Seahawks backup QB Portis shines

Published on August 7, 2011 by Tacoma News Tribune (Feed)     

One player who has impressed the last couple days is third string quarterback Josh Portis. After struggling with accuracy, fumbled snaps and looking like he was thinking out there the first few days, Portis completed several impressive passes this morning, including a deep ball that rookie Richardo Lockette jumped over Brandon Browner to retrieve in the end zone, and another long completion to Isaiah Stanback.

UW basketball standout Nate Robinson at Seattle Seahawks practice.

“I am really, really excited about Josh,” Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said. “Josh is a guy that I’ve known for so long, since he was a kid. And now to see him after all the travels he’s been through, whether it was high school or college – I think he’s gone to seven or eight schools – and he never really settled in until his last stop at California (Pa.).

“And when he comes to us, you have no idea what he’s going to be like. But he’s in command of the offense as much as he could be at this time. He’s handling the huddle really well. He’s very confident, and he’s really a talented kid. He’s got great feet. He’s got great delivery and a very strong arm. And he’s very poised about it. He’s just been a real pleasant surprise.”

Carroll went on to say that Portis was an important pickup for the team at free agency, but right now is not in the hunt for the second-team job.

“Josh is going to be around here for awhile,” Carroll said. “So we need to see how he develops, because his talent is there. We’re going to take a great look at him. He’ll play a bunch in the preseason. And he’ll play a lot in the San Diego game. So we’re looking forward to seeing him, and getting him out on the field.”

Seattle’s most impressive player in coverage devensively has been safety Earl Thomas, who was glued to Golden Tate in one-on-one drills, and also corralled his first interception today off a tipped ball from Leroy Hill.

Defensive end Raheem Brock practiced for the first time since recently inking a one-year deal to return to Seattle. And Brock was refreshingly honest when asked what brought him back to Seattle.

“Money,” quipped Brock. “I’m happy to be back. I feel like I had unfinished business here. I got started off good last year, and I’d like to finish off good.”

Tags: Backup Qb, Brandon Browner, California Pa, coach pete carroll, Earl Thomas, Eight Schools, End Zone, First Few Days, Great Feet, head coach, Impressive Player, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Portis, Leroy Hill, Nate Robinson, Raheem Brock, seahawks head, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, Strong Arm, Talented Kid