On this date: Steve Largent elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame
A look at some memorable moments in Seahawks history that occurred on Jan. 28:
1993: Howard Mudd is named offensive line coach on Tom Flores’ staff. Mudd had held the same position with the Seahawks from 1978-82.
1995: Steve Largent is elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Largent had retired after the 1989 season as the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (819), receiving yards (13,089) and touchdown catches (100). Largent already had been inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor (1989) and his No. 80 was retired in 1995.
2000: Ted Thompson is named vice president of football operations.
On this date: Seahawks trio leads AFC to Pro Bowl win
A look at a memorable moment in Seahawks history that occurred on Jan. 27:
1985: Fredd Young blocks a punt to set up a touchdown, Norm Johnson kicks two field goals and Kenny Easley has a game-high 10 tackles as the AFC wins the Pro Bowl 22-14. The Seahawks’ largest Pro Bowl contingent in franchise history also includes Steve Largent, Dave Krieg, Joe Nash and Dave Brown.
‘Ohana Day in Hawkville: Getting Marshawn Lynch to talk can be as difficult as trying to tackle him
Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch & Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh
HONOLULU – Hawkville has moved to Paradise this week, as the Seahawks have six players preparing to participate in the Pro Bowl on Sunday at Aloha Stadium. Today was ’Ohana Day at the stadium. ’Ohana? It means family in Hawaiian, in an extended sense of the term. And today’s practices were open to the public:
FOCUS ON
Marshawn Lynch. So, how is the Seahawks’ Beast Mode running back enjoying his third Pro Bowl experience?
“It’s great,” Lynch said at the conclusion of the NFC practice at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Thursday. “Except for the media.”
That was typical, as Lynch would rather let his actions speak for him. And during the 2012 season, he was downright boisterous while producing career-high totals in rushing yards (1,590), average per carry (5.0) and 100-yard rushing games (10).
While he has shied away from interviews this week, Lynch has displayed just the right mix of sass and wit, as well as charisma, while dealing with his teammates and the fans.
Now that those defenders in the NFC are his teammates rather than opponents who are trying to tackle a back who does everything in his considerable power to prevent that from happening, that is.
“He’s a great running back, so it’s a good feeling when you get him down obviously,” Ndamukong Suh, the Lions’ defensive tackle, said after today’s practice. “He’s one of those guys who just runs the ball really hard.
“He’s a rare breed of a back. He’s compact, and strong, and fast. At the same time. He can beat you on the edge. He can beat you up the middle. He’s a great combination of everything you’d want in a running back.”
When asked what it was like to try and tackle Lynch, Bears cornerback Charles Tillman offered, “It’s hard, because he’s a very powerful running back. He’s very strong. So it’s doable, but it’s hard.”
Lynch did agree to do one interview after practice today – with the Cartoon Network.
“It’s great to get a chance to meet everybody, because you play against so many of them during the season,” Lynch said. “So now is a time to kick back and enjoy the festivities and meet all the players.”
And Lynch’s favorite Cartoon Network character? “I used to watch Johnny Bravo,” he said.
A RAINBOW BACKDROP
Aloha Stadium is the home field for the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, and today several thousand fans were wearing a rainbow of NFL jerseys. A quick scan detected the colors of more than two dozen NFL teams – and the Seahawks were among those teams with the most fans.
It comes with growing up in The Islands. Just ask Seahawks center Max Unger, who grew up on the Big Island.
“There’s no pro team in Hawaii, so you just kind of pick one,” Unger said before today’s practice, explaining that his uncle has been a lifelong Vikings fan. “Then you’re a big fan of that team. So when you look in the crowd, you’ve probably got every team in the league represented here in a very small group. So it’s pretty cool.”
Not to mention colorful.
WILSON TO … MONIZ?
Following the NFC practice, Seahawks rookie QB Russell Wilson aired it out to some fans who had been selected for a “Play Catch with a Quarterback Experience.” Among them was James Moniz, who made a juggling catch of a deep ball from Wilson.
“I made one catch, dropped three,” Moniz said with a laugh as he was trying to catch his breath. “I thought we were just going to play catch, and he’s got us running deep routes.”
That’s Wilson. But that’s also why Moniz has become a fan of the QB, despite being a fan of the Dolphins.
“Russell Wilson is awesome,” Moniz said. “I have lots of friends from Wisconsin who are Badgers. So we’ve been cheering for him the last couple of years.”
LET’S GET MORE PHYSICAL
The message has been delivered by the league and received by the players: The effort level in tomorrow’s game must increase if the Pro Bowl is to continue.
