Wednesday cyber surfing: Free agency and the Draft
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Feb. 8:
Mike Sando at ESPN.com takes a look at the Seahawks who are scheduled to become free agents: “The Seahawks’ top priorities in free agency appear clear, at least when it comes to their own players. Re-sign running back Marshawn Lynch and defensive end Red Bryant.”
Sando also has a NFC West “Draft Primer,” and has this to say about the Seahawks: “Finding a long-term quarterback remains the top priority for the Seahawks, but once again the planets appear reluctant to align for them. Parting with Matt Hasselbeck and passing over Andy Dalton have left Seattle with Tarvaris Jackson and developmental quarterback Josh Portis. Chasing after Peyton Manning could make sense for the Seahawks. They have good young players. Adding a front-line quarterback could put them over the top in the division. Linebacker has replaced the offensive line as a primary need for the Seahawks. That should not be the case, in theory, because the team had so much invested in a couple of relatively young linebackers. Aaron Curry and Lofa Tatupu are gone, however, and David Hawthorne is a free agent. The team could move K.J. Wright into the middle.”
Former NFL executive Jeff Diamond at SI.com takes a look at both in this offseason assessment of the Seahawks: “Team Needs: QB, T, DE. The Seahawks want to find a potential elite QB to replace Tarvaris Jackson, but they’re in a tough spot. Picking at 11 or 12 in the first round, it’s too far to trade up for one of the top two. Perhaps they can get a shot at Ryan Tannehill, the third-ranked QB. In free agency, they would have interest in Matt Flynn, but Miami (with Joe Philbin) has a leg up unless the Dolphins can sign Peyton. The Seahawks also must improve their pass protection after giving up 50 sacks, so they will draft offensive linemen in the early rounds. A better possibility in the first round is a pass-rushing DE to play opposite Chris Clemons (such as Melvin Ingram of South Carolina or perhaps a trade up for Quinton Coples). The Seahawks also should seek a vet WR from the strong free agent class. And they may have to franchise Marshawn Lynch after his strong season (1,204 rushing yards, 12 TDs).”
Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com has a new mock draft at CBSSports.com, but a familiar pick for the Seahawks: “Devon Still, DT, Penn State. Many expect the Seahawks to consider a quarterback to compete with incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson with this selection but in beating the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens last year, and matching up well with division champion San Francisco, the club may not be willing to reach to fill a perceived need. Don’t be surprised if Seattle instead turns its attention to a bounty of talented defensive linemen likely to be selected in the top 15. Still, a 6-4, 310-pound defensive tackle, showed his talent and despite all of the distractions in Happy Valley last year, was the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year. Still could help inside at defensive tackle as well as provide the Seahawks with some flexibility at the five technique defensive end position should incumbent starter Red Bryant be heavily pursued in free agency.”
Whatever happened to Randall Morris? We catch up with the former running back here at Seahawks.com: “Morris, 49, owns Final Clean, a company that prepares just-constructed buildings so the tenants can move in. ‘I never left the Seattle area,’ he said. ‘I’m from Long Beach, Calif., and I didn’t want to raise my family down there. This is a much nicer place.’ ”
We also have a look in photos of the Top 10 moments from the 2011 season, as well as a video report of Walter Thurmond, Kris Durham, John Moffitt, Matt McCoy, Jameson Konz and Brandon Mebane delivering “baskets of hope” at Children’s Hospital.
Cyber surfing: Tuesday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Jan. 3:
Dave Boling at the News Tribune captures the mood – and scent – in the locker room from Monday, when the players were going through the ritual of cleaning out their cubicles in the wake of Sunday’s season finale: “As has been the case through the course of the season, these guys appear to enjoy spending time together. ‘There’s a good chemistry,’ said Brandon Mebane, veteran defensive tackle. ‘We play together, we play hard to support each other; we’ve got each others’ backs – on and off the field.’ The team’s 7-9 record was no better than last season’s, when they also claimed a quirky division title and then scored an upset playoff win over the Saints. But it had such a different feel this time. Last year, veterans like Matt Hasselbeck, Lawyer Milloy and Lofa Tatupu were packing up for what would be the last time. The entire team, for that matter, was heading off into the unknown environment of labor discord. And that team won only three of its final 10 regular-season games. This year’s bunch was 5-3 in the second half of a season in which they improved to ninth in yards per game (from 27th in 2010) and 7th in scoring defense (from 25th).”
Also at the News Tribune, Eric Williams checks in with Marshawn Lynch and some of the other players who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents: “The Seahawks’ top priority in free agency likely will be keeping their free agents, such as running back Marshawn Lynch. The former Cal player finished with a career-high 1,204 yards and 13 total touchdowns this season – the first time a Seattle player rushed for more than 1,000 yards since Shaun Alexander’s MVP season of 2005 (1,880 yards, 28 total TDs). Lynch addressed his pending free agency while talking to reporters Monday. ‘Everything’s going to fall into place,’ Lynch said. ‘There’s not too much I can do about it but just wait.’ ”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times and John Boyle at the Everett Herald also look at the team’s free-agent class.
