Photoblog: Ten Memorable Action Images From the 2011 Season
Here’s a look back at ten of the most memorable meaningful action photos of the season.
Marshawn Lynch Flips into the End Zone (Seahawks vs. Atlanta, October 2, 2011).
Marshawn Lynch decided to "flip" himself into the end zone at the end of an 11-yard touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons at CenturyLink Field.
Seahawks defense forces Eli Manning to fumble (Seahawks at NY Giants, October 9, 2011)
Seattle's visit to New York resulted in one of their best victories of the season which featured Chris Clemons forcing Giants quarterback Eli Manning to fumble.
Doug Baldwin’s Crowd Silencing Touchdown (Seahawks at NY Giants, October 9, 2011)
Undrafted rookie Doug Baldwin played fearlessly against New York, and his 27-yard touchdown reception from Charlie Whitehurst with 2:37 left in the game silenced the pro-Giants crowd at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Brandon Browner’s Pick-Six Seals the Win (Seahawks at NY Giants, October 9, 2011)
With the Seahawks trying to protect a fragile lead late in the game at the New York Giants, the defensive backfield came up big in the final minutes. An Eli Manning pass intended for Victor Cruz was tipped by Kam Chancellor and intercepted by Brandon Browner, who raced 94-yards for a game-sealing touchdown.
Chris Clemons Smiling and Sacking (Seahawks at Chicago, December 18, 2012)
Chris Clemons smiles as he sacks Chicago quarterback Caleb Haney during Seattle's victory at Chicago. Clemons equaled his 2010 output with 11 sacks again in 2011.
Big Red Heads to the House (Seahawks at Chicago, December 18, 2011)
Big Red Bryant does his best high step as he returns an interception to the end zone for a touchdown in the Seahawks 38-14 victory at Soldier Field.
“Feetball” (Seahawks vs. San Francisco, December 24, 2011)
Seattle's Marshawn Lynch reaches the ball into the end zone amid a sea of feet for a touchdown during the divisional battle with the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas Eve at CenturyLink Field.
Heath Farwell’s Blocked Punt (Seahawks vs. San Francisco, December 24, 2011).
Heath Farwell joined the Seahawks during the 2011 season and made a huge impact on special teams. His blocked punt against San Francisco set up a touchdown by Marshawn Lynch, the first rushing touchdown the 49ers had given up all season.
D-Backs Double-Team (Seahawks at Arizona, January 1, 2012)
Cornerback Brandon Browner and safety Earl Thomas both earned Pro Bowl honors for the 2011 season, and plays like this double-team against Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald in Week 17 were part of the reason why.
Rocket Launches (Seahawks at Arizona, January 1, 2012)
Rookie Ricardo Lockette earned his way into the active roster in Week 16 and wasted no time making his mark. This juggling catch on a deep route resulted in a 61-yard touchdown against the Cardinals. His season totals? Two catches for 105 yards (52.5 ypc) and a touchdown. Expect big things from Lockette in 2012.
Wednesday cyber surfing: No news is good news
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Jan. 18:
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times wonders what he has missed the past two weeks, and answers his own query: Not much. Offers O’Neil: “For the first time since 2001, Seattle was not either a) in the playoffs, or b) making a significant front-office move. Seriously, go back, look it up. After the 2002 season, Mike Holmgren got defrocked of GM responsibilities. In 2003 through 2007, the Seahawks were in the postseason. After 2008, the Seahawks completed the world’s most ham-handed head-coaching transition from Holmgren to Jim Mora and after the following season, Pete Carroll was brought in as the Seahawks’ effectively hit the reset button. This has been a most uneventful offseason so far.”
Chris Clemons didn’t make Matt Williamson’s list at ESPN.com of the Top 5 pass-rushers in the league, but the Seahawks’ Leo end did get honorable mention.
Bucky Brooks at NFL.com ranks his Top 50 players for the April NFL Draft, including QBs at No. 1 (Andrew Luck) and No. 3 (Robert Griffin III) and a familiar running back at No. 50: “Chris Polk, Washington. Crafty runner with a workmanlike game that is built for the pros. He excels between the tackles, but is an underrated receiver capable of staying on the field as a three-down weapon.”
