Tavaris Jackson shines and stumbles in first practice

Published on August 5, 2011 by Tacoma News Tribune (Feed)     

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson’s first practice with his new team went about how you would expect from a player sitting on the sidelines for the first week of practice, only to jump into the fray during a padded practice.

Jackson dazzled fans on hand with a couple athletic throws not seen around these parts since Seneca Wallace roamed the VMAC two years ago.

But don’t take my word for it.

“I was really impressed,” said new Seattle tight end Zach Miller said. “Obviously just seeing him play on film, and on TV is a lot different than playing with a guy. So getting a chance to get out here with him, I was really impressed. He has a ton of zip on the ball. He was hitting receivers out here, hitting the tight ends. And I was really impressed with how accurate he was.”

Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson throws to Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice at the start of practice at the Seahawks practice facility in Renton, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011.

However, Jackson also struggled with getting his timing down and the snap from under center consistently. And he threw wild a couple times. But all in all, Jackson made it through the 2 ½ practice healthy and with ample room for improvement, as he will find out during film evaluation this evening.

“It felt good just to get a chance to get out there and practice with the guys,” Jackson said. “I’ve been here for about a week now. And it’s just been kind of frustrating to be on the sidelines watching. I was just anxious to get out there. And now we got a chance to get out there and get familiar with each other.”

The players arrived on the field at 1:30 p.m., but had to wait about 40 minutes on final approval that the new CBA had been ratified from the NFLPA and the league, getting final the final OK about 10 minutes past 2 p.m.

Along with Jackson, we got our first look at free agents offensive guard Robert Gallery, tight end Zach Miller and receiver Sidney Rice on offense.

Rice made the most noticeable impact, making a highlight reel catch by stretching and coming down with a high ball over the middle of the defense.

Jackson and Rice also connected on several sideline routes, and as expected, appeared to have a good rapport already developed.

Miller also as good as advertised, showing reliable hands and making several catches down the seam of the defense. The Seahawks used two tight-end sets a bunch today, so we got an opportunity to see Miller and John Carlson together on the field. As Pete Carroll and Tom Cable mentioned on Tuesday, Miller expects the two to work well together.

Tags: Ample Room, Cba, Couple Times, Film Evaluation, Final Approval, free agents, Nflpa, Offe, Offensive Guard, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, Seattle Seahawks Quarterback, Seneca Wallace, Sidelines, Sidney Rice, Tarvaris Jackson, tavaris jackson, Tight End, Tight Ends, Wide Receiver, Zach Miller