Seahawks remember Joe
Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson and wide receiver Deon Butler are in Happy Valley, where former Penn State coach Joe Paterno is being remembered following his death on Sunday.
Robinson and Butler played for Paterno, and the Nittany Lions, and have said repeatedly what an impact their time at Penn State and with Paterno meant to their careers and lives. Former Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram also played for Paterno at Penn State.
And Robinson and Engram were included in the memories shared Tuesday by Paterno’s son, Jay.
“There’s Slot Left 62Z Post, Bobby Engram’s touchdown against Michigan, we won the game in ’94 out there,” Jay Paterno said.
“There’s a touchdown, Mike Robinson to Derrick Williams, Northwestern in ’05,” he added.
Ivan Maisel at ESPN.com was at the ceremony in University Park, Pa., and provides additional details here.
Cyber surfing: Saturday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Dec. 31:
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times looks at the improvement of the Seahawks defense in stopping big plays this season: “A year ago, the Seahawks allowed 76 plays of 20 yards or more, tied for second most in the NFL according to The Associated Press. This season, Seattle has given up just 45 such plays, tied for second fewest. That explains why the Seahawks have one of the most improved defenses in the league. But it will face a stiff test Sunday in Arizona. ‘They’ve had a lot of explosive plays,’ defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said of the Cardinals.”
Eric Williams at the News Tribune looks at Deon Butler, who is looking to make the most of his opportunities in the Seahawks’ season finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday: “Because receivers Sidney Rice, Kris Durham and Mike Williams all landed on the season-ending injured reserve list, Butler has been one of five active receivers the past four games. And although he has only five catches for 40 yards, Butler has started the process of earning the trust of quarterback Tarvaris Jackson – something he hopes to build on through more offseason work. ‘Every game I feel like I’m just getting back to being myself,’ he said. ‘It was good for me to actually get a good hit in last week like that, so that was the next step. And just knowing that I feel like I’m fully back right now, and I feel comfortable out there.’ ”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald not only asks who made the better quarterback move this season – the Seahawks by signing Tarvaris Jackson or the Cardinals by trading for Kevin Kolb – he lets you vote: “If this were a game of high-stakes poker – and really, what is a bigger gamble than trying to identify that always elusive Quarterback Of The Future? – the Seahawks would be the player who bet the bare minimum. If they decide they don’t like their hand, they can fold. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are all in with Kolb.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we check in with Marshawn Lynch, whose images are threatening his identity, or so it seems: “Beast Mode. Skittles-back. Just who is this guy? Lynch paused from what he was doing the other day in the locker room, looked the questioner directly in the eyes and offered, ‘I know who I am. I’m very clear with that.’ After what Lynch has done in the team’s second-half surge, so does everyone else: The most productive running back the Seahawks have had since Shaun Alexander in 2005.”
We’ve also got a look at the final practice of the season in “Friday in Hawkville,” as well as a closer look at Sunday’s game in our “Matchup box.” There’s also Tony Ventrella’s video recap.
Mike Sando at ESPN.com has his “Final Word” on the NFC West for the final weekend of the regular season, including this: “Battle of the backs. Frank Gore leads NFC West running backs with 1,202 yards even though his production has trailed off late in the season. Marshawn Lynch would have to outgain Gore by 85 yards to overtake him for most rushing yards in the division. That is unlikely, but Lynch has set a furious pace lately. He leads the NFL in rushing since Week 9, gaining 855 yards over that eight-game period. The Rams’ Steve Jackson ranks eighth in the league with 620 yards during that time. Arizona’s Beanie Wells is 15th (541 yards), one spot ahead of Gore (527). All four primary backs in the division have topped 1,000 yards.”
