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.
Cyber surfing: Tuesday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for Nov. 8:
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times looks at the Seahawks’ inability to finish comebacks, a situation coach Pete Carroll admits “is killing me.” Says O’Neil: “The Seahawks have made a cottage industry out of finding new and innovative ways to lose. They failed to reach the red zone in Week 2, they missed a historically long field-goal attempt in Week 4. They have allowed three kicks to be returned for touchdowns and had their own scoring punt return nullified by a penalty. They have been penalized 29 times the past three games and committed three turnovers in Dallas. But there is one common thread that’s woven throughout this 2-6 tapestry: a consistent inability to get over the hump in the fourth quarter.”
Also from O’Neil a trio of “three things” from Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, including this one: “Tarvaris Jackson’s return isn’t the antidote for all that ails Seattle. Up until Sunday, Jackson’s errors were largely ones of inaction such as the receivers he didn’t see or chances he just wouldn’t take. In Dallas, Jackson’s mistakes actively undermined Seattle’s chances at a second-half comeback. His three second-half interceptions led to 10 Dallas points and showed pretty clearly that while he may be the best quarterback on Seattle’s roster, he’s not going to right the ship all by himself. Seattle was already trailing when Jackson unleashed his hail of turnovers, but considering he’s a veteran, Jackson had some pretty elementary mistakes. The first interception came on a pass that he was trying to throw into the ground. The second interception was the worst decision, coming on a pass that Jackson threw: a) while he was on the run; b) jumping off his back foot; c) with an injured pectoral muscle. That it did not end well is not a surprise. Jackson underthrew Sidney Rice, allowing Dallas cornerback Terence Newman to settle under it as if he were fielding a punt. This was clearly Jackson’s worst game among his seven as a Seahawk.”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald looks at the same problems that continue to hinder the Seahawks: penalties and mistakes. Says Boyle: “A week earlier, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll spent a good portion of his Monday press conference lamenting the penalties and mistakes that helped turn a close game into a double-digit loss for the Seahawks. A day after his team’s 23-13 loss in Dallas, it was more of the same for Carroll, whose team now sits at 2-6 at the midway point of the season, a far cry from where he hoped the Seahawks would be in their second season under his watch.”
Also at the Herald, Scott Johnson continues his “Game of My Life” series with Jim Zorn, the Seahawks original quarterback. Says Johnson: “Zorn didn’t know much about the city of Seattle, and he certainly didn’t know anything about the new expansion team. In fact, the Seahawks didn’t even have a head coach yet, as Jack Patera was still a few weeks away from signing on. But Zorn quickly endeared himself to both the Seahawks and the city of Seattle.”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com has “silver linings” from the loss to the Cowboys including this one: “Seattle’s league-leading goal-to-go defense allowed no touchdowns in two such situations Sunday. Brandon Mebane blew up one running play. Atari Bigby nearly sacked Tony Romo on another, forcing an incomplete pass.”
Brady Henderson at 710 ESPN passes along the answer to a question a lot of fans were asking during the game: Why didn’t the Seahawks use their no-huddle offense more? Carroll addressed that in an interview on the station: “Dallas was able to put pressure on Tarvaris Jackson, but only came away with one sack. The Seahawks had allowed 28 sacks, an average of four per game. Protecting Jackson against Ware was a priority, one that came at the expense of the no-huddle offense that has been successful in recent weeks. ‘We picked him up with the tight end, we motioned the tight end to block him, we used the backs, we slid in ways that would give us an advantage on him,’ Carroll said of Ware. ‘That was not a no-huddle mode. That doesn’t fit. The game plans didn’t match in the regard. That was a concession that we had to make to get that done.’ “
Here at Seahawks.com, we look back at how things that hadn’t been working did and things that had been working didn’t against the Cowboys in our “Monday Metatarsal Musings”: “Marshawn Lynch rushes for 135 yards and a 5.9-yard average. DeMarcus Ware is held without a sack for only the second time this season. The fans at Cowboys Stadium boo their offense – and their quarterback – off the field after two of the Cowboys’ first three possessions. This trio of events adds up to another upset victory over another NFC East opponents on the road for the Seahawks, right? Not on this given Sunday, when things that had been a given for the Seahawks were left in the locker room. So instead of a yee-haw victory, the Seahawks absorbed another I-don’t-believe-what-I-just-saw loss. This time it was 23-13, as they reached the midway point of Pete Carroll’s second season as coach at 2-6 and having lost three in a row.”
