Friday cyber surfing: Sky’s the limit for Robinson
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Feb. 17:
So, how did you celebrate your birthday? Michael Robinson went sky diving. You can check out the Seahawks’ Pro Bowl fullback, who turned 29 on Feb. 6, in this video from his website – RealRobReport.com.
A lot is being written and said about what the Seahawks should do to secure another quarterback. But general manager John Schneider tells Seahawks.com that there is one thing that definitely won’t happen as the team prepares for the NFL Scouting Combine next week and the start of free agency next month: “ ‘I just know if you panic at the position, it can set the organization back. So we’re not going to do that,’ he said. Regardless of the volume of those outside voices. ’That may disappoint fans, because they want to see an instant guy and have that instant success. But really, you’re better off continuing to build your team. Initially when I got here, I thought we were going to plug the quarterback in and we were going built around him. If we had done that, we would have panicked in a way. And I’m not sure we would have been able to host the Saints (in the 2010 wild-card playoff game) and had that great atmosphere and all that.’ ”
Chris Burke at SI.com has a “Free Agency Primer” for the NFC West, and has this to say about the Seahawks: “(Marshawn) Lynch and the linebackers (David Hawthorne and Leroy Hill), that’s where Seattle will land most of its attention. Bringing back “Beast Mode” is the key to the offseason, but the Seahawks could have upwards of $12 million to spend in free agency, so they’ll have to decide how much of that to throw at their defensive players (including Red Bryant).”
Since Cortez Kennedy was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame almost two weeks ago, there has been more talk – and more written – about those who did not enter the Hall than those who did. Jason Cole at YahooSports.com has had enough: “I’m officially sick of Cris Carter and the cries of injustice over his exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the fourth consecutive year. I’m tired of people ripping the Hall of Fame selection process, as faulty as it might be, because some guy who happened to score 130 touchdowns didn’t get in. Likewise, I don’t want to hear about Charles Haley, Andre Reed, Eddie DeBartolo or Bill Parcells or anybody else who hasn’t made it yet. Ultimately, they’re all going to get in. I’ll bet anybody a 12-pack of cheap Mexican beer that every single one of those guys will make it – some day and some day probably very soon. That day just didn’t happen to be earlier this month. … Or maybe you want to argue about center Dermontti Dawson or left tackle Willie Roaf? They each happen to be considered among the top two or three players ever at their respective positions. How about Chris Doleman or Cortez Kennedy, two of the most disruptive defensive players in the history of the game? Should one of them step aside?”
As for the give-us-this-day-our-daily-Peyton-Manning item, Peter Schrager at FoxSports.com says it’s time for the Colts’ iconic QB to step aside: “I, obviously, can’t tell Peyton Manning what to do with his career. No one can. And as a fan, I know I’m supposed to want to see him on that field, suiting up as the starting quarterback for one of the league’s 32 NFL franchises next August. But I don’t. I want the NFL to stay on top, I want Manning to go down as one of the greatest to ever play the game with no asterisks or freakish ‘yeah, buts’ tagged to his post-career write-up, and I want to see him as one of the central figures on my Sunday afternoons for years to come. Nine out of 10 doctors and 99 out of 100 sports marketing experts may disagree, but I’m with Charles Barkley on this one. Hang it up, Peyton.”
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.
Photoblog: Overtime and Out.
The Seahawks traveled to the Valley of the Sun for the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams sought a victory to finish the season with an 8-8 record, but the Cardinals prevailed in overtime, 23-20.
The roster says he's a rookie but receiver Ricardo Lockette looked All-Pro in a three-piece suit as he boarded the team charter.
Upon arrival in Phoenix, Tarvaris Jackson walks from the plane to the buses in the warm sunshine.
On game day, injured left tackle Russell Okung talks with general manager John Schneider during the early warmup period.
Rookie receiver Doug Baldwin listens to music as they players make final preparations to take the field.
Players including Chris Maragos gather for their traditional team prayer shortly before leaving the locker room prior to kickoff.
Chris Clemons takes a moment to himself on the sidelines as the Seahawks wait for the Cardinals to be introduced.
Leon Washington is brought down after a gain in the first quarter.
Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson stiff-arms Arizona's Daryl Washington in the backfield.
Arizona's dangerous receiver Larry Fitzgerald is brought down by Seahawks linebacker David Hawthorne, who led Seattle's defense with nine tackles.
Seahawks defensive tackle Alan Branch breaks through to sack Arizona quarterback John Skelton.
Running back Leon Washington dives for the corner of the end zone to score Seattle's first touchdown on a 48-yard run in the third quarter.
Cornerback Brandon Browner (39) and safety Earl Thomas (29) both leap high to prevent a completion to Arizona's intended receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
David Hawthorne's hard hit on Arizona's Andre Roberts sent the Cardinal receiver's helmet flying.
Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman races down the left sideline after intercepting a pass that set up a Seattle field goal.
Atari Bigby put a big hit on Arizona's kickoff returner A.J. Jefferson with the help of Earl Thomas.
