Normally, a Seattle Seahawks win in Arrowhead Stadium would be welcomed with more excitement, especially when it comes on a last second Hail Mary and converting the subsequent two-point conversion to nab the W. But, this is Week 1 of the preseason so the Hawks' 17-16 on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs is but a foot note when compared to the evaluation of second and third-string players.

Whoever said don't get excited never said that to Pete Carroll though, or at least he didn't listen as he got all pumped about the performance of Christine Michael. Most Seahawks fans likely are brushing the camp long adulation for Michael off to the side, as this has become a summer ritual ever since the Hawks drafted him the second round all those years ago. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell says that Michael talks of an "awakening" he had after the Seahawks traded him to Dallas last year, who then released him before he found his way back to Seahawks, who signed him after he failed to catch on with the Washington Redskins as well.

Indeed he did look more consistent yesterday, running inside and not shying away from contact, something Seattle running backs have to do, and something Michael shied away from in the past.

His stat line looked decent too, rushing for 44 years on seven carries for a 6.3 per carry average.

Part of that came thanks to "solid" offensive line play. That sure is a different storyline for that unit, and Michael made sure to praise them. “I told those guys, those guys did an outstanding job tonight, man," Michael said.

Even Russell said they looked good, even though he only had one series and Justin Britt is sliding over to center for the first time in his career.

Speaking of Russell, he looked fairly decent despite throwing an end-zone interception on his one series of work. He had time in the pocket, and we saw a continuation of the quick throw scheme he had some much success in in the latter half of 2015.

His presumptive backup, rookie Trevone Boykin, certainly ended on a high note, although the jury is still out on whether or not fans should be worried. Before marching the team down on an 88-yard touchdown drive to win the game, he was 10-18 for only 66 yards, frequently looking indecisive. On the plus side, he showed poise under pressure with the final drive, hopefully he can build on that and cement his place as no. 2, for it would be pretty embarrassing if he lost it to Jake Heaps.

Photo: Flickr/Ben Rea