Seahawks coach urges Milroe to take another step after preseason game

The Seattle Seahawks drafted quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that drew comparisons to their acquisition of Russell Wilson in 2012, also in the third round. Initially, the team planned to use Milroe in a limited role with a package of plays designed for him, but that plan never materialized. During his rookie season, Milroe appeared in only three games, each time for a single snap, and he ran the ball on every occasion, gaining one yard, three yards, and no yards respectively. This minimal usage suggested that the coaching staff was not yet ready to trust him with significant responsibilities.

Entering his second season, the Seahawks appear to have shifted their approach, focusing on developing Milroe as a passer rather than just a runner. In a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night, Milroe played 30 snaps, completing five of eight passes for 36 yards and rushing five times for an additional 36 yards. This marked a significant increase in playing time and an opportunity for Milroe to showcase his abilities in a more comprehensive role.

After the game, head coach Mike Macdonald commented on Milroe's performance, emphasizing the need for continued growth. Macdonald said, "I think the whole thing just needs — just let's go take another step, you know? Let's encourage him to go rip it. I think some great things that Jalen did was extend plays with his legs, something that has been a point of emphasis with him. That really helped us." Macdonald also addressed the balance that mobile quarterbacks must strike between staying in the pocket to find a receiver and taking off to run. He noted, "The play doesn't have to end if there's nobody to throw [to] with your progressions. Like, you're allowed to extend the play, you know? It's up to you on how long the play goes."

The Seahawks' coaching staff likely prefers that Milroe extend plays horizontally, moving laterally to buy time for receivers to get open, rather than immediately tucking the ball and running. This approach could lead to bigger gains through the air, as receivers have more time to break free from coverage. Macdonald's comments suggest that the team is committed to developing Milroe's passing skills while still leveraging his athleticism as a weapon.

Milroe's performance against the Cowboys, while modest in statistics, demonstrated his ability to contribute in a more substantial role. The team's investment in his development is clear, and the preseason game provided a glimpse of what he might offer in the regular season. As the Seahawks prepare for the upcoming season, the question remains whether Milroe will continue to see increased playing time and how his role will evolve. Macdonald's encouragement to "take another step" indicates that the coaching staff sees potential in Milroe and is willing to give him opportunities to grow.