As for the rest of the league, there’s Peter King’s “Game Plan” at SI.com; and Clark Judge’s “Peek at the Week” at CBSSports.com, in which he makes the Seahawks his “upset pick of the week”: “This one not only is for second place in the NFC West; it’s for a .500 season, and given what these clubs endured this season, yes, that’s a big deal. It looks as if the Cards start John Skelton again, and the Seahawks try to ride Marshawn Lynch to the upset. I say they do it, not just because of Lynch but because their defense is playing superb football. The Cards’ defense is improved, too, but Seattle has too much for Skelton to pull another fourth-quarter comeback. Unlike Cincinnati’s Cedric Benson, Lynch won’t try to fumble away the game this time. Moreover, the Seahawks are vastly improved on the road, where they had trouble winning much of anything a year ago. They have won three there, including upsets of the Giants and Bears. No, they’re still not a great road team, but they’re better … and better than Arizona here.”
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.”
Cyber surfing: Wednesday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Dec. 21:
Eric Williams at the News Tribune looks at the Cable effect on the Seahawks’ improved running game in the second half of the season: “(Tom) Cable also played a major role in increasing Marshawn Lynch’s effectiveness. The former California running back was well aware of the success Cable-led offenses have had running the ball. During Cable’s five years working with offensive lines in Atlanta and Oakland, his offenses finished out of the top 10 in rushing only once. ‘Their whole life they’ve just been given the ball and then go do their thing,’ Cable said about his conversation with Lynch. ‘And we all joke about it – they’re extreme that way. But he was more than willing to say, ‘Teach me. I’ll do it the way you need it, and just don’t let me off the hook if I don’t do it right.’ So big props if you will to him, to have that kind of integrity, discipline and desire to want to be great at it.’ ”
Also at the News Tribune, Dave Boling looks at Saturday’s game against the 49ers and how it could be a prelude to many more pivotal matchups between young and improving teams: “Don’t let anybody kid you, this has turned into a rivalry between two young teams on the rise, coached by a pair of very competitive men. This is not just another game. ‘They have clinched (the division) this year, and there’s nothing we can do about that now because we dug ourselves a big hole at the beginning,’ said Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill. ‘Our playoff hopes are still alive, so we’ve still got a lot to play for. (And) beating these guys would let them know we’re definitely still here. That would be a big statement.’ ”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times also looks at the heightened rivalry between the Seahawks and 49ers: “Saturday’s game at CenturyLink Field is a chance for the 7-7 Seahawks to not only show how far they’ve come since that game, but how far they can go. ‘For us to continue to take the steps we want to as an organization and as a team,’ fullback Michael Robinson said, ‘we’ve got to start winning games like this. We’ve come from hoping to win to now expecting to win. And if we expect to be the team that we all want to grow into, we have to win games like this game.’ “
John Boyle at the Everett Herald looks at the Seahawks’ receivers now that Mike Williams has joined Sidney Rice on injured reserve: “Ben Obomanu, who will step into the starting lineup along with Golden Tate, has started five games this year and was a starter for six games last season. Tate, who struggled to get on the field as a rookie, has shown considerable potential this season and has started three games since Rice’s season ended. Deon Butler, who is coming back from a broken leg that kept him out of the first nine games this season, started eight games last year. Throw rookie Doug Baldwin, Seattle’s surprise leading receiver, into the mix and the Seahawks still feel good about their receiver group.”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com looks at Marshawn Lynch’s touchdown scoring streak as the Seahawks’ Skittles-back prepares to test the 49ers’ streak of not allowing a rushing touchdown this season: “Lynch owns the NFL’s highest touchdown percentage on 2011 rushing attempts inside opponents’ 3-yard lines (minimum five attempts), according to ESPN Stats & Information. 49ers fans know where this one is headed. Their team’s defense hasn’t allowed a rushing touchdown in its last 15 games, matching the 1985-86 Bears for the longest streak since at least 1970.”
Sando also has his weekly NFC West “Stock Watch,” and among his “risers” is Tarvaris Jackson: “Jackson completed 15 of 19 passes after halftime to help the Seahawks turn a 14-7 deficit into a 38-14 victory at Soldier Field. Jackson has three touchdowns with no interceptions over Seattle’s past three games. The Seahawks are 3-0 in those games and have reached 7-7 thanks largely to Jackson’s improved play. Seattle now has every reason to bring back Jackson as its starter heading into next season. The plan would still remain for the Seahawks to draft or otherwise acquire a younger quarterback to begin developing in 2012. On a side note, lots of other Seahawks deserved consideration in this spot, from Red Bryant, to K.J. Wright to Brandon Browner and others.”