Seattle's biggest offensive highlight came when rookie receiver Ricardo Lockette made a juggling one-handed catch for a 61-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was pumped after Lockette's touchdown tied the game at 20-20 in the fourth quarter.
Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald showed why he's one of the best in the game, hauling in three catches on the final drive of overtime.
Seattle's Red Bryant had blocked three field goals already this season, but couldn't get his big hands on the final kick in overtime.
In the quiet locker room after the game, players brought their hands together for the final time of the 2011 season.
Head coach Pete Carroll spoke on the phone as the team boarded the charter bound for Seattle after the game.
Each member of the team's traveling party has a name plate above their seat, and the Seahawks Director of Video Thom Fermstad's was waiting for him on his final road trip. Fermstad is retiring after the season and has been with the club since Day One of its existence.
Friday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 30:
FOCUS ON
Three blasts of the horn. That’s the daily signal that practice is over – three toots from the air horn manned by assistant equipment manager Kyle Stillwell.
Today, the horn blasted three times for the final time this season, as the Seahawks will play their finale on Sunday against the Cardinals in Arizona. It’s the first time in Pete Carroll’s two seasons as coach that he knew his players were practicing for the final time, because last year the Seahawks made the playoffs and got to the divisional round before losing to the Bears in Chicago.
“I did say something to them. I did applaud the fact that here we are (23 weeks) into it, or whatever it is, and they practiced like crazy today,” Carroll said. “And with great attitude and energy and all that. That’s a tribute to what’s going on in the locker room, because they brought it out on the practice field again.
“And that’s going to help us always be effective and do the best we can do.”
Still, there was an odd feeling in the locker room after the final practice.
“It’s a little weird,” center Max Unger said. “It was a pretty quick season, though. You think back and the season just went by real fast. We were just talking about it, and it feels like we’re packing our bags to go to Pittsburgh right now.”
That was for the Seahawks’ Week 2 game against the Steelers. Part of the reason the season seemed to go so quickly is that it took so long for this season to finally get here after the 136-day lockout that erased the spring minicamps and OTA sessions. So once training camp opened, it’s been a mad dash to the finish.
“It’s a little surreal,” Unger said. “But you don’t really think about it because you’re working away, then you pop your head out and it’s all over.”
INJURY REPORT
Middle linebacker David Hawthorne, wide receiver Ben Obomanu, right tackle Breno Giacomini and defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove returned to practice today. Hawthorne and Obomanu sat out Wednesday and Thursday, while Giacomini and Hargrove did not practice Thursday.
“Guys that were banged up, it looks like they’re going to make it back,” Carroll said. “So we’ll go in pretty healthy.”
Giacomini and Hargrove are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, and their final status is expected to be determined after they work out Sunday.
Here’s the official end-of-the-week status report:
Questionable
OT Breno Giacomini (abdominal)
DT Anthony Hargrove (calf)
Probable
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
DT Clinton McDonald (concussion)
LB Malcolm Smith (concussion)
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
WR Ben Obomanu (knee)
S Jeron Johnson (illness)
For the Cardinals:
Out
OT Brandon Keith (ankle)
Questionable
S Rashad Johnson (knee)
QB Kevin Kolb (head)
RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (hamstring)
RB Beanie Wells (knee)
S Kerry Rhodes (ankle)
CB Patrick Peterson (Achilles)
Probable
CB Michael Adams (shoulder)
S Sean Considine (foot)
Kolb continues to experience concussion symptoms, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt told reporters after the team’s practice today. So it looks like John Skelton will start at quarterback on Sunday.
Four other starters also were limited in practice: leading rusher Beanie Wells, cornerback Patrick Peterson, free safety Kerry Rhodes and kickoff returner LaRod Stephens-Howling. Whisenhunt said Peterson’s status will be a game-day decision.
STAT DU JOUR
If you don’t know that Marshawn Lynch is the NFL’s leading rusher over the past eight games, you haven’t been paying attention. But it’s even more impressive when you look at the other backs who trail Lynch and his 855 yards during that stretch – and those who aren’t even in the running. Here’s the list:
Player, team Att. Yards Avg. TD
Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks 192 855 4.5 9
Reggie Bush, Dolphins 141 751 5.3 6
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars 152 627 4.6 5
Arian Foster, Texans 143 692 4.8 6
Chris Johnson, Titans 140 684 4.9 3
UP NEXT
One final walk-through on Saturday morning before the team flies to Phoenix for Sunday’s season finale.
The players will clean out their locker on Monday morning, prior to a final team meeting.
YOU DON’T SAY
“This is an important game for us and we’d really like to play well. We know (the Cardinals) are doing really well and they want it just as badly as we do. So it’s going to be interesting to see how it goes. We’re looking forward to it.” Carroll on teams that started 2-6 (the Seahawks) and 1-6 (the Cardinals) playing for the chance to finish 8-8
Thursday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 29:
FOCUS ON
The rush continues. How is it that the Seahawks have been able to run for 100-plus yards in six of their past seven games, while losing three starting linemen during this stretch?
The linemen point to Tom Cable, while the team’s first-year assistant head coach/offensive line coach points to his system – and his approach to those who make the blocks that have helped Marshawn Lynch rush for a league-high 855 yards in the past eight games.
