Friday in Hawkville: Rookie minicamp off to a fast start
A recap of the day’s activities at the Seahawks’ rookie camp for May 11:
FOCUS ON
Tempo. The first day of the team’s three-day rookie minicamp wasn’t just an initiation for the new players, it was an indoctrination into how things are done on a Pete Carroll-coached team – fast, precise and with a purpose.
Not surprisingly, the speed and tempo of the two-hour practice caught some of the players by surprise.
“They kind of warned us yesterday,” first-round draft choice Bruce Irvin said. “But I still didn’t know what to expect. It still kind of caught me off guard.
“I probably lost like about seven, eight pounds today.”
Also count Phil Bates among those who weren’t quite sure what to expect.
“It was up-tempo. It was fast. It was something that you’d never really done before,” said Bates, a rookie wide receiver from Ohio University who was signed as a free agent after the draft. “It’s something you’ve got to get used it, but at the same time it was fun.”
Fun, with a focus.
“We really pounded these guys with a bunch of stuff to get on the field for the first time,” Carroll said of the mental side of what today was all about. “It’s hard for you to imagine just how much you have to learn to get on the field and run plays, but the coaches did a really good job and the players have studied hard coming in and we were able to go out there and put together a nice practice.
“There were a lot of exciting things.”
VETERAN PRESENCE
The 55-player roster for this minicamp includes three who were on the Seahawks’ practice squad last season: running back Vai Taua, offensive lineman Brent Osborne and defensive end Pierre Allen.
TRYING (OUT) TIMES
The rookie-camp also includes 30 players who are in on a tryout basis:
WR Pat Carter, Louisville
QB Chris Hart, Webber International (Fla.)
QB Josh McGregor, Jacksonville
CB Dionte Dinkins, Fort Valley State
CB Donny Lisowksi, Montana
CB Josh Gatlin, North Dakota State
FB Bryson Kelly, Central Washington
FB James Stampley, LSU
S Craig Ray, Indianapolis
SS Austin Cassidy, Nebraska
FS Kareem Moore, Nicholls State
LB E.J. Savannah, Washington
LS Braedyn Eagle, Portland State
LB Mychal Sisson, Colorado State
TE Shawn Nelson, Southern Mississippi
TE Cooper Helfet, Duke
LB Najel Byrd, Arkansas State
C Jayson Palmgren, Missouri
LB Kyle Knox, Fresno State
LB Shane Horton, USC
DT Renard Williams, Eastern Washington
OG Julian Gray, North Carolina Central
OG Joel Figueroa, Miami
OT Andrew Mitchell, Oklahoma State
OT Alex Barron, Florida State
OT Chima Okoli, Penn State
OT Mark Huyge, Michigan
WR Cam Kenney, Oklahoma
WR Josh Smith, UCLA
DT Zach Masch, Hawaii
Barron, of course, is hardly a rookie. He was a first-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. After starting 74 games in five seasons with the Rams, the 6-foot-7, 320-pound Barron played for the Cowboys in 2010. He began last season on the Saints’ injured reserve list, after damaging a knee during training camp, before being released in October.
“We want to see what he’s got,” Carroll said. “He was a highly regarded player a few years back and he’s been smacked around with injuries and situations and all of that, so we’re going to find out. He handled his own pretty well today and he acted a bit like a veteran. He knew what was going on and was a little bit more comfortable than some of the other guys. So we’ll see in the next couple days and see where that puts at the end of this minicamp.”
THE BATTLE OF FIRST-ROUND PICKS
Barron was the 19th pick in the first round of his draft, while Irvin was the 15th pick overall in this year’s draft. These two found themselves matched against each other often, with Irvin at the “Leo” end spot and Barron working at left tackle.
“Oh man, it’s just going to help me get better,” Irvin said. “He’s a great competitor. He’s a great player. He’s a big dude. So going against him is going to do nothing but make me better. I’m going to come in and I’m going to compete, and he’s going to compete. We’re just going to make each other better, everyday.”
JUST WATCHING
Safety Winston Guy, a sixth-round draft choice, will not participate in this minicamp because he is recovering after having a surgical procedure on his shoulder.
