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
Photoblog: Mistakes by the Lake
The Seahawks came off their bye week looking for a second straight road win, this time visiting the Cleveland Browns.
Seahawks players relax in the lobby of the team hotel in-between meetings on Saturday in Cleveland.
The team took charter buses to Case Western Reserve University for their Saturday walk-thru on a field located between picturesque campus dormitories.
On Sunday, defensive lineman Alan Branch was on the field hours before kickoff, playing a little air guitar before taking on the Browns in the city that houses the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
Deon Butler signed autographs for members of the 12th MAN who attended the road game.
Starting running back Marshawn Lynch took the field for pregame warmups before back issues prevented him from playing.
Red Bryant, the heart and soul of the Seahawks defense, fired up his teammates on the field during pregame.
Newly signed free-agent Heath Farwell heads out of the tunnel with the team during pregame introductions.
Seattle quarterback Charlie Whitehurst had a tough day and was sacked three times including this nine-yard loss in the game's opening drive.
Whitehurst was hit from behind and lost the ball on a fumble on this second quarter play.
Seattle's defense pressured Cleveland's offense all afternoon, and Red Bryant put a hard knock on Colt McCoy during the first half.
Colt McCoy is sacked by Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor, who was flagged for a personal foul on the play.
Head referee Mike Carey announces the penalty against Chancellor as Seattle's Chris Clemons seeks an explanation.
Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman upends Cleveland tight end Evan Moore.
Kam Chancellor and Leroy Hill celebrate a stop on third down during the second quarter.
Seattle's Chris Clemons continued his fine play with two quarterback sacks of Cleveland's Colt McCoy.
Seahawks medical staff attends to cornerback Walter Thurmond, who suffered a season-ending leg injury.
The Seahawks defense stood stout and David Hawthorne intercepted a McCoy pass deep in Seattle territory.
Leon Washington broke free on a punt return for an apparent touchdown that would have given the Seahawks the lead, but officals flagged Kennard Cox for an illegal block on the play.
Sidney Rice looks for the end zone on Seattle's lone excursion into Cleveland's red zone. The Seahawks were forced to settle for a field goal.
Red Bryant (79) blocked two field goals on the afternoon, including this key block in the fourth quarter.
Red Bryant celebrates with teammates Raheem Brock, David Vobora, and Sidney Rice after blocking the field goal.
Wide receiver Mike Williams fights but can't reach a ball thrown to him in double coverage on Seattle's final drive.
Offensive tackle Russell Okung leaves the sideline at the end of the 6-3 loss.
Head coach Pete Carroll walked through the locker room and spoke to each player after the game.
Wednesday in Hawkville
A recap of the day’s activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Oct. 19:
FOCUS ON
Tarvaris Jackson. The Seahawks continued to prepare Charlie Whitehurst to start at quarterback in Sunday’s post-bye week game against the Browns in Cleveland. But Jackson also continues his rapid recovery from the strained pectoral that knocked him out of the pre-bye week victory over the New York Giants.
Jackson not only was in uniform for today’s 95-minute practice, he was handing off during the run-drill period.
“The trainers and the doctors are really surprised that he’s able to do what he’s doing,” coach Pete Carroll said. “He’s really tough-minded. He’s just not wavering with this at all. It’s like he’s going to handle it.
“He’s very consistent in his character and his personality and you can see it’s coming out here in his attempt to rehab it, too. He’s going to be very tough on himself and very demanding. He’s not going to be knocked off course because he’s got a little something he’s dealing with.”
And what does Carroll need to see before getting Jackson back on course to return to the lineup?
“Obviously, we want to see him throw. He can run. He’s fine doing all that stuff,” Carroll said. “But we’ll need to see him throw the football competitively, where he can fire it around like he does. How long we wait during the week to find that out … we might go all the way to game time to understand whether he’ll be available to us.”
Until then, Whitehurst is running the offense in practice.
“I’m not impatient about it,” Carroll said. “In the meantime, Charlie is getting ready to play.”
PLAYER WATCH
Heath Farwell. Tuesday, the linebacker and special teams standout was taking care of his 8-week-old son, Brock. Wednesday, he worked out for the Seahawks in the morning, signed a contract and then took part in both the late morning walk-thru and afternoon practice.