Breno Giacomini (for right tackle James Carpenter), Paul McQuistan (first for right guard John Moffitt and now for left tackle Russell Okung) and Lemuel Jeanpierre (for Moffitt) have been able to step in with the running game missing nary a beat because they’ve been treated like starters since training camp opened in late July.
“It’s the teaching, the coaching,” Giacomini said when asked the key to unlocking the continued success in the running game. “Every guy in the room prepares like they’re the starter, especially seeing all this change.”
Giacomini said his “moment” with Cable came during the second week of the season, when the Seahawks were not running the ball well but Cable stuck to his plan.
“That’s when I was like, ‘OK, I’m really going to listen to everything this guy says – every sentence; every “i” he dots and every “t” he crosses,” Giacomini said. “It’s been gradual, but you could see it pretty quick.”
It’s just the way Cable always has coached the position, and always will. And that starts with always treating all the linemen the same.
“I never have liked, or understood, how you can make this guy ‘all that,’ or this guy ‘all that,’ ” Cable said. “It’s B.S. to me. They’re all just tough guys who work hard, and want to get a job, and play professional football. So I think they ought to be treated that way.
“In our room, there’s no one bigger or greater than anyone else.”
With the possible exception of Cable, who has proved to be one the Seahawks’ best “gets” in a year where they’ve made 231 transactions.
ON THE FIELD
The players practiced for 105 minutes in the indoor practice facility as they continued to prepare for Sunday’s season finale against the Cardinals in Arizona. Linebacker Leroy Hill, rookie cornerback Byron Maxwell, practice-squad corner Coye Francies and cornerback Brandon Browner came up with interceptions on the final Turnover Thursday of the season. Browner made his in the end zone, while Maxwell’s came off a ball that was tipped by defensive end Chris Clemons.
IN ’N OUT
Leading tackler David Hawthorne and starting split end Ben Obomanu sat out practice for the second day, and were joined this afternoon by Giacomini and defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove.
With Giacomini out, Allen Barbre and Jarriel King got work at right tackle with the No. 1 line. K.J. Wright and Heath Farwell continued to replace Hawthorne at middle linebacker.
Obomanu ran sprints as well as routes on the side under the supervision of assistant trainer Donald Rich.
Here’s the official injury report:
Did not practice
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
WR Ben Obomanu (knee)
OT Breno Giacomini (abdominal)
DT Anthony Hargrove (calf)
Full participation
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
DT Clinton McDonald (concussion)
LB Malcolm Smith (concussion)
For the Cardinals:
Did not practice
OT Brandon Keith (ankle)
CB Patrick Peterson (Achilles)
Limited participation
S Rashad Johnson (knee)
QB Kevin Kolb (head)
RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (hamstring)
RB Chris Wells (knee)
S Kerry Rhodes (ankle)
Full participation
CB Michael Adams (shoulder)
S Sean Considine (foot)
Rhodes got some work today after being sidelined on Wednesday, and it’s looking like John Skelton will get the nod over Kolb because the Cardinals’ starting QB continues to be bothered by concussion-like symptoms.
STAT DU JOUR
The Seahawks’ defense heads into Sunday’s season finale with a chance to do something only five other defenses in franchise history have accomplished: Finish in the Top 10 in the league in average yards allowed. If they pull it off, it will be the first time since 1997 it has happened. The Seahawks currently rank No. 9, allowing an average of 328.5 yards – only 2 yards fewer than the 10th-ranked Browns and 6.6 fewer than the 11th-ranked Chargers. The Cardinals are averaging 354.2 yards, so …
Here’s a look at how this year’s unit stacks up against the other Seahawk defenses that ranked in the Top 10:
Year Rank; average yards allowed
1984 No. 6; 310.2
1990 No. 9; 288.1
1991 No. 8; 293.9
1992 No. 10; 286.4
1997 No. 8; 303.1
2011 No. 9; 328.5
UP NEXT
The final Friday of the regular season. The players will have a walk-through, practice and meetings in their final full day of preparation for Sunday’s season finale.
YOU DON’T SAY
“ ‘Lock’ came a long way. He was kind of a deer in headlights when he first got here; just running real fast. Like Forrest Gump, just running. Just running. He’s gotten better throughout the season. He’s come out here and worked real hard every day. You see every day; he’s making a great catch or outrunning somebody. That shows his ability. But he’s building on it and working on the mental aspects of it. He’s come a long way since Day One of training camp. He’s got a long ways to go. But he can definitely do it.” – QB Tarvaris Jackson on rookie free agent wide receiver Ricardo Lockette
Cyber surfing: Thursday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Dec. 29:
Mike Sando at ESPN.com looks at the mold-breaking strong safeties in Sunday’s season finale – the Seahawks’ Kam Chancellor and the Cardinals’ Adrian Wilson: “(They) tower over the other strong safeties in the NFC this season. That is true not only in their accomplishments – Wilson is a Pro Bowl starter, Chancellor a first alternate – but in their physical dimensions. They are the biggest starting strong safeties in the NFL at a time when the prevailing NFL trends have led teams in another direction at the position. Wilson stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 230 pounds. Chancellor goes 6-3 and 232. The other 30 starting strong safeties average 6 feet and 207 pounds.”