Here at Seahawks.com, we take one last trip into the trippy world of Marshawn Lynch for this season as the players were cleaning out their cubicles in the locker room on Monday: “As with most things involving Marshawn Lynch this season, his departure interview with reporters was more than the typical Q&A session. First, the Seahawks’ leading rusher politely declined the request as the players were cleaning out their cubicles in the locker room Monday. When he relented, Lynch answered questions to the accompaniment of music coming from his cubicle, head bobbing with each response. At one point, guard Robert Gallery – all 6 feet 7, 325 pounds of him – leaned over the group, extended one of his long arms as if holding a recorder and asked Lynch how he could get some free Skittles. Without missing a beat – in the conversation, or to the music – Lynch reached into his pocket and pulled out a package of Skittles. The Seahawks’ season might be over, after Sunday’s overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals in their finale, but the Marshawn Lynch show rolls on.”
We’ve also got other notes from the sweet-and-sour experience in “Monday in Hawkville,” as well as look back at some of the significant statistical accomplishments this season in “Monday Metatarsal Musings”: “From the top of Marshawn Lynch’s Skittles-munching head to the tip of Jon Ryan’s punt-crushing foot, the Seahawks’ just-completed 2011 season was memorable for a number of reasons. For example: Lynch finished with 1,204 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, both career highs. Ryan broke his own club records with a 46.6-yard average and a net average of 39.3, and his 95 punts were the second-most in franchise history.”
And Tony Ventrella has a look at Monday’s activities in this video report.
Is it too early for a mock draft? Is it ever too early for a mock draft? Rob Rang at CBSSports.com doesn’t think so. Here’s his just-off-the-keyboard mock, and who he’s got the Seahawks selecting: “Quinton Coples, DT, North Carolina. The Seahawks would love to see one of the elite quarterback prospects fall to them, but with the team improving despite inconsistent play from Tarvaris Jackson, they aren’t likely to reach to fill a need. Another area of concern is along the defensive line. Coples has lined up at defensive end this season, but played better a year ago inside at defensive tackle. His ability to slip gaps could make him a perfect fit as a three-technique next to run-plugging nose guard Brandon Mebane.”
For a better-late-than-never look at the final weekend of the regular season, there’s Peter King’s “Monday Morning Quarterback” at SI.com.
Cyber surfing: Friday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Dec. 30:
Eric Williams at the News Tribune looks at Tarvaris Jackson, who has done enough this season to be the incumbent QB for next season: “Asked this week who will start at quarterback for the 2012 Seahawks, coach Pete Carroll said he plans to stick with Tarvaris Jackson. ‘Yeah, that’s where we are,’ Carroll said. ‘… Now, that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to look at the draft really hard and all the opportunities. We’ll always do that at every position.’ The sixth-year pro will be in the second year of a two-year, $8 million contract. He’s 7-6 as a starter, passing for 2,869 yards and 13 touchdowns with 12 interceptions – all career bests. He thinks he’ll be even better with a full offseason of work.”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times offers his take on the same topic – Jackson as the QB in 2012: “Tarvaris Jackson will end this season Sunday in Arizona the same way he began it: as Seattle’s undisputed starting quarterback. Jackson outlasted the chants for backup Charlie Whitehurst early in the season. He came back from a strained pectoral muscle. He survived Seattle’s 2-6 start, more than 40 sacks at the hands of opponents, and he has started more games this season than any of his previous five. And after all that, coach Pete Carroll says he’s comfortable with Jackson as Seattle’s starter going forward. ‘That’s where we are,’ Carroll said. “That doesn’t mean that we’re not going to look at the draft really hard and all of the opportunities. We’ll always do that at every position. But (for) T-Jack, understanding what this season has been like for him is really important.’ “
Alex Marvez at FoxSports.com has this to say about Golden Tate after interviewing the Seahawks’ receiver on a radio show: “His heart wishes the Seattle Seahawks had two extra weeks to vie for the postseason. The rest of Golden Tate’s body knows better. If the NFL had its way, the regular season would grow from 16 to 18 games. Under such a scenario, the 2011 Seahawks (7-8) would still be in contention for a wild-card berth with three contests left to play. Instead, the playoffs are now a pipe dream after last Sunday’s 19-17 loss to San Francisco. Tate is saddened that his season will come to an end Sunday. But the second-year wide receiver also believes the ancillary effects inherent in a two-game expansion aren’t worth it. ‘You’re adding two more games, you’re adding two more weeks of practice also,’ Tate said. ‘For guys getting hit constantly, that will do nothing but shorten careers. I like the schedule the way it is right now – 16 games and you’ve got the playoffs. I don’t see any problem with it.’ ”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at Brandon Mebane, who has more tackles than any interior lineman in the NFC but whose tackles also are sometimes difficult to see: “The best way to put it is that Mebane makes a habit of making piles, with the ball carrier on the bottom and Mebane on top of him. There also are a couple of teammates, as well as a would-be blocker or two, in this mass of oversized humanity – protruding at various angles and attached from various directions. (Defensive line coach Todd) Wash smiles when that picture is painted and then offers, “It usually is in big glob of bodies. So it’s hard to see.”