“It’s a whirlwind, but that’s life in the NFL,” said Farwell, who got a call from Seahawks on Tuesday after the club worked out six other linebackers on Monday. “It’s a great opportunity and I’m ready to help out in any way I can to help this team win.
“I’m excited to play. You sit around and watch games on TV and you get hungry.”
Farwell signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a rookie free agent in 2005, part of a linebacker class from San Diego State that also included Matt McCoy, who is on the Seahawks’ injured reserve list; and Kirk Morrison of the Buffalo Bills. Farwell was voted to the Pro Bowl as the NFC special teams player in 2009, but the Vikings released him in September.
“I’ve been working out,” Farwell said. “But I’ve also got an 8-week-old at home, so I’ve been working at home. My wife put me to work.”
CAPTAIN, MY CAPTIAN
Carroll was asked for the second time this week is he intended to name another defensive captain because cornerback Marcus Trufant has been placed on injured reserve because of disc problem in his back.
“I don’t think it’s the kind of situation where we should take a vote. Tru is our captain,” Carroll said. “He was voted for this season and he remains our captain even though he can’t be there all the time. He’ll be around us.
“We already talked about that (on Monday). Our young guys in the secondary rely on him quite a bit and as much as we can keep him around and with them as they go through the process of the season and the game plans and dealing with the issues and all, he needs to be a voice for those guys. He’s a big part of it.”
OPPONENT WATCH
Greg Little. The rookie wide receiver is doing a lot for the Browns, as in leading the team in receptions. His development has been a gradual process in this season that followed the lack of an offseason and a hurry-up approach to the preseason.
“He kind of came to training camp as, I would call him, a true rookie,” Browns coach Pat Shurmur said today. “He battled through training camp and there was some inconsistency that you see with young players. The first quarter of the year, they found a way to get some production and then after the bye basically just started him.
“What I see from him is a guy that is improving each day. I wouldn’t even say each week. I would say he’s improving each day. I see things about him that are better.”
Little starts at split end, but also will move into the slot in the three- and four-receiver packages. At 6 feet 2, 220 pounds, Little can create some big matchup problems.
“He’s a big target,” Shurmur said. “He’s got excellent ball skills. He’s a good player that’s improving.”
IN ’N OUT
Left guard Robert Gallery returned to practice for the first time since getting a groin injury that required surgery in the Week 2 loss to the Steelers. But center Max Unger continued to sit out because of a foot injury and was replaced by Lemuel Jeanpierre.
Also sitting out was tight end Zach Miller (head/neck). But running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle) and linebacker Malcolm Smith (hamstring) participated fully.
Cornerback Roy Lewis, tight end Cameron Morrah and wide receiver Deon Butler, who have been on the physically unable to perform list since training camp opened, practiced for the first time. Lewis got some work as the nickel back in the No. 1 defense and also took reps at cornerback with the No. 2 unit. Morrah and Butler also worked with both units on offense.
“I’m happy for those guys. They’re been working hard to get here,” Carroll said. “We’ll ease those guys into it.”
For the Browns:
Did not practice
LB Scott Fujita (head)
CB Joe Haden (knee)
OL Artis Hicks (back)
RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring)
DB Ray Ventrone (hamstring)
Limited participation
OL Alex Mack (illness)
OL Tony Pashos (ankle)
Full participation
LB Titus Brown (ankle)
WR Josh Cribbs (knee)
TE Evan Moore (ankle)
On Hillis, the Browns’ leading rusher, Shurmur said, “It’s too early to speculate as to whether he’ll be available this weekend. He’s working through it just like you would.”
STAT DU JOUR
The Seahawks don’t just have an 11-5 record in previous games against the Browns; they have a better winning percentage against the Browns – past and present – than any team in the NFL. Here’s a look at the Seahawks’ Top 5, by percentage:
Opponent Record Pct.
