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.
Cyber surfing: Sunday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, July 31:
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times has the story on the club asking Lofa Tatupu to restructure his contract, and the reaction by the middle linebacker. Says O’Neil: “But there’s more than just the request for a pay cut at work here. There has been speculation the Seahawks were interested in Takeo Spikes, the 49ers linebacker who wound up in San Diego. And regardless of how substantial that pursuit was, the perception has added an emotional element to the situation. From Tatupu’s perspective, not only has there been a request for a pay cut, but he’s wondering if that request came only after the team inquired about finding his replacement.”
At ESPN.com, Adam Schefter is reporting that Tatupu met with Carroll on Saturday night and requested his release. Says Schefter: “The Seahawks told Tatupu they would do so, but reluctantly.”
Also at ESPN.com, NFC West blogger Mike Sando offers his thoughts on the situation. Says Sando: “The lockout gave the Seahawks extra time to consider their long-range plans. The team basically decided to make a clean break from the past. If Matt Hasselbeck’s departure over a few million dollars didn’t drive home the point, Tatupu’s release should leave little doubt. New leadership often prefers operating without baggage left over from their successors. Some of that is at work here.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we’ve got Carroll’s decision to go with just-acquired Tarvaris Jackson as the starting QB – and the reasoning behind it. There are also recaps of the Saturday morning practice, when defensive end Red Bryant had an impressive outing; the afternoon walk-thru, with a focus on just-added wide receiver Sidney Rice; a look at the action from photographer Rod Mar; and a video profile on Jackson from Tony Ventrella.
Camp Carroll: Day 2
A recap of the only practice at Seahawks training camp on Friday:
FOCUS ON
James Carpenter. The team’s first-round draft choice signed his contract this morning in time to participate in the 100-minute practice.
After loosening up and being stretched out, the offensive tackle from Alabama jogged over to join the other linemen in their individual drills. When the No. 1 offense lined up for the first full-team drills, Carpenter was at right tackle – where he is expected to start.
There were a few moments where Carpenter looked like a late arrival to camp, but even more where he displayed the talents that prompted the Seahawks to select him with the 25th pick in the first round of the April NFL Draft: “A really tough, nasty, aggressive, solid guy,” as general manager John Schneider put it on draft day.
Line coach Tom Cable offered this assessment of Carpenter after he was drafted: “James was a guy I though from day one gave us the most in terms of his ability to play all four spots. He was a left tackle at Alabama, obviously, but he’s a guy we’ll start the process with a right tackle knowing he has the ability to move around if we need to. But I like a lot of things about this guy: A big, massive guy – 321 pounds – a lot of length and a lot of power. I think we upgraded ourselves in terms of toughness and getting some mass on the offensive line, which I think we needed to do.”
With Carpenter in camp, third-round pick John Moffitt is the only one of the team’s nine draft choices who remains unsigned. Moffitt is expected to start next to Carpenter at right guard.
ROOKIE WATCH
Ricardo Lockette. The rookie free-agent wide receiver from Fort Valley State has been in town – and on the roster – only a few days, but he’s already got a nickname, complements of fellow wide-out Isaiah Stanback.
“It was Isaiah who called him ‘Lockette the Rocket,’ ” rookie wide receiver Kris Durham said after practice. “He’s amazing. That guy’s got a lot of speed.”
And that comes from a guy has run the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds.
That’s fast, but not as fast as Lockette. Check this resume: 10.0 seconds in the 100-meter dash; 20.23 in the 200-meter dash; 4.27 in the 40 at his Pro Day workout and 4.35 at the scouting combine in February. He was the NCAA Division II national champion in the 200 meters in 2008.
So the obvious question: Is Lockett a really fast guy who’s trying to play football? Or a football player who is really fast?
“I’ve been playing football since I was 6, and I only ran track three years out of my life,” he said. “I’ve just been blessed.”
Lockette is hoping to parlay that speed, and his versatility, into a roster spot at the position where the Seahawks are “stacked,” as he put it. He’s also getting a look as a punt and kickoff returner.
There’s Mike Williams, the split end who led the team in receptions last season. There’s Sidney Rice, the former Pro Bowl receiver for the Minnesota Vikings who reportedly will sign with the Seahawks this afternoon. There’s Ben Obomanu, a valuable special teams player in addition to a receiver who started six of the final eight games last season. There’s Golden Tate, last year’s second-round draft choice. There’s Deon Butler, who is recovering from the severely broken leg that ended his 2010 season. There’s Stanback, who missed last season after tearing an Achilles in training camp. There’s Durham, a fourth-round draft pick this year.
So coach Pete Carroll doesn’t have to preach his “always compete” mantra to Lockette.
“It’s all about who can do more,” Lockette said. “So I just try to broaden my horizons and be diverse – be a special teams guru, and be a help to the offense when I can.”
PLAYS OF THE DAY
Offense: Lockette’s one-handed grab against rookie cornerback Jesse Hoffman in the end zone.
Defense: Veteran cornerback Marcus Trufant intercepting a Charlie Whitehurst pass on the first play of the first team period.