“It’s going to take few more weeks before we can see him physically, and it’s killing him,” Carroll said. “He probably could get through it, but we won’t let him until he’s well.”
The veterans had the day off from their offseason conditioning program that will resume on Monday, but Pro Bowl free safety Earl Thomas, leading receiver Doug Baldwin and fellow wide receiver Ricardo Lockette watched practice from the sideline.
YOU DON’T SAY
“It feels great. A lot of kids want to be in this situation. I’m fortunate to one of the few that made it. Getting a chance to live my dream, so that’s a great feeling and I’m looking forward to being a success.” – Irvin, on starting the next chapter of his life
Friday cyber surfing: It’s all about the rookies
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, May 11:
The Seahawks’ rookies have reported and will practice today for the first of three times in their weekend minicamp. Eric Williams at the News Tribune takes a look at how coach Pete Carroll relishes this look at the rookies: “ ‘It’s going to be really cool to see these guys come together,’ Carroll said. ‘There are so many highlight players in this group of kids. We can’t wait to get them on the field with us.’ Most eyes will be on (Bruce) Irvin, a speed pass rusher, and quarterback (Russell) Wilson, two players who were considered surprise selections by national NFL observers – particularly where they were taken in the draft. For Irvin, the focus will be on how long it takes for him to develop into a consistent pass rusher and an every-down player in order to live up to his draft status. In Wilson’s case, his 5-foot-11 stature and ability to deliver accurate passes from inside the pocket will be a constant measuring stick of his success in the NFL.”
Chris Burke at SI.com takes a look at the undrafted free agents who could turn into finds for the teams that signed them, including the Seahawks: “Jermaine Kearse, WR, Washington. We’re kind of on a run of guys catching on with their local teams. Seattle fans ought to be well-aware of Kearse after a strong career at Washington. He has good size and will go over the middle — valuable traits for a team searching for WR help. Others to watch: Rishaw Johnson, G, California (Pa.); DeShawn Shead, DE, Portland State”
During a chat at ESPN.com, NFC West blogger Mike Sando fielded a question about the Seahawks’ creativity in player acquisition: “The 49ers converted Bruce Miller from college defensive end to fullback and got good play from him last season. Miller had not played offense since high school. (J.R.) Sweezy, like Miller, was a later-round pick. Teams have greater freedom to experiment with later-round choices. The key is to be creative without over-thinking things. More broadly, the concern in building around specialized or somewhat unique players – think Red Bryant for Seattle – is that specialized players can be tough to replace if injured. However, that is where staff flexibility can make up the difference. The Seahawks seem to have a good defensive staff and approach. Another potential concern relative to Sweezy is what the move represents: a clear push by an assistant coach to get a player he liked. Tom Cable also drove the selection of James Carpenter a year ago. Drafting players to fit the staff is important, but we should also watch to see if assistants have too much sway.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we take a look at the selection of linebacker Bobby Wagner in the second round, which follows a productive trend for the team: “There’s not just a precedent, it’s a productive precedent. In 2005, Lofa Tatupu – who played for Carroll at USC – was the Seahawks’ second-round draft choice. He not only started as a rookie, he was the leading tackler on the franchise’s first Super Bowl team – the first of a club-record four consecutive seasons that the too-small, too-slow Tatupu would lead the Seahawks in tackles. In 1977, Terry Beeson was a second-round draft choice, and he also led the team in tackles as a rookie – the first of three consecutive seasons Beeson would do it, including a still-franchise record 153 tackles in 1978. In 1978, Keith Butler was selected in the second round of the draft, and he became the franchise’s all-time leading tackler by the time he left after the 1987 season (a total since surpassed by Eugene Robinson). In 1987, Dave Wyman was the team’s second-round draft choice, and he finished second on the team in tackles in 1988 and 1989. In 1990, Terry Wooden was selected in the second round, and he led the team in tackles in 1991 and 1995 and finished second in 1993 and 1994 – although it was as an outside ’backer. But you get the picture; second-round linebackers have been very, very good for the Seahawks.”
We’ve also got an item on how coach Pete Carroll surprised the veterans on Thursday, as well as birthday wishes for Jim Zorn that includes a must-see NFL Films video.