Here at Seahawks.com, well, you might want to get another cup of coffee, because we’ve got the definitive behind-the-scenes look at Sunday’s big win over the Bears with Rod Mar’s photo blog and Ben Malcolmson’s “From the Sidelines”: “Considering all the Seahawks have gone through this season, could there have been a more appropriate way for Sunday’s game to unfold? Down 14-7 and downtrodden mentally, the Seahawks entered the locker room at halftime only to come out flying, outscoring the Bears 31-0 en route to a 38-14 obliteration at Soldier Field. Satisfying? Very much so. Symbolic? Even more so. Like Sunday’s game, the Seahawks entered the halfway point of the 2011 season at a low, crawling to a 2-6 record before the results turned. And like Sunday’s game, Seattle has emerged on fire in the second half, winning five of their last six and remaining in the playoff conversation into Week 16. It’s highly unlikely anyone outside of the head coach’s corner office at Virginia Mason Athletic Center thought that could’ve even been a possibility. But here they are at 7-7 and one of the hottest teams in the NFL, culling wins and momentum that could potentially result in great things this season but will undoubtedly equate to great things in the future.”
There’s also a look at “Thunder and Lightning,” the big-play safety tandem of Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas: “The hope when the Seahawks selected Thomas with the 14th pick in the first round of last year’s NFL Draft and then grabbed Chancellor with the second pick in the fifth round was that they would mesh their explosive talents just as they did on those two bang-bang plays. Asked about it, Chancellor broke into a large smile and offered, ‘ ‘Thunder and Lightning.’ We’re a tag team back there.’ The 6-foot-3, 232-pound Chancellor is obviously ‘Thunder.’ Thomas, who has run 40 yards in 4.37 seconds, is just as obviously ‘Lightning.’ Together, they form a formidable storm front in the Seahawks’ secondary.”
And there’s still more: a look at Ben Obomanu as the “Focus on” in “Tuesday in Hawkville”; a look at this week’s opponent, the 49ers, in “Up next”; and Tony Ventrella’s video recap.
On this date
A look at the memorable – and not-so-memorable – moments in Seahawks history that occurred on Dec. 12:
1976: The Seahawks close their inaugural season with a 27-10 loss to the Eagles at the Kingdome that leaves them 2-12, which will be the worst record in franchise history until the 1992 team goes 2-14. Steve Largent catches seven passes for 98 yards and the Seahawks’ only touchdown.
1982: Jim Zorn runs for one touchdown and passes for another, while Steve Largent catches eight passes for 111 yards, in a 20-14 victory over the Bears at the Kingdome.
1993: The Raiders take a 27-9 lead in Los Angeles and then hold on for a four-point victory as Rick Mirer runs for one touchdown and passes for another in the final 6½ minutes.
1999: The Seahawks take their first lead of the game on a Jon Kinta to Derrick Mayes touchdown pass in the third quarter, but John Carney kicks two fourth-quarter field goals to give the Chargers a 19-16 victory at the Kingdome. The loss is the third in a four-game losing streak that follows the Seahawks’ 8-2 start in their first season under Mike Holmgren.
2004: Josh Brown kicks field goals in the third and fourth quarters to give the Seahawks a 27-23 victory over the Vikings in Minnesota. Rashad Moore recovered a fumble at the Vikings’ 26-yard line to set up Brown’s fourth quarter field goal and Michael Boulware then intercepts a Randy Moss pass in the end zone to ice the win. Before the late heroics by the defense, Matt Hasselbeck passes for three touchdowns, Darrell Jackson catches 10 passes for 135 yards and Shaun Alexander runs for 112 yards.