We’ve also got a look at how Tom Cable handles his offensive linemen in “Thursday in Hawkville,” as well as Tony Ventrella’s video recap and his “Seahawks Insider” that this week features Ricardo Lockette.
And speaking of Lockette, Mike Sando at ESPN.com has “Five Observations” from last week’s loss to the 49ers, including: “No idea how that deep ball succeeded. The 49ers had to like their chances on the Seahawks’ second offensive play. Their Pro Bowl defensive end, Justin Smith, beat left guard Robert Gallery to the inside and was bearing down on quarterback Tarvaris Jackson right away. The 49ers had two about-to-be-minted Pro Bowlers, cornerback Carlos Rogers and free safety Dashon Goldson, shadowing an undrafted rookie receiver making his regular-season NFL debut. There is simply no way Jackson-to-Lockette should beat three Pro Bowlers for a 44-yard gain. Jackson gets credit for hanging tough and delivering the ball just as Smith was about to blast him. Lockette gets credit for catching a ball Rogers contested well. This was exactly the type of play Seattle needed early against a tough defense.”
Also at ESPN.com, Duff McKagan touches on his beloved Seahawks while answering readers’ questions: “It just seems that rock ‘n’ roll and sports go hand in hand for whatever reason. The Seahawks have made great improvement throughout this second half of the season, but alas, 10-6 was not our lot. Here is hoping for a .500 season anyways!”
For a look at the rest of the league, there’s John Clayton’s “First and 10” at ESPN.com; and Peter King’s “Weekend Pickoff” at SI.com.
Photoblog: Monday Night Madness
Monday Night Football returned to Seattle for the first time since 2007, and the Seahawks did not disappoint as they defeated the St. Louis Rams, 30-13 at CenturyLink Field.
In the broadcast booth hours before the game, microphones waited for Monday Night Football announcers Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Ron “Jaws” Jaworski.
Monday Night Football play-by-play man Mike Tirico reviews his notes in the booth long before the stands at CenturyLink Field were filled with members of the 12thMAN.
Safety Earl Thomas warms up on the field as the last of the December sun fell on CenturyLink Field.
Skittles-mania has overtaken Seattle thanks to Marshawn Lynch, and sure enough, a bag could be found in the depths of his locker before the game.
Marshawn Lynch greets his mom on the sidelines during pregame. When asked about the Skittles habit after the game, Lynch replied, "you've got to ask my Mama."
Head coach Pete Carroll speaks briefly to the team before they took the field.
Customarily one of the last players to leave the locker room, Marshawn Lynch "taps in" as head coach Pete Carroll follows.
Chris Clemons, who Pete Carroll identifies as a key acquisition last season, stares into the television camera before leaving the tunnel during pregame introductions.
Defensive lineman Alan Branch and linebacker K.J. Wright combine to put a vicious hit on St. Louis quarterback Sam Bradford.
Michael Robinson scooped up Doug Baldwin's blocked punt and returned it for a touchdown, setting the tone for the Seahawks victory.
Members of the Seahawks special teams celebrate in the end zone after they blocked a punt for a touchdown.
This member of the 12th MAN didn't feel the need for a hat in the winter cold, he just painted a helmet on his bald head instead.
St. Louis safety Darian Stewart lost his helmet in an effort to bring down Seattle receiver Ben Obomanu.
Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner collected his team-high fifth interception of the season, sitting in wait for a route he remembered from the two teams first meeting in St. Louis earlier in the season.
Doug Baldwin continued to improve and impress as he not only caught seven passes for 93 yards and a touchdown, but also blocked a punt that the Seahawks returned for a touchdown.
Tight end Zach Miller has been a stalwart blocking for the running game, but also caught two passes against St. Louis.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, Brandon Mebane and his teammates dominated the Rams for the second time this season.
Safeties Earl Thomas and Atari Bigby celebrate after forcing St. Louis quarterback Sam Bradford into an intentional grounding penalty in the red zone.
Seattle's running game features Marshawn Lynch, who went "Beast Mode" in the second half on his way to a game-high 115 yards.
Lynch's 16-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Seahawks.
After Lynch's touchdown, Skittles rained down on the turf in the end zone. Skittles are Lynch's "go-to" candy before, during and after game as was widely-publicized after his last prime-time performance on Thursday Night Football two weeks ago.