FADE ROUTE
Second-year cornerback Walter Thurmond is sporting a new hairstyle that’s actually an old hairstyle: A fade, a la Christopher Reid of Kid ’n Play – but not as high.
“I wore the flattop a couple of years ago back at Oregon my junior year,” said Thurmond, who is working at right corner with the No. 1 defense. “So I’m just stuck in the 80s, I guess.”
ROSTER ROULETTE
The big signing, of course, was Carpenter. But there were other move, as well.
The club also reportedly re-signed two of its own free agents – fullback Michael Robinson and defensive lineman Junior Savaii – and former Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Alan Branch agreed to sign, according to reports.
The contracts of offensive linemen Stacy Andrews and Chris White were terminated, and three other players were waived: linebacker Joe Pawelek, defensive back James Brindley and defensive lineman Barrett Moen.
ON THE MEND
Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu did not practice after participating in both walk-thrus on Thursday. He had arthroscopic surgery on both knees during the offseason.
Still sidelined while recovering from injuries: defensive tackle Colin Cole (ankle), cornerback Roy Lewis (knee), tight end Cameron Morrah (toe) and Butler.
UP NEXT
The Seahawks will practice twice on Saturday – at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. – and also once on Sunday afternoon – at 1:30. Each practice is open to the public and you can register to attend here.
YOU DON’T SAY
“Yeah, I was. But it’s still an honor to be here. You can’t really cry over spilt milk. I’m here now and the past doesn’t really matter. I’ve got to handle what I’ve got to do now.” – Lockette, when asked if he was surprised he didn’t get drafted
Cyber surfing: Tuesday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, July 26:
Eric Williams of the News Tribune checks in with Seahawks middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu for his reaction to the end of the lockout. Says Tatupu: “I’m happy to be back in the flow of things. From what I’ve heard, we’re ready to go. And free agency and everything is starting. And that’s really more of what I’m interested to see how it goes. We have so many free agents, and there are so many free agents out there. And we’re not even talking about undrafted rookie free agents. There are so many marquee guys that are out there, and I’m sure they’re going to be fine. But now every free agent comes into play. And so we’re going to see how it is. … It’s going to be a free-for-all.”
Dave Boling of the News Tribune weighs the pros and cons of re-signing QB Matt Hasselbeck, who also is reportedly going to draw interest from the Titans. Says Boling: “Hasselbeck will be 36 on Sept. 25 and has missed 13 games because of injuries the past three seasons while being an erratic contributor on bad teams. But after he went through an abysmal four-game stretch late last season with 12 turnovers, he rebounded with two marvelous playoff games (seven touchdowns and one interception). So, he’s been inspiring and infuriating.”
Now that the ho-hum of the 136-day lockout is behind us, here comes the mayhem as teams will try to do in three to five days what has been done in three to five months in past years. Don Banks at SI.com weighs in on that situation. Says Banks: “The irony, of course, is that the long-awaited return of labor peace in the NFL will set off perhaps the most tumultuous week in league history from a player movement standpoint. Starting Tuesday, things will be anything but peaceful in the NFL that Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith supposedly returned to normalcy with Monday’s freshly-struck collective bargaining agreement. After five-plus months of labor unrest, everybody’s ready for some football. But could anyone be completely ready for what’s about to descend upon the NFL, an unprecedented burst of player acquisitions that will fold free agency, the trading period, salary-cap cuts, rookie signing season and the start of training camp into one frenzied window of less than a week?”
But the folks at NFL.com are here to help, with this free agent tracker that includes an item on Hasselbeck, one of 22 Seahawks who are scheduled to become free agents.
Here at Seahawks.com, we’re forging ahead with our series of articles on the team’s first 34 seasons. Up now is 2002, which turned out to be a season of second chances for several players as well as the team after it started 2-6.
Cyber surfing: Wednesday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, June 29:
Mike Sando of ESPN.com compiles five bests for the NFC West, and gives Marshawn Lynch “best instant legacy,” for one obvious reason. Says Sando: “The Seattle Seahawks’ running back gave the team a hard-nosed presence on the ground at times after arriving from Buffalo via trade, but his first regular season in the Northwest was largely underwhelming. That all changed in the playoffs. Lynch’s 67-yard touchdown run against New Orleans relieved all the Seahawks’ frustrations at once, and without warning. Qwest Field rocked hard enough for local seismologists to take note. Lynch somehow broke eight tackles. He bulled over one defender, stiff-armed another and eluded others. Lynch was the first and only Seattle player to rush for 100 yards in a game, during a season in which the team was constantly shuffling its offensive line. No matter what happens from this point forward, Lynch’s place in Seattle sports lore is secure.”
Eric Williams of the News Tribune takes a look at “the money down,” by examining how the Seahawks fared on third downs last season with an eye on how they might improve this season. Offers Williams: “Seattle might be looking to take more chances on third down this year (on defense) after drafting players like linebackers K.J. Wright and Malcolm Smith, corners Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell and safety Mark LeGree, in addition to Kam Chancellor, Walter Thurmond and Roy Lewis – all fast, explosive players who can tackle and cover.”