Sando also has a look at the injury situations that matter for both teams. First, the Seahawks: “The Seahawks, like the Rams, have a long list of players on injured reserve. Unlike the Rams, their 53 active players are relatively healthy, and they have developed young depth throughout the roster. Linebacker David Hawthorne and receiver Ben Obomanu missed practice Wednesday. Both have knee injuries. Depth at receiver is a concern for the Seahawks now that Sidney Rice and Mike Williams are on injured reserve. The team expects to have Obomanu against Arizona on Sunday.” But also the Cardinals: “It’s looking like John Skelton will remain the Cardinals’ starting quarterback while Kevin Kolb continues to work through concussion-related symptoms. Kolb is practicing on a limited basis. Skelton was the player Cardinals officials made available to Seattle reporters on a conference call Wednesday. Patrick Peterson’s injured Achilles’ tendon will not require surgery, but his availability for Sunday remains in question. Peterson, right tackle Brandon Keith and free safety Kerry Rhodes missed practice Wednesday. Playing without Peterson on Sunday would affect the Cardinals significantly in the return game and on defense. Running back Beanie Wells was limited. His knee injury remains a factor. Wells has not exceeded 15 carries in any of the Cardinals’ past three games. He has had no runs longer than 9 yards in the four games since setting a franchise record with 228 yards against St. Louis.”
Joshua Mayers at the Seattle Times looks at Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Shaun Alexander in 2005: “ ‘I feel I became a pro this year,’ said Lynch.”
Also at the Times, Danny O’Neil checks in with Brandon Browner, who has gone from CFL cornerback to Pro Bowl alternate in his first season with the Seahawks: “ ‘I kept my room TV on the NFL Network,’ he said. ‘Throughout the whole time I was in the CFL. It never left the NFL Network unless I was playing a video game. That was a must-have.’ That long-distance relationship is what makes this season, and Browner’s selection as a Pro Bowl alternate, one of the most unlikely, endearing stories not just on the Seahawks, but in the entire league. ‘Brandon just comes out of nowhere,’ coach Pete Carroll said.
Eric Williams at the News Tribune says the selection of Earl Thomas to the Pro Bowl and the first alternate status of Browner and strong safety Kam Chancellor indicates the secondary should be an area of strength for seasons to come: “Seattle defensive backs coach Kris Richard sensed this group was special during training camp. ‘I’m very humbled by the acknowledgement,’ Richard said. ‘And it’s a testament to the guys’ hard work and their dedication. And it’s been emphasized from Day 1. They set high standards for themselves, and have competed well to live up to or surpass those standards.’ ”
Also at the News Tribune, Dave Boling says Thomas earned his Pro Bowl berth: “Many players in the NFL say they aspire to greatness. Far fewer are willing to put in the work it takes to earn it. Earl Thomas is one of those. And this week it was recognized when Thomas was voted the Seahawks’ first Pro Bowl starter since 2008. ‘We always know what we’re going to get out of Earl,’ defensive end Red Bryant said. ‘He’s the hardest worker. He studies hard. He’s all about his teammates and he’s all about business.’ ”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald looks at how the depth on the injury-depleted offensive line has helped the second-half surge in the running game: “As seems to be the case every year with the Seahawks, offensive line injuries have piled up this season, but unlike the past couple of seasons when injuries have caused the offense to go stagnant, the Seahawks have managed to show continuous growth even as starters go down with season-ending injuries.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at how Earl Thomas, a Pro Bowl starter, and cornerback Brandon Browner and strong safety Kam Chancellor, first alternates, shared their recognition with their teammates on the Seahawks’ ninth-ranked defense: “Said Thomas, ‘As a whole, we’ve been playing great together. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for those guys. You’ve got guys that deserve to be here – guys like ‘Big Red’ (defensive end Red Bryant); ‘Clem’ (defensive end Chris Clemons); Kam has been playing great; both our corners (Browner and rookie Richard Sherman). I could name the whole defense. It’s just great when you have that kind of chemistry back there and everybody knows each other.’ ”
We’ve also got a look at Michael Robinson’s real role in “Wednesday in Hawkville”: “In official Pro Bowl parlance, the Seahawks’ lead-blocker is listed as the first alternate at fullback to the NFC squad that was announced Tuesday. But Tom Cable has a different take on the situation. ‘I have a running joke, I think the fullback is just a pseudo guard,’ Cable, the team’s assistant head coach/offensive line coach said today after practice. ‘I think he has to buy in like they do up front (on the line) about where he fits. You can’t fit in the middle; you’ve got to fit on the outside half. Or you’ve got to fit in the middle on this. Or whatever it is, to where you fit. So you’re just like a lineman to me. You have to be in the right place at the right time. Mike has been exceptional at growing that way.’ ” And there’s also Tony Ventrella’s video recap.
