Friday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 23:
FOCUS ON
Turnovers. “It’s all about the ball.” This isn’t just one of Pete Carroll’s cornerstone credos – something that just happens to be plastered throughout the team’s meeting rooms – it also will be a key to any upset hopes the Seahawks have in their Christmas Eve matchup with the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field.
The 49ers are 11-3 in large part because they have forced 35 turnovers and are plus-25 in the take-away/give-away ratio, both league bests.
“I think it’s a product of hustle. It’s product of players’ ability. It’s a product of scheme. All those things,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Much like Seattle. You watch them on tape and you can continually see their defense, their guys, in the right places with the right leverage. And therefore make the interception, make the tip, the deflection; make the hit that causes the fumble.
“So a lot of things contribute to it.”
Are the Seahawks intimidated? Hardly. “Obviously that plays a big part in winning games,” quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said of the 49ers’ positively impressive numbers in the pivotal categories. “We’re going to try to keep from turning the ball over and see where it gets us.
“We like our chances.”
That’s because, as Harbaugh mentioned, the Seahawks have done a turnaround in their own turnover ratio. They’re plus-8 during their three-game winning streak, after being minus-5 at midseason. They’ve done that by forcing turnovers (10 in the past three games) and not turning the ball over as much (two in the past three games).
“(We’re) taking care of the football,” Carroll said. “We never stop talking about turnovers. We were doing that at the start. It’s just our whole style has kind of transformed somewhat.”
As a result, the Seahawks also rank in the Top 5 in the league in take-away/give-away ratio and turnovers:
Ratio
Team Net difference
49ers plus-25
Packers plus-20
Patriots plus-12
Lions plus-11
Seahawks plus-8
Turnovers
Team No.
49ers 35
Packers 32
Lions 30
Seahawks 29
Patriots 28
Bears 28
Jets 28
ON THE FIELD
The players held their walk-through this morning in the indoor practice facility.
And there was a holiday flair to the day, as Carroll brought in a gospel choir to sing at the team’s morning meeting and assistant equipment manager Derin Lazuta went through his duties during the walk-through dressed in a red-and-green elf suit.
PLAYER WATCH
Marshawn Lynch. No back in the league has more rushing yards (748) than the Seahawks’ Skittle-back over the past seven games, and no player in franchise history has scored touchdowns in more consecutive games (10).
But no one needs to remind Justin Smith of all the things Lynch has been able to accomplish this season. The 49ers Pro Bowl defensive lineman already is sold on Lynch.
“The way Marshawn is running after he gets the first and second contacts, this guy is not going down,” Smith said this week. “That’s how he’s run for his whole career, but it really looks like the last five or six games this guy is turning it up a notch.
“I think he’s one of the top backs in the league. With the way he runs and the plays he makes, I’d put him definitely at No. 1, 2 or 3, for sure. He’s a top back in the NFL. The way he runs and the way he can make one, two, three or four guys miss is amazing. Then the power that he has with his size and he’s got speed, everything. He’s the total package.
“So that’s who we’ve got to focus on and that’s who we’ve got to stop. It’s not going to be easy.”
INJURY REPORT
Leading receiver Doug Baldwin is listed as questionable for the game and has not practiced since turning an ankle in Wednesday’s practice. But Carroll remains hopeful that Baldwin will be able to play.
Here’s the official end-of-the-week status report:
Doubtful
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
LB Malcolm Smith (concussion)
DT Clinton McDonald (concussion)
Questionable
WR Doug Baldwin (ankle)
Probable
OG Robert Gallery (pelvis)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
For the 49ers:
Questionable
WR Braylon Edwards (knee)
RB Bruce Miller (knee)
LB Patrick Willis (hamstring)
WR Ted Ginn (ankle)
Willis was limited in practice today, but practiced Thursday for the first time since injuring his hamstring in the Dec. 4 game against the Rams and is expecting to play. But Ginn did not practice today, and the returner who ran back a kickoff and punt for TDs against the Seahawks in the season opener is not expected to play.
STAT DU JOUR
Carroll balked this week when asked about the team’s “inability” to own the NFC West, his started priority goal when hired as coach 23 months ago. Yes, the 49ers are 11-3 and have wrapped up the division title this season. But if the Seahawks can get past the 49ers on Saturday and the Cardinals in Arizona next week, and the 49ers beat the Rams in their finale, they will finish with the best division record of the four teams:
Team Projected division record
Seahawks 5-1
49ers 4-2
Cardinals 3-3
Rams 0-6
UP NEXT
Christmas Eve, and a ho-ho-ho of a matchup between the Seahawks and 49ers at CenturyLink Field.
The players and coaches will be off on Christmas Day, before everyone returns on Monday to start preparing for the regular-season finale against the Cardinals in Arizona.
YOU DON’T SAY
“Some things have to happen for us to get to the playoffs. If it happens, it happens; if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’m just proud to see the turnaround that we had, especially with all these guys and pieces that we’ve had.” – Lynch on the Seahawks going 5-1 to start the second half of the season after a 2-6 first half
Thursday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 22:
FOCUS ON
Red Bryant. Or, actually Joseph Brooks Bryant, Red’s son who was born last night.