Also at NFL.com, Jamie Dukes breaks down his needs for each of the 32 teams and has this to say about the Seahawks: “Pied Piper Pete Carroll picked a pair of pickled quarterbacks. Though Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst haven’t been awful, their games have worms. See the above comments on serviceable quarterbacks (Kyle Orton and Matt Cassel are serviceable quarters in KC, but serviceable only wins Super Bowls once a millennium). Jamie’s Judgment: Find a franchise quarterback, wide receiver or cornerback.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we check in with rookies K.J. Wright and Ricardo Lockette, who had some flattering things to say about the 12th MAN crowd at CenturyLink Field after experiencing what they had been told about: “ ‘I loved it,’ Wright said as the players were cleaning out their cubicles in the locker room at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on Jan. 2. ‘Guys had told me about this crowd, but I wasn’t expecting this at all. This crowd has been amazing. It’s a blessing to play for this team because we get to play in front of that crowd.’ ”
There’s also a dandy video of Marshawn Lynch’s greatest hits from the 2011 season, as well as a blog item on the playoff success of the four NFC West teams that might surprise you: “Since 2004, the division the Seahawks share with the 49ers, Cardinals and Rams has won at least one playoff game in each of the eight postseasons – including the Seahawks from 2005-07 and again in 2010. No other division in the NFC can make that claim.”
The division-rival Rams have a new coach – Jeff Fisher – and Mike Sando at ESPN.com offers his first impressions from the introductory news conference including this one on Fisher’s immediate goal: “Fisher pointed to becoming competitive within the NFC West as his top priority. The Rams were 0-6 in the division this season. Fisher said he would field a “disciplined, tough, physical football team” that can win in the division. He wants to field a team that runs the ball, protects the quarterback and forces turnovers.” Welcome to the club, and the division, Jeff.
Photoblog: Overtime and Out.
The Seahawks traveled to the Valley of the Sun for the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams sought a victory to finish the season with an 8-8 record, but the Cardinals prevailed in overtime, 23-20.
The roster says he's a rookie but receiver Ricardo Lockette looked All-Pro in a three-piece suit as he boarded the team charter.
Upon arrival in Phoenix, Tarvaris Jackson walks from the plane to the buses in the warm sunshine.
On game day, injured left tackle Russell Okung talks with general manager John Schneider during the early warmup period.
Rookie receiver Doug Baldwin listens to music as they players make final preparations to take the field.
Players including Chris Maragos gather for their traditional team prayer shortly before leaving the locker room prior to kickoff.
Chris Clemons takes a moment to himself on the sidelines as the Seahawks wait for the Cardinals to be introduced.
Leon Washington is brought down after a gain in the first quarter.
Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson stiff-arms Arizona's Daryl Washington in the backfield.
Arizona's dangerous receiver Larry Fitzgerald is brought down by Seahawks linebacker David Hawthorne, who led Seattle's defense with nine tackles.
Seahawks defensive tackle Alan Branch breaks through to sack Arizona quarterback John Skelton.
Running back Leon Washington dives for the corner of the end zone to score Seattle's first touchdown on a 48-yard run in the third quarter.
Cornerback Brandon Browner (39) and safety Earl Thomas (29) both leap high to prevent a completion to Arizona's intended receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
David Hawthorne's hard hit on Arizona's Andre Roberts sent the Cardinal receiver's helmet flying.
Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman races down the left sideline after intercepting a pass that set up a Seattle field goal.
Atari Bigby put a big hit on Arizona's kickoff returner A.J. Jefferson with the help of Earl Thomas.
Seattle's biggest offensive highlight came when rookie receiver Ricardo Lockette made a juggling one-handed catch for a 61-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was pumped after Lockette's touchdown tied the game at 20-20 in the fourth quarter.
Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald showed why he's one of the best in the game, hauling in three catches on the final drive of overtime.
Seattle's Red Bryant had blocked three field goals already this season, but couldn't get his big hands on the final kick in overtime.
In the quiet locker room after the game, players brought their hands together for the final time of the 2011 season.
Head coach Pete Carroll spoke on the phone as the team boarded the charter bound for Seattle after the game.
Each member of the team's traveling party has a name plate above their seat, and the Seahawks Director of Video Thom Fermstad's was waiting for him on his final road trip. Fermstad is retiring after the season and has been with the club since Day One of its existence.
Cyber surfing: Monday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Jan. 2:
Steve Kelley at the Seattle Times looks at a very bright moment from the Seahawks’ 23-20 overtime loss to the Cardinals: “Tarvaris Jackson had all day to throw, which meant Ricardo Lockette had all day to run, and we’re starting to find out that when Lockette is running, amazing things can happen. Down 20-13 in the middle of the fourth quarter, Lockette streaked down the left sideline, gaining speed with every stride. He fought off cornerback Marshay Green with his right hand and somehow was able to keep his concentration and catch Jackson’s bomb in stride for a 61-yard game-tying touchdown. It was a truly remarkable play in the Seahawks’ unremarkable 23-20 season-ending overtime loss to Arizona. But more important, it just might have been the harbinger of many touchdown explosions to come from the free-agent rookie from Division II Fort Valley (Ga.) State.”