Peter King at SI.com gives a thumbs-up to Thomas’ selection to the Pro Bowl in this video report. And Doug Farrar at YahooSports.com looks at hidden Pro Bowl players on defense, including the Seahawks’ Chris Clemons, Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor; and on offense, including Marshawn Lynch, Michael Robinson and Doug Baldwin.
Wednesday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 28:
FOCUS ON
Michael Robinson. In official Pro Bowl parlance, the Seahawks’ lead-blocker is listed as the first alternate at fullback to the NFC squad that was announced Tuesday. But Tom Cable has a different take on the situation.
“I have a running joke, I think the fullback is just a pseudo guard,” Cable, the team’s assistant head coach/offensive line coach said today after practice. “I think he has to buy in like they do up front (on the line) about where he fits.
“You can’t fit in the middle; you’ve got to fit on the outside half. Or you’ve got to fit in the middle on this. Or whatever it is, to where you fit. So you’re just like a lineman to me. You have to be in the right place at the right time. Mike has been exceptional at growing that way.”
Whatever Robinson is doing, it’s working. Heading into Sunday’s season finale against the Cardinals in Arizona, the Seahawks have rushed for 100-plus yards in seven of their past eight games – after doing it twice in their first seven games. Saturday, in a two-point loss to the 49ers, Marshawn Lynch became the first player this season to score a rushing touchdown against the NFC West Champions, as well as the first back to rush for 100-plus yards against San Francisco since 2009.
And Lynch is the first to point to Robinson for his thankless contributions for everything Lynch and the running game has been able to accomplish as the Seahawks have won five of their past seven games.
Not bad for a guy who played quarterback in college, and didn’t become a true lead-blocking fullback until he signed with the Seahawks last season.
“No. No. I didn’t think that,” Robinson said when asked if he ever envisioned himself being a Pro Bowl alternate at the position when he entered the NFL. “But it’s definitely an honor to know that people thought that much of me to vote for me to be an alternate.
“But again, the coaches did a great job putting me in advantageous situations and all I had to do was go play.”
At a Pro Bowl level.
“He’s not maybe the most physical guy at it, but he’s very intelligent and he’s just continued to grow like everybody else,” Cable said.
IN ’N OUT
Leading tackler David Hawthorne and starting split end Ben Obomanu sat out today’s 90-minute practice to rest sore knees. Obomanu tweaked his in the Christmas Eve game against the 49ers, while Hawthorne has been playing with a sore knee for much of the season.
With Hawthorne out, strongside ’backer K.J. Wright and Heath Farwell both worked at middle linebacker with the No. 1 defense.
Coach Pete Carroll said he thinks Obomanu will be able to play Sunday, but when asked about the receiving crew if the 6-foot-1 Obomanu can’t play, he said, “Well, it’s getting thin. And we’re getting younger.” Carroll then laughed as he added, “And we’re also getting shorter.”
That’s because 6-5 Mike Williams, 6-4 Sidney Rice and 6-6 Kris Durham are on injured reserve. So with Obomanu watching today, the wide receivers were Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin and Deon Butler, all 5-10; and 6-2 rookie Ricardo Lockette.
“Ricardo Lockette is towering over everyone right now,” Carroll cracked.
Here’s the official injury report:
Did not practice
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
WR Ben Obomanu (knee)
Full participation
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
DT Clinton McDonald (concussion)
LB Malcolm Smith (concussion)
Cox, McDonald and Smith were back after sitting out the game against the 49ers and not practicing last week.
For the Cardinals:
Did not practice
OT Brandon Keith (ankle)
CB Patrick Peterson (Achilles)
S Kerry Rhodes (ankle)
Limited participation
S Sean Considine (foot)
S Rashad Johnson (knee)
QB Kevin Kolb (head)
RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (hamstring)
RB Chris Wells (knee)
Full participation
CB Michael Adams (shoulder)
John Skelton is 5-2 as the starting QB in Kolb’s absence, but the concussed Kolb was the Cardinals’ big acquisition this season.
Asked about his QB situation during a conference-call interview today, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt put it this way, “We’ve been preparing (Kolb) to play with the idea that he was going to get better and be able to do it and then he would have a setback. So we’re kind of in that cycle right now. As he continues to progress, he won’t have those and then he’ll be able to play. So we’re working Kevin, and we’re working John. And we’re trying to see if Kevin can be ready or not.”
STAT DU JOUR
Despite allowing a touchdown and three fields in the second half of Saturday’s two-point loss to the 49ers, the Seahawks’ defense still ranks second in the league in touchdowns and points allowed in the second half this season. Here are the leaders in both categories:
Second-half defensive TDs allowed
Team No.
Browns 8
Seahawks 10
Lions 11
Ravens 12
Second-half defensive points allowed
Team No.
Browns 104
Seahawks 109
Steelers 110
Lions 114
Ravens 117
UP NEXT
The players will be back at it on their final Thursday of the regular season, with meetings, a walk-through and practice as they continue to prepare for Sunday’s season finale.