“I plan on playing,” Seahawks kick returner Leon Washington said. “I plan on coming out here and having fun. But have respect for the game and play this game hard. We’re trying to win this game – NFC, and let’s beat this AFC team.”
Is that possible when Priority One remains not getting injured, or injuring anyone else?
“Hopefully guys take care of each other, but at the same time play hard,” Washington said.
How fine is that line? “You treat it like a thud practice,” Washington said. “You go hard. But I talked to one of the Green Bay coaches (who are coaching the NFC squad). For instance, say if you’re tackling a guy and you know you can have him in a vulnerable position. OK, tackle him. But other than that, between the plays, play full speed, play hard and go out there and protect yourself.”
STAT DU JOUR
Champ Bailey is at his 12th Pro Bowl, which has allowed the Broncos’ cornerback to climb to the top of a very impressive list. Here are the players who have been voted to double-digit Pro Bowls since 1971:
Player Pro Bowls
OG Randall McDaniel 12
OG Will Shields 12
CB Champ Bailey 12
QB Peyton Manning 11
DE Reggie White 11
TE Tony Gonzalez 11
LB Junior Seau 11
CB/S Rod Woodson 11
LB Lawrence Taylor 10
S Ronnie Lott 10
LB Mike Singletary 10
OL Bruce Matthews 10
WR Jerry Rice 10
LB Ray Lewis 10
Where’s Walter? Left tackle Walter Jones holds the Seahawks’ franchise record with nine Pro Bowl berths. Hall of Fame defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy is next with eight, while Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve Largent is next with seven.
STAT DU JOUR, PART DEUX
Since the NFL moved the Pro Bowl to the Sunday before the Super Bowl in 2010, an average of 29 players who were voted the game have not participated in the past four Pro Bowls. In 2009, when the Pro Bowl was played the Sunday after the Super Bowl, 11 players decided not to participate.
This year, there are 31 players not participating – 15 from the 49ers (nine) and Ravens (six), who will play in the Super Bowl next Sunday; and 16 others, including all three quarterbacks who were voted to the NFC squad.
These nuggets were gleaned from … The Wall Street Journal.
UP NEXT
The game, of course. That’s what this week is all about. Kickoff on Sunday is set for 2 p.m. here, or 4 p.m. in Seattle.
YOU DON’T SAY, SEAHAWKS EDITION
“It wasn’t too far out there for me. Probably for a lot of other people. But I always believe in myself and I always believe in my talent.” – Russell when asked if it was “too far out there” to imagine that he would conclude his rookie season by playing in the Pro Bowl
YOU DON’T SAY, NFC EDITION
“We as players feel like we owe it to our fans to play better than we did last year. It’s an honor and it’s a privilege to be here. I don’t want to be a part of taking this honor and this privilege away from the future Pro Bowlers. I don’t want that to happen on my watch.” – Tillman
12th Man greets Seahawks Six at Pro Bowl practice
HONOLULU – Along the fence that separated the fans from the Pro Bowl players they had come to see was Jason Higashionna.
In a crowd estimated at 1,500 that gathered for today’s practices by the NFC and AFC teams that will participate in Sunday’s game, Higashionna was front and center. He was wearing a No. 91 Chris Clemons jersey and standing underneath a 12th Man flag.
Let’s just say that Hawaiian-born-and-raised Higashionna has not only connections, but a friend who was willing to show up at 2 a.m. at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to insure their prime viewing spot and also, well, here’s what Higashionna had to say about his flag.
“The Sea Gals gave me that flag when they came through for a Pacific Rim tour,” he said, smiling despite the rain that started to fall as the NFC squad took the field and turned into soaking showers by the time the AFC got its turn.
Higashionna then pulled out his phone and produced a picture of him surrounded by members of the Seahawks’ dance team.
“They gave me that flag,” he said. “And it was an awesome experience.”
Higashionna was among the largest pocket of several groups of Seahawks fans who turned out to see the Sea-Six – the team’s Pro Bowl contingent that includes left tackle Russell Okung, center Max Unger, running back Marshawn Lynch, quarterback Russell Wilson, kick returner Leon Washington and free safety Earl Thomas.
But he is no 12th Man-come-lately.
“I’m diehard Seahawks fan,” he said. “I fell in love with them when I watched (Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve) Largent play.”
He then turned to several others in his group and offered with a laugh, “I appreciate all these guys jumping on the bandwagon. They see the light, and I’m happy to see that.”
They also detected the lightheartedness of his comment, as it was greeted by a rowdy round of laughter.
But while half a dozen members of his team came to Higashionna this week, Matt Darlington and Ryan and John Towner came from the Mainland to see the Seahawks’ Pro Bowl Six.