Also at the Times, Danny O’Neil looks at how the season finale mirrored the Seahawks’ season: “The game didn’t decide the fate of this Seahawks season. It mirrored it almost perfectly, though, from a first half that was packed with Seattle penalties but not much offense, to a second-half comeback that was impressive and unexpected, but ultimately futile. That story line of the Seahawks’ 23-20 overtime loss at Arizona on Sunday was pretty much the story of this whole year. ‘Typical of our season,’ quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said. ‘A slow start, us picking it up in the second half. Unfortunately we came up short, but I’m very proud of the guys in the locker room.’ “
Eric Williams at the News Tribune looks at Larry Fitzgerald’s latest big day against the Seahawks, as the Cardinals’ Pro Bowl wide receiver had eight catches for 148 yards in the second half and overtime: “And Fitzgerald took over the game when his team needed him most, in overtime, with the decision in the balance. He made an acrobatic catch for 26 yards in the middle of the field on a third-and-3 play. He also had two more catches on the drive, including a one-handed, 12-yard catch across the middle that put his team into field-goal position. ‘He is incredible,’ said Arizona quarterback John Skelton, who targeted Fitzgerald a game-high 18 times. ‘Whenever the ball is in his general direction, he makes plays. He makes your life as a quarterback much easier. The tenacity that he has when the ball is in the air is incredible, especially when it’s down in overtime like that and we need the yardage for the field goal.’ ”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com has a “Wrap-Up” of the Seahawks’ overtime loss to the Cardinals, and here’s what he liked: “This was another intense, physical battle between NFC West teams late in the season. Penalties are not something I would generally list under the “what I liked” category, but personal fouls against Brandon Browner, Richard Sherman, Paris Lenon, Early Doucet and Levi Brown reflected the spirited nature of this game. Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch continued to punish defenders with his aggressive running, breaking free from Calais Campbell and running over Daryl Washington on two early runs. He and Leon Washington gave the Seahawks another strong team outing on the ground (170-plus yards). Leon Washington’s 48-yard rushing touchdown and 47-yard kickoff return in overtime were key plays.”
Sando also takes a look at the 2012 opponents for each of the NFC West team, and has this to say about the Seahawks: “Another season, another trip to Chicago. The Seahawks will have played the Bears eight times since 2006, counting playoffs. The scheduling rotation sent the third-place team from the NFC East (Dallas) to the third-place team from the NFC West (Seattle). The Seahawks also drew the third-place team from the NFC South, which means they’ll be facing Cam Newton on the road. Also, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady are coming to CenturyLink Field. Will the Seahawks have a new quarterback? Marshawn Lynch gets to face his old team, Buffalo, on the road.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at the Seahawks’ 7-9 record this season being an improvement from last season’s 7-9 record: “Last season, their nine losses came by an average of 21 points; this season it was by an average of 9.8 points. Last year, the Seahawks lost games by 34 (to the Giants), 30 (to the Raiders) and 23 (to the Buccaneers) points. This year, their most lopsided losses were to the Steelers (24-0) and Bengals (34-12). In 2010, all their losses were by double-digits. This season, there were four losses by 10-plus points, but they also dropped games by two points (twice), three points (twice) and six points. On defense, they entered Sunday’s game ranked No. 9 in the league, after finishing 27th last season. On offense, the running game improved from 31st in 2010 to 21st entering their finale. ‘Without question, we’re a different team than we were last year,’ coach Pete Carroll said. ‘The way we’re playing. The margins we’re dealing with are so much better. Even when we got beat, we had chances to win.’ ”
We’ve also got our “Game at a Glance,” as well as Tony Ventrella’s video review.
For a look at the rest of the league on a wild final Sunday of the regular season, there’s Clark Judge’s “Judgements” at CBSSports.com; and Don Banks’ “Snap Judgments” at SI.com.