YOU DON’T SAY
“He’s just a guy that really is open even when he’s not open. He makes a quarterback’s life easier. He’s a big target out there. Even when he does get covered, it attracts a lot of attention and it opens things up for other guys. Being a young quarterback and having someone like that in your development really helps.” – Skelton on teammate Larry Fitzgerald, who has caught 93 passes for 1,222 yards and 10 touchdowns in 15 career games against the Seahawks
Cyber surfing: Thursday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Dec. 22:
Duff McKagan offers his season’s greetings at ESPN.com and they include a playoff berth for the Seahawks: “Santa Claus, all I want for Christmas is for my Seahawks to win out, and everyone else to lose. Santa, our defense has been very, very good this year – and that has been enough for them to go 5-1 in their past six games. Santa, the big, bad NBA stole our basketball team from Seattle, and our MLB team is horrendous these days. All we want for Christmas is something positive sports-wise for our city. Can you put that somewhere under just one of our abundant supply of fir trees up here in the Northwest?”
Speaking of playoffs, Mike Sando at ESPN.com provides the “Dream scenario” this weekend for the still-playoff hopeful Seahawks: It all starts with the Seahawks beating the 49ers, of course, but they also need wins by the Bengals (over the Cardinals), Jets (over the Giants), Chargers (over the Lions), Cowboys (over the Eagles) and Bears (over the Packers).
Sando also has his weekly “Injury situations that matter” in the NFC West: “An ankle injury limited receiver Doug Baldwin in practice Wednesday. Having Baldwin ready is crucial now that Mike Williams has joined Sidney Rice on the Seahawks’ injured reserve list. Baldwin is the team’s best option on third down. The Seahawks figure to need their tight ends in protection against the 49ers’ formidable defensive front seven. Linebacker David Hawthorne’s full participation in practice despite a knee injury comes as a positive sign. The team has been resting Hawthorne during the week recently. Getting Hawthorne healthier is important because the team’s depth at linebacker has run low in recent weeks. The 49ers favor heavier personnel groupings, so a full contingent of linebackers would have greater value this week than in some others.”
And speaking of injuries, Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times looks at the offensive line that has continued to get it done despite playing without three injured starters: “The injuries have been so widespread that it’s been tough to keep track — even for the guys on the field. During Seattle’s Monday victory over St. Louis, left guard Robert Gallery left with a hip injury in the fourth quarter. It was only when Lynch got a second look at his 16-yard touchdown run late in the game that he realized Gallery had been replaced by rookie Jarriel King. ‘I didn’t know until I looked up at the replay,’ Lynch said. The Seahawks have been so successful plugging in players like Breno Giacomini at right tackle and Paul McQuistan at both guard spots and now at left tackle that some wonder if the starters were overrated.”
And speaking of Lynch, Eric Williams at the News Tribune says that the “Beast Mode” back has become the face of the franchise: “Someone had to fill the void left by the departure of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. And although he has been with the Seattle Seahawks a mere 14 months, in that relatively short time Marshawn Lynch’s pile-driving, relentlessly churning legs have helped personify this franchise’s identity. Just ask his coach. ‘He’s been the face of the program here,’ Pete Carroll said. ‘In terms of setting the tempo and the attitude, the philosophy that he brings, the competitiveness that he stands for in his play that you can’t help but see by the way he brings it, are all exemplary and emblematic of what we’d like to be. So, he’s had a big play in this.’ ”
Len Pasquarelli at CBSSports.com looks at head-coaching candidates from the league’s assistant coaches, and includes Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell: “Former college quarterback (Wisconsin) worked closely with Brett Favre in Green Bay (2000-2005), and has drawn praise from the future Hall of Fame passer. Was coordinator in Minnesota for five seasons under Brad Childress before moving to the Seahawks this season. Seattle ranks only 28th offensively, but Bevell has done a nice job with modest talent, and with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. At 41, he is in his 12th NFL season.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at Tarvaris Jackson’s impressive numbers from the second halves of the three-game winning streak: “Jackson’s passer rating in those games is 104.5, as he has completed 67 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions. In the second half, however, that rating balloons to 130.6, because he has completed 76 percent of his passes and had those three TD passes. ‘There are so many things that go into the position, other than how many yards you throw for or how many touchdown passes you have or touchdowns-to-interceptions – people usually go to that statistic line,’ 49ers coach and former NFL QB Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday during a conference-call interview. ‘But he’s a threat to run. He buys time. Makes throws; strong, accurate thrower. Plays with a lot of poise. You don’t win that many football games without the quarterback playing well, and doing things that don’t always show up on the statistical sheet.’ ”
We also take a look at Paul McQuistan and how valuable his versatility has turned out to be in “Wednesday in Hawkville.” Tony Ventrella has his video recap, as well as his “Seahawks Insider” that this week features Deon Butler.
John Boyle at the Everett Herald also looks at Jackson’s impact over the past three games: “The Seahawks hope to beat the 49ers this weekend by running the ball down their throats. In reality, however, beating San Francisco will likely require a strong performance from quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. The 49ers lead the league in run defense both in terms of yards allowed per game and per carry. To move the ball, the Seahawks will either have to do something almost no other team has done this season, or turn to Jackson to provide an offense spark. The good news for the Seahawks is that calling on Jackson to make plays may not be such a bad idea. Not the way he has played of late.”