Coach Pete Carroll caused a mini-stir when he tweeted, “We heard he was 17.2 lbs.” Actually, the first child of Bryant and his wife, Janelle, weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces. But that doesn’t mean Joseph doesn’t have much bigger things in his future.
“My wife, she definitely was happy it wasn’t 17 pounds,” Bryant, who weighs 330, said in the locker room after today’s practice. “He’s just the same size I was when I was a baby. My mom said I actually doubled my weight in two weeks. So I’m assuming he’s going to do the same.
“But he’s the exact build and everything that I was. A lot of people thought he was going to be humungous, but I knew he was going to be an average baby. But I also know he’s going to grow to be a big, strong man.”
Joseph also is Red’s given name, but the baby is not a Jr. because of his middle name.
“We named him after my Godmother, Sue Brooks,” Bryant said. “She passed away two years ago from cancer. So we named him to honor her.”
But will anyone call the latest member of the Bryant/Green family Joseph? Or will he become “Little Red”?
“I don’t know,” Bryant said. “His grandma, my wife’s mom, she’s worried that people are going to call him ‘Little Red.’ It’s probably going to come with the territory. I want him to have his own identity. But I’ll be surprised if people didn’t call him ‘Little Red.’ ”
So, will the starting left defensive end for the Seahawks in 22 years be named Joseph Brooks Bryant, and wear No. 79? Janelle’s father, Jacob Green, filled that role and jersey from 1980-91 when he set the franchise record with 116 sacks. Now, her husband and Jacob’s son-in-law is playing the same spot and wearing the same number.
“That would be a huge coincidence,” Bryant said with a huge smile. “You never know. You never know. I’m pretty sure his grandfather is going to be in his ear. I’ll be in his ear. So we’ll see where the chips fall.”
Bryant then paused, as if to let the events of his sleepless night and the entire year wash over him.
“I’m just extremely blessed,” he said. “My wife is doing great. My son is doing great. 2011 has just been a great year. I can’t thank God enough. He’s truly been good to me.”
ON THE FIELD
The players worked without pads or helmets for 90 minutes in the indoor practice facility, their final full workout before Saturday’s game against the 49ers at CenturyLink Field.
“We had a great week,” Carroll said. “This has really been the kind of week you hope for this late in the season. The guys are really on it. We’re looking forward to a tremendous opportunity to play at home for the last time this year. We’re excited about that.
“And the fact that every ticket is sold, that’s exciting that the fans are ready to go and the 12th MAN will rockin’. So we’ll make it one great event for everybody, hopefully, by playing well.”
DANCE FEVER
After practice, rookie cornerback Richard Sherman and veteran defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove strutted some different moves in the locker room. With teammates watching, cheering and capturing the action on their phones, they ripped through a dance-off. It was only fitting, because these two are always dancing on the sideline during practice.
And the winner was? “I am definitely claiming victory,” Sherman said. “I put a couple of things on tape that he was unable to match. He put a lot of good plays out there with the ‘wheel chair.’ He pulled out all the stops. It was an incredibly impressive effort from a 300-pounder.”
IN ’N OUT
Leading receiver Doug Baldwin did not practice today after turning his left ankle in practice yesterday, but Carroll said he expects the rookie to be ready to play against the 49ers.
Bryant returned to practice, as did fellow D-linemen Raheem Brock and Clinton McDonald.
Here’s the official injury report:
Did not practice
WR Doug Baldwin (ankle)
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
LB Malcolm Smith (concussion)
Limited participation
DT Clinton McDonald (concussion)
Full participation
OG Robert Gallery (pelvis)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
FINAL JEOPARDY
The Seahawks were the question to the Final Jeopardy answer on the popular TV quiz show last night. Well, the proper response was Seattle Seahawks, because the answer was which NFL team has the same three letters in its nickname as the city it represents.
“I know there’s a lot of important stuff going on, but do you realize we were on ‘Jeopardy’ last night?” Carroll said. “Pretty good.”
Asked what the question was, Carroll didn’t hesitate before offering, “Will you pose that answer in the form of a question, please?”
STAT DU JOUR
Brandon Browner has etched his name into the Seahawks’ record book in his first season with the team. The free-agent cornerback from the CFL has more interception return yards (220) than any player in franchise history, as well as the longest return (97 yards). He also has tied a club record with interceptions in his past four games. Here’s a look at that list:
Player (year) No.
Cornell Webster (1978-79) 4
John Harris (1980) 4
Dave Brown (1983-84) 4
Kenny Easley (1984) 4
Eugene Robinson (1991) 4
Brandon Browner (2011) 4
UP NEXT
Friday, which of course is Saturday in this mismatched week at VMAC, because the Seahawks play on Saturday. So the typical day-before-the-game walk-through will be held Friday morning.
YOU DON’T SAY
“I should have drafted him. Kicking myself for not doing that.” – Jim Harbaugh on Baldwin, who played for the 49ers coach at Stanford last season
Wednesday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 21:
FOCUS ON
Paul McQuistan. Pete Carroll has let everyone in on a not-so-little secret.
“In our meeting today I made a big deal about Paul and the play that he brought in that game in Chicago,” Carroll said Tuesday during his midweek news conference. “He did a fantastic job for us.”