Cyber surfing: Friday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Dec. 30:
Eric Williams at the News Tribune looks at Tarvaris Jackson, who has done enough this season to be the incumbent QB for next season: “Asked this week who will start at quarterback for the 2012 Seahawks, coach Pete Carroll said he plans to stick with Tarvaris Jackson. ‘Yeah, that’s where we are,’ Carroll said. ‘… Now, that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to look at the draft really hard and all the opportunities. We’ll always do that at every position.’ The sixth-year pro will be in the second year of a two-year, $8 million contract. He’s 7-6 as a starter, passing for 2,869 yards and 13 touchdowns with 12 interceptions – all career bests. He thinks he’ll be even better with a full offseason of work.”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times offers his take on the same topic – Jackson as the QB in 2012: “Tarvaris Jackson will end this season Sunday in Arizona the same way he began it: as Seattle’s undisputed starting quarterback. Jackson outlasted the chants for backup Charlie Whitehurst early in the season. He came back from a strained pectoral muscle. He survived Seattle’s 2-6 start, more than 40 sacks at the hands of opponents, and he has started more games this season than any of his previous five. And after all that, coach Pete Carroll says he’s comfortable with Jackson as Seattle’s starter going forward. ‘That’s where we are,’ Carroll said. “That doesn’t mean that we’re not going to look at the draft really hard and all of the opportunities. We’ll always do that at every position. But (for) T-Jack, understanding what this season has been like for him is really important.’ “
Alex Marvez at FoxSports.com has this to say about Golden Tate after interviewing the Seahawks’ receiver on a radio show: “His heart wishes the Seattle Seahawks had two extra weeks to vie for the postseason. The rest of Golden Tate’s body knows better. If the NFL had its way, the regular season would grow from 16 to 18 games. Under such a scenario, the 2011 Seahawks (7-8) would still be in contention for a wild-card berth with three contests left to play. Instead, the playoffs are now a pipe dream after last Sunday’s 19-17 loss to San Francisco. Tate is saddened that his season will come to an end Sunday. But the second-year wide receiver also believes the ancillary effects inherent in a two-game expansion aren’t worth it. ‘You’re adding two more games, you’re adding two more weeks of practice also,’ Tate said. ‘For guys getting hit constantly, that will do nothing but shorten careers. I like the schedule the way it is right now – 16 games and you’ve got the playoffs. I don’t see any problem with it.’ ”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at Brandon Mebane, who has more tackles than any interior lineman in the NFC but whose tackles also are sometimes difficult to see: “The best way to put it is that Mebane makes a habit of making piles, with the ball carrier on the bottom and Mebane on top of him. There also are a couple of teammates, as well as a would-be blocker or two, in this mass of oversized humanity – protruding at various angles and attached from various directions. (Defensive line coach Todd) Wash smiles when that picture is painted and then offers, “It usually is in big glob of bodies. So it’s hard to see.”
We’ve also got a look at how Tom Cable handles his offensive linemen in “Thursday in Hawkville,” as well as Tony Ventrella’s video recap and his “Seahawks Insider” that this week features Ricardo Lockette.
And speaking of Lockette, Mike Sando at ESPN.com has “Five Observations” from last week’s loss to the 49ers, including: “No idea how that deep ball succeeded. The 49ers had to like their chances on the Seahawks’ second offensive play. Their Pro Bowl defensive end, Justin Smith, beat left guard Robert Gallery to the inside and was bearing down on quarterback Tarvaris Jackson right away. The 49ers had two about-to-be-minted Pro Bowlers, cornerback Carlos Rogers and free safety Dashon Goldson, shadowing an undrafted rookie receiver making his regular-season NFL debut. There is simply no way Jackson-to-Lockette should beat three Pro Bowlers for a 44-yard gain. Jackson gets credit for hanging tough and delivering the ball just as Smith was about to blast him. Lockette gets credit for catching a ball Rogers contested well. This was exactly the type of play Seattle needed early against a tough defense.”
Also at ESPN.com, Duff McKagan touches on his beloved Seahawks while answering readers’ questions: “It just seems that rock ‘n’ roll and sports go hand in hand for whatever reason. The Seahawks have made great improvement throughout this second half of the season, but alas, 10-6 was not our lot. Here is hoping for a .500 season anyways!”
For a look at the rest of the league, there’s John Clayton’s “First and 10” at ESPN.com; and Peter King’s “Weekend Pickoff” at SI.com.
Thursday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 29:
FOCUS ON
The rush continues. How is it that the Seahawks have been able to run for 100-plus yards in six of their past seven games, while losing three starting linemen during this stretch?
The linemen point to Tom Cable, while the team’s first-year assistant head coach/offensive line coach points to his system – and his approach to those who make the blocks that have helped Marshawn Lynch rush for a league-high 855 yards in the past eight games.
