NFL Training Camp Buzz Notebook
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NFL Training Camp Buzz Notebook: Updates on Caleb Downs, Denzel Boston, Jalen Hurts, More
As the 2026 season approaches, one thing becomes increasingly clear: the Seattle Seahawks are on the cusp of a new era in the NFL. Under offensive coordinator Brian Fleury and coach Mike Macdonald, the team has undergone a subtle yet significant transformation.
Fleury’s arrival from the San Francisco 49ers has brought with it a fresh perspective that blends the best of both worlds. The new offense, dubbed “dialing it up,” has impressed even the league’s top defenses, including the Seahawks’ own unit. Safety Julian Love quipped, “They know what we’re in. They were on our ass the first few days [of camp].” This level of playmaking and adjustment is a hallmark of Fleury’s coaching style.
At tight end, AJ Barner is an ascending star who should reach new heights in Year 3, thanks to his finally being healthy after multiple offseason surgeries. His progress will be accelerated by Fleury’s offense, which allows him to do a little bit of everything. Elijah Arroyo is another talented tight end primed for breakout success.
The receiver dynamic is also an area of interest, as coaches are excited about Tory Horton’s return from injury. With Cooper Kupp still on board and moving well at age 33, Seattle will likely mix and match to find enough snaps for both him and Horton. This could lead to some intriguing matchups, particularly against teams that struggle with speed.
However, the running back rotation is a concern for fantasy owners. Jadarian Price has shown impressive burst and coachability, but his playing time will likely be limited in the preseason. Seattle likes to spread the wealth at tailback, making it hard to predict how this situation will shake out.
General manager John Schneider’s comments on not being able to bring back everyone from the Super Bowl team are telling. It seems that Seattle is embracing a “next man up” mentality, prioritizing youth and development over nostalgia. This approach has been successful in the past but creates uncertainty for fans and fantasy owners alike.
As we move forward into the 2026 season, one thing is clear: Seattle’s Renaissance is in full swing. With Fleury at the helm and Macdonald providing guidance, this team has all the ingredients to make a deep playoff run. But it won’t be easy; the NFL is a cutthroat league, and only time will tell if Seattle can maintain its momentum.
The influence of Fleury’s coaching style on Seattle’s success is undeniable, and other teams would do well to take notice. However, it also raises questions about how Seattle will adapt to challenges from opposing defenses. As the team continues to evolve over the coming months, one thing is certain: Seattle will be a force to be reckoned with in 2026.
Reader Views
- MTMarko T. · expedition guide
Seattle's revamped offense is the real deal, but they're still missing one crucial piece: a consistent running game. Brian Fleury's system is built to thrive with a dual-threat QB like Jalen Hurts, but they need a reliable RB to take some heat off their D and control clock. Jadarian Price has flashed, but he'll likely see limited snaps due to Seattle's spread-back approach. I'd keep an eye on veteran Carlos Hyde, who's been quietly productive in camp. Can he snag a role as the lead back or will it be a committee situation?
- TTThe Trail Desk · editorial
One area that's getting lost in the shuffle is the Seahawks' secondary. While the offense is generating buzz, Denzel Boston's development at cornerback and Caleb Downs' growth as a safety are just as crucial to Seattle's success. The unit has been quietly impressive in camp, with some suggesting they may be the league's best group by season's end. Still, until they're tested against top-tier offenses, it's hard to know how they'll hold up come regular-season crunch time.
- JHJess H. · thru-hiker
It's clear Seattle is trying to revamp their identity, but I'm not convinced this 'dialing it up' offense will be more than a novelty unless they can produce sustained drives and consistent scoring. Fleury's track record is decent, but he's still in the honeymoon phase. What I want to see is how their unit adapts when faced with adversity - teams won't always roll over for their fancy new play-calling. Until then, it's tough to get excited about this makeover.