The trials and tribulations of the Seahawks’ injury-ravaged offensive line can he traced by following McQuistan’s progression from being a backup; to starting at left guard; to returning to his backup role; to starting at right guard; to starting at left tackle. McQuistan stepped in at left guard because Robert Gallery was out with a groin injury. He moved in at right guard after rookie John Moffitt went down with a season-ending knee injury. He slid over to left tackle when Russell Okung needed season-ending surgery to repair a torn pectoral.
McQuistan, who was signed to a future 2011 contract last January, never was expected to start. But in Saturday’s game against the 49ers at CenturyLink Field, he’ll make his ninth start – at what has become his third position. Before the season ends next week against the Cardinals in Arizona, and barring any more injuries, McQuistan will finish with more starts than anyone except center Max Unger (currently with 13) and Gallery (10).
“That system and approach and consistency is really good leadership by Tom and the guys on offense,” Carroll said.
Tom would be Cable, the offensive line coach/assistant head coach. The unit that helped the Seahawks rush for 100-plus yards in six consecutive games also includes Breno Giacomini at right tackle for Carpenter and Lemuel Jeanpierre at right guard, where McQuistan was playing for Moffitt before Okung went down.
“With the new guys plugged in, we’re still able to do what we do,” Cable said. “That’s the system: You lose someone, you can plug someone in.”
And Cable shared a little secret to that success, as well.
“I do not like to stand around and just talk things through,” he said. “I’d rather them experience it and fail, because I think that’s the only way they learn is to fail. So I try to make them fail. I try to get them to a point where they make mistakes or they get it wrong; or their foot is wrong or they’re helmet is wrong. So I can emphasis why it has to be in a certain place, or why you have to set the certain way.
“So that’s really important, and the only way to do that is to do it as fast and hard as you can.”
That way, it’s closer to game speed and game situation.
And McQuistan’s take on this hey-look-what-he’s-doing scenario?
“It’s nice, both ways,” he said of Carroll singling him out in the meeting. “You want to be able to go in with the mindset thinking you can play the game, or know you can play the game. And then for (the coaches) to see that, it’s cool.
“Four weeks into it, we’ve already shown that we can keep winning and keep running the ball. With Cable’s system, we step in and it’s next guy up.”
ON THE FIELD
The players took advantage of the sunny, but chilly, weather by practicing outside on “Turnover Thursday.” Linebackers Leroy Hill and Mike Morgan got into the theme of the day by intercepting passes.
Wide receiver Deon Butler turned in the offensive play of the 105-miunte practice with a falling, arms-fully-extended, all-fingers catch for a touchdown.
IN ’N OUT
Defensive end Red Bryant was excused from practice because his wife, Janelle, is expecting their first child. Janelle, of course, is the daughter of Jacob Green, the Seahawks’ all-time sack leader and a member of the team’s Ring of Honor. Anthony Hargrove filled in for Bryant in practice.
Leading receiver Doug Baldwin tweaked an ankle during practice and sat out the rest of the session.
Here’s the official injury report:
Did not practice
DE Raheem Brock (not injury related)
DE Red Bryant (not injury related)
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
DT Clinton McDonald (concussion)
LB Malcolm Smith (concussion)
Limited participation
WR Doug Baldwin (ankle)
Full participation
OG Robert Gallery (pelvis)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
For the 49ers:
Did not practice
LB Blake Costanzo (not injury related)
WR Ted Ginn (ankle)
LB Patrick Willis (hamstring)
Limited participation
WR Braylon Edwards (knee)
RB Bruce Miller (knee)
STAT DU JOUR
Not only have the 49ers yet to allow a rushing touchdown, they’re on pace to break the NFL single-season record – which is two, set by the Lions in 1934 and tied by the Giants (1944), Cowboys (1968) and Vikings (1971). But the Seahawks also find themselves in the Top 7 in fewest rushing TDs allowed, and are tied for fifth in fewest defensive TDs allowed:
Team Rush TDs Total TDs
49ers 0 18
Dolphins 6 27
Steelers 7 22
Titans 7 27
Chargers 7 31
Seahawks 8 25
Texans 8 23
NFL averages 11 31
UP NEXT
Thursday, which will be Friday at VMAC because this week’s game is on Saturday. So the players will have their final full workout.
Tickets for the Christmas Eve game against the 49ers are available and can be purchased here.
YOU DON’T SAY
“Seattle, I believe, is playing as good, if not better, football than anybody in the National Football League.” – 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh
Tuesday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 20:
FOCUS ON
Ben Obomanu. With Mike Williams undergoing season-ending surgery today to repair the left ankle he broke in Sunday’s game against the Bears in Chicago, Obomanu steps into the starting lineup. Again.
Obomanu, remember, started five games earlier this season when first Sidney Rice was out and then Williams. Now, the Seahawks have neither of their intended starting wide receivers, so it will be up to Obomanu and Golden Tate to get the job done in Saturday’s game against the NFC West champion 49ers at CenturyLink Field.
“Ben is a different-style receiver,” offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said after today’s 90-minute practice. “He’s got good speed. He’s got good quickness. He knows what we’re doing. He can play multiple positions – he’s been our Z, he’s been out X, he’s kind of been all over the place.
“So he does a lot for us.”