Breno Giacomini (for right tackle James Carpenter), Paul McQuistan (first for right guard John Moffitt and now for left tackle Russell Okung) and Lemuel Jeanpierre (for Moffitt) have been able to step in with the running game missing nary a beat because they’ve been treated like starters since training camp opened in late July.
“It’s the teaching, the coaching,” Giacomini said when asked the key to unlocking the continued success in the running game. “Every guy in the room prepares like they’re the starter, especially seeing all this change.”
Giacomini said his “moment” with Cable came during the second week of the season, when the Seahawks were not running the ball well but Cable stuck to his plan.
“That’s when I was like, ‘OK, I’m really going to listen to everything this guy says – every sentence; every “i” he dots and every “t” he crosses,” Giacomini said. “It’s been gradual, but you could see it pretty quick.”
It’s just the way Cable always has coached the position, and always will. And that starts with always treating all the linemen the same.
“I never have liked, or understood, how you can make this guy ‘all that,’ or this guy ‘all that,’ ” Cable said. “It’s B.S. to me. They’re all just tough guys who work hard, and want to get a job, and play professional football. So I think they ought to be treated that way.
“In our room, there’s no one bigger or greater than anyone else.”
With the possible exception of Cable, who has proved to be one the Seahawks’ best “gets” in a year where they’ve made 231 transactions.
ON THE FIELD
The players practiced for 105 minutes in the indoor practice facility as they continued to prepare for Sunday’s season finale against the Cardinals in Arizona. Linebacker Leroy Hill, rookie cornerback Byron Maxwell, practice-squad corner Coye Francies and cornerback Brandon Browner came up with interceptions on the final Turnover Thursday of the season. Browner made his in the end zone, while Maxwell’s came off a ball that was tipped by defensive end Chris Clemons.
IN ’N OUT
Leading tackler David Hawthorne and starting split end Ben Obomanu sat out practice for the second day, and were joined this afternoon by Giacomini and defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove.
With Giacomini out, Allen Barbre and Jarriel King got work at right tackle with the No. 1 line. K.J. Wright and Heath Farwell continued to replace Hawthorne at middle linebacker.
Obomanu ran sprints as well as routes on the side under the supervision of assistant trainer Donald Rich.
Here’s the official injury report:
Did not practice
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
WR Ben Obomanu (knee)
OT Breno Giacomini (abdominal)
DT Anthony Hargrove (calf)
Full participation
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
DT Clinton McDonald (concussion)
LB Malcolm Smith (concussion)
For the Cardinals:
Did not practice
OT Brandon Keith (ankle)
CB Patrick Peterson (Achilles)
Limited participation
S Rashad Johnson (knee)
QB Kevin Kolb (head)
RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (hamstring)
RB Chris Wells (knee)
S Kerry Rhodes (ankle)
Full participation
CB Michael Adams (shoulder)
S Sean Considine (foot)
Rhodes got some work today after being sidelined on Wednesday, and it’s looking like John Skelton will get the nod over Kolb because the Cardinals’ starting QB continues to be bothered by concussion-like symptoms.
STAT DU JOUR
The Seahawks’ defense heads into Sunday’s season finale with a chance to do something only five other defenses in franchise history have accomplished: Finish in the Top 10 in the league in average yards allowed. If they pull it off, it will be the first time since 1997 it has happened. The Seahawks currently rank No. 9, allowing an average of 328.5 yards – only 2 yards fewer than the 10th-ranked Browns and 6.6 fewer than the 11th-ranked Chargers. The Cardinals are averaging 354.2 yards, so …
Here’s a look at how this year’s unit stacks up against the other Seahawk defenses that ranked in the Top 10:
Year Rank; average yards allowed
1984 No. 6; 310.2
1990 No. 9; 288.1
1991 No. 8; 293.9
1992 No. 10; 286.4
1997 No. 8; 303.1
2011 No. 9; 328.5
UP NEXT
The final Friday of the regular season. The players will have a walk-through, practice and meetings in their final full day of preparation for Sunday’s season finale.
YOU DON’T SAY
“ ‘Lock’ came a long way. He was kind of a deer in headlights when he first got here; just running real fast. Like Forrest Gump, just running. Just running. He’s gotten better throughout the season. He’s come out here and worked real hard every day. You see every day; he’s making a great catch or outrunning somebody. That shows his ability. But he’s building on it and working on the mental aspects of it. He’s come a long way since Day One of training camp. He’s got a long ways to go. But he can definitely do it.” – QB Tarvaris Jackson on rookie free agent wide receiver Ricardo Lockette
Photoblog: A Close One on Christmas Eve
The Seahawks hoped to continue their five-game winning streak with a Christmas Eve game against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field. Santa hats were everywhere, but the 49ers played the part of the Grinch and escaped with a hard-fought 19-17 victory, essentially eliminating the Seahawks from playoff contention.