We’ve also got a closer look at the contrast between the Seahawks rushing offense and rushing defense and a recap of the day in “Monday in Hawkville.” Tony Ventrella also has video recaps of the game and the day after.
Peter King’s “Monday Morning Quarterback” had not been posted at SI.com when we compiled this yesterday, so we include it now because it’s a must-read and also because he had this to say about the Seahawks: “Red Bryant’s playing like a monster for Seattle. Speaking of Seattle monsters: Cornerback Richard Sherman, a rookie from Stanford, saved a Dallas touchdown with a bone-jarring forced fumble on Dez Bryant. No ifs, ands or buts – that hit by Sherman prevented Dallas from taking a 10-point lead in the second quarter.”
Cyber surfing: Monday
A ghostly good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Oct. 31:
Jerry Brewer at the Seattle Times says it’s time to dash any thoughts of a playoff push by this Seahawks team after Sunday’s 34-12 loss to the Bengals at CenturyLink Field. Offers Brewer: “The prognosis: The Seahawks are, without a doubt, an obesely flawed football team. Any hope that this developmental season could include a playoff surprise is over. The P-word to aspire for is progress, something the Seahawks were approaching before slipping the past two weeks. Right now, progress is buried beneath a heap of disappointment and bewilderment.”
Also at the Times, Danny O’Neil says Sunday’s loss was a rude reminder to Pete Carroll that he’s no longer coaching a collegiate powerhouse. Offers O’Neil: “In nine years at USC, Carroll became used to running a powerhouse, not building one. Routs, not regrets. But on Sunday, one of the winningest coaches in college football history got a reminder of all the different ways an NFL team can beat itself. From the 11 penalties the Seahawks committed, to the headstrong gamble he took going for a touchdown just before halftime and costing his team a field-goal opportunity, to his team’s late-game swoon. ‘We really gave them everything they needed in this game,’ Carroll said.”
Still more from the Times, as Steve Kelley looks at some of the calls that even Carroll questioned after the game. Offers Kelley: “Carroll wanted to be aggressive. Make a statement. Charge into the locker room with some momentum he could use to re-stoke his team’s flickering fire. So with 14 seconds left in the first half, trailing 17-3, Carroll eschewed a chip-shot field goal and tried to weaken Cincinnati’s will, calling a running play for Marshawn Lynch on fourth-and-two from the Bengals’ 3-yard line.”
Doug Pacey at the News Tribune looks at the frustration of the loss through the eyes of Marshawn Lynch. Says Pacey: “Sitting at his locker, frustrated at another dismal rushing performance, Marshawn Lynch began to answer the question: Why did the offense stall on Sunday against Cincinnati? Then he paused, bowed his head and laughed to himself, before offering an answer. ‘Here’s what I got for you,’ Seattle’s starting tailback said. ‘See where our offense is at? I know where we want to go, I know those guys up front are going to push for that, to take us there, and I’m going to ride the wave and I’m going to ride the ship. Today was not one of our best days for offense, as you can see from the start of the game.’ ”
Also at the News Tribune, Dave Boling examines the decision to start Charlie Whitehurst at quarterback over Tarvaris Jackson. Says Boling: “Coach Pete Carroll and Jackson both said they’d hoped they could rest him for another week before bringing him back. The plan was to see if Whitehurst would come out and be functional, and if not, then bring on Jackson. But why wait? Why get off to a bad start against the second-ranked defense in the NFL? The fact that Jackson came on, with almost a third of the game gone, and still passed for 323 yards, proved his readiness.”