Obomanu and Tate showed what they can combine to do on the opening drive of the second half against the Bears, as Tarvaris Jackson went to Tate for a 33-yard pass play on third-and-9 and then found Obomanu for a 43-yard gain on a drive that ended with Marshawn Lynch scoring on a 3-yard run.
Because Obomanu already has started at split end (three games for Williams) and flanker (two games for Rice), his flexibility and experience will help the passing game compensate for its latest loss.
In 14 games, nine players have led, or shared the lead, in receptions for the Seahawks: leading receiver Doug Baldwin (seven times), Rice (four), Williams (two), Tate (two), Obomanu (one), running back Leon Washington (one), Lynch (one), fullback Michael Robinson (one) and tight end Zach Miller (one).
“A new guy has kind of stepped up every week,” Bevell said. “Doug has made big plays. Golden has made big plays the last couple of weeks. You saw Ben catch a couple. So there are guys making plays. We just have to use the skills that they have and try to get them open.”
Obomanu is tied for second on the team with 32 receptions for 379 yards, and led the team with four catches in the Week 2 loss to the Steelers. Tate is third with 27 catches for 320 yards, including four against the Bears to share team-high honors with Miller.
Baldwin (46 for 731) will continue to get ample work in the slot. Deon Butler and Ricardo Lockette, who was signed off the practice squad last week, get bumped up to the fourth and fifth spots.
“We’ve been able to mix those guys in enough that where we really had five guys that at any point could really play all those positions,” Bevell said. “So we kind of, I don’t want to say don’t miss a beat, but the next guy up has been able to do a nice job.”
PLAYOFF PATTER
Winning five of their six games to begin the second half of the season has the once 2-6 Seahawks at .500 and on the cusp of the NFC playoff picture. The easier scenario to comprehend, if not accomplish, for the Seahawks to advance to the playoffs for a second consecutive season is to have them beat the 49ers and Cardinals and have the 9-5 Lions lose their games against the Chargers and Packers. The Seahawks would advance based on a better conference record.
But the players are not spending their time worrying about scenarios. They’re focused on the 49ers.
“It feels good,” Robinson said of having the Seahawks and playoffs used in the same sentence. “But at the same time, we’re just looking at it one game at a time. We can’t go to the playoffs if we don’t win this game. We couldn’t go to the playoffs if we didn’t win the last game. So you win the next game. Just win the game you have in front of you and let everything else take care of itself.
“Even if we don’t make the playoffs, the fact that if we can finish on a strong note, it’s a great stepping stone, a great building block for years to come.”
IN ’N OUT
Cornerback Phillip Adams was signed to fill Williams’ spot on the 53-man roster, as last year’s leading receiver had his surgery performed by team doctors Ed Khalfayan and Mike McAdam at the Seattle Surgery Center.
Adams, a seventh-round draft choice by the 49ers in 2010, was with the Patriots this season until being released Nov. 29. The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Adams played his college ball at South Carolina State.
The player practiced without pads or helmets in the indoor practice facility, but the team does not have to release an injury report until tomorrow.
STAT DU JOUR
Just how good has Jackson been in the Seahawks’ three-game winning streak? In a word: very. In a number: 104.5. That’s Jackson’s passer rating in the wins over the Eagles, Rams and Bears. He’s not only feeling better, more than two months after spraining the pectoral in his throwing shoulder during the Week 5 upset of the Giants; he’s managing the game better, as evidenced by the fact that he has not thrown an interception since his final pass in the Week 12 loss to the Redskins. Here’s a closer look at Jackson’s performances in the past three games:
Opponent Att. Comp. Yds. Pct. TD Int. Rating
Eagles 16 13 190 .813 1 0 137.0
Rams 32 21 224 .656 1 0 96.4
Bears 31 19 227 .613 1 0 94.4
Totals 79 53 641 .671 3 0 104.5
UP NEXT
The players will be back on the practice field Wednesday, which will be Thursday in his short week to prepare for Saturday’s game against the 49ers.
Tickets are available for the Christmas Eve game and can be purchased here.
YOU DON’T SAY
“That game seems like, I mean I didn’t even remember it was this year it’s so long ago. We’ve been through so much. We’ve changed so much. We’ve transitioned. We’re a much different team, and they’re a much different team. They’re a strong defense, it was evident last night. But we’re a much better offense than we were when we faced them at that point.” – Bevell on the season opener against the 49ers in San Francisco
Monday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 19:
FOCUS ON
The Pro Bowl. The Seahawks have not had a Pro Bowl representative the past two seasons. Will this third season be the charm as the players and coaches around the league cast their votes this week?
That won’t be answered until the NFC squad is announced next Tuesday on the NFL Network. But here’s a look at some worthy candidates for the Seahawks:
Marshawn Lynch – The Skittles-back is eighth in the league and fourth in the NFC in rushing (1,011 yards) and tied for fifth in the league in touchdowns (12, second among running backs in the NFC). But his late surge can’t hurt, especially his efforts in the team’s recent nationally televised victories: 148 yards, a 6.7-yard average and two TDs against the Eagles; 115 yards, a 5.0-yard average and a TD against the Rams.