Seahawks fans were both in the Christmas spirit and the Skittles spirit as they hoped for a big day from Skittles-loving running back Marshawn Lynch.
In the locker room, Lynch prepared a new pair of Skittles-themed Nike shoes for the game.
Seahawks receiver Golden Tate is introduced to a raucous crowd at CenturyLink Field.
Rookie wide receiver Ricardo Lockette was active for the first time in his young career, and wasted no time making his mark by hauling in a deep ball from Tarvaris Jackson.
San Francisco defensive back Carlos Rogers didn't make it easy, fighting for the ball as Lockette landed with a 44-yard reception on the second play from scrimmage.
Receiver Doug Baldwin celebrates after scoring on a 13-yard touchdown reception from Tarvaris Jackson, giving the Seahawks an early 7-0 lead.
Richard Sherman kept San Francisco's Michael Crabtree from making a catch on a deep ball in the first quarter.
Doug Baldwin flies towards the first down marker after a reception from Tarvaris Jackson.
Shoes were a hot topic but not these cleats as Marshawn Lynch (right) tried to stretch the ball over the goal line just before halftime. After an official's review, the ball was placed at the one-yard line.
Seattle's defense, including Chris Clemons, chased San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith all afternoon, but Smith's ability to buy time kept many 49ers drives alive.
Linebacker K.J. Wright tackles 49ers running back Frank Gore from behind for one of his four tackles.
Seattle's special teams came up big when Heath Farwell blocked a punt by San Francisco's Andy Lee in the fourth quarter.
Marshawn Lynch made sure the Seahawks capitalized on the turnover as he raced into the end zone from four yards out to give the Seahawks a 17-16 lead.
Lynch celebrated with Ricardo Lockette as Skittles rained down into the end zone after the touchdown.
Members of the Seahawks grounds crew used blowers in an effort to remove the Skittles from the field.
After a San Francisco field goal gave them the lead at 19-17, Seattle tried to rally but a fumble by Tarvaris Jackson ended hopes.
Doug Baldwin sat alone on the bench in the waning minutes.
Earl Thomas walks dejectedly towards the Seahawks locker room after the game.
Seattle's locker room was somber after the defeat, but head coach Pete Carroll reminded them how far they'd come this season and that they still had the opportunity to finish strong next week in Arizona.
Cyber surfing: Thursday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Dec. 15:
Jerry Brewer at the Seattle Times offers some advice as the suddenly surging Seahawks enter their final three games, starting with Sunday’s matchup against the Bears in Chicago: “You can still hear the noise if you listen closely. It’s a muffled protest now, not the passionate shout that it used to be. That’s because the outdated idea — tank games, draft high — isn’t just counterintuitive for Seahawks fans anymore. Now that the Seahawks have won four of five games and made something of this season, it’s also counterproductive. Why oppose winning now just to see if a lose-to-win experiment could spur success after prolonged heartache, disappointment and humiliation?”
Also at the Times, Danny O’Neil looks at how the Seahawks’ run-oriented offensive attack is bucking the trend in the pass-happy NFL: “The Seahawks aren’t swimming upstream against the NFL’s prevailing current. They’re running into it. Repeatedly. The Seahawks have spent the better part of the last six games handing the ball to running back Marshawn Lynch and running headlong against the trend that the NFL is becoming a passing league.”
Dave Boling at the News Tribune evokes the P-word – and it’s not Pete, as the Seahawks coach isn’t the one talking playoffs: “Pete Carroll is not about to discourage his team – or anybody else, for that matter – if they want to get excited about a long-shot possibility. Even if that includes a mid-December mention of slender postseason odds. ‘It’s natural to have the conversation as long as the focus is here to do the work every day,’ the coach of the Seahawks said Wednesday. ‘They can talk like that. If they get out of whack with it, I’ll (tell) them it isn’t what we can control. We can only do something this week. It’s a long ways away still.’ ”
Also at the New Tribune, Eric Williams looks at the Bears’ offense that is missing running back Matt Forte and QB Jay Cutler as it prepares for the Seahawks’ defense: “The NFL’s Mad Scientist, Chicago offensive coordinator Mike Martz, has had to reel in his aggressive nature of late with the absence of quarterback Jay Cutler, who’s out for at least the last three games of the regular season with a broken right thumb on his throwing hand. Instead, the Bears have leaned on an improved ground game with backup quarterback Caleb Hanie leading the offense. Still, that offense has failed to muster enough yardage to close out games, losing three straight. Playing behind a makeshift offensive line and without his top offensive weapon – running back Matt Forte, unavailable because of an MCL sprain – Hanie has predictably struggled.”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald looks at how the once “soft” Seahawks are making things hard on opposing defenses with their running game: “Through seven games, Seattle ranked second to last in the league in rushing, and with the run game struggling, had fluctuated back and forth between running a no-huddle offense. Prior to that game in Dallas, (Tom) Cable, Carroll and the rest of the offensive coaches got together and a made a decision — no matter how it turned out, the Seahawks were going to run the ball. They were going to have an identity as a physical, run-oriented offense.”