Remember free agency? It’s still going on, and Jason La Canfora at NFL.com has a look at the best remaining players, and where they might fit best.
Carroll calls an audible
Week Two of Phase 2 in the Seahawks’ offseason program ended with coach Pete Carroll changing things up.
Rather than the full-squad workouts the veterans went through on the outdoor practice fields at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, each unit did its own thing today – including quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson, Matt Flynn and Josh Portis throwing to the wide receivers and tight ends in the indoor facility.
“They’ve worked really hard. They’ve been busting their tails throughout all the workouts,” Carroll said. “So it’s recognition of that, and also I want them to stay strong for next week, too.”
This week couldn’t have gone much better. The players continued to be attentive, and attacked what was presented to them by the coaches. The weather even cooperated.
“This is exactly what we’re looking for, is for the guys to answer the call and compete every day,” Carroll said. “And they’re doing it.”
That’s why they were deemed reward-worthy.
“We’re moving quickly with what we’re doing installation-wise, and all that, so we could afford to do this and keep them strong,” Carroll said. “It’s a long haul here, this offseason, and I want to make sure we’re keeping them fresh and keep building.”
Did the players appreciate Carroll’s gesture? You had to see the smiles on the faces of Pro Bowl free safety Earl Thomas and cornerback Richard Sherman to appreciate just how much they appreciated the change in the schedule.
Now, it’s the rookies turn. The vets went four consecutive days this week – rather than getting their usual Wednesday off – to clear the fields for the rookie minicamp that includes practices on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The rookies, including the team’s 10 draft choices and 10 free agents who signed after the April 26-28 draft, are scheduled to take their physicals today.
What is Carroll eager to see from a group that includes first-round draft choice Bruce Irvin, a pass-rushing defensive end from West Virginia; Utah State middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, a potential starter who was selected in the second round; and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson, the team’s intriguing third-round pick.
“I want to see everything, and everybody,” Carroll said. “This is not going to be our time to really play winning football so much, it’s about evaluating. So we need to see these guys. So hopefully we’ll get a good look at them and get a good sense for what they can do.”
Thursday cyber surfing: The Seahawks world, according to Red Bryant
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, May 10:
Dave Boling at the News Tribune offers some impressions from Wednesday’s 45-minute workout, which was open to the media: “Two of the new free agents, for instance, are obviously eager to make impressions. Defensive lineman Jason Jones, at 6-5, 276 pounds, is all angles and levers. If slapping your way through a series of blocking dummies in a hurry is any indication, Jones seems to be a perfect fit as an interior rusher on passing downs. And the new No. 72 is the surprisingly svelte guard Deuce Lutui, whom you may recall from the days when he was stretching out Arizona Cardinals jerseys. Lutui failed the physical last year with Cincinnati and returned to Arizona as a backup. Although said to have been topping out in the 400-pound range, he’s listed at a believable 338 now, having slimmed down by adopting some vegan concepts in his diet.”
Also at the News Tribune, Eric Williams has highlights from Red Bryant’s post-workout Q&A session: “According to Bryant, one thing he has noticed during Seattle’s offseason training is the difference from two years ago after coach Pete Carroll created more depth at every position. ‘In 2010 when I got injured we really didn’t have a person who could step up at that particular time and do what Coach Carroll envisioned for the defense,’ Bryant said. ‘But you can’t say the same thing today. If one guy goes down, I’m pretty sure the next guy will step in and it shouldn’t be a big drop off. And that’s a testament to Coach Carroll and the scouting department.’ ”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times focuses on Bryant’s newfound security, which comes with his new contract: “No doubt about his position, unlike two years ago when he switched from defensive tackle to end. No questions about his durability, after he started 16 games for the first time in his career. No uncertainty about his future, since he signed a five-year contract to remain with Seattle. ‘It’s definitely a change,’ Bryant said. ‘I’ve got more security … I know I’ll be here, and I’m a big player moving forward … I have a lot more responsibility as far as continuing to be the leader that I have become.’ ”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald looks at how Bryant is enjoying fatherhood: “This has been a big offseason for Red Bryant and his wife, Janelle. And not just because Bryant signed a sizeable contract in March in his first crack at free agency. In addition to gaining some considerable financial security, these past few months have been a lot different for the Bryants because they’ve had their hands full with one sizable baby. Fitting for the son of one defensive end and grandson of another — Janelle is the daughter of former Seahawks great Jacob Green — Joseph Brooks Bryant, who is only four months old, is already checking in at 22 pounds and 29 inches long. ‘It’s great,’ Bryant said of being a first-time parent. ‘It’s the best experience in the world. He’s starting to be a big boy.’ “
Mike Sando at ESPN.com delves deeper into Deuce Lutui’s vegan diet, that the Seahawks’ recently acquired guard credits with him being in the best offseason shape of his career: “Incorporating vegan principles into his diet has indeed helped Lutui reach his playing weight (340 pounds) months earlier than usual. But he has not stopped eating animal products entirely. Lutui, in consultation with a nutritionist, still eats fish and chicken to maximize his protein intake. Protein shakes after workouts are also allowed. Red meats and dairy products are on the do-not-eat list. ‘A lot of people wouldn’t call it vegan, but as the vegan concept goes, it is something I eat pretty much vegan throughout the week,’ Lutui said over the phone Tuesday. ‘I’ve been at this for four months, and so I’ve lost tremendous weight.’ ”
Also at ESPN.com, John Clayton touches on Bruce Irvin’s expected production this season while answering a reader’s question in his weekly mailbag: “I can see him getting 11 sacks as a rookie. I don’t think he will get many starts his rookie season, but Pete Carroll’s system is set up for him being a double-digit sacker. Carroll considered him the best pass-rusher in the draft. He figures to get Irvin on the field 60 percent of the snaps. If the strategy works, the Seahawks will have two 11-sack players – Chris Clemons and Irvin. It’ll be interesting to see whether more teams go into two-tight end sets against the Seahawks to try to minimize Irvin’s impact. Of course, if teams do that, it could take away some big-play ability from the downfield throws. It could also play into a strength of the Seahawks, who have the best young safety corps in football.”
Pete Carroll was on with “Brock and Salk” at 710 ESPN and discussed rookie QB Russell Wilson: “ ‘He can make all of the throws, and you know we’ve watched everything time and again to see it,’ Carroll told ‘Brock and Salk’ on Wednesday, a day before Wilson and the rest of the team’s rookies are scheduled to (report for) a three-day minicamp. ‘His body position does not have to be all aligned to make big throws down the field. He can move and kind of duck and dodge and come up firing and find guys crossing the field, 40 and 50 yards down the field, and put the ball on a line when he has to.’ “
Here at Seahawks.com, we take a deeper look into the team’s decision to dispatch Tom Cable to checkout J.R. Sweezy before deciding to draft the defensive tackle and move him to guard: “Tom Cable looks for certain characteristics in his offensive linemen; even when that lineman might be playing on the defensive side of the ball. That was the case when the Seahawks dispatched Cable, their assistant head coach/offensive line coach, to check out J.R. Sweezy, a defensive tackle at North Carolina State that the team was considering selecting in the NFL Draft – and moving to guard. When it came time to make the 18th pick in the seventh round on April 28, Sweezy it was – with an approving nod from Cable. ‘It was his demeanor, first and foremost,’ Cable said this week, as the veteran players continued Phase 2 of their offseason program. ‘His intelligence. His toughness. And how he played on defense.’ That’s what attracted the team. As for Cable, he offered, ’For me, what kind of pushed it all over the top was just how quick and athletic he was. That jumped out at me. You put that with those other characteristics and you’re thinking, ‘OK.’ ”
We’ve also got a look at the team’s improved pass rush, through the eyes of Bryant, as well as a recap of Bryant’s Q&A session: “Now that Bryant is back, he does not intend to stand on what he already has accomplished in his now-you-don’t-see-him/now-he’s-impossible-to-miss career. ‘I have bigger expectations than just a contract,’ he said. ‘I definitely want to be a guy when my playing days are over with and they think about the Seahawks, they think about big Red Bryant.’ ”
You can watch the Bryant interview here.