Head coach Pete Carroll lets out a yell after the final touchdown, as he saw his team win its fourth game in the last five outings. Seattle travels to Chicago as they seek to continue their newfound success.
Cyber surfing: Monday
Good morning. Here’s what was “out there” about the Seahawks over the weekend and if for today, Dec. 5:
Mike Sando at ESPN.com brightens your Monday morning after a Seahawk-less Sunday by offering a look at how the team can make the playoffs: “The scenarios I put together show Dallas winning the NFC East at 8-8. The Giants, Bears and Falcons would miss the playoffs at 8-8. Arizona or Seattle would emerge as the fifth seed, with 9-7 Detroit as the sixth seed.
Sando also takes a look at Tarvaris Jackson’s resurgent performance from Thursday night’s 31-14 victory over the Eagles: “Jackson completed 13 of 16 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown. He posted the second-highest passer rating (137.0) of his career as a starter. His Total QBR score (76.9) beat the previous season high he set against Atlanta in Week 4 (68.2).”
Jerry Brewer at the Seattle Times says the Seahawks can measure their progress with a solid second half, and they’re already off to a 3-1 start: “Pete Carroll is the stubborn male driver who won’t stop to ask for directions. Scream all you want that he’s going the wrong way. He’s not listening. He believes too much in his way. And unlike the typical stubborn male driver, Carroll might actually arrive at his destination in a timely manner. Despite causing some early season consternation, the Seahawks coach and executive vice president now has his team in position to maximize this rebuilding season. The Seahawks, who have one of the youngest rosters in the NFL, have won three of their last four games to rise from among the league’s worst to among its most promising. At 5-7, they have four games remaining, starting Dec. 12 against St. Louis, and if they can finish well, it would mark an encouraging turnaround and perhaps signal the end of the most painful part of this transition.”
Eric Williams at the News Tribune profiles Brandon Mebane, the Seahawks’ hard-to-overlook nose tackle: “ ‘Brandon was born to be a prototypical NFL defensive lineman,” said Crenshaw football coach Robert Garrett, who coached Mebane in high school. “God put him on earth to do that. He’s fulfilling God’s will. We all have a purpose in life. And I appreciate that.’ ”
John Boyle of the Everett Herald says the Seahawks are forging an identity, and it starts with running the ball: “With this season now three quarters over, two things have become clear during the past month. One, the Seahawks are not going back to the playoffs this season. And two — something perhaps more important for the long-term future of this team — Seattle just might have found its identity. ‘This is what we’ve been talking about since the day I got here and I’m thrilled,’ Pete Carroll said of Seattle’s Thursday win over Philadelphia, his team’s third victory in four games. ‘I’m thrilled to see the format coming together because we’re just getting started with it too.’ “
Here at Seahawks.com, we take a look at the Seahawks’ “Killer B’s,” most noticeably Red Bryant, Brandon Browner, Doug Baldwin and Alan Branch: “One already has broken the club single-season record for blocked field goals, while another is a yard shy of the mark for return yards off interceptions. One joined the team this season as a rookie free agent, but is the club’s leading receiver. Another was added in free agency, and has been a key reason for the team’s ability to stop the run. Individually, they are – in order – Red Bryant, Brandon Browner, Doug Baldwin and Alan Branch. Collectively, they are the “Killer B’s” who have helped spark a second-half resurgence that has seen the Seahawks win three of their past four games.”
We’re also got “Catching Up With” profiles on Paul Skansi and Rufus Porter, as well as a look at how the win over the Eagles came by using a blueprint that coach Pete Carroll has been talking about since he walked in the door: “Thirty-three rushing attempts for 174 yards and two touchdowns. Only 16 pass attempts, but 13 completions and another touchdown. Four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown and two others that setup touchdowns. A solid game from the special teams. Five penalties for 30 yards. Pete Carroll the coach morphed into Pete Carroll the architect on Friday, and even allowed himself a moment to appreciate just how closely the Seahawks’ 31-14 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night followed his plan for how he wants his team to play. ‘We’ve been trying to throw this game for some time now,’ Carroll said. ‘We’ve thrown it out there for a month now. It’s been a month solid of playing in the same style. This was cleaner than the other games, and maybe that’s a step forward for us.’ ”
For a look at the rest of the league in Week 13, there John Clayton’s “Last Call” at ESPN.com; Clark Judge’s “Judgements” at CBSSports.com; and Don Banks’ “Snap Judgments” at SI.com.