The last Seahawks’ tailback to go to the Pro Bowl was Shaun Alexander in 2005, and Lynch just broke his club record for scoring in consecutive games by getting into the end twice against the Bears on Sunday – running Lynch streak to his past 10 games. Lynch also has become the first Seahawks since Alexander in ’05 to rush for 1,000 yards. The other tailbacks who have been to the Pro Bowl: Curt Warner (1983, 1986 and 1987), Chris Warren (1993-95) and Alexander (2003-05).
Brandon Browner – The extra-large cornerback from the CFL is fourth in the league and second in the NFC with six interceptions. He also has two returns for touchdowns, not to mention 220 total yards to break Dave Brown’s club record from 1984 (179). As with Lynch, Browner has been on a late-season run with five picks on his past four games.
The Seahawks corner who have been to the Pro Bowl: Brown (1984), Shawn Springs (1998) and Marcus Trufant (2007).
Chris Clemons – The “Leo” end is ninth in the league, and fifth among NFC ends, with 11 sacks. But he also has 40 tackles, 20 QB hits, four passes defensed and three forced fumbles.
The Seahawks ends who have been to the Pro Bowl: Jacob Green (1986-87), Michael Sinclair (1996-98) and Patrick Kerney (2007).
Kam Chancellor – The big-play strong safety has four interceptions, 76 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Seahawks safeties who have been to the Pro Bowl: Kenny Easley (1982-85 and 1987), Eugene Robinson (1992-93) and Darryl Williams (1997).
Jon Ryan – The Canadian-born punter is ninth in the league in average (46.9, third in the NFC) and net average (39.9, fifth in the NFC), but he’s second in punts inside the 20 (28).
The only Seahawks punter to go to the Pro Bowl was Rick Tuten (1994).
We could go on, with defensive end Red Bryant, free safety Earl Thomas and even special-teamer Heath Farwell. But let’s worry about getting a first player to the Pro Bowl since tackle Walter Jones and linebacker Julian Peterson in 2008 before trying to match the seven who went in 2005 and 1984 or six who went in 2007.
STAT DU JOUR
Farwell, who wasn’t signed until Oct. 19, has a team-leading 18 coverage tackles in the nine games he has played for the Seahawks. Here’s how that total stacks up against the best seasons in club history:
Player (year) No.
Jay Bellamy (1996) 34
Josh Scobey (2005) 23
Michael Bates (1993) 22
Tim Hauck (1997) 22
Sam Merriman (1984) 21
Isaiah Kacyvenski (2001) 21
Lance Laury (2009) 21
Matt McCoy (2010) 19
Mack Strong (1995) 19
Heath Farwell (2011) 18
Don Dufek (1979) 18
Don Dufek (1983) 18
Tracy Johnson (1992) 18
James Logan (1999) 18
Alex Bannister (2003) 18
UP NEXT
Another week that isn’t as it seems, as the players return from their “off” day to begin preparing Tuesday for Saturday’s game against the 49ers at CenturyLink Field. Except that it won’t be Tuesday, their usual “off” day. It will be Wednesday, which means Wednesday will be Thursday; Thursday will be Friday; and Friday will be Saturday.
Tickets are available for the Christmas Eve game against the 49ers and can be purchased here.
YOU DON’T SAY
“That’s a fat kid’s dream right there.” – the 330-pound Bryant after scoring on a 20-yard interception return against the Bears on Sunday
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
Wednesday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 14:
FOCUS ON
A banner day. The indoor practice facility at VMAC got a touch of CenturyLink Field as banners from the Seahawks’ division and conference championship seasons are now hanging from the rafters on the north wall.
The players consider it a nice touch, as well as a motivational move – especially those who have been a part of more than last season’s NFC West title team. Linebacker Leroy Hill also was around for the division and conference champion in 2005, we well as the NFC West titles in 2006 and 2007.
“They’re cool, man,” Hill said. “I’ve been a part of three straight – ’05, ’06, ’07. I like the concept. It’s something you can look at while you’re practicing and it’s sort of like a motivation.”
The other banners are from the AFC West division titles in 1988 and 1999 and the NFC West title in 2004.
“They just make it look better,” Hill said. “They fill up some of that empty space.”
ON THE FIELD
The players practiced outside in 40-degree weather to get ready for Sunday’s game against the Bears in Chicago, where the forecast is calling for a high of 45 degrees. They worked without pads or helmets for 85 minutes.
Center Max Unger and right tackle Breno Giacomini were the only ones in shorts as well as without long sleeves.
PLAYER WATCH
Doug Baldwin. Five minutes of firsts in Monday night’s victory over the Rams have earned the rookie his first NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor.
Baldwin returned the opening kickoff, his first in a regular season game, for 37 yards on a reverse. He then downed his first punt in the NFL by catching Jon Ryan’s 34-yarder at the Rams’ 6-yard line. Baldwin then blocked his first NFL punt, on the ensuing series, which Michael Robinson returned 17 yards for the Seahawks’ first TD.
All in the first five minutes of the game.
Baldwin took his big night on national TV the way he has everything else he’s accomplished this season, which includes leading the team in receptions (45) and receiving yards (718): In stride.