The Seahawks are scheduled to play the Bears in Chicago in Week 15, which would be their third trip to Soldier Field the past two seasons. Sports News Today has a post-draft look at the Bears. Says correspondent Gene Chamberlain: “For more than a decade, this has been (Olin) Kreutz’s or Brian Urlacher’s team. The burden of leadership is changing as these players get on in their careers. To a great extent, this now becomes (Jay) Cutler’s team to carry, for better or worse.”
For the give-us-this-day-our-daily-labor-update item, Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com says the one-on-one – and no one else – meetings between NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA leader DeMaurice will determine the fate of the 2011 season. Says Freeman: “There is one difference about this week of negotiating, I’m told, and it’s an interesting one. Both Goodell and Smith feel like they’ve been handed more respective authority to make an agreement on behalf of their constituents; Goodell on behalf of the owners and Smith on behalf of the players.”
Steve Wyche at NFL.com has the word on the joint statement issued by Goodell and Smith after their meeting. Says Wyche: “The outwardly friendly relationship between Goodell and Smith continues to show that the ice has thawed between the sides and that progress, as several league and players association members said, is being made.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we have a poll that allows you to vote on the best rookie season in club history. Was it Joey Galloway in 1995? Or Lofa Tatupu in 2005? Or Curt Warner in 1983? We let you make the call.
Rampaging rookies
The numbers Joey Galloway put up during his rookie season were almost as stunning as his speed: 67 receptions for 1,039 yards and seven touchdowns; as well as an 89-yard punt return for a TD and an 86-yard scoring run on a reverse of a reverse – in back-to-back games.
Galloway, if you remember, had reconstructive knee surgery while at Ohio State. But he came back faster. Timed in 4.52 seconds for 40 yards before the injury, Galloway clocked a 4.38 at the scouting combine in 1995 and then lowered that at his Pro Day workout – where the Seahawks had him in 4.2, but other stopwatches caught Galloway at 4.16 and 4.18.
Scouts at that workout were reluctant to say what time they had for Galloway, because they didn’t want to be the first to offer a time few would believe.
But during a pre-minicamp 40 in the spring of 1999, Galloway ran 4.15 – with a slight rolling start.
Fellow receiver Sean Dawkins had heard about just how fast Galloway was, but his eyes widened to the size of two fried eggs as he offered, “I was like this, just looking at the clock.”
Added Dawkins, “Speed kills in this league, and Joey’s got a lot of it.”
Regardless of which time you go by, Galloway was fast – and had the uncanny ability to shift into an extra gear while seemingly already running at full speed against cornerbacks who were supposedly as fast, or faster.
But did his speed-infused ’95 contributions comprise the best rookie season in franchise history?
Here are some others to consider, before you cast your vote below:
Steve Niehaus, 1976 – Yes, Steve Largent and Jim Zorn where in this same rookie class during the team’s inaugural season. But Niehaus, the defense tackle who was the team’s first-round draft choice, trumped their efforts. He had 8½ sacks among his 90 tackles.
Terry Beeson, 1977 – A second-round draft choice, he started 13 games at middle linebacker and led the team with 136 tackles, including 110 solo stops. He also broke up five passes.
John Harris, 1978 – A steal of a sixth-round pick, Harris started all 16 games at free safety, collecting 113 tackles, four interceptions and 15 passes defensed.
Kenny Easley, 1981 – The fourth pick overall in that year’s NFL draft, he started 14 games opposite Harris. Easley finished second on the team in tackles (107) and interceptions (three).
Curt Warner, 1983 – Coach Chuck Knox traded the team’s first-, second- and third-round draft choices to move into the third spot so he could select the back needed for his Ground Chuck offense. Warner did not disappoint, rushing for 1,449 yards (on 335 carries), catching 42 passes and scoring 14 touchdowns to earn AFC offensive player of the year honors.
John Kasay, 1991 – A kicker? Yes, but not just any kicker. In his rookie season, Kasay scored 102 points and hit eight of his 10 field-goal attempts from 40-plus yards. Josh Brown scored more points (114) as a rookie in 2003, but he also missed eight field goals – include five from 40-49 yards in 11 attempts.
Steve Hutchinson, 2001 – The second of the team’s two first-round picks stepped in and started all 16 games at left tackle. The offense averaged 121 rushing yards (up from 107.5 in 2000) and Shaun Alexander ran for 14 TDs.
Lofa Tatupu, 2005 – The Seahawks traded up in the second round of the draft to select the middle linebacker. He not only solidified a spot where the team had started seven players in the previous six seasons, Tatupu led the team with 105 tackles and also had four sacks and three interceptions.
Why aren’t Largent (54 catches for 705 yards and four TDs in 1976), Darryl Turner (35 for a 20.4-yard average and 10) and Darrell Jackson (53 for 713 and six in 2000) on this list? Because Galloway pulled away from the wide-receiver field in his rookie season – when he became the 10th rookie in league history, and first since 1986, to catch passes for at least 1,000 yards.
