Game at a glance
CLEVELAND – A recap of the Seahawks’ 6-3 loss to the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday:
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Red Bryant. The performance of the Seahawks’ 323-pound defensive end ran the gamut – physically and emotionally. Bryant set a club record by blocking not one, but two field goals – the first of his four-year career. He split a sack with nickel back Kennard Cox and hit Browns QB Colt McCoy two other times. He deflected a pass. He had four tackles and was a disruptive and relentless presence that set up many others for his teammates.
Bryant also was ejected late in the fourth quarter after head-butting Browns tight end Alex Smith.
In the locker room, Bryant shared the credit for his blocks with teammates, and also shouldered full responsibility for the personal foul that was so out of character.
Bryant on the blocks: “ ‘Heater’ (David Hawthorne) did a great job of pushing. Raheem (Brock) did a great job hitting the tackle. (Anthony) Hargrove did a great job of getting up on his guy. Everybody did a great job. They made it possible for me to slide through there.”
His teammates must have done all that, and more, because a 6-foot-4, 323-pound man does not “slide” through a crack. It takes something closer to a crevasse.
Bryant on his ejection, which gave the Browns a first down on a third-and-7 play: “I lost my composure. I push a guy and get kicked out of the game. You never know what’s going to happen if we give the ball back to our offense. It was just a dumb move on my part. I take full responsibility for it.”
Bryant also got in one last shot at Smith, offering, “He was talking (trash) the whole game. He was taking cheap shots at me. That’s what guys do when they can’t block you. He did a great job of getting in my head. I should play smarter than that.”
PLAYS OF THE GAME
Special teams: Phil Dawson’s 53-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. It provided the margin of victory. It also was his second 50-plus kick of the game, as the Browns’ veteran kicker hit a 52-yarder in the second quarter. It was the first time in his career that Dawson had two 50-yarders in a game.
Offense: Sidney Rice’s contorted catch of a 38-yard pass from Charlie Whitehurst in the third quarter. Not for what it was – which was the longest offensive play of the game, by 19 yards; but for what it could have been – a touchdown. Rice was wide open along the sideline, but had to stop, retreat and twist his torso to make the catch. His momentum carried him out bounds at the Browns’ 9-yard line, rather than into the end zone.
“I was right there on the sideline waiting on it,” Rice said. “I caught it and turned and tried to scoot up for a couple more yards, as much as I could get.”
Defense: Free safety Earl Thomas’ flying deflection of a deep pass from McCoy to Greg Little near the Seahawks’ goal line in the second quarter. Again, not so much for what it did in the moment, but the bigger picture. Cornerback Walter Thurmond, who was covering Little on the play broke his fibula and will miss the rest of the season. It’s significant, squared, because Thurmond was starting on the left side after Marcus Trufant was placed on injured reserve last Monday with a disc problem in his back. With Thurmond out, rookie Richard Sherman took over.
One that wasn’t: Leon Washington’s 81-yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter. The Seahawks’ return specialist did run from the Seahawks’ 19-yard line into the end zone, but the score was nullified because Cox was penalized for a push in the back. So Washington got credit for a 36-yard return on a play the Seahawks desperately needed – one that would have given them the victory.
“I looked back and I saw the flag, I should have felt a little better than that,” Washington said in the hallway outside the Seahawks’ locker room. “You get opportunities like that to help your team win a football game, you’re disappointed. … I haven’t seen the (play) yet. I’ll be interested to see it, to see what happened on the play.”
INJURY REPORT
In addition to the loss of Thurmond, the Seahawks played without Marshawn Lynch after the team’s leading rusher got back spasms during pre-game warm-ups.
The Seahawks also played without quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral), center Max Unger (foot) and tight the Zach Miller (neck/head).
Strong safety Kam Chancellor injured a knee, but returned and made a lift-and-slam tackle of Browns’ running back Montario Hardesty late in the fourth quarter.
WORTH NOTING
Speaking of Chancellor, he had a sack among his eight tackles and also broke up a pass.
Hawthorne had a game-high 11 tackles, including a sack, and also intercepted a pass. He now has 40 tackles to regain the lead in his quest be the team’s leading tackler for the third consecutive season.
Defensive end Chris Clemons had two sacks, upping his team-leading total to six.
The Browns had huge edges in time of possession (42:56 to 17:04), third-down conversions (12 of 24 to 2 of 12), total plays (84 to 50) and total yards (298 to 137).
Whitehurst’s passer rating in his first start of the season was 35.0. He was 12 of 30 for 97 yards and threw an interception.
Doug Baldwin did not catch a pass, but continues to lead the team in receptions (20) and receiving yards (330).
Jon Ryan averaged 50.1 yards on seven punts, with a net average of 42.4 and a long of 67 yards.
Washington was the team’s leading rusher (39 yards) and receiver (four catches).
YOU DON’T SAY
“We lost, so we’re going to take it hard. Yeah, (the defense) played, but we feel like we can bring even more. You’ve got to give the Browns some credit, but I’m proud of my guys, too.” – Bryant
Game at a glance
A recap of the Seahawks’ 30-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at CenturyLink Field on Sunday:
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Tarvaris Jackson. Yes, the Seahawks lost. But their quarterback turned in a winning performance, especially in the second half. It was the kind of effort that gives hope for the future as the team moves into the remaining 12 games of its schedule.
Jackson passed for a career-high 319 yards and three touchdowns by completing 25 of 38 passes to nine different receivers. The completions matched his career high, while the attempts were three shy.
In the second half, when the Seahawks rallied for 21 points, Jackson was 17 of 24 for 186 yards. But the best aspect of his afternoon was that Jackson had time to go to his second and even third options because the offensive line provided him the needed protection.
Like on his 8-yard TD pass to Ben Obomanu in the fourth quarter.
“He was my last read,” Jackson said of looking first to Sidney Rice and then another option on the right side before eventually settling on Obomanu to the left side.
“That’s a long play. Ben’s got a route where he comes in and comes back out, so that takes time. … That was at least five or six seconds back there.”
Which translates into an extra “Mississippi,” or three, for the QB.
“I was very proud of them,” Jackson said of his offensive line. “When I came off the field I made sure I went to the line first and told them that was because of those guys that was able to get it to Ben.”
Said Rice, “Tarvaris looked good back there. He was able to sit in the pocket and make his reads, throw the ball down the field to multiple receivers – not only in the field, but in the end zone as well. I’m looking forward to more good things out of Tarvaris.”
PLAYS OF THE GAME
Offense: Jackson’s 52-yard touchdown pass to Rice in the second quarter. Unlike his 55-yarder to Doug Baldwin in the opener against the 49ers that was 7 yards of pass and 48 yards of run after the catch, this one was all ball-in-the-air. And it came on a “free” play, because the Falcons had jumped offside before the snap.
“I saw him throw his hand up,” Jackson said of why he went to Rice. “He threw his hand up and I just gave him a shot – kind of like Randy Moss.”
That was reference to a trait that made Moss infamous during his career in Minnesota, where Jackson and Rice also played together the past four seasons.
“I was looking at the safety, and the safety was inside,” Jackson said. “They didn’t give him any help over the top and when (Sidney) threw his hand up I just tried to get it to him – just put it out there and he went and got it.”
Defense: Make it a series of plays, as the Seahawks forced a three-and-out on the Falcons’ third possession of the third quarter. On first down, tackle Alan Branch played off a block to help free safety Earl Thomas drop 247-pound Michael Turner for a 2-yard loss. On second down, tackle Brandon Mebane stopped Turner for 1 yard. On third down, Branch hit QB Matt Ryan as he was throwing to force an incomplete pass. That led to the Falcons’ Matt Bosher punting from his own end zone, which led to …
Special teams: Leon Washington’s 33-yard punt return, to the Falcons’ 11-yard line. On the next play, running back Marshawn Lynch scored to cut the Falcons’ lead to 27-21.
INJURY REPORT
As coach Pete Carroll put it after the game, “We got banged up a little bit.”
The worst injury was to Matt McCoy’s knee. Carroll did not elaborate on the injury, but McCoy was taken from the field on a cart after colliding with fellow linebacker Aaron Curry while covering the first punt of the game.
“That’s going to hurt,” Carroll said of losing McCoy, who had been playing middle linebacker in the nickel and goal-line defenses as well as being a leading tackler on special teams. “He’s done a beautiful job of playing those snaps and giving those other guys a break and they also have to double him on special teams. So we’re going to have to take a look and see how serious the injury is and what that means to us.”
Also injured during the game: wide receiver Mike Williams (concussion), defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove (hamstring) and linebacker Malcolm Smith (hamstring).
The Seahawks played without strong safety and leading tackler Kam Chancellor (bruised thigh), who was replaced by Atari Bigby; and left guard Robert Gallery (groin surgery), who was replaced by Paul McQuistan.
THIS ’N THAT
Jackson (14) and Ryan (13) had been sacked 27 times in the first three games, but neither was sacked on Sunday.
Rookie Doug Baldwin led the Seahawks with five catches for 84 yards, while rookie Julio Jones led the Falcons with 11 catches for 127 yards.
The Falcons converted 9 of 16 third down situations, but where 3 of 8 in the second half after going 6 of 8 in the first half. As a result, the Falcons held a huge advantage in time of possession (40:10 to 19:50).
Middle linebacker David Hawthorne had a game-high 10 tackles and was followed by cornerback Marcus Trufant, linebacker Leroy Hill and Thomas, each with nine. Thomas had two tackles for losses.
Jackson threw two interceptions, but each went off a player – as Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent tipped his pass that was intended for Williams and linebacker Curtis Lofton made the pick; and his pass to tight end Zach Miller in the end zone was broken up by safety James Sanders and intercepted by safety Thomas DeCoud.
After going without a catch in last week’s win over the Cardinals, Williams caught three passes for 36 yards. He was one of six players with three receptions of the Seahawks.
Jon Ryan averaged 49.7 yards on three punts, with a long of 57.
Tom Cable, the assistant head coach/offensive line coach who had back surgery on Monday, was in the coach’s box for the game – seated in a large recliner to support his back.
The Seahawks do not play at CenturyLink Field again until Oct. 30 against the Cincinnati Bengals, because they road games against the New York Giants (next Sunday) and Cleveland Browns (Oct. 23) sandwiched around their Oct. 16 bye.
YOU DON’T SAY
“It was great. I feel fresh, like I just came to the stadium.” – Jackson, when asked about the play of the offensive line, which did not allow a sack for the first time this season
Cyber surfing: Friday
Good morning, on the final day of September. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Sept. 30:
Mike Sando of ESPN.com has been crunching numbers, and they add up to one winner of an item for you. Here’s got which receivers are targeted on which downs by the QBs in the NFC West, and the Seahawks’ leader might surprise you: first down, Ben Obomanu and Zach Miller with five each; second down, Golden Tate with six; third down, Doug Baldwin with six.
Speaking of targeting receivers, Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times takes a look at Sidney Rice, the receiver who got the most passes thrown his way last week. Offers O’Neil: “Rice is 6 feet 4 with arms that go on forever and hands that seem to be equipped with a commercial-grade adhesive. The Seahawks signed him as a free agent in July and he caught eight passes in his regular-season debut last week against Arizona, becoming the one bright spot of this team’s slow start on offense.”
Eric Williams at the News Tribune examines the progress being made by James Carpenter, the first-round draft choice who is starting at right tackle and playing better with each start. Says Williams: “James Carpenter’s look of constant consternation has been replaced with a confident smile in the locker room these days, as he received some gentle ribbing from fellow offensive linemen Russell Okung and Max Unger. ‘I feel like I’m not a rookie anymore,’ Carpenter began.”
John Boyle of the Everett Herald writes that Seahawks coach Pete Carroll sees a lot to like when he looks at this week’s opponent, the Atlanta Falcons. Says Carroll: “This was a team that I admired throughout last year. They had an incredible season, but more than that it’s the way they did it last year with tremendous balance. The disciple of the team — Mike did a great job, they were the fewest penalized team in the league last year, which was hard to do that. They’re a tremendous possession team, the turnovers were great in their favor and they’re solid in the kicking game. So it’s a very difficult opponent for us.”
Christian Caple of PI.com has the injury report from Thursday, when strong safety Kam Chancellor sat out for the second consecutive day.
Here at Seahawks.com, we take a look at the monstrous task awaiting the Seahawks defense in Sunday’s game against the Falcons at CenturyLink Field. Says free safety Earl Thomas: “Last week, we just had to really worry about the one big receiver they had. This week, they’ve got two guys, plus a tight end. It’s a lot of firepower, but we’ve just got to control it and do what we do. Don’t let the game be bigger than what it is and go out there and play ball.”
We’ve also got recaps of Thursday’s practice in words, pictures and video, as well as Tony Ventrella’s “Seahawks Insider” featuring running back/kick returner Leon Washington.
Photoblog: A Welcome Home Win.
The Seahawks returned home to play their first regular season game at the renamed CenturyLink Field, hoping to turn around an 0-2 start to the season.
Rookie linebacker K.J. Wright readies for his first home game in front of the 12th MAN.
Head coach Pete Carroll strolls on the field under bright sunny skies before the game. However, two heavy squalls showered the field with rain during the first half.
Players gather in the shower for a pregame prayer.
Defensive end Red Bryant has inspiring words for the team before they take the field.
Wide receiver Sidney Rice "taps in" as he leaves the locker room to head to the field for pregame introductions.
Strong safety Kam Chancellor heads out onto the field amid fog, pyrotechnics and the roar of the 12th MAN.
As heavy rains drenched CenturyLink Field, offensive linemen James Carpenter, John Moffitt and Max Unger (blocking Arizona's Darnell Dockett) fought to protect quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.
Seahawks safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas bring down Arizona's Chester Taylor.
Head coach Pete Carroll winds up the 12th MAN during the first half.
Running back Marshawn Lynch regained some of his "Beast Mode" swagger as the Seahawks rushed for more than 100 yards for the first time this season.
Leon Washington provided the lightning to Lynch's thunder, breaking off a 21-yard gain.
However, one of the best runs of the day game courtesy of Tarvaris Jackson, who on this run alternately wove then pounded his way into the end zone for Seattle's only touchdown.
Meanwhile, Seattle's defense was stout against the Arizona offense. Neither Alan Branch (99), Anthony Hargrove (94) or Clinton McDonald (69) were on the team last season, but contributed on this tackle.
Seattle's Chris Clemons swings Arizona's Alfonso Smith by the jersey for a tackle.
Arizona quarterback Kevin Kolb scrambled, only to be hammered by Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill.
Seattle's Red Bryant celebrates a tackle for loss with teammate Clinton McDonald.
Special teams had their moments too, including downing this 66-yard Jon Ryan punt down inside the Arizona five-yard line.
Seattle's Sidney Rice heads up the sidelines on a 23-yard pass reception from Tarvaris Jackson in the fourth quarter. Rice finished his first regular season game as a Seahawk with eight catches for 109 yards.
Sehawks defenders including K.J. Wright (leaping) celebrate Kam Chancellor's late interception that killed a Arizona drive in Seahawks territory and helped seal the victory.
Tarvaris Jackson and Kam Chancellor congratulate each other in the locker room after the victory.
The Seahawks gather together in their locker room after head coach Pete Carroll's post game comments.
Photoblog: Shut out in the Steel City
The Seahawks traveled across the country to Pittsburgh in Week 2 to face the Steelers, who were runners-up in last year’s Super Bowl.
Leon Washington sits in the players section of the plane as the team left Seattle on Friday afternoon to help acclimate to the time zone difference.
The team charter landed under darkness of night and players descended the moveable stairs and headed to buses that would take them to the hotel.
On Saturday afternoon, the team held a walk-thru at a local high school stadium. Unlike most high schools, Martorelli Stadium at North Hills High School seats over 5,000, has a two-story press box and brand new field turf.
As always, the pregame timeline is written on a white board for the players and coaches.
Players crowd around the shower area during a pregame prayer, spilling out to the nearby walkway.
The Seahawks make the long walk from the visitors locker room at Heinz Field to the playing field.
Seahawks linebacker Matt McCoy dives towards Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
Seahawks safety Atari Bigby sacks Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the red zone during the first quarter.
Seahawks safety Earl Thomas celebrates after the defense held near the goal line resulting in a turnover on downs.
Pittsburgh's Issac Redman scores despite the attempt of Seattle's Anthony Hargrove.
Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is hit from behind on this first half throw.
Seattle receiver Ben Obomanu leapt high but couldn't corral this pass along the sideline on third down.
Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond dives at the feet of Pittsburgh's Rashard Mendenhall.
Seahawks defensive linemen Red Bryant and Anthony Hargrove stop Issac Redman.
Walter Thurmond's low tackle sends Pittsburgh receiver Hines Ward airborne.
Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner corrals Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace.
Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace makes a nice catch on a deep route, managing to grip the ball from the top just before it would have hit the turf.
Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is sacked in the second half. Offensive guard John Moffitt is at right.
Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin is tackled and thrown out-of-bounds along the Seattle sideline.
Players walk off the field towards the locker room after the 24-0 defeat.
Head coach Pete Carroll answers questions from the media after the game.
Cyber surfing: Monday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Sept. 12:
Mike Sando at ESPN.com has his rapid reactions to the Seahawks’ 33-17 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco. One is this QB comparison: “The third-down numbers say neither Seattle’s Tarvaris Jackson nor San Francisco’s Alex Smith played particularly well. Jackson did connect with (Doug) Baldwin for that 55-yarder, and he made some other strong throws as well. His lone pick came on a Hail Mary to end the first half. That shouldn’t count against him. Jackson completed 21 of 37 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Smith scrambled for a touchdown and absorbed a big hit in the process. He slid a couple of yards short of the marker on a third-and-9 play, though. It was the smart move, but a conversion there would have helped. Smith wound up completing 15 of 20 passes, a high percentage, and he threw no picks. That was enough on a day when not much offense was needed.”
Steve Kelley at the Seattle Times points the finger for this loss right where it belongs: The special teams, and specifically the coverage units that allowed Ted Ginn Jr. to return a kickoff (102 yards) and punt (55) for TDs in a 59-second span late in the fourth quarter. Say Kelley: “ ‘Blame it on me,’ Leon Washington said, being much too self-critical. ‘It’s on me.’ Washington, the Seahawks’ special teams co-captain and a premier kick returner, was angry at and surprised by the performance of his guys in Sunday’s season-opening 33-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. It was his unit that broke down. It was his team that committed penalties and robbed the offense of field position. The special teams were scorched twice by returns from Ted Ginn late in the game when the momentum had profoundly swung toward the Seahawks.”
Danny O’Neil at the Times focuses on the flipside of those returns: Ginn. Offers O’Neil: “If the kickoff return was the dagger that sealed the outcome, Ginn’s 55-yard punt return 59 seconds later just increased the sting. ‘We had two kicks returned for touchdowns,’ Carroll said. ‘That’s a bad day. That loses you a football game.’ Not that Seattle played well enough to win.”
Also from O’Neil, a look at the offense in the opener: “Progress is something that was hard to see before halftime. The only time Seattle crossed midfield was on its opening drive. And quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was subject to an abject beating as he was sacked three times. ‘It’s just unacceptable to do what we did in the first half and expect to win games,’ center Max Unger said.”
Dave Boling at the New Tribune ponders the offense feeding off the defense. Says Boling: “After a 33-17 loss to the 49ers, one of the prime questions about the Seattle Seahawks will regard new quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. I have one overriding feeling for Jackson: sympathy. Behind a line featuring three players getting their first NFL starts, Jackson was sacked five times and clobbered eight times. He lost two fumbles and threw an interception, so his debut was not the stuff of scrapbook memories. He was just a part of the vast offensive concerns, though. The inexperienced line, the 11 penalties, and the horrendous special teams were more culpable. Only the spirited defensive unit comes out of this one looking good, holding the Niners to one third-down conversion in 12 tries and one touchdown on five times inside the red zone.”
Eric Williams of the New Tribune also focuses on the special teams. Says Williams: “It’s hard to have much team chemistry when your kicker and two other players who played meaningful minutes in the season opener land on the roster within the last week. For all the emphasis on roster churn and improving the overall talent level during the past two seasons, Seattle coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider may have sacrificed a key ingredient to winning football – consistency.”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald also has visions of Ginn running through his head – and game story. Says Boyle: “The Seahawks thought they were on their way to a comeback victory Sunday afternoon. Then Ted Ginn Jr. happened. Twice.”
Christian Caple at PI.com offers his observations from the couch, where this one didn’t look any better. Says Caple: “Understand: this was the season opener, and it was played after a very abridged offseason that gave teams limited time to prepare. We know that. It’s been written here before. But I don’t know that anyone expected the Seahawks to be quite this bad, regardless of all the forces working against them.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we’ve got the game covered in words, pictures and video.
Peter King at SI.com has his “Monday Morning Quarterback” recap of the first Sunday of the regular season.
Cyber surfing: Friday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Sept. 9 – or “Back to Football Friday”:
The Everett Herald continues its 1-2 punch of coverage, with John Boyle providing the third in his preview series for the 2011 season – this one on the special teams; and Scott Johnson profiling the man who made what is probably the most-memorable catch in franchise history in his “Game of My Life” series. Boyle on the special teams: “Last season, Leon Washington set a franchise record with a 101-yard kickoff return. To add to his impressive career total of seven kickoff return touchdowns, Washington may well have to break that record.” Johnson on Paul Skansi’s game-winner against the Chiefs: “Paul Skansi, the most improbable of heroes, will always have a place in the hearts of Seahawks fans who remember the big catch.”
Dave Boling at the News Tribune checks in with Breno Giacomini, who just might start at right tackle in Sunday’s season opener against the 49ers. Says Boling, with an assist from defensive end Raheem Brock: “For a scouting report on Giacomini’s attributes, a solid source is defensive end Raheem Brock, who faces the towering 6-foot-7, 318-pound Giacomini in practice. ‘He’s strong and a pretty good pass blocker, as well; he’s definitely improving,’ Brock said. And his attitude? ‘Yeah, he definitely irritates me,’ Brock said, adding: ‘That’s a good thing.’ ”
Also at the News Tribune, Eric Williams profiles something the Seahawks haven’t had in a while – a receiver like Sidney Rice. Says Williams: “Rice’s natural talent can’t be overlooked – and there’s plenty of it packed in his 6-foot-4, 202-pound frame. The former South Carolina player has the speed to run by defenders and the springs to jump over them to go get the ball. His rare combination of size, speed, strength and smarts is something not often seen around these parts since the franchise’s beginnings in 1976.”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times checks in with QB Tarvaris Jackson. Offers O’Neil: “For 10 years everything started with the quarterback in Seattle. That’s the way Mike Holmgren saw this game, and the way he built his team. If you didn’t have your guy at quarterback, you needed to find him. Like right now. Now, there is a question where there once was a cornerstone. The Seahawks have moved on from Matt Hasselbeck, moved in Tarvaris Jackson and now face uncertainty under center for the first time in years.”
Christian Caple at PI.com looks at how both Jackson and the 49ers’ Alex Smith have something to prove this season, starting with their opening-day matchup. Says Caple: “But what we do know? Jackson and Smith, the respective quarterbacks of each team, are entering seasons that could be career-defining. Each has been given a chance before. Each has been an easy target for disgruntled fans. Each feels the need to prove themselves worthy of being a starting quarterback in the NFL.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we take a closer look at his teammates electing Jackson as the offensive captain, even though he’s only been around for six week. Says running back Justin Forsett: “Tarvaris showed some leadership ability, especially with this offense and just being able to talk to everybody and tell them where to go and what to do if we’re lost or anything. He’s that type of guy, and we need that kind of encouragement in the huddle. At first, Tarvaris started off as kind of a quiet guy. But he started to show some leadership characteristics. So he was my vote.”
We’ve also got Thursday’s practice covered in words, photos and video. But that’s not all. There’s also the story on punter Jon Ryan cutting his locks – of love. That barber looks vaguely familiar, doesn’t he?
Mike Sando at ESPN.com examines why so many undrafted rookies made NFL rosters. The Seahawks have four, which tied for second most in the league. Says Sando: “The Seahawks found four roster spots for undrafted rookie free agents heading into Week 1. The 49ers set aside three spots for them. The trend has been less pronounced through most of the league, but the overall numbers – 58 undrafted rookies on rosters at present – have defied expectations.”
Monday in Hawkville
A recap of the day’s activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center:
FOCUS ON
Captains. The players voted on the captains for the season today, and coach Pete Carroll couldn’t have agreed more with the selections of cornerback Marcus Trufant (defense), quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (offense) and kick returner Leon Washington and fullback Michael Robinson (special teams).
“I’m real proud of those guys for taking a leadership position for us,” Carroll said after the team’s bonus Labor Day practice to start preparing for Sunday’s regular-season opener against the 49ers in San Francisco.
“Those are great guys to put out front. It’s been obvious to why these guys would choose those guys.”
Trufant, Washington and Robinson were with the team last season, but Jackson was signed in free agency and didn’t even start practicing with team until Aug. 4. So his selection was especially pleasing to Carroll.
“It’s obvious that that’s who they wanted to be their leader,” Carroll said. “I’m pleased with all the choices, of course.”
UNIT WATCH
The survivors. What else would you call the remaining 10 players from the roster that Carroll inherited 19 months ago? And when you look at just who they are, it’s understandable why they’re still around.
Trufant – The longest tenured Seahawk was a first-round draft choice in 2003 and has started 119 games the past eight seasons. He started all 16 games last season for the fifth time in his career and finished fourth on the team with 80 tackles.
Middle linebacker David Hawthorne – He made the team as a rookie free agent in 2008 and has led the team in tackles the past two seasons, last year while playing on the weak side and in 2009 while playing in the middle. This season, he’s back in the middle – replacing Lofa Tatupu, who was released in late July.
Punter Jon Ryan – Signed as a free agent one game into the 2008 season, Ryan already has set the franchise single-season record for average (46.2 yards in 2009) and tied the mark for net average (38.7 in ’09).
Nose tackle Brandon Mebane – A third-round draft in 2007, Mebane has started since his rookie season – registering career highs in tackles (49) in 2009 and sacks (5½) in 2008. But this year he moves to nose tackle.
Linebacker Aaron Curry – The fourth pick overall in 2009 draft, Curry has found his niche on the strong side after the previous coaching staff tried him as a pass-rusher. He had career highs in tackles (70) and sacks (3½) last season.
Linebacker Leroy Hill – A third-round pick in 2005, Hill returns after missing just about all of last season and nine games in 2008 and 2009. He is starting on the weak side, and looking like the player who collected 7½ sacks as a rookie and a career-high 92 tackles in 2006.
Defensive end Red Bryant – A fourth-round pick in 2008, the little-used D-tackle was moved to the five-technique end spot in Carroll’s defense last season. Bryant was a force against the run before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the Week 8 loss to the Raiders.
Center Max Unger – A second-round draft choice in 2009, Unger missed almost all of last season with a toe injury that required surgery and he started 13 games at right guard as a rookie. But he’s back at center, the position he played at Oregon, on the Seahawks’ new-look line.
Running back Justin Forsett – A seventh-round draft choice in 2008, Forsett went to the Colts briefly as a rookie when the Seahawks released him with the plan to sign him to the practice squad. But the jack-of-all-skills back is back and figures prominently in the back-by-committee approach to the running game. He averaged 4.4 yards on 118 carries last season.
Wide receiver Ben Obomanu – A seventh-round draft choice in 2006, Obomanu has developed from perennial bubble player to one of glue performers on offense as well as special teams. He started six games last season and had a career-high 30 receptions for a 16.5-yard average and four touchdowns. He also had a dozen special teams tackles in 2009.
IN AND OUT
Four starters did not practice – running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle), wide receiver Sidney Rice (shoulder), left guard Robert Gallery (knee) and Hawthorne (knee). Carroll said Lynch and Hawthorne will practice on Wednesday, but he labeled Gallery day-to-day because of the knee he sprained in Friday’s game against the Raiders and said the decision on whether Rice plays on Sunday will be made later in the week.
Rookie James Carpenter got some work at left guard for Gallery, with Breno Giacomini working at right tackle with the No. 1 line. Carroll said the move of Carpenter to guard was “developing all the flexibility you can.”
Forsett got the first-team reps for Lynch; Obomanu worked in Rice’s spot; and rookie K.J. Wright continued to sub for Hawthorne. Wright was the team’s leading tackler in the preseason with 16.
Left tackle Russell Okung participated in every phase of practice and will play against the 49ers for the first time since spraining an ankle in the preseason opener.
Three of newest Seahawks also practiced – kicker Steven Hauschka and defensive tackles Al Woods and Landon Cohen. Offensive tackle Jarriel King (ankle) sat out. All four were claimed off waivers on Sunday.
Defensive tackle Jimmy Wilkerson, who was placed on injured reserve on the cut to 53, will have surgery to repair the knee he damaged against the Raiders, Carroll said. Also, wide receiver Isaiah Stanback, who also was placed on IR, no longer is with the team.
The final two spots on the eight-man practice squad were filled by running back Vai Taua and cornerback Ron Parker. Both players had been with the team in camp.
UP NEXT
The players are off Tuesday and then return Wednesday for the start of the first week of the regular season in preparation for Sunday’s opener. The Seahawks opened their 2010 season at home with a 31-6 victory over the 49ers.
YOU DON’T SAY
“I don’t feel like we’re selling anymore. I feel like we’re in agreement and we’re putting it to the test. The conversation today talking about the upcoming season with the players, it’s a familiar conversation for these guys now. They know kind of what I’m going to say and where I’m coming from. I just solidify and reinforce the message. They come out and work really hard every time we go, and that’s the testament to whether they’re in or not.” – Carroll, who spent much of his first season as coach “selling” his philosophy
Game at a glance
A recap of the Seahawks’ 20-3 victory over the Oakland Raiders in their preseason finale at CenturyLink Field on Friday night:
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Golden Tate. The last time the second-year receiver played at CenturyLink Field, he dropped two passes – including one that went off his hands, was intercepted and returned for a touchdown in a 20-7 loss to the Vikings.
That was two weeks ago. But Friday night was a redemptive outing for Tate. He had a 43-yard reception to set up the Seahawks’ first field goal among his five catches and 79 yards. He returned a punt 43 yards and a kickoff for 34 yards.
Was this a springboard effort for last year’s little-used second-round draft choice?
“I don’t think there’s any question that it can be,” coach Pete Carroll said. “I think that he needed to have a good game where he had a chance to get going. That’s why I think whether this could be a turning point, it could be for him. It’s not in my mind. I already know what he can do.”
In this game, Tate showed everyone else, as well.
“He just has good stuff,” Carroll said. “The open field breaks that he made in the kicking game, and he made a couple of great catches tonight and stole a bunch yards away. The returns were great. That will also show up in the catch-and-run, too.”
PLAYS OF THE GAME
Offense: Carroll called it the “immaculate reception,” and what Leon Washington as able to do with a Charlie Whitehurst pass that was batted into the air as Tate and Raiders cornerback Joe Porter were battling for the ball was, well, pretty immaculate. Washington not only picked the ball out of the air, he ran for 32 yards to the Raiders’ 15-yard line. The Seahawks eventually scored their first touchdown, but it wouldn’t have happened without Washington’s heads-up play on third down.
Defense: There were a lot to choose from, especially considering that each of the Raiders’ final three possessions ended on downs. But let’s go with the last one, as rookie safety Mark LeGree tipped a Kyle Boller pass incomplete on fourth-and-10 from the Seahawks’ 35-yard line.
Special teams: Tate’s 43-yard punt return. It happened late in the first half and gave the Seahawks a shot at kicking a 53-yard field goal on the final play of the half. Except that the Raiders’ Porter blocked that kick.
INJURY REPORT
Left guard Robert Gallery and defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson left the game with sprained knees, and each is scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging test on Saturday to determine the extent of the damage and how long they might be out.
The Seahawks also played without six starters: running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle), wide receivers Sidney Rice (shoulder) and Mike Williams (toe), left tackle Russell Okung (ankle), middle linebacker David Hawthorne (knee) and strong safety Kam Chancellor (foot). Carroll said Okung could have played, but it was decided to rest him for another game, and added that Rice’s injury is the only one that could be a problem for next week’s regular-season opener against the 49ers in San Francisco.
THIS ’N THAT
Former Raiders Zach Miller and Gallery were appointed captains for the game.
Rookie middle linebacker K.J. Wright, who started for Hawthorne, had a team-high five tackles to finish the leading tackler in the preseason.
Defensive lineman David Howard had 1½ sacks.
Thomas Clayton rushed for 42 yards on 11 carries to finish as the Seahawks’ leading rusher in the preseason.
The Seahawks converted 7 of 13 third-down situations, but they also had nine penalties for 105 yards.
YOU DON’T SAY
“It felt amazing, man. But honestly, that just goes to the offensive line, you know what I mean? I don’t take any credit for that. That’s the offensive line all the way.” – Clayton, on scoring his second TD of the preseason
Cyber surfing: Thursday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Sept. 1:
Mike Sando of ESPN.com was at practice Wednesday and offers some observations. Says Sando: “(Leon) Washington has embraced the way assistant head coach/offensive line Tom Cable instructs running backs to read their keys, which includes making cuts properly in relation to defenders’ alignment. It’s pretty clear Washington will command additional touches on offense this season. He’s healthier and more confident.”
Also from ESPN.com, John Clayton rates the quarterbacks in the league. He puts Tarvaris Jackson at No. 30, in the hit-or-miss category, offering: “Jackson was beaten out by Gus Frerotte and Brett Favre during his five seasons with the Vikings. Unless Dave Krieg comes out of retirement, he should beat out Charlie Whitehurst for the starting job.”
Chris Burke at SI.com previews the four teams in the NFC West. He predicts a 7-9 record and second-place finish behind the Rams for the Seahawks, offering: “This felt like a really solid offseason for the Seahawks. They added some terrific pieces, like (Zach) Miller and (Sidney) Rice, that should have pushed a defending division champ over the top. Instead, Seattle will enter the regular season praying its offensive line can hold it together and banking on its defense to improve despite not making any real upgrades. It feels like this team will be better in 2012 than it will in 2011.”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times writes that the starters will play more than usual in Friday’s preseason finale against the Raiders at CenturyLink Field. Offers O’Neil: “The Seahawks, however, aren’t just sweating the final pieces of their 53-man roster this week. The offensive line remains very much a work in progress to the point that Seattle will deviate from standard-operating procedure of resting veterans for the exhibition finale. Seattle’s starters will play on Friday night against Oakland at CenturyLink Field. Coach Pete Carroll wouldn’t say how much, but he implied the first unit is going to play. In fact, he was already fairly certain of that after Saturday’s loss in Denver when he watched starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson get sacked five times.”
Dave Boling of the News Tribune has the story on one of the more entertaining aspects of practice: The chirping that goes on between wide receiver Mike Williams and free safety Earl Thomas. Says Boling: “This time of the NFL exhibition season, a common question arises from fans: Where are the best battles on the practice field? For the Seahawks, the best competition has nothing to do with the depth chart. Hands-down, the fiercest battle is the nonstop verbal jousting between receiver Mike Williams and safety Earl Thomas during practices. To clarify, nobody in the franchise wields a sharper needle than linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr., whose comments between plays can buckle the knees of a strong man at 50 paces. Be they comical, constructive or critical, Norton is the all-time heavyweight champion of the spontaneous remark. But for intramural mockery, scorn and feigned contempt, Williams and Thomas may be the best tandem the Seahawks have had in a long time.”
Just in case you can’t get enough about Doug Baldwin, John Boyle of the Everett Herald has another story – and angle – on the rookie free agent wide receiver who has been the talk of the preseason. Says Boyle: “If not for a newspaper publisher in Pensacola, Fla., and a former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, there’s a good chance that Doug Baldwin wouldn’t be battling for a shot to make the Seahawks roster. And if that doesn’t make any sense, well just bear with us for a moment.”
At PI.com, Christian Caple has notes and news from another busy day for the Seahawks.
Here at Seahawks.com, we check in with Cable to see how he’s handling the growing pains of his offensive line. Of the No. 1 units, he says, “Probably playing that group more than you normally would. But we need to do it. And I think Saturday was a perfect example of how much they need to continue to play and continue to grow. We have to do it now. We’re all in it together. We know we’ll have some bumps in the road. But we what to minimize it. Saturday, we didn’t do a good job of it.”
There’s also the daily Hawkville report, which focuses on John Carlson and the decision to have season-ending surgery on his shoulder: “The decision was kind of made by my shoulder,” Carlson said. Talk about body language. But that was the case. Initially, Carlson was going to rehab the shoulder and try to play with it. “It kind of resolved itself by not coming along as far as we wanted it to,” he said. “That’s where my shoulder is. I need to get it fixed and start the rehab process.” We also have Tony Ventrella’s daily video recap, as well as written and video reports from the unveiling of a statue of Walter Jones at the new Seahawks 12 Club at Sea-Tac.