“The plays that were given to me, the opportunities I was given, I expect to take full advantage of,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin is the third Seahawk to be honored in the past four games. Middle linebacker David Hawthorne (last week) and defensive end Chris Clemons (Week 11) were selected Defensive Player of the Week. The last Seahawk to win the special teams category was Ryan in Week 17 last season – also against the Rams. Kickoff returner Leon Washington (Week 3) and former kicker Olindo Mare (Week 7) also were honored last season.
OPPONENT WATCH
Brian Urlacher. The Bears’ middle linebacker is 33 and in his 12th NFL season, but the native of Pasco continues to play at the highest level.
“He’s unusual,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said today. “Most people don’t have the talent that Brian has. He’s just one of those guys – a gifted athlete that comes around every once in a while. So you start with that. He takes great care of himself in the offseason and during the season. He’s a student of the game.
“Around here, everyone has a history and everyone knows Brian’s history as a football player. He’s a special guy to have on the team. He’s done so much for us.”
Urlacher’s resume includes being selected NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2005), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2000), as well as voted to seven Pro Bowls. He also is the Bears’ all-time leading tackler (1,556).
IN ’N OUT
Hawthorne and left guard Robert Gallery sat out practice. Rookie K.J. Wright moved inside to replace Hawthorne, with rookie Mike Morgan stepping in on the strong side for Wright. Allen Barbre and Jarriel King split time at left guard for Gallery.
Defensive end Raheem Brock and Baldwin also did not practice.
Here’s the official injury report:
Did not practice
WR Doug Baldwin (ankle)
DE Raheem Brock (calf)
OG Robert Gallery (hip)
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
Full participation
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
LB Leroy Hill (neck)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
OT Jarriel King (hamstring)
For the Bears:
Did not practice
LB Lance Briggs (not injury related)
QB Jay Cutler (right thumb)
RB Matt Forte (knee)
DT Henry Melton (shin)
CB Charles Tillman (knee)
Limited participation
OG Edwin Williams (calf)
S Major Wright (shoulder)
The Seahawks also filled the opening on their 53-man roster by signing rookie wide receiver Ricardo Lockette from the practice squad. Defensive back Coy Fancies was signed to the practice squad.
STAT DU JOUR
It’s not so much that Devin Hester returns punts for touchdowns, it’s how often the Bears’ return specialist has done it (12), how long they’ve been (eight of 70-plus yards) and how many teams he has done it against (nine). He started in 2006 as rookie and still is at it this season, his sixth in the league. Here’s a look at his NFL-record dozen scoring returns on punts:
Date (opponent) Length
Sept. 10, 2006 (Packers) 84
Oct. 16, 2006 (Cardinals) 83
Dec. 3, 2006 (Vikings) 45
Sept. 16, 2007 (Chiefs) 73
Oct. 17, 2007 (Vikings) 89
Nov. 25, 2007 (Broncos) 75
Dec. 30, 2007 (Saints) 64
Sept. 27, 2010 (Packers) 62
Oct. 17, 2010 (Seahawks) 89
Dec. 20, 2010 (Vikings) 64
Oct. 2, 2011 (Panthers) 73
Nov. 13, 2011 (Lions) 82
CLARIFICATION
The touchdown Robinson scored on Baldwin’s blocked punt was not the first of his six-season NFL career, just the first of his two seasons with the Seahawks. Robinson scored two touchdowns in 2006, during his rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers.
Both came on 1-yard runs, and in the same game – Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. So Robinson went four full seasons and large parts of two others, not to mention 89 games, between trips to the end zone.
UP NEXT
The players will practice an hour earlier on Thursday, and then hold a Friday morning workout before the team flies to Chicago for Sunday’s game.
YOU DON’T SAY
“I don’t know if there’s anything worse than a bear with a bad tooth.” – coach Pete Carroll on facing a Chicago team that has lost its past three games
Tuesday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 13:
FOCUS ON
Marshawn Lynch. How productive has the Seahawks’ Skittles-back been during his current six-game surge? Best-in-the-league productive.
That’s right. No back in the NFL has rushed for more yards since Week 9 than Lynch.
“No, man,” quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said after Monday night’s victory over the Rams when asked if anything Lynch does anymore surprises him. “I just enjoy watching him, listening to him, just everything. Just being Marshawn.
“He’s a fun guy to be around and his play on the field pretty much speaks for itself.”
Or screams. Just check out what Lynch has done in the past six games: 135 yards and a 5.9-yard average against the Cowboys’ eighth-ranked run defense; 109 yards and a 3.4-yard average against the Ravens’ second-ranked run defense; 88 yards and a 3.3-yard average against the Rams; 111 yards and a 4.6-yard average against the Redskins; 148 yards and a 6.7-yard average against the Eagles; and 115 yards and a 5.0-yard average against the Rams.
Lynch also has scored six rushing touchdowns in this stretch.
Put it all together, and here’s what you get:
Player, team Att. Yds. Avg. TD
Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks 151 706 4.7 6
Chris Johnson, Titans 110 573 5.2 3
Ray Rice, Ravens 119 540 4.5 5
Michael Bush, Raiders 136 527 3.9 4
DeMarco Murray, Cowboys 106 497 4.7 1
IN ’N OUT
Cornerback Ron Parker was placed on injured reserve today. He had been claimed off waivers from the Raiders on Oct. 24. The team did not make a move to fill his spot on the 53-man roster.
