Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe faced sharp criticism after a costly interception during the team’s 19-16 preseason defeat to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
The former Alabama standout, now 23, tossed the ball across the middle in the third quarter, handing the Titans favorable field position and drawing scrutiny for the decision.
Milroe remains locked in a battle for playing time on the depth chart. He sits firmly behind starter Sam Darnold and must contend with veteran options for the backup job.
Seahawks reporter Gregg Bell pinned the interception squarely on Milroe, calling the risk “alarming.”
“Jalen Milroe does what usually results in NFL interceptions: Throws late over the middle,” Bell wrote in a post on X. “It’s behind Montorie Foster Jr. for an easy Titans interception. Alarming throw for turnover at the #Seahawks 38-yard line. Just a poor throw.”
Milroe’s difficulties continued later. On a fourth-down play in the fourth quarter with Seattle trailing 19-16, he absorbed a sack. He had time and scrambled out of the pocket but failed to get a pass away, resulting in a turnover on downs with under four minutes left.
Seattle regained possession shortly afterward. On the first play of that drive, Milroe threw another interception. The Titans then ran out the clock to secure the win.
Milroe was selected in the draft last year partly as a safety net for Darnold. Darnold had just completed a career year with the Minnesota Vikings but carried questions about whether he could keep it going.
Those questions disappeared as Darnold led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title, leaving Milroe’s path forward less certain heading into the 2026 season.
Former NFL quarterback and analyst Brock Huard stressed that Milroe must eliminate the negative plays if he hopes for a meaningful role.
“Those (negative) plays, that floor, has got to go away,” Huard said. “You want to elevate your floor always – year by year, game by game, decision by decision. Elevate your floor, eliminate the basement stuff like that. That continues to be, I think, the (needed) growth for Jalen.”
Huard also noted the challenge for Milroe in balancing his athleticism with traditional pocket play.
“When you’re labeled a dual-threat guy and (people think) all you can do is run, you want to prove people that you can play in the pocket too,” Huard said. “But when and how you utilize that (is the challenge). It’s a blessing and a curse to be that dynamic.”
The dual interceptions and the late sack underscored the areas where growth remains necessary. Coaches have emphasized cleaner decision-making and better use of available time in the pocket.
Milroe’s dual-threat skills offer clear upside, yet the turnovers highlight the need for greater consistency as the preseason progresses.
With the regular season approaching, the competition for the No. 2 quarterback spot continues. Veterans in the room provide steady alternatives while the young signal-caller works to refine his game.
Milroe will look to bounce back in the final exhibition contests, focusing on reducing mistakes and showing progress in progression reads and ball security.
The Seahawks organization remains patient given his relative inexperience at the professional level, but performances like Sunday’s add pressure to demonstrate clearer development.
As the depth chart takes shape, every series counts for a player still establishing his foothold in the league.