Rich Myhre of the Everett Herald looks at the head-scratching development that was getting 411 yards of offense, but having only 12 points to show for it. Says Myhre: “Yes, Seattle moved the ball, totaling 411 yards to Cincinnati’s 252 yards. But the Seahawks failed to translate opportunities into points due to too many turnovers, dropped passes, missed blocks and other offensive miscues. Offensively speaking, acknowledged Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, ‘we’re off right now.’ “
Also at the Herald, John Boyle looks at déjà vu aspect of the “hormonal” Carroll and his decision to go for six instead of three at the end of the first half. Says Boyle: “A very similar situation played out last year, knocking on the door of the same north end zone, in fact, in the Seahawks’ win over the San Diego Chargers. The difference Sunday, however, is that the three points Seattle left on the field were in a loss, as the Seahawks fell 34-12 to the Cincinnati Bengals. And granted, three points weren’t the difference in this loss, but heading into the locker room down 17-6 instead of 17-3 might have changed the way things played out in the second half.”
Sando also has his rapid reaction to the game, including what he liked: “Rookie cornerback Richard Sherman tracked the ball nicely and picked off Andy Dalton’s deep pass down the right sideline when the Bengals were threatening to build on a 17-3 lead. Sherman was starting after the team lost Marcus Trufant and Walter Thurmond to season-ending injuries. He broke up another pass, enabling teammate Kam Chancellor to collect an interception. Punter Jon Ryan tracked down Bengals return specialist Pacman Jones to prevent a touchdown. Tarvaris Jackson’s deep pass to Ben Obomanu against cornerback Leon Hall covered 55 yards and gave the Seahawks a needed jolt late in the third quarter. Jackson topped 300 yards passing, making it clear he needs to remain the starter moving forward.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at how the Seahawks’ statistical output did not match their point total: “They had a 300-yard passer, two 100-yard receivers and rolled up more than 400 yards in total offense. So how did the Seahawks lose to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon? They intercepted rookie quarterback Andy Dalton twice, limited rookie wide receiver A.J. Green to four catches on 10 targets and held the Bengals to 252 total yards. So how did the Bengals leave CenturyLink Field with a 34-12 victory that pushed their record to 5-2? This wasn’t just another loss for the Seahawks – their second in a row and fifth in seven games this season. This was one that produced more answers than questions, and certainly left more issues to ponder than points produced.”
We’ve also look at Jackson’s performance in the “Game at a glance,” Rod Mar’s photo gallery and Tony Ventrella’s video report. There’s also a profile of Brandon Mebane that appeared in the GameDay program.
For a look at what happened around the rest of the league in Week 8, there’s John Clayton’s “Last Call” at ESPN.com; Peter King’s “Monday Morning Quarterback” at SI.com; and Clark Judge’s “Judgements” at CBSSports.com.
Cyber surfing: Wednesday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Sept. 28:
John Boyle of the Everett Herald looks at the impact of Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor on a Seahawks defense that is ranked 10th in the NFL. Says Boyle: “Three games into their second season together — Chancellor’s first as a starter — it’s also clear that the Seahawks have something special in their young safety duo. And in a year when the Seahawks offense has started slow, scoring just 30 points in three games, and figures to an inconsistent group all season, let us offer this unsolicited advice to Seahawks fans hoping to keep their sanity during what could be a difficult 2011 season: keep your eyes on the Seahawks’ two young safeties.”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com has five observations from the Seahawks’ win over the Cardinals in their home opener. Among them: “Center Max Unger is looking better. Unger, back in the lineup this season after missing nearly all of 2010 with an injury, seemed to be searching for his bearings during preseason. He fared well after a shaky start. Unger directed Darnell Dockett out of the play during Leon Washington’s 21-yard run in the second quarter. Unger also appeared determined to make sure the Cardinals didn’t bully Seattle. Unger is the Seahawks’ only remaining starter from the 2009 line that drew criticism for letting Dockett rough up Matt Hasselbeck with an elbow to the throat.”