The club also switched defensive ends on its practice squad, signing John Graves and releasing Keith Darbut, who was just signed last week.
STAT DU JOUR
The Seahawks have strung together six consecutive games with at least 100 rushing yards for the first time since 2002-03, and only the fourth time in franchise history during the same season. Here’s a look at their longest runs in this category:
Games Stretch
12 Last three in 1978, first nine in 1979
9 Last eight in 1977, first game in 1978
9 1979
8 1977
7 1978
7 Last four 1987, first three games 1988
7 Last four games 1997, first three games 1998
6 Last four games 2002, first two games 2003
6 2011
UP NEXT
The players were “off” day today, so the coaches could compile the game plan for Sunday’s game against the Bears in Chicago. The players return on Wednesday to begin this week’s preparations.
Lynch will sign autographs at the Pro Shop at CenturyLink Field today from 6-7 p.m.
Tickets remain for the Christmas Eve game against the 49ers at CenturyLink Field and can be purchased here.
YOU DON’T SAY
“I’ve played there a number of times, and everything that you hear is true. It’s one of the great places in this league to play outside, and they generate a ton of noise.” – Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on CenturyLink Field and the 12th MAN crowd to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after Monday night’s game
Saturday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 10:
FOCUS ON
David Hawthorne. It looks like the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 13 will play in Week 14.
After sitting out practice all week, Hawthorne, the Seahawks’ middle linebacker and leading tackler, participated in all phases of today’s 85-minute practice that was held in the indoor practice facility.
“We think he’s going to be all right. He looked OK today,” coach Pete Carroll said. “It was a good effort to rest him, to get him strong for the game.”
Hawthorne has been playing with a sprained knee and it was sorer after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, when Hawthorne’s status was a pregame decision but he still tied for the team lead with six tackles and returned a fourth-quarter interception 77 yards for a touchdown to ice the victory.
“He’s coming,” Carroll said. “He’ll be all right, I think.”
The players usually have a walk-through on Saturday, but today’s session was a lighter version of a typical Friday practice because the Seahawks play Monday night against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field.
The extra time between this week’s game and the Thursday nighter against the Eagles 10 days ago helped Hawthorne with his recovery.
“I’m all right. I get better every day,” he said. “(Getting the time off) helped out a lot. With my situation, time is key. And the more time I can get off and just let my body heal is always a positive.”
During the week, the knee has been a factor in Hawthorne’s performance on the practice field. On game days, not so much.
“When I’m out there, I’m not even thinking about it,” he said. “I just go. It’s a situation where it’s not going to get any better until there’s complete rest. So I’m resigned to it and I’m willing to do that for boys. So if I can go, I’m going to go.”
IN ’N OUT
In addition to Hawthorne, defensive end Raheem Brock also practiced today after sitting out to rest a sore calf. So it also looks like he’ll be able to play against the Rams.
The official end-of-the-week status report:
Questionable
DE Raheem Brock (calf)
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
CB Byron Maxwell (illness)
Probable
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
Maxwell also participated fully today, while Cox was again limited. Cox will be a game-day decision, Carroll said. On Maxwell, he offered, “Maxwell’s got a chance to play in this game, finally.” Maxwell did not play last week because he had pneumonia.
For the Rams:
Out
QB A.J. Feeley (thumb)
KR Quinn Porter (abdomen)
Questionable
QB Sam Bradford (ankle)
DE Chris Long (ankle)
DT Fred Robbins (back)
FB Brit Miller (knee)
Probable
OT Mark LeVoir (chest)
DE Eugene Sims (ankle)
TE Lance Kendricks (not injury related)
Bradford practiced on a limited basis today, but it was an improvement after he sat out Thursday and Friday because of his high ankle sprain. Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo is hopeful that Bradford will be able to play Monday night, but the final decision will be made after Bradford goes through pregame warm-ups. Long, who has 12 sacks, also was limited today after being sidelined this week.
STAT DU JOUR
Marshawn Lynch has scored a touchdown in his past eight games and can tie Shaun Alexander’s club-record streak of nine from 2005 with another score against the Rams. With Lynch, it’s “his” past eight games because he sat out the Week 7 loss to the Browns in Cleveland because of back spasms. But the run of scores counts nonetheless. Here’s how his streak stacks up against the one by Alexander during his league MVP season when scored a then-NFL record 28 TDs.
Marshawn Lynch
Opponent TD
Falcons 11-yard run
Giants 1-yard run
Bengals 2-yard run
Cowboys 4-yard run
Ravens 1-yard run
Rams 3-yard run
Redskins 20-yard pass
Eagles 15-yard run, 40-yard run
Shaun Alexander
Opponent TD
Cardinals 88-yard run, 14-yard run
Rams 6-yard run, 4-yard run, 17-yard run
49ers 8-yard run, 1-yard run
Giants 4-yard run
Eagles 2-yard run, 1-yard run
49ers 3-yard run
Titans 1-yard run
Colts 2-yard run, 6-yard pass, 1-yard run
Packers 1-yard run
UP NEXT
Sunday, without a game for the second week in a row. Instead, the players will have their normal Saturday walk-through on Sunday morning.