Browns 11-5 .688
Jaguars 4-2 .667
Bears 8-4 .666
Titans/Oilers 9-5 .643
Buccaneers 7-4 .636
UP NEXT
The team will practice on what is “Turnover Thursday,” according to the Carroll calendar, but the defensive players must have been confused today because it was the second practice of the week after Monday’s bonus session. Linebacker K.J. Wright intercepted three passes, including one of the final play of practice and another that he took from the hands of practice-squad tight end John Nalbone. Free safety Earl Thomas had two picks and came tantalizingly close to getting a third. Cornerback Brandon Browner made it a pick-six by adding another.
YOU DON’T SAY
“Well, Cleveland’s not the East Coast. I’m from the East Coast. You guys get this confused. Cleveland is not on the East Coast. Cleveland is in the Midwest.” – rookie tackle and geography buff John Moffitt, who’s from Guilford, Conn., when asked about playing on the East Coast this week
Monday in Hawkville
A recap of the day’s activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Oct. 17:
FOCUS ON
Roy Lewis, Deon Butler and Cameron Morrah. These three have been on the physically unable to perform list since training camp opened in late July, and joined at the rehab schedule since then.
Each will begin practicing on Wednesday. They then have a three-week window before the Seahawks must decide whether to add them to the 53-man roster or place them on injured reserve.
Lewis, a cornerback, had knee surgery late last season. Butler, a wide receiver, had surgery to place a steel rod in his broken leg in December. Morrah, a tight end, had postseason toe surgery.
“At this point, there’s no reason to anticipate anything other than they’re back to practicing,” coach Pete Carroll said after practice. “If you can imagine, this is August for them. So Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and then playing a game on Sunday, that’s a tremendous amount to ask.”
Getting Lewis back, however, definitely would help because of the move today to place veteran cornerback Marcus Trufant on injured reserve with a back problem. Walter Thurmond will start on the left side for Trufant, but Lewis would provide another option to fill the nickel back spot that Thurmond has been playing.
“Three weeks doesn’t even seem like enough time when you think about it,” Carroll said. “We’re going to go for it. They’re going to practice a lot. We’ll get them a lot of work out here. It will boost what’s going on out here, which will be good.
“And hopefully those guys will be able to show where they fit in.”
IN ’N OUT
Linebacker Leroy Hill and backup center Lemuel Jeanpierre returned to practice and running back Marshawn Lynch was back on a limited basis after sitting out the two bye-week practices. But four starters continued to be sidelined: quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral), center Max Unger (foot), tight end Zach Miller (neck) and left guard Robert Gallery (groin).
Jackson is ahead of schedule, Carroll said, and did some light throwing on the side during practice.
“We’re just taking it one day at a time,” Carroll said of Jackson’s status for this week’s game. “We’ll just see what happens. But he has a chance.”
Charlie Whitehurst continued to quarterback the offense in practice and No. 3 QB Josh Portis is getting his most extensive practice time of the season running the scout team that works against the Seahawks defense.
Carroll expects Miller and Gallery to practice on Wednesday. Unger was out of the protective boot he was wearing last week, but Carroll said his heavy work in practice won’t come until Friday.
ROSTER MOVES
The Seahawks signed two players: defensive tackle Jason Shirley (6-5, 345), who was waived from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on Sept. 3; and linebacker Stephen Franklin (6-foot, 235), a rookie who also had been with the Bengals.
Shirley participated in the 85-minute bonus practice, but Franklin watched from the sideline.
The Seahawks noticed Shirley while looking at video of defensive tackle Clinton McDonald, another ex-Bengal who was acquired in an August trade for cornerback Kelly Jennings.
“Always having this liking for the really big guys, Jason surely caught our eye,” Carroll said. “We’re pleased to get him. To get another real healthy big guy at this time … we jumped at it.”
To clear roster spots, rush-end Jameson Konz were placed on injured reserve along with Trufant.
Allen Bradford, who was claimed off waivers last week, practiced with the team for the first time. He worked at running back and linebacker with the scout teams.
STAT DU JOUR
Carroll already has done something only one other coach in franchise history was able to accomplish: Win the week following his first bye with the team. Carroll did it last season, his first as coach, when the Seahawks beat the Bears in Chicago 23-20.