Also from Sando, an NFC West Stock Watch. No. 1 among the “risers” is Sidney Rice. Says Sando: “Not long ago, reports of a torn labrum raised questions about whether Rice might be headed for season-ending surgery. Those fears were misplaced. Rice caught eight passes for 109 yards in his Seahawks debut. His shoulder proved strong enough to prevent the Cardinals’ Adrian Wilson from wresting the ball away after an early reception. Seattle will have to open up its offense to compete with better teams. That would be impossible without Rice.”
Still more from Sando. The Seahawks are tied for the fewest dropped passes in the league. Says Sando: “Seattle has had one dropped pass through three games, tied with New England for fewest in the league. No Seahawks wide receiver has dropped a pass; running back Marshawn Lynch owns the lone drop.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we’ve got a behind-the-scenes look at Sunday’s game with Ben Malcolmson’s “From the Sidelines” report and Rod Mar’s photo blog.
There’s also a look at Alex Bradshaw’s Make-A-Wish request being granted by Brandon Mebane in words and video, as well as an “Up next” look at the Atlanta Falcons and a Tuesday in Hawkville report that focuses on Chris Clemons.
Friday in Hawkville
A recap of the day’s activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on “Back to Football Friday”:
FOCUS ON
The offensive line. After the team’s final practice to prepare for Sunday’s game against the 49ers in San Francisco, coach Pete Carroll stopped short of ruling anyone out for the regular-season opener. But he also added, “The way we practiced is the way it’s looking.”
And the way they have practiced all week is with rookie James Carpenter at left guard for Robert Gallery, who is listed as doubtful with a sore knee; and Breno Giacomini at right tackle for Carpenter. That double move has made what already was a young line considerably younger.
Only left tackle Russell Okung (10 starts last season) and center Max Unger (16 starts in 2009 and one last season) have even started in the NFL. Carpenter is this year’s first-round draft choice. Right guard John Moffitt was selected in the third round of the April NFL Draft. Giacomini was a fifth-round draft choice by the Green Bay Packers in 2008, but has played in only one game the past three seasons.
Did someone say young?
“It is what it is. There’s no reason to spend any time on it,” Carroll said. “We’re just young. That’s just what it is. I’m thrilled about that in one look at it. These guys can go out here and play NFL football this early, and if we can hold up and start growing, we’re going to get way better.
“So it’s exciting. We’re hoping right now that they’re going to play a good football game and give us a chance to win. I won’t be surprised if they do.”
POSITION WATCH
Middle linebacker. Carroll isn’t ready to rule David Hawthorne out either, but rookie K.J. Wright continued to get all the reps with the No. 1 defense during today’s 90-minute practice. Hawthorne, the team’s leading tackler the past two seasons, has not played since injuring a knee in the second preseason game. He returned to practice this week, but has been limited.
“We can do that. I’m not sure that’s going to happen yet,” Carroll said when asked if Hawthorne would start if healthy. “I’m going to wait all the way through it, and he needs every day to comeback. We’ll just go up to game time with that.”
If it is Wright, however, it’s just the latest chapter in what has been a whirlwind of a summer for the rookie from Mississippi State. Selected in the fourth-round of the draft with the idea that he would backup Aaron Curry on the strong side, linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. decided to give Wright a look in the middle.
It’s turned into a look-what-we-found move, as Wright is prompting double-takes – as in, if you didn’t know he was a rookie learning a new position you wouldn’t know.
“K.J.’s ready to play the whole game, if we need him to. He’s had tremendous preparation. He’s really been impressive to us,” Carroll said. “We feel very confident about him starting a game. If we start him in this game he’ll be fine. He’s done a marvelous job. He really gives the guys around him a confidence that he knows his stuff – he can make his calls.