Tim Booth at the Associated Press, via PI.com, stays with that theme: “The stretch of success has thrust Marshawn Lynch into the spotlight. Lynch leads the league in rushing over the past six weeks with 706 yards and five games of at least 100 yards, including 115 in Monday night’s win over St. Louis.”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com has his weekly look at injury situations that matter in the NFC West, including this rundown on the Seahawks: “Linebacker Leroy Hill practiced fully Wednesday despite a neck injury, a good sign for Seattle given the team’s depth issues at the position. Linebacker David Hawthorne rested his injured knee, no surprise. He’s playing with an MCL injury that needs monitoring. Receiver Doug Baldwin (ankle), left guard Robert Gallery (hip) and defensive end Raheem Brock (calf) did not practice. They were expected to play Sunday against the Bears. Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson remained a full participant in practice despite his pectoral injury. Jackson seems to be getting stronger.”
Sando also looks at the latest totals from fan balloting for the Pro Bowl, with punter Jon Ryan and safety Kam Chancellor sitting third at their respective positions.
Here at Seahawks.com, we check in with the newest member of the 53-man roster, rookie wide receiver Ricardo Lockette: “As Ricardo Lockette sat in the dentist chair on Tuesday, he broke into tears. An exposed nerve during a root canal? No just a call from Seahawks general manager John Schneider informing the rookie wide receiver that he was being elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. ‘He was like, ‘Congratulations, we’re moving you up,’ Lockette said Wednesday. ‘Tears immediately started to flow, because it’s been such a tough road for me. Once I got that news, man …’ Lockette paused before adding, ‘I can’t explain it. Best day of my life.’ ”
There’s also a look back at Monday night’s victory over the Rams in Ben Malcolmson’s “From the Sidelines,” as well as recaps of Wednesday in “Wednesday in Hawkville” and Tony Ventrella’s video review.
Wednesday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 14:
FOCUS ON
A banner day. The indoor practice facility at VMAC got a touch of CenturyLink Field as banners from the Seahawks’ division and conference championship seasons are now hanging from the rafters on the north wall.
The players consider it a nice touch, as well as a motivational move – especially those who have been a part of more than last season’s NFC West title team. Linebacker Leroy Hill also was around for the division and conference champion in 2005, we well as the NFC West titles in 2006 and 2007.
“They’re cool, man,” Hill said. “I’ve been a part of three straight – ’05, ’06, ’07. I like the concept. It’s something you can look at while you’re practicing and it’s sort of like a motivation.”
The other banners are from the AFC West division titles in 1988 and 1999 and the NFC West title in 2004.
“They just make it look better,” Hill said. “They fill up some of that empty space.”
ON THE FIELD
The players practiced outside in 40-degree weather to get ready for Sunday’s game against the Bears in Chicago, where the forecast is calling for a high of 45 degrees. They worked without pads or helmets for 85 minutes.
Center Max Unger and right tackle Breno Giacomini were the only ones in shorts as well as without long sleeves.
PLAYER WATCH
Doug Baldwin. Five minutes of firsts in Monday night’s victory over the Rams have earned the rookie his first NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor.
Baldwin returned the opening kickoff, his first in a regular season game, for 37 yards on a reverse. He then downed his first punt in the NFL by catching Jon Ryan’s 34-yarder at the Rams’ 6-yard line. Baldwin then blocked his first NFL punt, on the ensuing series, which Michael Robinson returned 17 yards for the Seahawks’ first TD.
All in the first five minutes of the game.
Baldwin took his big night on national TV the way he has everything else he’s accomplished this season, which includes leading the team in receptions (45) and receiving yards (718): In stride.