2010: Deon Butler catches a touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter, but also has his leg broken so severely on the play that he needs surgery, in a 40-21 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco. Matt Hasselbeck passes for two touchdowns, but also throws four interceptions.
Cyber surfing: Thursday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Nov. 10:
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. has his Midseason Top 50 at ESPN.com, and look who checks in at No. 37: Chris Clemons. Perhaps all our shouting about just how well Clemons is playing has worked; someone has noticed what the Seahawks’ “Leo” defensive end is doing. Says Williamson: “Some of you might not know about Clemons, but he is a terrific player. He has had a huge impact since joining the Seahawks, but few get to see it on a regular basis across the country.”
The Seahawks safety tandem of Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas and center Max Unger did not make Williamson’s list of Top Rising Stars, but they did warrant mention in “others of note.”
Also at ESPN.com, Mike Sando examines the Seahawks quarterback situation in his weekly LuckWatch, starting with the offseason signing of Tarvaris Jackson: “The move told us the Seahawks were serious about drafting a quarterback in 2012, whether it’s Andrew Luck or another prospect likely to be chosen early. Saying so outright would have sent the wrong message to fans and the current team, of course, but a $4 million bet on Jackson wasn’t much of a bet at all.”
Sando also has his Midseason MVPs for each of the teams in the NFC West, and a certain defensive end is the selection for the Seahawks: “This was a tough call because free safety Earl Thomas carries quite a bit of value, too. Clemons stands as the best pass-rusher on a team that needs more of them. His toughness in playing well through injuries has commanded respect from teammates. Clemons remains on pace for his second consecutive season with double-digit sacks. Michael Sinclair was the last Seahawks player with at least 10 sacks in consecutive seasons. He accomplished the feat back in 1997-98. Jacob Green did it twice in the 1980s.”
Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times looks at the Seahawks’ slow-starting offense as the team heads into the second half of its season: “The Seahawks have scored fewer than 20 points six times, have yet to hold a halftime lead, and in the past three games Seattle has more penalties (29) than points (28). Looking for a bright side? Well, you’re going to have to wait for it. ‘We’re coming around,’ coach Pete Carroll said, ‘and we can see it. The change is happening right before our eyes. So we just have to demonstrate a patience in the sense, in an impatient world, that allows us to make the right decisions and stick with the stuff that we’re doing.’ “
Eric Williams at the News Tribune looks at left guard Robert Gallery, one member of that slow-starting offense: “I’m definitely not where I want to be,” Gallery said. “But that’s football. Every week you’re going to have something that you need to get better at. Obviously, I’d like to be winning more games, as everybody would. And there’s a ton of areas to improve. I’ve got a couple games under my belt after the injury. And obviously you can always play better. You’re never going to be playing great. You can’t have penalties and those sorts of things. I’m not where I want to be. But that’s the NFL, and you have to come back the next week and do the things you know you can do.”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald looks tight end Zach Miller, another member of that slow-starting offense: “Miller is the Seahawks best pass-catching tight end, but he also happens to be their best blocking tight end. That often has meant a more active role in the passing game for backup Anthony McCoy than for Miller, but despite having no catches in two of his past three games, Miller won’t complain about his lack of catches.”
Dave Boling at the New Tribune looks at the other side of the ball, and two players who are difficult to miss because of their size at a position where it’s valued, cornerbacks Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman: “Sherman is a rookie, and Browner is essentially an NFL rookie, so mistakes and miscues can be expected. But Sherman has been responsible for three opponent turnovers in the past two games, and Browner set a franchise record with a 94-yard interception return for a touchdown in the win over the New York Giants.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at Marshawn Lynch, and someone else who also has noticed his “violent” running style: “Marshawn Lynch has a big fan in Baltimore. Turns out, it’s John Harbaugh. The Ravens’ coach was asked Wednesday about this week’s game against the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field and his effusive praise for Lynch went beyond the usual platitudes served up by opposing coaches.”
We’ve also got a look at Wednesday’s practice, including the return of wide receiver Deon Butler to the 53-man roster, in words, pictures and video.