“He’s been ahead of the curve for a rook coming in, and particularly in the play-caller position that he’s in. We didn’t know that he was going to be that sharp. He surprised us in that he’s played beyond what you would expect from a first-year starter in the situation like he’s in. So it’s very cool.”
PLAYER WATCH
Brandon Mebane. Most of the attention in free agency goes to the players who change teams. But this week’s issue of Sporting New Magazine includes a “Who Says You Can’t Stay Home?” feature, and the Seahawks’ nose tackle is included, with this comment: “The most significant free-agent move for the Seattle’s defense wasn’t an addition but the retention of defensive tackle Brandon Mebane.”
Says Mebane: “This wasn’t a regular free agency. A lot of teams talked to me, but going into this free agency period was like going in blind with no trips or anything like that. Knowing what I know about this organization, this was the best fit and best opportunity for me to succeed. Coming back here was a great option for me, and I’m happy to be back.”
And the coaches are happy he’s back, as Mebane has moved from the three-technique spot he filled last season to the nose. Says line coach Todd Wash: “He’s simply a good interior defensive lineman. He’s not necessarily a nose, he’s not necessarily a three-technique. He’s got the athletic ability and the burst and the get-off to play three-technique, and he has enough weight (311 pounds) and anchor to play the nose spot. He’s very versatile.”
INJURY REPORT
The first official status report of the season, as issued by the team:
Seahawks
Out
OT Jarriel King (ankle)
Doubtful
OG Robert Gallery (knee)
WR Sidney Rice (shoulder)
Probable
DE Chris Clemons (ankle)
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
49ers
Doubtful
S Dashon Goldson (knee)
IN AND OUT
As with Gallery, Carroll did not rule Rice out for Sunday. But the team’s starting flanker has not practiced the past two weeks because of a sore shoulder. He has been replaced by Ben Obomanu, who will start if Rice does not play.
“We need to protect him and take care of him,” Carroll said of Rice. “So likely he won’t go.”
Defensive end Chris Clemons also sat out after twisting an ankle during Thursday’s walk-thru, but Carroll said, “He’ll be fine.”
STAT DU JOUR
The 49ers’ Frank Gore has rushed for more than 140 yards seven times in his six-year NFL career, and three of those games have come against the Seahawks – including the top two. Here’s a closer look at Gore’s super seven:
Opponent (year) No. Yds. Avg. Long TD
Seahawks (2006) 24 212 8.8 51 0
Seahawks (2009) 16 207 12.9 80 2
Cardinals (2009) 25 167 6.7 36 1
Lions (2006) 22 159 7.2 61 1
Raiders (2010) 25 149 6.0 64 0
Broncos (2006) 31 153 4.9 24 0
Seahawks (2006) 29 144 5.0 40 0
Question du jour: How does a guy rush for 356 yards against one team in one season and not score one touchdown?
UP NEXT
The players will have a walk-thru at VMAC on Saturday morning before the team flies to San Francisco for Sunday’s opener.
YOU DON’T SAY
“I think we orchestrate really well in camps. I think we have very good camp work, and I think we point well and prepare well. That’s always been the case. I’ve always attributed it to that we have a good plan in camp and we carry it through to start the season.” – Carroll when asked about his 4-1 record in previous openers as a head coach in the NFL
Monday in Hawkville
A recap of the day’s activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center:
FOCUS ON
Captains. The players voted on the captains for the season today, and coach Pete Carroll couldn’t have agreed more with the selections of cornerback Marcus Trufant (defense), quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (offense) and kick returner Leon Washington and fullback Michael Robinson (special teams).
“I’m real proud of those guys for taking a leadership position for us,” Carroll said after the team’s bonus Labor Day practice to start preparing for Sunday’s regular-season opener against the 49ers in San Francisco.
“Those are great guys to put out front. It’s been obvious to why these guys would choose those guys.”