Lisa Altobelli at NFL.com takes a look at Marcus Trufant’s annual bowling tournament to raise funds for his foundation: “Seattle has been known for many things over the years. There’s great coffee, great fish throwing, a great grunge scene back in the day… but great bowling? ‘People are into it here,’ said Marcus Trufant, who holds an annual Bowling Classic fundraiser. ’Anyone can do it, everyone likes it, and the weather isn’t a factor. It’s a big deal to me.’ We’ll have to take Trufant’s word for it, but he would know. Currently in his ninth season with the Seahawks, Trufant is also an area native, having grown up just south of Seattle in Tacoma.”
Photoblog: Windy City Winning
The surging Seahawks landed in the Windy City to face the Chicago Bears at Solider Field for the third time in two seasons. Seemingly no longer affected by 10:00 am Pacific time kickoffs, the Seahawks scuffled through the first half before waking up to score 31 unanswered points on their way to a 38-14 victory.
Overnight snow in Chicago forced the Seahawks to audible their walk-thru plans, and instead of heading to a nearby outdoor field, the team walked through the hotel to the adjacent McCormick Convention Center.
Offense, defense and special teams all went through the motions during indoor walk-thru, held in a ballroom of the convention center adjacent to the team's hotel.
Lesson one for rookies: Don't mess with the head coach. Wide receiver Doug Baldwin learned the hard way after the team's walk-thru on Saturday. Having never seen snow before, Baldwin grabbed a snowball and looked for a target while Pete Carroll stood by, chatting. Unbeknownst to Baldwin, the crafty coach had a snowball behind his back and smashed it on his player's head before dashing into the safety of the hotel lobby, leaving Baldwin to laugh off a head full of cold wet snow.
On game day, strong safety Kam Chancellor makes his way down the narrow tunnel leading from the visitors locker room to the turf at Soldier Field.
Seattle's defensive backs huddled and got pumped up before taking the field for pregame warmups.
David Hawthorne, Golden Tate and Max Unger wait for the signal to lead the team onto the field during pregame introductions.
Earl Thomas celebrates after recovering a fumble by Chicago's Johnny Knox in the first half.
Chicago receiver Johnny Knox gives teammates and fans a "thumbs up" as he is taken off the field on a cart after being hit hard after fumbling in the first half. Knox had surgery on his back and is expected to make a good recovery.
Tight end Cameron Morrah stretches for the end zone but comes up just short after a 21-yard reception to set up Seattle's first touchdown.
Running back Marshawn Lynch wasn't given much room to run by the Bears stout run defense, but gained enough yardage to eclipse the 1,000 yard mark for the season.
Roy Lewis continued his strong contribution in the Seahawks nickel and dime packages, knocking a ball away from Chicago's Dane Sanzenbacher.
Earl Thomas comes out of the end zone after intercepting a pass that was tipped by teammate Kam Chancellor in the second quarter.
Marshawn Lynch reaches over the goal line for his second touchdown of the afternoon, giving him 11 touchdowns for the season.
Red Bryant high-steps untouched into the end zone leaving a trail of Bears in his wake on a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown. Bryant's play resulted in Seattle's second touchdown in the first two minutes of the second half.
Bryant starts his touchdown dance as teammate K.J. Wright leaps for joy. Wright tipped the pass that resulted in Bryant's interception.
Chris Clemons jumps on Bryant's back in celebration, but even that can't topple the 323-pound defensive end.
Raheem Brock chases down Chicago quarterback Caleb Hanie as the defense kept applying pressure on their way to a second half shutout.
Chris Clemons' smile is visible through his shaded facemask as he takes down Hanie for a nine-yard sack in the fourth quarter.
Justin Forsett took a swing pass from Tarvaris Jackson down to the three-yard line in the fourth quarter.
Michael Robinson celebrates with tight ends Anthony McCoy and Zach Miller after scoring a two-yard pass from Jackson, giving the Seahawks a 31-14 lead.
Flanked by teammates David Hawthorne (57), Kam Chancellor (31) and Chris Clemons (91), cornerback Brandon Browner heads for the end zone following his team high sixth interception of the season extending the Seahawks lead to 38-14.
Seahawks defenders Leroy Hill, left, and Clinton McDonald, right, sandwich Bears backup quarterback Josh McCown in the final minutes.
Cornerbacks Brandon Browner, left, and Richard Sherman celebrate after Sherman joined the interception club with the team's fourth pick of the game.
A jubilant Pete Carroll congratulates Sherman after the interception.
Red Bryant is all smiles in the Seahawks locker room as he is singled out during the postgame meeting for his interception and touchdown.
Everything was beautiful for the Seahawks in Chicago, including the sunset as they departed the Windy City for flight home to Seattle.
Thursday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 15:
FOCUS ON
Tarvaris Jackson. If it’s Thursday, the starting quarterback talks to the media. But Jackson’s post-practice Q&A session was different today.
He faced reporters and cameras for 9½ minutes and not once was Jackson asked about the condition of his right shoulder. That’s the one with the strained pectoral, which has been the major – and at times only – topic of conversation when it came to Jackson since he injured it in the Week 5 upset of the Giants.