Cyber surfing: Monday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Nov. 21:
Jerry Brewer at the Seattle Times not only looks the Seahawks’ defensive effort in Sunday’s 24-7 win over the Rams in St. Louis, he examines how entertaining it is to watch these guys play: “You call it boring. They call it ideal. You call it low scoring. They call it a fight. You call it ugly. They call it a party. The Seahawks engaged in a defensive tussle with the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, and while it had its sleepy moments, the Seattle defense wound up frolicking in the Edward Jones Dome. The Seahawks won exactly the way they’re built to win, resting their forearm on the opponent’s neck and flashing a sadistic smile all the while. This rugged, oversized yet agile, young defense turned boorish against the offensively challenged Rams.”
Also at the Times, Danny O’Neil looks at the significant of a victory others might view as insignificant: “Seattle went on the road and made St. Louis look like exactly what it is: the lowest-scoring team in the NFL. No surprises, just 60 minutes of stout defense that turned the Rams’ offensive flow into a puddle. ‘In the big picture, nobody is going to care a whole lot about it,’ coach Pete Carroll said. ‘But for us, it’s a very big deal.’ “
Also from O’Neil, a look at the battle of the battered offensive lines in Sunday’s game: “The Seahawks’ line did show improvement after struggling early. Seattle allowed four sacks in the first half, none in the second. ‘We just got together at halftime and said, ‘Hey, man, let’s go,’ ’ (right tackle Breno) Giacomini said. ‘We weren’t playing like we were expected to play, and we just had to turn it up a little bit.’ “
Eric Williams at the News Tribune looks at how the Seahawks handled early adversity before taking control of the game. Said wide receiver Mike Williams: “Really the best part of the game was handling adversity. They came out with a lot of energy. They created the short field with a couple turnovers early. And they got one in there, but the defense held tough. So that’s big to get a win like that when it wasn’t pretty, and when it didn’t start out right.”
Also at the News Tribune, Dave Boling looks at how the Seahawks were able to overcome losing the right side of their offensive line during the past week: “Center Max Unger said the team got deeper into their game plan in the second half, and that helped matters. ‘It’s a road win over a divisional opponent, so that’s big, these things are hard to come by. But we’re not going to win a lot of games like that.’ ”
Dave Wyman at 710 ESPN takes a look at a really big day for a really big man: “That sounds like a comical thing to say about a 345-pound man until you watch his drop. (Red) Bryant planted his foot, opened his hips up into a perfect 45 degree angle and ran backwards and sideways 10 yards, catching the ball 12 yards deep. True, his buddy Brandon Mebane did him a favor by tipping Bradford’s pass up in the air, making it more like a catch in “3 flies up,” but Bryant hauled it in perfectly. Then he did his best impersonation of a running back by fending off one tackler, switching the ball over into his other hand so he could fend off another, slamming that perspective tackler to the ground, and hanging on to the ball through the play.”
Christian Caple at PI.com offers his post-game thoughts, including this one: “Welcome back, Chris Clemons. The Seahawks entered the game with only 14 sacks this season – third-fewest in the NFL – and getting Clemons going again was going to be the key to getting more pressure on the quarterback. Problem solved. This week, at least, against a weak Rams offensive line that was missing left tackle Rodger Saffold. It showed. Clemons finished with three sacks and forced both of Sam Bradford’s fumbles, the last one late in the fourth quarter that sealed the game.”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com provides this overview of the NFC West from a day when the division’s four teams matched up, including a comparison of how the Seahawks and Rams have built their teams: “The Seahawks, now in their second season with coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider, have done a better job building up their roster. They’ve gotten better at every position but quarterback. They’ve been better prepared than the Rams for injuries.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we also give some love to Chris Clemons and Red Bryant for their efforts in Sunday’s suffocating defensive effort. Clemons earned “Player of the game” honors, while Bryant’s interception was the best play of the game.
There’s also Tony Ventrella’s video recap.
For look at the rest of the league in Week 11, there’s John Clayton’s “Last Call” at ESPN.com; Clark Judge’s “Judgements” at CBSSports.com; and Peter King’s “Monday Morning Quarterback” at SI.com, where Seahawks punter Jon Ryan gets a nod: “Punters can’t play much better than Ryan did Sunday in St. Louis. Nine punts, a 49.7-yard gross average, with a net average of 44.9 yards. After six of his nine punts, the Rams started from their 20 or worse. The Rams didn’t have a drive longer than 42 yards on 15 possessions, and being consistently backed up by Ryan and the Seattle punt team was one very good reason.”
Game at a glance
ST. LOUIS – A recap of the Seahawks’ 24-7 victory the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday:
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Chris Clemons. On a day when the Seahawks’ defense was dominating, no one was more dominating than the team’s “Leo” defensive end.
Clemons’ stat line made quite a statement about his impact on the game: a career-high three sacks, three other hits on Rams QB Sam Bradford, two forced fumbles and a tipped pass. But his action spoke even louder.
“Clem had a great football game today,” coach Pete Carroll said. “He got great heat and made a big difference in changing the game and giving us a chance.”