The rush is on, and on its way
Red Bryant has seen Jason Jones in the flesh and Bruce Irvin on tape. Now, the team’s XXXL-sized defensive end can’t wait to see what the combination of Jones and Irvin will mean to a Seahawks pass rush that generated 33 sacks last season.
After the team’s offseason program workout today, Bryant was asked about Jones, who was added in free agency to provide pressure on opposing quarterbacks from the tackle position in the nickel defense; and Irvin, the team’s first-round draft choice who will lineup opposite “Leo” end Chris Clemons in passing situations.
Bryant on Jones: “I love everything about Jason Jones. He’s quick. He’s extremely fast. I can see why they went out in free agency and really got after him. He does a great job of getting off the ball. He’s a lot longer (6 feet 5). He’s about as tall, or might even be taller, than me (6-4). So I can see how he can cause a lot of confusion. He’s a lot smaller (276 pounds, compared to 332 for Bryant) and quicker than I am. So it’s definitely going to be intriguing once we get in our different packages, as far as our ‘Bandit’ look and different things like that. It’s going to bring a different dynamic to our football team.”
Bryant on Irvin: “I actually got the privilege of meeting him once we drafted him. So far, I like him. Watching some tape of him from West Virginia, he’s definitely the kind of football player that I could see coach (Pete) Carroll going after. We expect big things from him this season.”
Irvin will participate in this weekend’s rookie minicamp.
But if Irvin is in, that likely means Bryant will be out. He had one sack last season, giving him two for his career. Those are numbers he’s definitely looking to increase.
“Getting sacks, that’s my major goal,” Bryant said. “I want to at least get that stigma off of me, because I know I can get to the quarterback.”
Today’s 45-minute session had a definite defensive feel to it, as Monte Kiffin was in attendance. The longtime defensive coordinator in the NFL now has that role and the title of assistant head coach at USC on the staff of his son, Lane. Monte Kiffin was the coordinator in Tampa when Seahawks D-coordinator Gus Bradley was the Buccaneers’ linebackers coach in 2007-08. Kiffin also was the linebackers coach in Minnesota from 1986-89 when Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was the Vikings’ defensive backs coach, as well as Carroll’s linebackers coach during his first season as coordinator with the Jets in 1990.
Tuesday cyber surfing: Agreements a sign of the times
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, May 8:
The cyber surf is up after the Seahawks got contact agreements with eight of their 10 draft choices on Monday, including first-round pick Bruce Irvin.
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times says the agreements leave the Seahawks way ahead of the game, and even offers a chart showing the length of no-shows by the team’s previous first-round picks: “Before Irvin, only two of Seattle’s past eight first-round choices signed a contract without missing a single training-camp practice: Earl Thomas in 2010 and Lawrence Jackson in 2008. None of Seattle’s first-round selections in the previous 10 years were signed by the end of June.”
Eric Williams at the News Tribune has Irvin tweeting the news: “I’m just ready to work,” Irvin said via Twitter. “The money is cool. If you took the money away, I still would play this game for free!”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald includes the others who also agreed: “In addition to Irvin, the Seahawks also agree to terms with second-round pick Bobby Wagner, who projects to be the team’s starting middle linebacker; quarterback Russell Wilson (third round); linebacker Korey Toomer (fifth round); cornerback Jeremy Lane and safety Winston Guy (sixth round); and guard J.R. Sweezy and defensive end Greg Scruggs (seventh round).”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com points to Irvin’s early agreement as just the latest indication of how serious coach Pete Carroll is about improving the team’s pass rush: “The Seahawks also made improving their pass rush a top priority this offseason, signing tackle Jason Jones in free agency and drafting Irvin to assist Chris Clemons, who had 11 of their 33 sacks last season. No other Seattle player had more than four sacks in 2011. The team envisions using Irvin with Clemons on passing downs. Irvin is a candidate to succeed Clemons in the “Leo” role eventually.