Even more telling than his lack of words about the shoulder after practice were his actions during the 110-minute session that was held in the indoor practice facility, as the team continued to prepare for Sunday’s game against the Bears in Chicago. In the 9-on-7 drill early in practice, Jackson was not handing off to the backs – often his only reps in practice in the past two months. Instead, he was on the other end of the field, throwing passes in the 1-on-1 drill. For the first time in six to eight weeks, by his estimation.
“I guess that’s good, on both counts,” he said after his interview was completed.
That it is. So rather than talking about pain management and trying to play on limited practice reps as he has for weeks, Jackson was able to discuss other subjects:
Like playing for the first time in the NFL as a rookie in 2006, against the Bears in Chicago: “My fondest memory, and probably the one that sticks out in my head the most, is my first game I ever played there. It was negative-18 wind-chill. It was horrible out there. Every time I talk about Chicago, I always bring up that story. … I was the third quarter that day and they took the first-string guy out (Brad Johnson) and the second-string guy got hurt (Brooks Bollinger). I’m on the sideline with my little clipboard and all you can see is my eyes because I’ve got a mask on and I’m all covered up in a big jacket. It was the coldest I’ve ever been.”
Like Skittle-back Marshawn Lynch, and his habit of munching his favorite candy on the sideline during games: “The camera just caught my man over on the sideline eating his Skittles. He always does it. But it just so happened that lately they caught him eating them and it’s taken off. At least he’ll probably get some free Skittles, probably get an endorsement. Maybe get him on a commercial with a little leprechaun or something. I don’t know, whatever works, man. That’s what he does, so I’m jumping on the bandwagon myself.”
Like what type of candy he would go for in an endorsement deal: “Skittles. The purple bag (wild berry) though, not the red bag (originals). The purple bag is more tropical.”
IN ’N OUT
Middle linebacker and leading tackler David Hawthorne and leading receiver Doug Baldwin returned to practice after sitting out on Wednesday. But cornerback Richard Sherman did not practice and was replaced on the left side by fellow rookie Byron Maxwell.
Sitting out for a second day was left guard Robert Gallery, who was replaced by Allen Barbre.
Here’s the official injury report:
Did not practice
DE Raheem Brock (calf)
OG Robert Gallery (hip)
OT Jarriel King (hamstring)
CB Richard Sherman (knee)
Full participation
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
LB Leroy Hill (neck)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
WR Doug Baldwin (ankle)
LB David Hawthorne (knee)
For the Bears:
Did not practice
QB Jay Cutler (right thumb)
RB Matt Forte (knee)
DT Henry Melton (shin)
CB Charles Tillman (knee)
WR Sam Hurd (not injury related)
Limited participation
OG Edwin Williams (calf)
S Major Wright (shoulder)
PRIMETIME FLASHBACK
One of the “on this date” moments for today involved a 1991 game against the Falcons in Atlanta – and at old Fulton County Stadium – when Deion Sanders intercepted two passes and returned a third 55 yards for touchdown after taking a lateral from Tim McKyer.
But there’s a story to go with the story.
Sitting side by side in the last row of the press box were M.C. Hammer and Evander Holyfield. As McKyer pitched the ball to Sanders, they stood up. Arms raised and hips gyrating, Hammer exclaimed, “Put a move on ’em, D. Put a move on ’em.”
Sanders did exactly that, and then some, as Hammer and Holyfield exchanged five-highs, fist-bumps and huge smiles.
STAT DU JOUR
It is “Turnover Thursday” on the Pete Carroll Calendar, but today it was slanted toward talk of just how good the Bears are at forcing them. “That was the first thing we talked about when we came in on Wednesday – make sure we protect the ball,” said Jackson, who should know because he spent the past five seasons playing with the Vikings and against the Bears twice a year. “They’re ball hawks. They go after the football. They take pride in taking away the football.”
The Bears are plus-8 in turnover ratio. Here’s a closer look at where they rank in the league in the major turnover categories:
Turnover ratio
Team Ratio
49ers plus-21
Packers plus-20
Lions plus-11
Texans plus-10
Patriots plus-9
Bears plus-8
Total turnovers
Team No.
Packers 32
49ers 31
Lions 29
Bears 27
Texans 25
Patriots 25
Interceptions
Team No.
Packers 27
49ers 18
Lions 18
Patriots 18
Bears 17
Seahawks 17
Texans 17
Chiefs 17
Fumble recoveries
Team No.
49ers 13
Bengals 12
Lions 11
Bears 10
Titans 10
Ravens 10
Vikings 10
UP NEXT
The players will practice Friday morning before the team flies to Chicago for Sunday’s game.
The Seahawks play their home finale on Christmas Eve against the 49ers. Tickets are available for the Dec. 24 game at CenturyLink Field and can be purchased here.
YOU DON’T SAY
“It’s almost like they really put themselves in a position where they’re ball control and they’re putting it on their defense. It’s ball control, the points will come, let’s move the ball, let’s take what the defense gives us and if we have to punt, we punt.” – defensive coordinator Gus Bradley on how the Bears offense has changed while playing without Cutler and Forte
