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Locketts early TD sends Seattle to 31-21 win over Oakland
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SEATTLE (AP) — If there was such an award, Seattle Seahawks rookie Tyler Lockett would be the clear MVP of the preseason.

Fellow Seattle rookie Frank Clark would be right behind him.

“We’ve had very high hopes for them. There’s been no information that didn’t support they would be able to help us and do stuff for us,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said.

Lockett scored his third touchdown of the preseason on a 63-yard reception from Russell Wilson, Clark had a sack and forced fumble on Oakland QB Matt McGloin that Jordan Hill recovered for a touchdown, and the Seahawks closed out the preseason with a 31-21 win over the Raiders on Thursday.

After returning a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown and a punt 67 yards for another score earlier in the preseason, Lockett flashed his straight-ahead speed as a wide receiver. On Seattle’s second offensive play, Lockett gave Oakland cornerback Keith McGill a brief hesitation, then sprinted free, catching the only pass thrown by Wilson and outrunning the defense for the early touchdown. Lockett was drafted by Seattle for his ability as a returner on special teams, but will likely be in the wide receiver rotation when the season begins.

Kasen Williams added a 15-yard touchdown reception from wide receiver/quarterback B.J. Daniels in the third quarter, Thomas Rawls had a 6-yard TD run and Steven Hauschka added a 55-yard field goal after his game-winning 60-yarder last Saturday against San Diego.

McGloin recovered from the fumble to throw a pair of touchdowns and at least raise the question if he is the better backup option over Christian Ponder. McGloin was 16 of 24 for 186 yards and threw TD passes of 6 yards to Seth Roberts and 28 yards to Rod Streater.

In limited action, Ponder was 7 of 11 for 99 yards, returning late in the fourth quarter.

“We’ve not made any decisions on that. When we do, then you’ll hear about that,” Oakland coach Jack Del Rio said. “I agree, I think (McGloin’s) had a good camp. He did a nice job again tonight.”

Wilson was the only significant star on either team to see the playing field. 

Marshawn Lynch, Jimmy Graham, Richard Sherman, Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and Bobby Wagner spent the night chewing sunflower seeds on the Seattle sideline. Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree and Khalil Mack were all spectators on Oakland’s side.

Seattle did go with its starting offensive line for the first series and Dion Bailey — the starter at strong safety with Kam Chancellor holding out — also played in the first quarter.

MR. VERSATILITY

If Daniels makes Seattle’s final roster, his ability to play quarterback might be a factor. He started working again at QB occasionally after Tarvaris Jackson injured his ankle in the preseason opener.

Daniels entered at QB in the third quarter and led an 80-yard drive capped by his TD to Williams, then directed another scoring drive in the fourth quarter. He was 6 of 14 for 45 yards passing and rushed for 75 yards.

“It was just like riding a bike,” Daniels said.

FANTASY WATCH

Raiders: If you’re looking for a third receiver from the Raiders, Streater might be the best option. Streater had three catches and could be the Raiders No. 3 behind Cooper and Michael Crabtree.

Seahawks: With backup Robert Turbin hurt and no deal with veteran Fred Jackson — yet — Christine Michael might be an option for Week 1 as Marshawn Lynch’s backup. Michael averaged 4.9 yards per carry playing in the first half.

INJURIES:

Raiders: No significant injuries were reported.

Seahawks: CB Mohammed Seisay suffered a dislocated shoulder in the fourth quarter. Carroll didn’t have updated timetables on Turbin (sprained ankle) or LB Mike Morgan (hamstring).

UP NEXT

Raiders: Oakland opens the regular season hosting Cincinnati.

Seahawks: The defending NFC champs open at St. Louis, where Seattle has lost two of the last three seasons.