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we check in with vice president of football administration and lead contract negotiator John Idzik for his thoughts on the quickened process: “What’s the deal? The new rookie salary scale that was included in the CBA that ended last year’s 136-day lockout? The eagerness of this year’s draft class to reach agreements before the start of this weekend’s rookie minicamp? Superior work by vice president of football administration John Idzik, the team’s lead negotiator? The smile that washed across Idzik’s face said it was a combination of elements that led to Monday’s rush of agreements. ‘I’d like to go with the latter,’ he cracked, before adding, ‘But there are a lot of factors at work, the primary one being the new CBA.’ It’s actually the second year of the CBA that ended the lockout, but last year everything seemed like it was done on the run – not to mention in late July and early August. ‘So this isn’t the burn in, 2011 was,’ Idzik said. ‘And a lot of the rookie deals are now structured a certain way. So there was a little bit of precedent for everyone to go off of – both from a league standpoint as well as a club standpoint.’ ”
We also take a look at Robert Turbin, the running back who was drafted in the fourth round, through the eyes of Sherman Smith, the team’s original running back who now coaches the position: “So, what is that Smith likes – no, loves – so much about Turbin? ‘Let me tell you, in the 18 years of doing interviews (at the NFL Scouting Combine), this kid is the best interview I’ve ever had,’ Smith said the other day after one of the workouts in the team’s offseason program. ‘Very impressive.’ While players can be coached-up by their agents prior to the process, you can’t force sincerity – especially the kind Turbin displayed in that Combine session with Smith, and his Q&A sessions with reporters in Indianapolis and after he was selected by the Seahawks. ‘You can’t fake that stuff,’ Smith said. ‘It’s genuine, what he’s all about.’ ”
We’ve also got the word on Deuce Lutui, the Seahawks’ recently-acquired 340-pound guard, becoming a vegan: “ ‘It’s true,’ said Lutui, a veteran offensive lineman who signed with the Seahawks in free agency last month. “And coming into the offseason, this is the best shape I’ve ever been in. I credit that vegan diet.’ As proof, Lutui not only pointed to his weight, he pulled up his shirt and offered, “I can finally see a six-pack there.” Lutui said he’s already at his game weight (340 pounds), a process that usually takes him much longer.”
Brady Henderson of 710 ESPN passes along highlights from an interview with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley at mynorthwest.com: “ ‘Some guys have said, ‘Well, they went to the Pro Bowl, and how is that going to affect them?’ Bradley said. ‘I know I got a text from Earl Thomas the other night, on Tuesday about 9:45 at night. He was trying to get the code for the DB room, to (watch) film. So right there that shows you their mentality. They’ll sneak in here to try to get on the JUGS machine in the indoor practice facility at night. They’re just driven that way. I think that’s why we’re so excited about this group.’ ”
Meet Deuce Lutui, vegan
By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard the coach Pete Carroll dropped a bit of a dietary bombshell on Friday by proclaiming that Deuce Lutui had become a vegan.
You’ve probably also heard the skepticism that statement created. As in, “Really, a 340-pound vegan?” Mike Sando at ESPN.com was among those not biting.
“I followed up with Carroll twice in an effort to make sure the coach wasn’t joking,” Sando wrote on his NFC West blog. “He stuck with his story, but conceivably could have been kidding.”
Carroll was not kidding. How do we know? We went to the source today and got the word from Lutui’s vegan-consuming mouth.
“It’s true,” said Lutui, a veteran offensive lineman who signed with the Seahawks in free agency last month. “And coming into the offseason, this is the best shape I’ve ever been in. I credit that vegan diet.”
As proof, Lutui not only pointed to his weight, he pulled up his shirt and offered, “I can finally see a six-pack there.” Lutui said he’s already at his game weight (340 pounds), a process that usually takes him much longer.
How is it that a large lineman who obviously likes to eat – and needs to eat to maintain his size and strength – found his way to veganism?
“My whole family is vegan,” he said of his wife, Puanani, and their four children. Lutui then cracked the slightest of smiles before adding, “It’s a little different from the Tonga traditional cuisine. But it’s a lot of education, really, that has kind of opened that insight for me.
“If you were to go to my house and open up the fridge, you’d see all-vegan, all-natural products. I’m glad I’ve educated myself about what’s going in my mouth. I’ve educated myself, and that’s what’s causing my fitness and how I’ve really taken care of myself physically. And it’s also taken a toll on me mentally, just to really be disciplined.”
Carroll also coached Lutui at USC, before the Tongan-born lineman was selected in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Cardinals.