It’s worth another trip to ESPN.com to get John Clayton’s midseason grades for all 32 teams. The “Professor” is not too kind to the Seahawks, but they did get the second-best grade in the NFC West.
Wednesday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Nov. 9:
FOCUS ON
Deon Butler. Now that the third-year wide receiver has been activated off the physically unable to perform list, the question has switched from when Butler would return to how the Seahawks will use him now that he has.
“Well, we’re going to work him in,” coach Pete Carroll said when asked just that question. “We know he’s a tremendous speed player and a guy that has come through and made a lot of things happen for us last season, so we’re anxious to fit him back in.
“Right now, it’s still part of the process to get him situated. I’m not sure how much we can play him yet, but it’s good to get him back on the roster.”
Butler was activated on Tuesday, and he got reps with the Seahawks’ offense as well as the scout team that works against the Seahawks’ defense in today’s 100-minute practice that was held outside and in full pads as the team prepared for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens at CenturyLink Field.
Butler had practiced the past three weeks, but today was the first time he got extensive snaps with the offense.
Whatever the role, Butler is eager to grab it after a long rehab that followed breaking his right leg so severely in Week 14 last season that he needed surgery to insert a steel rod.
“It feels good,” Butler said. “I’ve been working hard, practicing and just kind of getting back into shape. It feels good to finally get activated. It took awhile, but I knew it was going to be a business process.”
Just how good is good? “I feel good,” he said. “I’ve been running around. I’ve been hitting the ground probably more than I should in practice, but it’s going to get me ready for a game – whenever that time comes.”
OPPONENT WATCH
Ray Lewis. We gushed about the 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker yesterday in the “star power” portion of our “Up Next” look at the Ravens. Today, it was Carroll’s turn.
“He is an individual player who’s probably set the tone for an entire franchise,” he said. “And he’s done it in extraordinary fashion. He’s a really instinctive football player. He has great knack for where the ball is going. And in that, he has great knack for being at the right place at the right time to make big plays.
“He’s a dramatic football player. He’ll make the big hit. He’ll make the big coverage or the big sack in timely fashion. He’s going to be a shoo-in Hall of Fame player as soon as they can let him in. He’s just done that for so long. That comes from his great knack. He’s always been physical and all that to go along with it, and he can run well and all of that kind of stuff.”
And that just about says it all. Just about.
“He’s an amazing package of all the elements that make up a great player,” Carroll added.
IN ’N OUT
The official injury report:
Did not practice
WR Sidney Rice (foot)
TE Cameron Morrah (toe/knee)
LB David Vobora (concussion)
Limited in practice
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
“The gains are very slight,” Carroll said when asked about Jackson continuing to play with a strained pectoral in his right shoulder. “It’s all about how he feels every day, one to the next. His strength is there, which is a really good sign right off the bat coming back.
“But it’s really a day-to-day thing. We’re not out of the woods on this thing yet. But he’s managing it as well as it could possibly be managed and his attitude is great about it.”
Also, defensive end Pierre Allen was signed to the practice squad. He fills one of the spot that opened Tuesday when defensive tackle Pep Levingston was added to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
Cornerback Walter Thurmond, who had surgery last week to repair the left ankle he fractured in the Week 7 loss to the Browns in Cleveland, watched practice from the sidelines on crutches.