Ravaging the Rams is nothing new for Clemons, who was acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles last year. He had two of his team-leading and career-high 11 sacks last season in the game in St. Louis and added half a sack in the NFC West title-clinching victory over the Rams in the regular-season finale in Seattle.
Asked about his repeated success against the Rams, Clemons said, “I guess because it’s a division opponent, you play them more than once a year so you kind of get adjusted to them. They have some things that they try and do against me, but my biggest thing is just staying patient and getting the opportunities and taking advantage of them.”
That was definitely the case in the second half on Sunday.
In the third quarter, he got to Bradford and also forced a fumble that was recovered by nickel back Roy Lewis to set up a TD run by Marshawn Lynch. In the fourth quarter, Clemons had another fumble-forcing sack that was recovered by middle linebacker David Hawthorne to end a Rams’ drive that had reached the Seahawks’ 31-yard line. In between, Clemons split sacks with defensive end Red Bryant and Lewis.
“The biggest thing is, when they make mistakes just capitalize on them,” Clemons said. “Sam, he’s had a problem holding onto the ball this year. So we knew we’d get opportunities. Our biggest thing was just to stay focused and not give up on our rushes.”
PLAYS OF THE GAME
Defense: When a 330-pound defensive end intercepts a pass, well, it just doesn’t get any better than that. When that end uses a stiff to repel a 6-foot-3, 209-pound wide receiver like a gnat, well, it’s time to say, “Red Bryant, come on down.”
Bryant dropped into coverage of the second-and-19 play in the fourth quarter, so he was there to pick off a pass that was tipped by nose tackle – and best friend – Brandon Mebane. Three plays later, Justin Forsett scored on a 22-yard run.
“ ‘Bang’ did a great job of tipping the ball,” Bryant said, using Mebane’s nickname. “I just happened to be in the right position.”
Offense: The 14-yard TD pass from Tarvaris Jackson to Sidney Rice in the second quarter put the first points on the board for the Seahawks. But let’s go with the first play of the game, when Rice took the ball on an end-around and passed to Mike Williams for a 55-yard gain and the longest play of the game.
The Seahawks had worked on this play in practice at various times this season, but didn’t unleash it in a game until Sunday.
“I had the distance. I think I put a little bit too much air on it,” said Rice, who finished with a passer rating of 118.8. “It definitely was a ‘duck.’ I heard about it from Tarvaris as soon as I got to the sideline.”
Special teams: Where to begin after an extra-special effort from the Seahawks’ special teams? Jon Ryan had a 71-yarder among his nine punts for a 49.7-yard average, with four inside the Rams’ 20-yard line. Steven Hauschka gave the Seahawks a 10-7 halftime lead with a 19-yard field goal on the final play of the half and also produced three touchbacks on his four kickoffs. Heath Farwell had a pair of big hits for tackles covering kicks. But let’s go with Leon Washington’s 25-yard punt return to the Rams’ 40 in the second quarter because it set the table for the Jackson-to-Rice TD pass.
“The special teams’ effort was excellent today,” Carroll said.
INJURY REPORT
As Carroll put it, the Seahawks came out of the game “fairly clean.”
WORTH NOTING
Lynch scored a touchdown in his sixth consecutive game, the fourth-longest streak in franchise history behind Shaun Alexander, nine in 2005; David Sims, eight in 1978; and Chris Warren, seven in 1993-94.
Jackson spread his 14 completions among nine receivers – including three each to Rice and Doug Baldwin.
The Seahawks have won back-to-back games for the first time since Weeks 6-7 last season. They’ll try to make it three in a row next week against the Redskins at CenturyLink Field. Their last three-game winning streak was in 2007, when they won five consecutive games in Weeks 10-14.
Lynch finished with 88 yards, just missing his third consecutive 100-yard effort – which would have tied him for the second-longest streak in franchise history with Shaun Alexander (2004 and 2005). Alexander holds the record with four in a row, also in 2005.
The Seahawks had a season-high five sacks. With his trio of sacks, Clemons now has eight.
In addition to the sacks, the Seahawks hit Bradford seven other times and broke up seven of his passes – their second-highest totals of the season in each category.
Rookie cornerback Richard Sherman and Clemons each had five tackles to lead the team. They became the fifth and sixth players this season to do it, joining linebackers Leroy Hill (3 times) and David Hawthorne (3), free safety Earl Thomas (3) and strong safety Kam Chancellor (2).
The Seahawks had substantial edges in total yards (289-185), rushing yards (126-42) and time of possession (35:00-25:00). The 185 yards allowed was their season low.
The Seahawks had 13 penalties for 100 yards, tying their season highs from last week’s game against the Ravens. But they won each game.
