a project, but he’s also a project with a ceiling that could change the trajectory of the franchise. Seattle fans, then, aren’t just rooting for an exciting quarterback—they’re yearning for a glimpse of the potential that’s been routinely teased in offseason practices and preseason flashes.

Final Thoughts

Jalen Milroe’s preseason performances provide a clear glimpse into both his immense potential and the areas where growth is still needed. While fans may be clamoring for more reps, the Seattle Seahawks are playing the long game. By fostering his development incrementally and allowing him to learn behind veterans like Sam Darnold, the organization is setting Milroe up for the success that isn’t just fleeting but sustainable.

Franchise quarterbacks aren’t built overnight. And while it’s exciting to dream of Milroe lighting up box scores and dazzling crowds, sometimes the best things are worth the wait.