“Deuce Lutui, he is a joy to have out here,” Carroll said. “He has got such a great spirit. He always did. We looked at opportunities to get him on this club just because of that. He looks good. His weight is down – I mean, way down from where he can be. He’s a vegan, too, now, so he has really made a big turn, if you can imagine, yes.”
Added Lutui, “It’s beautiful, and it’s true. I’ve gone vegan.”
Monday cyber surfing: All eyes, and ears, on QBs
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, May 7:
On Mondays, “today” includes “over the weekend,” as well. And the big news was Tarvaris Jackson and Matt Flynn talking about their friendly competition for the starting QB job after Friday’s offseason program workout.
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times emphasizes the attention that his situation received, and will continue to receive as the Seahawks have their first real QB competition in a decade: “Tarvaris Jackson took the first snap of Friday’s workout. That this fact is even worth mentioning gives you an idea of just how scrutinized Seattle’s quarterback situation is going to be. The Seahawks are four months from their first meaningful game. Players weren’t wearing helmets nor pads during a non-contact workout, and no sooner had the Seahawks concluded a 45-minute workout than the coach was being asked about the competition between Jackson and free-agent addition Matt Flynn. So who’s ahead? ‘Who said ‘competition’ the most?’ Pete Carroll asked, referring to interviews of Jackson and Flynn. ‘Whoever said that word the most when they were up here getting interviewed, he’s ahead right now.’ Well, Jackson lapped Flynn in that regard. He used some variation of “compete” 10 times compared to five for Flynn, and while those measurements are obviously a joke, the question of Seattle’s quarterback is not. It will be debated around water coolers, discussed on radio and dissected with a clinical precision more suited for laboratory frogs in the next few months.”
Dave Boling at the News Tribune uses the term “controversy,” and says the process to determine whether it will be incumbent Jackson, newcomer Flynn or even yet-to-arrive rookie Russell Wilson will be fun to watch: “Most coaches welcome a quarterback controversy as they would an infectious disease. But Pete Carroll is promoting the Seahawks’ 2012 derby with such energy that two contestants weren’t enough. So he tossed in a rookie draft pick to spice up the field. So we should brace ourselves for months of partisan debate and analysis of trivial details. (Continue reading if your suspense is building over the exact measurement of Russell Wilson’s hands.) Friday offered early competitive evidence as the Seahawks opened a brief team workout to the media. And while some teams might shield dueling quarterbacks from the microphones and cameras, the Seahawks did the opposite. The only players made available for interview were the two prime quarterback candidates, incumbent Tarvaris Jackson and free-agent acquisition Matt Flynn. And Carroll, of course, is the ringmaster.”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald says Jackson deserves credit for how well he’s handling the situation: “No, this isn’t an ideal situation for Tarvaris Jackson. A year after coming to Seattle and immediately earning the Seahawks’ starting quarterback job, Jackson was splitting reps with Matt Flynn, the man who just might be on his way to taking Jackson’s job. But even if a fight for his job isn’t what Jackson was hoping for, he of all people knows it could be a lot worse. After all, the last time a Jackson-quarterbacked team added a free agent quarterback, the Vikings were pulling out all of the stops, private jet and all, to hand the job Jackson thought was his to an aging Brett Favre. Then they did it all over again a year later. (I mean, when you get a chance to cater to every whim of an attention-loving 40-year-old, you’ve got to take advantage, right?) So while Jackson was obviously not rooting for the Seahawks to make a push for Flynn in free agency, he certainly wasn’t shocked by it. Nor will he turn the addition of Flynn into an excuse to complain about the tough hands he has been dealt throughout his career.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at how each QB knew what to expect before the process began: “Understanding the situation is imperative to playing the quarterback position in the NFL. Tarvaris Jackson and Matt Flynn are very aware of the competitive situation they find themselves in as the Seahawks’ offseason program moves closer and closer to becoming real football. Jackson, the incumbent starter, and Flynn, the former backup for the Green Bay Packers who was signed in free agency, spoke about their friendly rivalry for the first time on Friday. Their quick Q&A sessions with reporters followed a brisk workout on a fall-like morning at Virginia Mason Athlete Center, completing Week One of Phase 2 in the non-OTA program. Jackson was the first to take snaps, because “he’s already earned that here,” as coach Pete Carroll put it. Jackson was added in free agency last year, but was awarded the starting spot because of his familiarity with the offense being installed by new coordinator Darrell Bevell and the lack of an offseason due to the 136-day lockout. Jackson had played under Bevell the previous five seasons when both were with the Minnesota Vikings. This year, however, things are different. There is an offseason, and Flynn presents more competition than former backup Charlie Whitehurst did – or was allowed to. ‘It’s a lot different this year,’ said Jackson, who was 7-8 as the starter last season despite playing his final nine games with a damaged pectoral in his throwing shoulder. ‘I’m just here to compete like always and just see how things play out.’ ”
If you’d like to see Jackson and Flynn discuss their situation, we’ve got the video as well.