YOU DON’T SAY
“I feel like we brought our big-boy pads today.” – Bryant on the defense limiting the Rams’ Steven Jackson to 42 yards on 15 carries after he had 100-plus yards in each of his past three games
Cyber surfing: Wednesday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Nov. 16:
Mike Sando at ESPN.com has his weekly “Risers and Fallers” in the NFC West, with Seahawks tackle Russell Okung landing one of the “riser” spots: “Okung fared well in matchups against DeMarcus Ware and Terrell Suggs over the past two games. He had help at times, but there’s no question Okung is gaining in confidence and ability as his previous ankle injuries fade into the more distant past. His play has helped Marshawn Lynch put together 100-yard rushing performances in back-to-back games for the first time in his career. Seattle has allowed only two sacks in its last two games after allowing 14 in its previous three.”
Steve Kelley at the Seattle Times looks at the improved play of the entire O-line as a reason that things could get better in the second half of the season: “But I’m here to tell you that the offensive line is growing. It is beginning to understand coach Tom Cable’s zone schemes. The linemen are learning. Lynch is finding holes. … ‘That last drive showed what kind of a team we can be,’ tight end Zach Miller said after the game.”
Eric Williams of the News Tribune stays with the topic of the line and the improved running game: “Although it took longer than anticipated, the Seattle Seahawks finally are running the ball with some authority 10 weeks into the season. Through seven games, Seattle averaged just 78 yards a contest on the ground, second-worst in the league. But the Seahawks have put together impressive back-to-back rushing performances against two of the best run defenses in the league, Dallas and Baltimore.”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald examines the silly notion that the Seahawks would be better off losing to secure a higher draft choice: “Do we really even have to address this? Are there really Seahawks fans who are unhappy that the Seahawks surprised everyone outside of their own locker room and knocked off Baltimore last weekend, because of what it might mean to their draft position? Well based off the chatter on sports radio, Twitter, the blogosphere, etc., it seems this is something we have to talk about.”
Playing off that theme, Peter Schrager at FoxSports.com has a mock draft for 2012 and projects the Seahawks selecting … “Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU. A junior, Claiborne has four interceptions and is the top defensive talent on the best team in college football. Two years ago, the Seahawks rolled the dice on another defensive back in the Top 15 — do everything safety Earl Thomas and it’s worked out quite well. Seattle could be in the QB hunt if they finish with a Top-5 pick, but the way they played on Sunday vs. the Ravens, that might not be likely. Claiborne’s a 6-0, 190 pound physical, playmaking corner who would start — and make an impact — right away. Though this may change, I like him more than Dre Kirkpatrick at the moment.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we give you a behind-the-scenes look at Sunday’s victory over the Ravens with Rod Mar’s photo blog and Ben Malcolmson’s “From the Sidelines”: “Players set a very clear tone in the locker room before Sunday’s matchup against the Ravens. ‘We’re tired of losing,’ defensive tackle Brandon Mebane exclaimed to his teammates just before heading out to the field.’“How much does this mean to you?’ Apparently a lot.”
We’ve also got a look at why John Carlson was named the team’s Man of the Year: “Last week, John Carlson was selected as the Seahawks’ Man of the Year. Tuesday, he showed why. The team’s on-the-mend tight end was at Cathcart Elementary School to present principal Casey Bowers and 410 revved up students with an oversized check for $10,000 for being honored as the Seattle-area “Super School” in the NFL’s Play 60 campaign. ‘I didn’t plan the timing of the award and then this appearance,’ Carlson said with a smile following an assembly and 45-minute Ultimate NFL Physical Education Class. ‘But if I could have, this would have been a good way to do it. But I enjoy doing this stuff and I get a lot out of it.’ ”
There’s also at look at the day’s activities with “Tuesday in Hawkville,” including who might start at right guard this week for John Moffitt, who was placed on IR; as well as the Seahawks’ Sunday opponent in “Up Next.”
Tuesday in Hawkville
A recap of the day’s activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Nov. 15:
FOCUS ON
Right guard. In addition to putting together the game plan for Sunday’s matchup with the Rams in St. Louis today, the coaches also had to decide who will replace rookie John Moffitt at right guard.
Moffitt is out for the rest of the season after damaging two ligaments in his right knee on the Seahawks’ fourth play in Sunday’s upset victory over the Baltimore Ravens at CenturyLink Field.
The replacement options are Lemuel Jeanpierre, who played well after stepping in for Moffitt against the Ravens; and Paul McQuistan, who started three games at left guard earlier this season while Robert Gallery was out with a groin injury.
While Jeanpierre is a little more athletic, McQuistan has the edge in experience and knowledge of the Seahawks’ blocking scheme because he also played under assistant head coach/offensive line coach Tom Cable when both were with the Oakland Raiders.
Asked about Jeanpierre’s performance after the game, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson offered, “Right when he came in I didn’t have a doubt that he was going to get the job done. He’s always tuned in. He practices hard every day. I watch all the linemen, just to see exactly what guys can do, and when he came in at guard I felt he could get the job done just as well.”