Trufant, Washington and Robinson were with the team last season, but Jackson was signed in free agency and didn’t even start practicing with team until Aug. 4. So his selection was especially pleasing to Carroll.
“It’s obvious that that’s who they wanted to be their leader,” Carroll said. “I’m pleased with all the choices, of course.”
UNIT WATCH
The survivors. What else would you call the remaining 10 players from the roster that Carroll inherited 19 months ago? And when you look at just who they are, it’s understandable why they’re still around.
Trufant – The longest tenured Seahawk was a first-round draft choice in 2003 and has started 119 games the past eight seasons. He started all 16 games last season for the fifth time in his career and finished fourth on the team with 80 tackles.
Middle linebacker David Hawthorne – He made the team as a rookie free agent in 2008 and has led the team in tackles the past two seasons, last year while playing on the weak side and in 2009 while playing in the middle. This season, he’s back in the middle – replacing Lofa Tatupu, who was released in late July.
Punter Jon Ryan – Signed as a free agent one game into the 2008 season, Ryan already has set the franchise single-season record for average (46.2 yards in 2009) and tied the mark for net average (38.7 in ’09).
Nose tackle Brandon Mebane – A third-round draft in 2007, Mebane has started since his rookie season – registering career highs in tackles (49) in 2009 and sacks (5½) in 2008. But this year he moves to nose tackle.
Linebacker Aaron Curry – The fourth pick overall in 2009 draft, Curry has found his niche on the strong side after the previous coaching staff tried him as a pass-rusher. He had career highs in tackles (70) and sacks (3½) last season.
Linebacker Leroy Hill – A third-round pick in 2005, Hill returns after missing just about all of last season and nine games in 2008 and 2009. He is starting on the weak side, and looking like the player who collected 7½ sacks as a rookie and a career-high 92 tackles in 2006.
Defensive end Red Bryant – A fourth-round pick in 2008, the little-used D-tackle was moved to the five-technique end spot in Carroll’s defense last season. Bryant was a force against the run before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the Week 8 loss to the Raiders.
Center Max Unger – A second-round draft choice in 2009, Unger missed almost all of last season with a toe injury that required surgery and he started 13 games at right guard as a rookie. But he’s back at center, the position he played at Oregon, on the Seahawks’ new-look line.
Running back Justin Forsett – A seventh-round draft choice in 2008, Forsett went to the Colts briefly as a rookie when the Seahawks released him with the plan to sign him to the practice squad. But the jack-of-all-skills back is back and figures prominently in the back-by-committee approach to the running game. He averaged 4.4 yards on 118 carries last season.
Wide receiver Ben Obomanu – A seventh-round draft choice in 2006, Obomanu has developed from perennial bubble player to one of glue performers on offense as well as special teams. He started six games last season and had a career-high 30 receptions for a 16.5-yard average and four touchdowns. He also had a dozen special teams tackles in 2009.
IN AND OUT
Four starters did not practice – running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle), wide receiver Sidney Rice (shoulder), left guard Robert Gallery (knee) and Hawthorne (knee). Carroll said Lynch and Hawthorne will practice on Wednesday, but he labeled Gallery day-to-day because of the knee he sprained in Friday’s game against the Raiders and said the decision on whether Rice plays on Sunday will be made later in the week.
Rookie James Carpenter got some work at left guard for Gallery, with Breno Giacomini working at right tackle with the No. 1 line. Carroll said the move of Carpenter to guard was “developing all the flexibility you can.”
Forsett got the first-team reps for Lynch; Obomanu worked in Rice’s spot; and rookie K.J. Wright continued to sub for Hawthorne. Wright was the team’s leading tackler in the preseason with 16.
Left tackle Russell Okung participated in every phase of practice and will play against the 49ers for the first time since spraining an ankle in the preseason opener.