YOU DON’T SAY
“To not count what happened before in terms of what to expect. I think it’s really important to take each game. We know them somewhat because of a couple weeks ago, but they know us. To think that it’s going to be the same and things are going to feel the same, we don’t want to do that. We want to treat this as a brand new opportunity and challenge, and approach it in that way and hopefully preparation will get us what we want.” – Carroll when asked the key to approaching Monday night’s game after the Seahawks’ 24-7 victory over the Rams in St. Louis three weeks ago
Friday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 9:
FOCUS ON
Tarvaris Jackson. On one play in practice today, the Seahawks’ quarterback took his drop and then threaded a laser of a pass between defenders to wide receiver Mike Williams.
It was just one play, in just another practice, but it also was just another sign of how Jackson is not being affected as much – if at all – by the pectoral he strained in his right shoulder during the Week 5 upset of the New York Giants. This is the first time since returning from the injury that Jackson’s status won’t be a game-day decision for Monday night’s matchup against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field.
“Sam (Ramsden), the trainer, came up to me today and was like, ‘Stop trying to show off,’ ” Jackson said through a large smile after taking all the starter reps during the 105-minute practice that was held in the indoor practice facility.
“But it feels good to have my arm strength back. I’m kind of happy about it.”
And so is his coach. “The ball was just coming out with more velocity than we’ve seen since before his injury,” Pete Carroll said. “(It’s) really a statement that he’s getting better and that he’s finally turned a corner and that he’s improving.”
Jackson was in such good spirits today that he borrowed a cap from John Boyle of the Everett Herald to slip on before beginning his post-practice Q&A session – probably because he’s waited so long to feel this good while throwing the ball.
“Yeah, it really has,” he said when asked if the lack of pain in his throwing shoulder has surprised him. “Earlier, I was just trying to get to the point where I’d be able to play. Once I got to the game, it was more about trying to make plays than worry about my injury.
“Sometimes, I would feel it. I’ve got more confidence in it now, honestly. My confidence kind of wavered in it. Not confidence, but knowing, ‘I might (not be able to) make that throw.’ Or worrying about if I’m going to feel it after I make that throw, or if I make it will it take me out of the game.”
Not a great way to be playing the quarterback position in the NFL.
“I’m not feeling (the pain) when I throw,” Jackson said. “I’m glad I got all my arm strength back. That’s giving me more confidence.”
ON THE FIELD
The calendar said it was Friday, but at VMAC it was not only Thursday but “Turnover Thursday” because the team plays on Monday night.
Richard Sherman was the theme-setter, as the rookie cornerback intercepted four passes and tipped a fifth that free safety Earl Thomas almost intercepted. Thomas had an interception earlier in practice.
IN ’N OUT
Middle linebacker and leading tackler David Hawthorne sat out his third consecutive practice to rest the sore knee that left him listed as questionable for last week’s game – when he not only played, but returned an interception 77 yards for a touchdown and also shared the team lead with six tackles against the Eagles to earn NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Here’s the official injury report:
Did not practice
DE Raheem Brock (calf)
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
Limited participation
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
Full participation
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
CB Byron Maxwell (illness)
For the Rams:
For the Rams:
Did not practice
QB Sam Bradford (ankle)
QB A.J. Feeley (right thumb)
DE Chris Long (ankle)
KR Quinn Porter (abdomen)
DT Fred Robbins (back)
FB Brit Miller (knee)
Limited participation
DE Eugene Sims (ankle)
Full participation
OT Mark LeVoir (chest)
STAT DU JOUR
The Seahawks are plus-4 in turnover ratio entering Monday night’s game, but it’s been a slow climb to reach the positive side. They were in minus territory after each of their first 10 games, including minus-5 after their loss to the Cowboys in Week 9. But they’ve forced 12 turnovers in their past four games, when they’re also 3-1. Here’s a closer look at the turnover turnaround:
Opponent Turnovers
Ravens 3 (two fumble recoveries, one interception)
Rams 3 (two fumble recoveries, one interception)
Redskins 2 (two interceptions)
Eagles 4 (four interceptions)
The Seahawks’ 23 takeaways tie them for fourth most in the league:
Team Takeaways
49ers 28 (16 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries)
Packers 27 (23 interceptions, four fumble recoveries)
Bears 25 (16 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries)
Seahawks 23 (16 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries)
Texans 23 (17 interceptions, six fumble recoveries)
Patriots 23 (17 interceptions, six fumble recoveries)
Lions 23 (15 interceptions, eight fumble recoveries)
Ravens 23 (13 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries)
Giants 23 (15 interceptions, eight fumble recoveries)
Jets 23 (14 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries)
UP NEXT
Saturday? Not in Hawkville, where it will be Friday, which means the final full practice before Monday night’s game.
YOU DON’T SAY
“I’ve said it from the beginning to the players that they’re doing the right thing. You’re seeing them go for the ball. We’re seeing them in the right position. We talked to them about how (turnovers) will come in bunches. You’ve just got to keep believing that you’re doing things right and sure enough the last couple of games they have, so we hope to keep going.” – defensive coordinator Gus Bradley on his unit having 12 turnovers in the past four games after getting 11 in the previous eight games, and none in three of their first four games