The only other coach to do it? Dennis Erickson in 1995, when the Seahawks beat Broncos at the Kingdome 27-10. In fact, only Carroll, Erickson and Mike Holmgren have won games the week after the team’s bye. Here’s a look at the coach’s post-bye week records since the week-off schedule was started in 1990:
Coach (year) W-L
Chuck Knox (1990-91) 0-2
Tom Flores (1992-94) 0-4
Dennis Erickson (1995-98) 3-1
Mike Holmgren (1999-2008) 2-8
Jim Mora (2009) 0-1
Pete Carroll (2010-present) 1-0
UP NEXT
The players will have their off day for this week on Tuesday, and then return for what will be a two-week battle for the Ohio state championship. After playing the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday, the Seahawks host the Cincinnati Bengals at CenturyLink Field on Oct. 30.
YOU DON’T SAY
“Really, K.J. Wright made the difference. He took over. He took over that spot (strongside linebacker). He just was way ahead of any curve that we would have ever projected for him. So we just needed him on the field. He won the job. That’s really the best way to explain it. That’s exactly what happened.” – Carroll when asked about last week’s trade of Aaron Curry to the Raiders
Cyber surfing: Monday
Good morning. Here’s what was “out there” over the weekend and is “out there” about the Seahawks for today, June 6:
Some of the players held a second workout at the University of Washington on Friday, and Christian Caple of PI.com has the details, as well as a Q&A with QB Matt Hasselbeck. Leave it to Hasselbeck to find a positive from the lockout: “A lot of guys are in school right now (including J.P. Losman, Golden Tate) … That’s probably one of the best things about the lockout this year is that we’ve had so many guys that weren’t able to graduate their first time around because they left school early or whatever, and they’ve been able to go back to school and they’re going to graduate this year, or guys are working toward their master. The average football career is 2.8 years or three years or something like that, so I think if you’re looking for positives, it’s been nice to see guys investing in their future after football. At the same time, it means a lot, the guys that are able to make it up even with all those commitments going on.”
Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times filed this report, as well as a Q&A with Charlie Whitehurst, the only QB currently under contract with the Seahawks. Said Whitehurst: “Well, we’re missing out, everybody’s missing out on the OTAs and that’s tough, especially for the position I play. That’s why this was good. You come out here and see some coverage. I think it served its purpose like that. I think it’s going to be a challenge for everybody when they come back, see how fast they can learn what you need and get back on the same page. That’s the challenge everybody is facing.”
John Boyle of the Herald in Everett also was on hand for the workout and has a status report on wide receiver Deon Butler, who is rehabbing from a severe leg injury. Offers Boyle: Butler “said he is progressing well and was able to jog a bit, though he did not participate in any drills. Also watching and not participating was CB Roy Lewis, who had knee surgery at the end of last season.”
Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune caught up with tight end John Carlson, a Minnesota native. Carlson favors Hasselbeck, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, returning to the Seahawks. Said Carlson: “The lockout has been unfortunate for us because of Matt’s situation and the fact we also have a new offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, who came over from the Vikes. I really hope Matt comes back because he knows the Darrell Bevell West Coast system from all those years under Mike Holmgren. But the thing is I have absolutely no idea if Matt will be back or not. Like everything else, it’s just wait and see.”
As the lockout moves into its 83rd day, the appropriately named Clark Judge of CBSSports.com offers this report from Friday’s court appearance in St. Louis – and makes it clear that the judges would like the sides to settle this situation themselves. Says Judge, quoting the judge: “Congratulating lawyers for their “exceptional” briefs and “well-represented” presentations, Judge (Kermit) Bye signed off by saying the court would render its decision “in due course” but “wouldn’t be all that hurt if you go out and settle this case.”
Ricky Foley, who was with the Seahawks at this time last year, is back in football – and back in the CFL, with the Argonauts. The Toronto Sun has this report about the pass-rush specialist. Said Foley, who was the league’s co-leader in sacks in 2009 while with the B.C. Lions: “I want to lead the league in sacks. Rings and trophies, man, that’s all I care about. I want to dominate this year. I want to be recognized as the best pass-rusher in the league. If you don’t want to be the best, then why are you here?”