For the Ravens:
Did not practice
C Matt Birk (neck)
Limited in practice
RB Anthony Allen (thigh)
LB Brendon Ayandadejo (head)
LB Dannell Ellerbe (thigh)
WR Lee Evans (ankle)
TE Kris Wilson (calf)
Full participation
CB Chykie Brown (knee)
STAT DU JOUR
Last week, Marshawn Lynch became the first Seahawks running back to score touchdowns in four consecutive games played in since Shaun Alexander in 2005. This week, Lynch will attempt to become the first Seahawks back to post back-to-back 100-yard rushing efforts since … (pause to allow you a guess or two) Julius Jones in September of 2008. Here’s a look at Jones’ back-to-backers, and the team’s other 100-yard rushers since then:
Back (date, opponent) No. Yards Avg. TD
Julius Jones (9-14-2008, 49ers) 26 127 4.9 1
Julius Jones (9-21-2008, Rams) 22 140 6.4 1
Maurice Morris (11-23-2008, Jets) 29 116 4.0 0
Maurice Morris (12-21-2008, Redskins) 14 102 7.4 0
Julius Jones (9-13-2009, Rams) 19 117 6.2 1
Justin Forsett (11-15-2009, Cardinals) 17 123 7.2 1
Justin Forsett (11-29-2009, Rams) 22 130 5.9 2
Marshawn Lynch (11-6-2011) 23 135 5.9 1
UP NEXT
“Turnover Thursday,” on the Carroll calendar, and that has been a talking point for the Seahawks coach all week. The Seahawks are minus-5 in turnover ratio, which ties them for 23rd in the league. They have forced 11 turnovers (eight interceptions, three fumbles), which ties them for 17th; and turned the ball over 16 times (10 interceptions, six fumbles), which ties for the second-most in the league.
Tickets are available for Sunday’s game and can be purchased here.
YOU DON’T SAY
“Obviously, it starts with Marshawn. … He’s definitely a Top 2 or 3 running back in the National Football League. He’s a violent runner. You go back and look at that playoff game against the Saints last year when he took the game over with his running style. It’s just incredible.” – Ravens coach John Harbaugh on Lynch when asked about the talent on the Seahawks roster
Cyber surfing: Wednesday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Nov. 9:
Mike Sando at ESPN.com has his weekly NFC West “Stock Watch,” and the Seahawks have two of the three “fallers” (Tarvaris Jackson and the linebackers), but also a “riser”: “Marshawn Lynch. Lynch rushed for 135 yards, his highest total since coming to Seattle, during an otherwise forgettable 23-13 defeat at Dallas. Establishing the ground game in the second half of the season probably stands as the Seahawks’ top priority. This was a good first step. Lynch ran hard and found wider running lanes. He has now scored a rushing touchdown in each of his past four games, a first for a Seahawks runner since Shaun Alexander in 2005.”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times has the word on wide receiver Deon Butler being added to the 53-man roster: “The last pass Deon Butler caught was a touchdown. The next one he catches will be a minor miracle. Butler was moved to the active roster Tuesday, a simple transaction that is the next step in a remarkable recovery after Butler suffered a serious leg injury 11 months ago. Butler’s lower right leg was broken in two places last December in San Francisco. The injury, similar to the one suffered by running back Leon Washington, was serious enough that doctors questioned if Butler could resume his NFL career.”
Eric Williams of the News Tribune passes out midseason grades. While the Seahawks get a C overall, the secondary draws the highest grade, a B-plus: “With such a young group, the thought was Seattle might give up a bunch of big plays in the passing game. But so far young safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor have done a good job of being assignment-correct and keeping plays in front of them. And Pete Carroll’s experimentation with bigger corners has paid off, with CFL product Brandon Browner and Stanford rookie Richard Sherman both playing a very physical game at the line of scrimmage and attacking the ball in coverage. Seattle has given up just six touchdowns through the air, No. 6 in the league. Last year the Seahawks gave up 31 passing touchdowns.”
John Boyle of the Everett Herald looks at the good and the bad from the first half of the season, including this “good” from the team’s best unit – the defense: “For the most part this unit has played very well. Even after getting gashed on the ground by the Cowboys, the Seahawks are holding opponents to just 3.4 yards per carry, which is tied for the second best total in the league. The young safety tandem of Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor should have fans excited not just about their play now, but the potential for the future, and rookie cornerback Richard Sherman has looked very good since taking over following injuries to Marcus Trufant and Walter Thurmond.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we’ve got one last – and behind-the-scenes – look at Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys in Ben Malcolmson’s “From the Sidelines” and Rod Mar’s photo blog. Says Malcolmson: “They’re getting better, but it’s not showing up so glaringly just yet. As much solid, long-term improvement as they’ve made this year, they’re not scoring the points or getting the wins that denote true growth and real success. Even though they’ve been in striking distance in the fourth quarter of five of their six losses, they’re still 2-6. But at some point, something’s going to click. Improved play will line up with clean play, and the victories will start rolling in.”