We’ve also got a look at Jacob Green and Marcus Trufant being inducted into the Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame: “Being part of the group was reward enough for Trufant and Green. Being able to share it with their families made it that much more rewarding. ‘This meant a lot to be here with Marcus on this special day,’ Constant Trufant (Marcus’ mother) said. ‘It’s an honor, especially to be in the presence of all those other folks. And then to have Jacob Green here, it’s great.’ Offered Janelle (Green’s daughter), who is married to Seahawks defensive end Red Bryant, ‘This is just awesome, because I know how hard my dad works – with his charity event and everything with The Hutch – and how much the Seahawks mean to him. I’m glad to be able to share this with him.’ ”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com was asked about moving Mike Williams to tight end in a recent chat: “Mike Williams wouldn’t offer enough as a blocker. Plus, he is 230 pounds, too light for a tight end, and he has had trouble staying healthy. The team needs to add a real tight end. Visanthe Shiancoe is the most logical candidate by far among veteran free agents. He is 32, but he has not missed games.”
Peter King reviews the news of the week in his “Monday Morning Quarterback” at SI.com, including the passing of former NFL linebacker Junior Seau: “The best thing the NFL can do to honor Seau is to continue to hammer home the protective point that while it may not seem fair in all cases to fine defensive players huge money for hits on defenseless players, it has to be done if the league is going to prove it’s serious about making the game safer.”
Steve Kelley at the Seattle Times also writes on the aftermath of Seau’s death: “The shock of Seau’s apparent suicide last week sent more waves of anxiety, fear and sadness through the ranks of professional football. Seau was beloved. He was fun-loving. He was passionate. Knowing the joy with which he played, there was little doubt playing football was what he was meant to do. But it seemed life after the game was becoming more difficult for Seau. He was in pain, either emotionally or physically, a pain he apparently hid from family, friends and former teammates. ‘I’ve got to tell you, his death has gotten our attention,’ (former NFL QB Steve) Young said, ‘just because we probably are generally, as a group, much less likely to seek any help. That’s the nature of how we played and how we do it.’ “
The Sea Gals held their finals for the 2012 squad on Sunday, and Seahawks.com’s Tony Ventrella has a video report.
Jackson, Flynn cool with competition
Tarvaris Jackson realizes the Seahawks’ quarterback situation is all about competition this offseason.
“I’m not a GM, I’m not a head coach, so I can’t go pick exactly who they want. Or say, ‘Don’t get a quarterback,’ ” a smiling Jackson said today after the team’s non-OTA workout.
After the laughter subsided, Jackson added, “But that’s not how things work. So I’m just here to compete, and may the best man win.”
Or quarterback, in this case.
Matt Flynn, the backup to Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay the past four seasons, has started only two regular-season games in the NFL. And it will be Jackson who helps him prepare for the competition that has no timetable, coach Pete Carroll said.
“The competition is on,” Carroll offered. “Those guys are well informed about that and they understand that. It’s going to be really exciting to see that. It’s going to take us a while, and there’s no timeline.”
For his part, being able to compete for the starting job is why Flynn signed with the Seahawks.
“I come in here and now I get to compete and get the opportunity,” he said. “That’s what I came here for and that’s what I’m excited about.”
We’re off to see Marcus Trufant and Jacob Green be induced in the Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame. We’ll be back later with more on that function, as well as the Jackson/Flynn situation.
