Seahawks’ Pete Carroll Pleased With Preseason Debut of Tre Flowers

Last Thursday night, the Seattle Seahawks fell to the Indianapolis Colts 19-17, but Pete Carroll and his coaching staff were more concerned with the means than the end results.

After an offseason where they watched Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman walk — and with things as clear as mud in the Earl Thomas contract standoff — Seattle is looking to the future with a rebuilding secondary.

Fifth-round pick Tre Flowers was selected for this upside, his size and his speed in hopes that the college safety could one day fill the role of the rangy Sherman at corner. Throughout training camp and during his first preseason reps, Flowers looks to be ahead of schedule and destined for early reps.

“It’s not easy at all, but it’s something I look forward to doing,” Flowers said about the position switch. “I love competing and competing is what makes me who I am. Getting in front of somebody every play is just going to be a great thing.”

As for his first test, it was Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton that Flowers got in front of as the rookie started and played every defensive snap in the first half. He held Hilton to one catch for eight yards and tallied two solo tackles.

“I can’t wait to see the film,” said Carroll. “He was out there for the entire half, playing football. I thought he did well.”

Flowers did get flagged for a defensive pass interference in the first quarter when he was in position to bat away a pass to Hilton but he snuck an arm around the four-time Pro Bowler’s back, drawing a penalty marker.

But those things are to be expected and, according to Carroll, present quality classroom curriculum for the young pupil.

“He had the one penalty with great coverage, he was there,” said Carroll. “I think he grabbed him when he didn’t even have to do it to make the play. We’ll be able to really teach from that. Stayed up on top on the deep ball, down in the end zone. I thought a pretty good first outing.”