“The plays that were given to me, the opportunities I was given, I expect to take full advantage of,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin is the third Seahawk to be honored in the past four games. Middle linebacker David Hawthorne (last week) and defensive end Chris Clemons (Week 11) were selected Defensive Player of the Week. The last Seahawk to win the special teams category was Ryan in Week 17 last season – also against the Rams. Kickoff returner Leon Washington (Week 3) and former kicker Olindo Mare (Week 7) also were honored last season.
OPPONENT WATCH
Brian Urlacher. The Bears’ middle linebacker is 33 and in his 12th NFL season, but the native of Pasco continues to play at the highest level.
“He’s unusual,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said today. “Most people don’t have the talent that Brian has. He’s just one of those guys – a gifted athlete that comes around every once in a while. So you start with that. He takes great care of himself in the offseason and during the season. He’s a student of the game.
“Around here, everyone has a history and everyone knows Brian’s history as a football player. He’s a special guy to have on the team. He’s done so much for us.”
Urlacher’s resume includes being selected NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2005), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2000), as well as voted to seven Pro Bowls. He also is the Bears’ all-time leading tackler (1,556).
IN ’N OUT
Hawthorne and left guard Robert Gallery sat out practice. Rookie K.J. Wright moved inside to replace Hawthorne, with rookie Mike Morgan stepping in on the strong side for Wright. Allen Barbre and Jarriel King split time at left guard for Gallery.
Defensive end Raheem Brock and Baldwin also did not practice.
Here’s the official injury report:
Did not practice
WR Doug Baldwin (ankle)
DE Raheem Brock (calf)
OG Robert Gallery (hip)
MLB David Hawthorne (knee)
Full participation
CB Kennard Cox (hamstring)
LB Leroy Hill (neck)
QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
OT Jarriel King (hamstring)
For the Bears:
Did not practice
LB Lance Briggs (not injury related)
QB Jay Cutler (right thumb)
RB Matt Forte (knee)
DT Henry Melton (shin)
CB Charles Tillman (knee)
Limited participation
OG Edwin Williams (calf)
S Major Wright (shoulder)
The Seahawks also filled the opening on their 53-man roster by signing rookie wide receiver Ricardo Lockette from the practice squad. Defensive back Coy Fancies was signed to the practice squad.
STAT DU JOUR
It’s not so much that Devin Hester returns punts for touchdowns, it’s how often the Bears’ return specialist has done it (12), how long they’ve been (eight of 70-plus yards) and how many teams he has done it against (nine). He started in 2006 as rookie and still is at it this season, his sixth in the league. Here’s a look at his NFL-record dozen scoring returns on punts:
Date (opponent) Length
Sept. 10, 2006 (Packers) 84
Oct. 16, 2006 (Cardinals) 83
Dec. 3, 2006 (Vikings) 45
Sept. 16, 2007 (Chiefs) 73
Oct. 17, 2007 (Vikings) 89
Nov. 25, 2007 (Broncos) 75
Dec. 30, 2007 (Saints) 64
Sept. 27, 2010 (Packers) 62
Oct. 17, 2010 (Seahawks) 89
Dec. 20, 2010 (Vikings) 64
Oct. 2, 2011 (Panthers) 73
Nov. 13, 2011 (Lions) 82
CLARIFICATION
The touchdown Robinson scored on Baldwin’s blocked punt was not the first of his six-season NFL career, just the first of his two seasons with the Seahawks. Robinson scored two touchdowns in 2006, during his rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers.
Both came on 1-yard runs, and in the same game – Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. So Robinson went four full seasons and large parts of two others, not to mention 89 games, between trips to the end zone.
UP NEXT
The players will practice an hour earlier on Thursday, and then hold a Friday morning workout before the team flies to Chicago for Sunday’s game.
YOU DON’T SAY
“I don’t know if there’s anything worse than a bear with a bad tooth.” – coach Pete Carroll on facing a Chicago team that has lost its past three games
Lockette added to 53-man roster
Ricardo Lockette’s wait ended today when the rookie wide receiver was signed off the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Lockette fills the spot that opened Tuesday when cornerback Ron Parker was placed on injured reserve.
Asked what Lockette’s role would be, coach Pete Carroll smiled and offered, “Fast guy.”
That’s because Lockette won the Division II National Championship in the 200 meters in 2008 while at Fort Valley State.
As for the pecking order at wide receiver, where the team already has Doug Baldwin, Mike Williams, Golden Tate, Ben Obomanu and Deon Butler, Carroll added, “Right now, Ricardo is the next guy up.”