We also take a look at the Seahawks at midseason, along with handing out some honors – including Chris Clemons as the “best player” in the first eight games: “The team’s “Leo” end has five of the Seahawks’ 13 sacks and also leads in a very important unofficial category that speaks to his disruptiveness: Plays forced that lead to tackles by his teammates. As underrated as Clemons is as a pass-rusher – which is very – he’s even more underrated against the run. He weighs only 254 pounds, but uses his quickness and relentless to get the better of blockers who have him 70-80 pounds. As nose tackle Brandon Mebane puts it, “What else can you say about Clem? He’s the man.”
There’s also our daily look at events in “Tuesday in Hawkville,” including how a defense that is second in yards allowed per carry also can be ranked 13th against the run; our weekly look at the Seahawks’ opponent in “Up Next,” in this case the Ravens and All-World linebacker Ray Lewis; and a recap of Tuesday’s roster moves.
Albert Breer at NFL.com takes a yearbook-style look at the NFL’s first half, with yearbook photos of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers that make this worth checking out; while Jason Cole at YahooSports.com has his All-Midseason team, which includes the Ravens’ Lewis and six players the Seahawks already have faced.
Tuesday in Hawkville
A recap of the day’s activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Nov. 8:
FOCUS ON
A running contradiction. How can a defense that is allowing the second-lowest per-carry average in the NFL be ranked only 13th in rushing defense?
That’s the situation the Seahawks find themselves in heading into Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens at CenturyLink Field. They are allowing 3.4 yards per carry, which ties them with the Ravens – .1 yard behind the Cincinnati Bengals.
But they’re also allowing 110.4 rushing yards per game, which ranks behind the 49ers (70.8), Bengals (84.5), Ravens (86.8), Texans (91.4), Vikings (94.4), Steelers (95.6), Falcons (96.5), Packers (100.0), Patriots (102.3), Cowboys (102.4) and Jaguars and Bears (both 110.0).
How does that happen? Opponents have run the ball against the Seahawks 257 times. Only the Colts (318) and Browns (261) have faced more running plays. The 49ers, by comparison, have faced 163 runs.
When you fall behind, which the Seahawks have in the first halves seven times in eight games, opponents tend to run more against you – even when they getting fewer yards per carry.
ROSTER ROULETTE
Wide receiver Deon Butler was activated off the physically unable to perform list today, and defensive tackle Pep Levingston was signed off the practice squad.
To clear spots on the 53-man roster, rookie wide receiver Kris Durham was placed on injured reserve and defensive tackle Al Woods was released. The team also signed wide receiver Patrick Williams to its practice squad, and released guard Paul Fanaika.
For those scoring at home, that’s 209 transactions since Jan. 17. For more on today’s moves, click here.
STAT DU JOUR
The Seahawks play their ninth game of the season on Sunday, and Game No. 9 has been good to them in the past – especially when playing at home. The Seahawks are 21-14 overall in ninth games, 13-6 in Seattle. Here’s a look at their past Game No. 9 performances:
Year Outcome
2010 W, at Arizona 36-18
2009 L, at Arizona 31-20
2008 L, at Miami 21-19
2007 W, 49ers 24-0
2006 W, Rams 24-22
2005 W, Rams 31-16
2004 L, at St. Louis 23-12
2003 L, at Washington 27-20
2002 W, at Arizona 27-6
2001 W, at Buffalo 23-20
2000 L, Chiefs 24-19
1999 W, Broncos 20-17
1998 W, Chiefs 24-12
1997 L, at Denver 30-27
1996 W, Oilers 23-16
1995 W, Giants 30-28
1994 L, Bengals 20-17 OT
1993 L, at Houston 24-14
1992 L, Redskins 16-3
1991 W, Chargers 20-9
1990 W, at Kansas City 17-16
1989 L, at Kansas City 20-10
1988 W, Chargers 17-14
1987 W, Packers 24-13
1986 L, Jets 38-7
1985 W, Raiders 33-3
1984 W, at San Diego 24-0
1983 W, at Raiders 34-21
1982 W, Broncos 13-11
1981 L, at Green Bay 34-24
1980 L, Eagles 27-20
1979 W, at Atlanta 31-28
1978 L, Broncos 20-17 OT
1977 W, at NY Jets 17-0
1976 W, Falcons 31-13
UP NEXT
The players return from their off day Wednesday to begin preparing for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.