Three of newest Seahawks also practiced – kicker Steven Hauschka and defensive tackles Al Woods and Landon Cohen. Offensive tackle Jarriel King (ankle) sat out. All four were claimed off waivers on Sunday.
Defensive tackle Jimmy Wilkerson, who was placed on injured reserve on the cut to 53, will have surgery to repair the knee he damaged against the Raiders, Carroll said. Also, wide receiver Isaiah Stanback, who also was placed on IR, no longer is with the team.
The final two spots on the eight-man practice squad were filled by running back Vai Taua and cornerback Ron Parker. Both players had been with the team in camp.
UP NEXT
The players are off Tuesday and then return Wednesday for the start of the first week of the regular season in preparation for Sunday’s opener. The Seahawks opened their 2010 season at home with a 31-6 victory over the 49ers.
YOU DON’T SAY
“I don’t feel like we’re selling anymore. I feel like we’re in agreement and we’re putting it to the test. The conversation today talking about the upcoming season with the players, it’s a familiar conversation for these guys now. They know kind of what I’m going to say and where I’m coming from. I just solidify and reinforce the message. They come out and work really hard every time we go, and that’s the testament to whether they’re in or not.” – Carroll, who spent much of his first season as coach “selling” his philosophy
Run and done?
Hardly. Not when it comes to the Seahawks’ 2011 schedule the Scouts Inc.’s ranking of the Top 20 running backs in the NFL.
The Seahawks will face – or have faced, in the case of the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson – 12 of the backs in that Top 20 group.
It’s a long-running list that started with the top-ranked Peterson on Saturday night, continues with the Raiders’ Darren McFadden (No. 7) in the Sept. 2 preseason finale, and won’t conclude until Dec. 24 when they host No. 10 Frank Gore and the 49ers.
In between, here are the other Top 20 backs who are on a collision course with the Seahawks defense:
Gore, also in the Sept. 11 regular-season opener in San Francisco.
No. 8 Rashard Mendenhall in the Week 2 game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
No. 16 Michael Turner in the Week 4 game against the Falcons at CenturyLink Field.
No. 14 Ahmad Bradshaw the following week against the Giants in the Meadowlands.
No. 15 Payton Hillis is the Week 7 game against the Browns in Cleveland.
No. 17 Felix Jones in the Week 9 game against the Cowboys in Arlington.
No. 5 Ray Rice the following week against the Ravens at CenturyLink Field.
No. 12 Steven Jackson in the Week 11 game against the Rams in St. Louis, and again in the Week 14 game against the Rams at CenturyLink Field.
No. 9 LeSean McCoy in the Week 13 game against the Eagles at CenturyLink Field.
No. 13 Matt Forte in the Week 15 game against the Bears in Chicago.
Whew. Are the Seahawks up to the task? They were last year, until Red Bryant (for the season) and Colin Cole (for five games) went down in the Week 8 game against the Raiders in Oakland that Brandon Mebane also missed. The Seahawks entered that game ranked No. 2 in rushing defense. But McFadden ran for 111 of the Raiders’ 239 rushing yards. By the end of the season, the Seahawks had slipped to No. 21 in rushing defense.
Bryant is back at the five-technique end spot, and looking like he’s ready to pick up where he left off. Mebane has move to nose tackle and been replaced at the three-technique tackle by 6-6, 325-pound Alan Branch. Leroy Hill has returned at the weakside linebacker spot, with leading tackler David Hawthorne moving back into the middle. Aaron Curry has turned into a run-stuffing presence on the strongside and the secondary has gotten bigger with 6-3, 232-pound Kam Chancellor stepping in at strong safety and 6-4, 221-pound Brandon Browner playing his way into the picture at the right cornerback spot.
The Seahawks’ backs? They rank No. 24 (Leon Washington), No. 45 (Justin Forsett), No. 55 (Marshawn Lynch) and No. 88 (fullback Michael Robinson). Chris Henry is listed at No. 115, the final spot, but he left the team early in training camp.