Also from north of the border, another story about another ex-Seahawks: Ahman Green. The former NFL running back has been released by the defending CFL champion Montreal Alouettes. Green was the Seahawks’ third-round draft choice in 1998. He was traded to the Packers in 2000.
In his “Monday Morning Quarterback” on SI.com, Peter King checks in from not only Seattle, but the U2 concert at Qwest Field on Saturday night.
Photoblog: Seahawks Fall to Atlanta.
The Seahawks returned to Qwest Field in Week 15 for a matchup with the NFC leading Atlanta Falcons.
In the locker room hours before kickoff, safety Lawyer Milloy wraps black tape around his shoe and ankle.
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and head coach Pete Carroll confer in the locker room before the game.
Cornerback Marcus Trufant does his pregame stretching as the low winter sun cast his long shadow across the turf.
Even though receiver Deon Butler is lost for the season with a broken leg, the team's equipment staff prepared his locker as usual.
Butler entered the locker room via wheelchair aided by assistant equipment manager Kyle Stillwell. At right is Butler's close friend Aaron Curry.
Defensive leader Lawyer Milloy followed injured defensive end Red Bryant (right) with an impassioned pregame speech to the team moments before taking the field.
Running backs Justin Forsett and Marshawn Lynch make their way through the fog blanketing the tunnel used in pregame introductions.
Tight end Cameron Morrah is upended by Atlanta's Thomas DeCloud during the Seahawks opening scoring drive.
The Seahawks stuff Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan's sneak attempt on fourth down, but officials ruled for a first down which was upheld after a Seahawks challenge.
Seahawks fans show their displeasure with the ruling on the field after Seattle believed it had stopped the Falcons on fourth down.
Linebacker Will Herring forces a fumble by Atlanta's Jason Snelling, but the Seahawks were unable to recover the loose ball.
Seahawks defensive back Jordan Babineaux provided a highlight with this interception of a Matt Ryan pass.
Babineaux returned the interception 27 yards to set up a field goal by the Seahawks Olindo Mare.
Seahawks linebacker Raheem Brock drives Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan into the turf.
Seattle's Aaron Curry celebrates a defensive play.
The Sea Gals dressed in festive attire for the game, which is the last home game before the holidays.
Charlie Whitehurst entered the game in the second half and engineered a scoring drive capped by his one-yard touchdown run.
Head coach Pete Carroll speaks to the team in the locker room following the defeat.
Thursday in Hawkville
A recap of the day’s activities:
FOCUS ON
Lawyer Milloy. The veteran strong safety has been the talk of two towns this week. That’s because he now plays for the Seahawks, but used to play for the Falcons – and they meet Sunday at Qwest Field in what is an important game for both teams.
Milloy’s final season with the Falcons (2008) was the first for coach Mike Smith.
“Lawyer is a great guy to coach,” Smith said. “He was one of our mentors in our first year and really was a big contributor is terms of spreading the message. I believe you’ve got to have players that can be the messengers for your coaching staff. You can’t always be hearing it from the coaches. He did a great job with the secondary room.
“He loves the game. He’s a contact player. When he’s close to the line of scrimmage, you better be aware of where he is because he’s going to be coming to the ball with bad intentions. I enjoyed coaching Lawyer, and I really like the way he approaches the game.”
Tuesday in Hawkville
A recap of the day’s activities:
FOCUS ON
Matt Hasselbeck. Coach Pete Carroll was asked about the status of his quarterback after Sunday’s loss to the 49ers in San Francisco, and again on Monday.
That will happen when the starting quarterback turns the ball over five times, which led to 20 points for the 49ers in their 19-point victory. But Carroll greeted each question with an incredulous look a what-do-you-expect-will-happen response: Hasselbeck remains the starter, because he gives the Seahawks their best chance to win – starting with this week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons at Qwest Field.
Carroll was asked if there is concern that Hasselbeck is struggling with the offense or if there were emotional issues involved – because he was playing without the injured duo of leading receiver Mike Williams and starting flanker Ben Obomanu.
“Well, I don’t know if it’s either one of those,” he said. “I didn’t see anything emotional, and it has nothing to do with the offense.”
