The Seattle Seahawks showcased their versatility in a dominant 44-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints. The Seahawks scored on both offense and special teams; only one player achieved this feat in both ways: rookie wide receiver Tory Horton.
Horton, the fifth-round pick out of Colorado State, had a breakout performance in only his third game of his career. Following up his two catch, 32-yard, and one touchdown performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Horton had an even better game against the Saints.
In the first quarter, Horton took a punt return 95 yards for a touchdown. The return was the longest punt return in Seahawks history. Also, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com, Horton is the first Seahawks’ player to return a punt for a touchdown since Tyler Lockett in 2015. Lockett was another mid-round receiver who made a significant impact in Seattle
However, Horton wasn’t done, as he then went on to catch a 14-yard touchdown from quarterback Sam Darnold in the second quarter. Horton’s monster day is drawing praise, especially from his head coach.
Mike Macdonald Had High Praise
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald began his post-game press conference by shouting out the players who contributed to the team’s steam rolling of the Saints, and one of those names mentioned was Tory Horton. Macdonald said Horton had a “phenomenal game.”
Later in the press conference, Macdonald went deeper into what makes Horton a special player, and what went into his punt return for a touchdown. Seahawks.com had the transcription of Macdonald’s answer.
“I mean, just how he’s attacked the whole process since he got here,” Macdonald said. “We had ambitions for him to be our punt returner, and we’re talking about countless, countless reps and hours of preparation, and he’s playing really decisive right now.”
Macdonald then went on to highlight the excellent blocking involved that helped make Horton’s return touchdown possible.
“I can’t wait to watch the play on our punt return unit and who sprung blocks and how we set the whole thing up,” Macdonald continued. “Can’t tell you exactly what happened on that play. Any time you spring a return like that there has to be some critical blocks that have to be executed. We will hopefully see those and I will give him a shoutout next time we get together.”
Horton is quickly gaining even more trust within the Seahawks organization, including from the main man throwing him the football.
Darnold Says Horton is Hungry
Tory Horton, for the second week in a row, was on the receiving end of a Sam Darnold touchdown pass. The chemistry between the two players is growing stronger each week.
Darnold, in his post-game press conference, discussed Horton and his preparation as he continues to ask more questions during the week. Seahawks.com provided the transcription of Darnold’s answer.
“I think just how steady he is. Even having a good game in Pittsburgh, catching that touchdown, was still eager and hungry this whole last week, wanting more and just asking a ton of great questions,” Darnold said.
“Like I’ve talked a ton about Tory, but he’s just continuing to grow. I know he’s going to continue to get better and want to get better,” Darnold continued. “I think that’s the biggest key as a young player, is just having that want to get better and understand the offense even that much more.”
Only three games into his career, Horton is making a significant impact. If he continues on this upward trajectory, then the sky is the limit.
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