Tickets for the game against the Ravens are available and can be purchased here.
YOU DON’T SAY
“That’s all we’ve ever talked about. We talk about one day at a time and how we really try to hit it home with one practice at a time and all that. So we try to maximize the opportunity of that day.” – coach Pete Carroll on his approach with a team that has so many young players
Monday in Hawkville
A recap of the day’s activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Oct. 31:
FOCUS ON
The defense. Somewhat overshadowed by the continuing problems on offense and breakdowns in the coverage units on special teams during Sunday’s 34-12 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals was how well the Seahawks defense played.
Again.
“The thing that does get lost a little bit in here is that we played very tough on defense again,” coach Pete Carroll said today. “We did a very good job in the second half, in particular.”
Say what? The Bengals put up 34 points. But two of their touchdowns came on late returns – the first on a punt for 56 yards, the second on an interception for 75 yards. Also, both the Bengals’ field goals also were set up by big returns – a 63-yard punt return and a 45-yard kickoff return.
The defense held the Bengals to that one field goal in the second half, not to mention 84 yards.
“The defense gave us a chance to hang in that football game, if we could make a few plays,” Carroll said. “The guys played very physically. They were intent on getting after the running game. It wasn’t perfect, but there was enough to put us in position to win.”
Again.
PLAYER WATCH
Ben Obomanu. When split end Mike Williams could not play against the Bengals because of a sore hamstring, Obomanu stepped in to catch four passes for 107 yards. On his 28th birthday, no less.
“That’s pretty neat,” Obomanu said after the game. “I’m glad the fans can take something away from the game. I know it’s pretty rare for somebody to play on their birthday. I know for me that may not have happened since I was a little kid playing Pee-Wee football, so I just wanted to come out and play hard and help our team get a win.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t do that. But at the same time, at least the fans can take something away from the game.”
Asked if Obomanu was pushing for more playing time, Carroll offered, “Ben’s always been pushing. Ben’s been a starter here and he’s a really good football player. Ben again came through and did a very nice job. It’s a competitive position for us.”
INJURY UPDATE
Carroll said he expects Williams to be OK for practice this week. Tight end Cameron Morrah bruised a knee in the game, so his status is uncertain for practice.
Also, wide receiver Deon Butler remains the last of the players on the physically unable to perform list after cornerback Roy Lewis was activated last week and Morrah the week before. Butler is ready to return, but Carroll said his situation is day-to-day.
STAT DU JOUR
To say that the Seahawks are playing “winning” defense is not just hyperbole. They rank No. 13 in the NFL coming out of Sunday’s games, and eight of the teams ranked above them have winning records. Here’s the Top 13, with the records of those teams:
Team Record
Ravens 5-2
Steelers 6-2
Texans 5-3
Chargers 4-2
Bengals 5-2
Browns 3-4
Jaguars 2-6
Jets 4-3
Cowboys 3-4
49ers 6-1
Eagles 3-4
Lions 6-2
Seahawks 2-5
UP NEXT
The players are off Tuesday, but will return Wednesday to begin preparing for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington.
YOU DON’T SAY
“The Niners’ magic number to win the NFC West is six. Not since Nixon-McGovern has there been less drama in a race two months before it ends.” – Peter King, in his “Monday Morning Quarterback” on SI.com
