Russell Wilson looks good vs Colts in 2018 debut

He was facing an Indianapolis Colts defense that figures to be bad this season regardless, and in a preseason matchup without a full slate of starters or an entire playbook by the coordinators, but Russell Wilson is off to a hot start in 2018. Facing the Colts at home on Thursday, Wilson played in the opening drive and went 4-of-5 for 43 yards and one touchdown.

He also kept the ball on the ground twice, gaining 14 more yards.

Wilson showed off his legs, arm, and brain in this short touchdown throw to tight end Nick Vannett:

The Seahawks took the lead and Wilson was replaced on the next drive by Austin Davis. Things didn’t go as well for Davis in his opportunity at the Indianapolis goal line, as he threw an easily-picked interception shortly later in the first half.

Wilson targeted Vannett three times on the drive, signaling a potentially big role for Vannett depending on how long Ed Dickson is out with injury. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer could end up featuring both tight ends heavily anyway, as well as rookie Will Dissly. It’s a good sign for an offense that was without Doug Baldwin and Dickson.

Another expected starter who played well in the opening quarter was running back Chris Carson, who carried the ball four times for 26 yards. Rookie Rashaad Penny was stuffed for a loss on his first play, but had a nice six-yard run later on in the half. David Moore had perhaps the highlight of the half with this 28-yard grab from Davis: