Tuesday cyber surfing: Weighing options for Seahawks QB, Tatupu
Former Seahawks QB Brock Huard of 710 ESPN weighs in on the team’s quarterback options in this video report at mynorthwest.com: “The Seahawks are one of several NFL teams that figure to be looking to upgrade at quarterback via the draft or free agency this offseason. What if all their options land elsewhere? Brock Huard proposed that scenario in Monday’s Wrap Up video, saying that the possibility of losing out on Matt Flynn could leave Peyton Manning as the Seahawks’ best and most feasible option.”
Lofa Tatupu visited the Saints on Monday, Jason La Canfora of NFL.com is reporting. Tatupu sat out the 2011 season after being released by the Seahawks: “Tatupu was a Pro Bowl selection his first three seasons in the NFL, and he was first-team All-Pro in 2007 when he had 83 tackles, four interceptions and three forced fumbles.”
As for the give-us-this-day-our-daily-Peyton-Manning item, the boys at NFL.com have some fun by turning the question of where the Colts’ iconic QB will end up into a “Wheel of Peyton” game. And you’ll be surprised by what Brian Baldinger has to say if you-know-who ends up you-know-where.
On this date: Galloway traded
A look at the memorable moments in Seahawks history that occurred on Feb. 12:
2000: Joey Galloway is traded to the Cowboys for first-round draft choices in 2000 and 2001, picks the Seahawks use to select Shaun Alexander and Koren Robinson.
2003: John Marshall is hired as linebackers coach on Mike Holmgren’s staff.
2006: Matt Hasselbeck completes 10 of 17 passes for 85 yards as the NFC wins the Pro Bowl 23-17 in a defense-dominated game that features 10 turnovers and seven sacks. Lofa Tatupu has a team-high six tackles, as well as two more on special teams, while Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson, Mack Strong and Robbie Tobeck help the NFC convert eight of 18 third-down situations.
On this date
A look at a memorable moment in Seahawks history that occurred on Jan. 5:
2008: Marcus Trufant (78 yards) and Jordan Babineaux (57 yards) return interceptions for touchdowns and D.J. Hackett caps his six-catch, 101-yard day with a 20-yard TD catch – all in the fourth quarter – as the Seahawks post a 35-14 victory over the Redskins in a wild-card playoff game in Seattle. The linebacking crew of Leroy Hill (13), Lofa Tatupu (12) and Julian Peterson (10) combine for 35 tackles and two sacks as the Seahawks host a playoff game for the fourth consecutive season after hosting three in their first 28 seasons.
On this date
A look at the memorable moments in Seahawks history that occurred on Dec. 11:
1977: David Sims runs for two touchdowns, Sherman Smith has 149 yards rushing and receiving and another TD and Dave Brown returns an interception for a TD as the Seahawks hold on to win a wild 34-31 game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium after taking a 34-21 lead at halftime.
1983: In a game that features “the holding call heard ‘round the Pacific Northwest,” the Seahawks win 17-12 over the Giants at the Meadowlands behind two touchdown passes from Dave Krieg to setup the first playoff appearance in franchise history. The Giants’ Jeff Rutledge passes for an apparent game-winning touchdown on a fourth-and-7 play with 30 seconds to play, but a holding call nullifies the score and his final pass is broken up. The win puts the Seahawks in a situation where they earn a wild-card spot with a victory over the Patriots at the Kingdome on the final weekend of the regular season, which they do.
1988: Curt Warner scores four touchdowns and rushes for 126 yards and John L. Williams has 183 yards rushing and receiving in a 42-14 victory over the Broncos at the Kingdome.
1994: Chris Warren runs for 185 yards and a touchdown and Cortez Kennedy has two of the Seahawks’ six sacks of Billy Joe Tolliver in a 16-14 victory over the Oilers in the Astrodome.
2005: Matt Hasselbeck passes for four touchdowns, including two to Bobby Engram; Shaun Alexander rushes for 108 yards and a TD; and a defense led by Lofa Tatupu (interception) and Marcus Tubbs (two sacks) limits the 49ers to 113 yards in a 41-3 victory in Seattle that is win No. 9 in the team’s club-record 11-game winning streak.
Wednesday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 7:
FOCUS ON
The P-word. While the Seahawks were going 3-1 to open the second half of their season, the Bears and Falcons split their first four games, the Lions went 1-3 and the Giants 0-4.
The sum of those records is that the Seahawks, even at 5-7, could make a playoff run – if they continue to win; the 6-6 Giants and 7-5 Lions continue to struggle; and the 7-5 Bears and 7-5 Falcons slip.
Farfetched, of course, but not so much so that coach Pete Carroll didn’t have to field a question about the possibility after Tuesday’s bonus practice in a week when the Seahawks are preparing to face the Rams at CenturyLink Field on Monday night.
“That kind of question is good,” Carroll said. “It’s good those questions are out there. That means there are some possibilities and things like that.”
Just don’t expect Carroll to breakout a spreadsheet and dissect just how it is that a team that started 2-6 can even be remotely including in the playoff patter in December.
“It just reemphasizes to us how important it is to go to work this week,” he said. “None of that matters unless you do something this week and you set yourself what that opportunity at hand.
“It’s a long ways away right now.”
A trip that, after Monday night’s game against the 2-10 Rams, will take the Seahawks to Chicago to face the Bears on Dec. 18; back to CenturyLink Field to host the NFC West champion 49ers on Christmas Eve; and then to Arizona to close the regular season on Jan. 1 against the 5-7 Cardinals.
“HEATER” IN SELECT COMPANY
Fredd Young. Brian Bosworth. Rufus Porter. Chad Brown. Lofa Tatupu. And now David Hawthorne.
What does Hawthorne have in common with some of the most famous – and one of the most infamous – linebackers in franchise history? He joined their ranks today when Hawthorne was selected NFC Defensive Player of the Week after the Seahawks’ middle linebacker returned an interception 77 yards for a touchdown and shared the team lead with six tackles in a 31-14 victory over the Eagles last Thursday night.
Young (Week 2) and Bosworth (Week 15) were honored in 1987; Porter (Week 13) in 1991; Brown in 1997 (Week 3) and 2003 (Week 17); and Tatupu (Week 13) in 2007.
This is the first time Hawthorne has been honored, but he is the second Seahawks defensive player to be selected in the past three weeks as defensive end Chris Clemons was the pick after his three-sack, two-forced fumble outing against the Rams in Week 11.
Making Hawthorne’s efforts against the Eagles even more impressive is the fact that it was not decided whether he would be able to play until just before the game because of a knee injury that limited him in practice during the week and left him listed as questionable for the game.
“We didn’t know until the last minute when we had to put in who was going to be up and down,” Carroll said after the game. “He said, ‘Don’t hug me, I’m full of DMSO and I have stuff all over me.’ He was really trying to work it like crazy to get out there, and he shows up with a 77-yard run.
“How cool is that?”
Very cool for the player his teammates call “Heater.”
Hawthorne, a third-year starter, leads the Seahawks with 78 tackles and is seeking to become the sixth player in franchise history to lead the team for three consecutive seasons – a group that includes Terry Beeson (1977-79), Michael Jackson (1980-82), Young (1985-87), Brown (1997-99) and Tatupu (2005-08).
Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch was a nominee for Offensive Player of the Week after running for 148 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles, but the choice was Panthers rookie QB Cam Newton. Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner also was a nominee for Defensive Player of the Week. He had two interceptions against the Eagles.
HELP LYNCH MAKE A RUN
Lynch, the Seahawks’ Skittles-munching running back, has been nominated for FedEx Ground Player of the Week for his 148-yard, two-touchdown performance in last Thursday night’s 31-14 victory over the Eagles. Both marks were season highs.
But Lynch faces stiff competition in the voting at NFL.com from the Titans’ Chris Johnson, who rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns; and the Ravens’ Ray Rice, who ran for 204 yards and a touchdown.
So help Lynch out and vote for him here.
STAT DU JOUR
With their 3-1 surge to start the second half of the season, the Seahawks have tied for the second best third-quarter record in franchise history and have a chance to match the second best five-game mark with a win over the Rams on Monday night. Here’s how the 2011 Seahawks stack up in both categories:
First four games of second half
Year Record
1984 4-0
2005 4-0
1979 3-1
1990 3-1
1995 3-1
2006 3-1
2011 3-1
First five games of the second half
Year Record
1984 5-0
2005 5-0
2007 5-0
1979 4-1
1990 4-1
1995 4-1
2011 ?-?
UP NEXT
The players return from Tuesday’s bonus “off” day on Wednesday to begin another mismatched week as they prepare for Monday night’s game. Thursday will be like a normal Wednesday; Friday like Thursday; and Saturday like Friday. They will practice each day.
Tickets are available for the Rams game and can be purchased here.
YOU DON’T SAY
“Leroy has really been solid. He’s a real tough-minded guy and an aggressive guy that brings good attitude. He’s been very settling to the changes and so many young guys playing on the defensive side. He’s always stood for the classic tough-guy mentality that we love and he’s had really, really good season.” – Carroll on linebacker Leroy Hill, whose story in featured here
On this date
A look at the memorable moments in Seahawks history that occurred on Dec. 5:
1976: Jim Zorn throws a touchdown pass to tight end John McMakin for the Seahawks’ only score, as the Bears put up 34 points and 509 yards in a loss that is No. 4 in a five-game losing streak to close Seattle’s inaugural season.
1982: Marcus Allen rushes for 156 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders, who take a 28-0 lead and hold on for a 28-23 victory in Los Angeles as Jim Zorn passes for two touchdowns.
1993: Brian Blades catches seven passes for 134 yards, but Marcus Allen runs for three touchdowns as the Chiefs hand the Seahawks a 31-16 setback at the Kingdome.
1999: Jon Kitna throws two touchdown passes, but Tim Brown catches two TD passes from Rich Gannon, staking the Raiders to a 17-0 lead in their 30-21 victory in Oakland.
2005: The Seahawks run their winning streak to eight in a row with a 42-0 victory over the Eagles in Philadelphia on “Monday Night Football” in a game where neither team has more than 200 yards in total offense, as Andre Dyson returns an interception 72 yards and a fumble 25 yards for touchdowns; Shaun Alexander scores twice; and Lofa Tatupu also returns an interception 38 yards for a TD.
2010: The Panthers take a 14-0 lead, but Marshawn Lynch then scores three times and Lofa Tatupu returns an interception for a touchdown as the Seahawks run off 31 unanswered points in a lopsided victory in Seattle. David Hawthorne leads the defensive effort with 14 tackles.
On this date
A look at the memorable moments in Seahawks history that occurred on Dec. 2:
1979: The Seahawks run for three touchdowns and Steve Largent catches nine passes for 120 yards, but it’s a too-little-too-late effort as the Chiefs take a 37-7 and hold on for a 37-21 victory at Arrowhead Stadium.
1984: The Seahawks cap an eight-game winning streak with a 38-17 victory over the Lions at the Kingdome as Dave Krieg passes for a club-record five touchdowns, including two each to Steve Largent and Daryl Turner.
1990: Norm Johnson kicks a 39-yard field goal to tie the game and then a 42-yarder in overtime to win as the Seahawks grab a 13-10 victory over the Oilers at the Kingdome. Dave Wyman recovered a Tony Woods-forced fumble at the Oilers’ 27-yard line to set up Johnson’s game-winner.
2007: Lofa Tatupu intercepts three passes and has 11 tackles, while Maurice Morris scores on a 45-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give the Seahawks a 28-24 victory over the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Cyber surfing: Monday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Aug. 1.
The big story Sunday, of course, was the release of Pro Bowl middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu. So that’s what everyone wrote about.
Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times has been on top of this story from the start, so we’ll begin with what he has to offer: “ ‘I choked up a little bit,’ linebacker Leroy Hill said. He probably wasn’t the only one in the city feeling that way, as the Seahawks said so long to the player who had captained the defense since his first season in Seattle. The team characterized Tatupu’s release as a mutual agreement, and coach Pete Carroll did his best to honor Tatupu’s contributions to the team even as he was asked why the team thought it best to move on.”
O’Neil also offers his personal feelings on Tatupu’s departure: “I covered each of his six seasons in Seattle on a daily basis, and found him to be one of the most thoughtful, accountable and earnest people that I have had the fortune to meet in my role as a journalist.”
Dave Boling of the News Tribune also gives Tatupu the respect he deserves: “At times like these, it seems the location of Seahawks headquarters on the shore of Lake Washington would make a special tribute possible. I could imagine Sunday afternoon the players getting an old row boat, erecting a mast, and making a sail out of a “51” jersey. They could shove it out to “sea” and somebody could throw in a flaming football to set it ablaze. Because if there was anybody around here whose career warranted a ceremonial Viking burial it was Lofa Tatupu, linebacker/leader/warrior chief.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look back at Tatupu’s unprecedented contributions, but also ahead to David Hawthorne stepping in – again – to replace him: “ ‘We all got to say our goodbyes to him today and just tell him what he has meant to us,’ said Hawthorne, who will slide into the middle to replace Tatupu. “He meant a lot, for me especially because I came in undrafted and he kind of took me under his wing and taught me a lot. So today was a hard day for the linebackers. Everybody knows what he’s done for the Seahawks organization if you’ve been around and watched Seahawks football. But he’s done a lot for me, especially.’ ”
We also have a recap of Sunday’s practice, with a focus on Leon Washington, who led the team in kickoff returns last season but is showing he can be more of a contributor on offense: “A year ago, he was coming off surgery to repair a severely broken leg and “just surviving,” as coach Pete Carroll put it. This afternoon, Washington was thriving while making plays by flashing his quickness and speed during the first padded practice of camp. His best effort came on a run where Washington made a nice read to get through the line and then exploded up the left sideline for a long gain. As Washington returned to the huddle, he gave a fist-bump to each of the offensive linemen – tackles Will Robinson and Breno Giacomini, guards Lemuel Jeanpierre and Paul Fanaika and center Mike Gibson – and Carroll then came over to slap hands with Washington. ‘It’s not even the same guy,’ Carroll said. ‘Last year at this time, he was limping around and we were cringing as he was running with the football. He is in full flow, full speed. He really is excited about it, as we are.’ ”
There’s also a look at practice, through the lens of Rod Mar, and a video profile of defensive end Red Bryant from Tony Ventrella.
Former Seahawks center Chris Spencer has agreed to sign with the Chicago Bears in free agency, and CBSSports.com has the report. Spencer’s arrival means the Bears are severing ties with former UW center Olin Kreutz.
Camp Carroll: Day 4
A recap of the only session at Seahawks’ training camp on Sunday:
FOCUS ON
Leon Washington. A year ago, he was coming off surgery to repair a severely broken leg and “just surviving,” as coach Pete Carroll put it.
This afternoon, Washington was thriving while making plays by flashing his quickness and speed during the first padded practice of camp. His best effort came on a run where Washington made a nice read to get through the line and then exploded up the left sideline for a long gain. As Washington returned to the huddle, he gave a fist-bump to each of the offensive linemen – tackles Will Robinson and Breno Giacomini, guards Lemuel Jeanpierre and Paul Fanaika and center Mike Gibson – and Carroll then came over to slap hands with Washington.
“It’s not even the same guy,” Carroll said. “Last year at this time, he was limping around and we were cringing as he was running with the football. He is in full flow, full speed. He really is excited about it, as we are.”
But this wasn’t a one-run-and-done day for Washington. He also got behind linebacker Aaron Curry to catch a pass along the sideline from Charlie Whitehurst, showed quickness into and speed coming out of the hole on a couple more running plays and also added two more receptions.
“I’m a gifted athlete. I’m a blessed athlete,” Washington said. “So I just try to use my talents, and whatever I can do to help this team I’m trying to take advantage of it.
“I worked my tail off this offseason to get in better shape. Obviously, coming off the injury last year, I as a little slow at the start. So just having the opportunity to play football, I’m enjoying every bit of it.”
ROOKIE WATCH
Malcolm Smith. The seventh-round draft choice from USC is getting an opportunity to work at weak-side linebacker with the No. 1 defense because David Hawthorne has moved into the middle to replace Lofa Tatupu, who was released today.
Carroll said the first option for replacing Hawthorne on the weak-side will be veteran Leroy Hill, but he just re-signed with the club Friday and won’t be able to start practicing until Thursday. And Smith isn’t letting his chance slip away.
“Malcolm is making the most of this,” Carroll said. “Malcolm has the benefit – as does (linebacker) Mike Morgan, who’s come with us, too – of knowing our system and the principles and terminology and knowing (LB coach) Ken Norton. All of that has shown up, in that it’s expedited their ability to look good out here.
“Both those guys are really fast kids, and athletic. So initially they’ve made very good impressions in taking advantage of the connections that they have from the past with us at SC.”
UNIT WATCH
Offensive line. John Moffitt, this year’s third-round draft choice, has moved into the starting unit at right guard, where he is expected to start.
The leaves the No. 1 line with – from left tackle to right – Russell Okung, Paul McQuistan, Max Unger, Moffitt and James Carpenter, this year’s first-round draft pick.
McQuistan has stepped in for Gibson, who is now working at center with the No. 2 line. But the left guard spot will be filled by free-agent addition Robert Gallery, the ex-Raider, when he is allowed to start practicing on Thursday.
PLAYS OF THE DAY
Offense: Rookie free-agent wide receiver Ricardo Lockette getting behind the defense to make an over-the-shoulder grab of a deep pass from rookie QB Josh Portis. The play drew the largest ovation from the 1,270 fans who attended practice.
Defense: This a full-unit honor for the No. 1 defense, and especially cornerbacks Marcus Trufant and Brandon Browner and safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, as QB Charlie Whitehurst was forced to scramble from the pocket on three of the first five plays during a team period because none of his receivers were open.
Special teams: Wes Byrum hitting a 47-yard field goal. The rookie free agent made four of his five attempts, missing wide left from 43 yards.
ON THE MEND
Wide receiver Mike Williams (muscle strain) and cornerback Walter Thurmond (sprained ankle) did not practice, but Carroll said the injuries are not serious and their inactivity was more a precautionary move.
With Williams out, Golden Tate worked opposite Ben Obomanu with the No. 1 offense. Browner and Kennard Cox have been subbing for Thurmond, who also sat out the walk-thru Saturday afternoon.
Still sidelined while recovering from surgical procedures: wide receiver Deon Butler (leg), tight end Cameron Morrah (toe), defensive tackle Colin Cole (ankle) and cornerback Roy Lewis (knee).
UP NEXT
The players will practice at 9 a.m. Monday and then have a walk-thru at 4 p.m. The morning practice is open to the public and you can register to attend here.
YOU DON’T SAY
“I’ve known Lofa since he was a young kid, when Mosi (Tatupu, his father) brought him to SC years and years ago. And I’ve loved him ever since. He’s a great kid and a great guy and an unbelievable competitor.” – Carroll on Tatupu
Tatupu released
After a few days of discussions, coach Pete Carroll said the Seahawks and Lofa Tatupu “mutually figured out” that Pro Bowl middle linebacker would be released.
“We came to an understanding that this is a good thing, so on we go,” Carroll said today after practice at the team’s training camp. “I love Lofa … but because this is a decision we agreed to, I support him. We helped him in this regard and he helped us.
“It’s just a mutual agreement we made that we both feel good about.”
Tatupu, a second-round draft choice in 2005 who led the team in tackles in each of his first four seasons, was asked to restructure his contract, according to reports. Instead, he met with Carroll on Saturday night and asked for his release.
In addition to the Pro Bowl honors and being the only player in franchise history to lead the team in tackles four consecutive seasons, Tatupu also was voted a defensive captain five times and selected to the Seahawks’ 35th Anniversary team.
Tatupu participated in the walk-thru sessions on Thursday that opened the team’s second training camp under Carroll, but he sat out the practices Friday and Saturday and was not even on the field for the walk-thru on Saturday afternoon.
With Tatupu sitting out, David Hawthorne moved inside and was replaced at weak-side linebacker by rookie Malcolm Smith, a seventh-round draft choice from USC. Hawthorne led the team in tackles in 2009, when he stepped in after Tatupu was lost for the season because of a torn pectoral muscle. When Tatupu returned last season, Hawthorne moved to the weak side and also led the team in tackles.
Hawthorne becomes the starter in the middle and Carroll said the first option in replacing Hawthorne on the weak side will be Leroy Hill, who was just re-signed on Friday and won’t be able to practice until Thursday.
The release of Tatupu leaves only two players on the roster from the Seahawks’ Super Bowl team in 2005 – cornerback Marcus Trufant and Hill.