Jeanpierre has started one game in the NFL, at center in Week 7 when Max Unger was out with a foot injury. McQuistan has started 15 – three in Weeks 3-5 this season and 12 in 2006-07, while with the Raiders.
“One of those two guys will be playing at right guard,” coach Pete Carroll said on Monday.
Whoever it is needs to help the Seahawks continue to take positive steps against a Rams’ defense that ranks last in the league at stopping the run, allowing an average of 150.6 rushing yards. After rushing for more than 100 yards twice in their first seven games, the Seahawks have done it in each of their past two games. After allowing 28 sacks in the first seven games, the Seahawks have yielded two in the past two games.
“We’ve distinctly moved ahead in the last couple weeks and so hopefully we can keep building on that,” Carroll said. “I think we’re going in the right direction.”
And with a new right guard.
MOFFITT TO IR
Moffitt was placed on injured reserve today because he’ll need surgery to repair the MCL and PCL in his right knee that were damaged in Sunday’s game.
To fill his roster spot, Paul Fanaika was re-signed. The 6-foot-5, 327-pound Fanaika began the season on the practice squad, but was released last week when wide receiver Patrick Williams was re-signed. Fanaika was on the 53-man roster for the final three games last season, after being signed off the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad. He was inactive for all three games.
STAT DU JOUR
Nose tackle Brandon Mebane doesn’t just anchor a Seahawks run defense that ranks 12th in the league in average yards allowed (106.4) and is tied for third in average per-carry (3.6). He is tied for the lead in tackles among NFC defensive tackles. Here are the top four:
Player Tackles (solo/assists)
Brandon Mebane, Seahawks 27 (18/0)
Ndamukong Suh, Lions 27 (20/7)
Cullen Jenkins, Eagles 24 (17/7)
Jay Ratliff, Cowboys 23 (16/7)
UP NEXT
The players return from their “off” day to begin preparing for Sunday’s game against the Rams in St. Louis – the Seahawks’ only road game in a current five-game stretch that saw them play the Ravens at home last week and also features home games against the Redskins (Nov. 27), Eagles (Dec. 1) and Rams (Dec. 12).
Tickets are available for the games against the Redskins, Eagles and Rams and can be purchased here.
YOU DON’T SAY
They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. So this video of Marshawn Lynch doing his thing against Ray Lewis in Sunday’s game is worth at least 10,000 words – and definitely another look.
Photoblog: Seahawks at Dallas
The Seahawks traveled to Dallas in Week Nine, and fell to the Cowboys 23-13.
Players boarded the team's Hawaiian Airlines charter under cloudy skies in Seattle.
On three day road trips, the team does a brief walkthru practice at a local school then visits the stadium for a quick look at the surroundings. Making this trip unusual on Saturday was Cowboys Stadium was full of fans as part of enhanced tour. Punter Jon Ryan is protected from curious fans as he takes in sight lines from the hashmarks.
On Saturday evening, coach Carroll sat in a far corner of the team's meal room, taking notes before the team's final meeting of the night.
Game day arrives and under the roof of Cowboys Stadium, Seahawks defensive backs huddle before pregame warmups.
Visiting players, including Texas native Earl Thomas, walk through an exclusive fan area lit by a large star as they make their way from locker room to the field.
Texas natives and honorary captains Clint Gresham (49) and Russell Okung (76) joined season captains Tarvaris Jackson (7) and Michael Robinson (26) for the coin toss.
Seattle's defense started tough, with Leroy Hill (56) and K.J Wright (50) combining to stop Dallas running back DeMarco Murray.
Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch doled out early punishment and knocked off the helmet of Cowboys safety Barry Church on a first half run.
Seattle native and Dallas Mavericks star Jason Terry (center) watched from an end zone suite, and saluted Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane during a timeout.
Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson fires a pass towards the sideline.
Head coach Pete Carroll congratulates Heath Farwell after a special teams tackle.
Safety Kam Chancellor dives but could only come up with the towel of Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray on this play.
Seahawks cornerback Roy Lewis came up with the football after Richard Sherman's hard hit forced Dallas' Dez Bryant to fumble near the goal line.
It's said that everything is bigger in Texas, and in Dallas that includes stationing dancers high above the field on elevated stages near the roof of the stadium.
Marshawn Lynch ran, rumbled and rolled for 135 yards on 23 carries, one of the bright spots for the Seahawks.
Marshawn Lynch reaches the ball over the goal line for Seattle's lone touchdown on a four-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson scrambles and is brought down in the fourth quarter.
Marshawn Lynch sits on the turf after being tackled and losing his helmet.
The noon kickoff meant that the Seahawks boarded their return charter in the fading Texas light.
On the return flight to Seattle, offensive line coach Tom Cable was already going over game video with rookie right guard John Moffitt as staff and players wasted no time working to find ways to improve.