“We flew over just to support our guys,” Darlington said.
After their on-field session was completed, the players “worked” the fence. They signed autographs on everything from jerseys, to Pro Bowl helmets and footballs, to a baby – yes, one fan had Wilson autograph his child. They posed for pictures. They chatted with the fans who must have felt like they were watching a practice in Renton rather than Paradise.
One fan frustrated by his inability to get Wilson’s attention broke into his best Tom Hanks’ impersonation from “Cast Away,” as he repeatedly bellowed, “Wil-l-lson-n-n. Wil-l-lson-n-n.”
“This is a great experience,” Wilson said as he was walking back across the field to the buses that were waiting to take the NFC squad back to its resort – and as the drenched fans continued to call his name.
“It’s a privilege to be here.”
On this date: Pro Bowl comes to the Kingdome
A look at a memorable moment in Seahawks history that occurred on Jan. 17:
1977: A splash of pre-Hawaii Pro Bowl comes to the Kingdome as Seattle hosts the NFL’s all-star game before a record crowd of 63,214. The AFC wins 24-14 as player of the game Mel Blount intercepts two passes, including one in the end zone; Ken Anderson passes for two touchdowns and O.J. Simpson runs for a third. But the Seahawks do not have a representative in the game, as Steve Largent becomes the franchise’s first Pro Bowl player in 1978.
Friday in Hawkville: Steve Largent Award is one honor that Russell Wilson embraces
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Jan. 4:
FOCUS ON
Russell Wilson. The Seahawks’ rookie quarterback is not into individual honors. He either pooh-poohs them, or uses them as an excuse to share the credit with his linemen, and his backs, and his receivers, and his coaches.
That was the case on Thursday, when he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for December; and also earlier this season, when he was selected NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
But Wilson also has been voted the Steve Largent Award winner by his teammates. He got the trophy that goes with the award before last week’s regular-season finale against the Rams at CenturyLink Field. He had not discussed what winning the award that has been presented annually to the player or coach who “best exemplifies the spirit, dedication and integrity of the Seahawks” means to him until this week – when the Seahawks have been preparing for Sunday’s NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Redskins at FedExField.
“To be voted the Steve Largent Award is an amazing award,” Wilson said. “Obviously Steve Largent is one of the best, if not the best, Seahawk players to play all-time and is a tremendous human being. So for the players and the organization to vote me the Steve Largent Award is pretty unbelievable to me and it’s very, very exciting.
“It’s a tribute to my faith, I believe, and also to my parents and just my teammates I have around me.”
He is the first rookie to win the honor, and his first-year status went into the thought process of those who voted for him.
“Just being around him and seeing what type of person he is, how strong he is in his religion,” wide receiver Golden Tate said. “He is a rookie quarterback, and you know how hard it is with all the criticism that comes with being not only a quarterback but a rookie quarterback. So for him to still find a way to show up every day with a positive attitude and become a leader so quickly, and lead this team to an 11-5 record and into the playoffs, how can you deny that?”
BLUE FRIDAY
Not boo-hoo Blue, but woo-hoo Blue. Hawkville was expanded today to include the top of the Space Needle and even the skies over the Seattle area as the Seahawks were given the royal-blue treatment as a sendoff for Sunday’s game.
A huge 12th Man flag was run up the flag pole atop the Space Needle this morning by a rockin’ contingent that included Jason Finn of Presidents of the United States of America, Nick Harmer and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, Macklemore, Tendai ‘Baba’ Maraire Shabazz Palaces and Scott Mercado of Candlebox. Seattle mayor Mike McGinn also was on hand.
Another 12th Man flag was towed behind a plane along the I-405 corridor from 2-3 p.m.
“I’m sure (the fans) are jacked up,” coach Pete Carroll said today after practice. “We’ve shared so much excitement in the years we’ve been here already. I’m sure everybody is pumped up about it. … It should be a lot of excitement. Hopefully we can deliver for them. I’d love to bring it back home with a win behind us and we’re ready to go to the next level.”
INJURY REPORT
The official end-of-the-week status report, as issued by the team:
Probable
CB Jeremy Lane (knee)
RB Marshawn Lynch (back)
The Seahawks couldn’t be much healthier heading into their playoff opener, with Lane practicing today on a limited basis after sitting out Thursday because of a sore knee. “We’re very, very fortunate,” Carroll said. “You’re going to look at, I think, the same 11 on both sides that started the season. I can’t remember that happening.”
Leroy Hill is ready to go, Carroll said, and will split time at weakside linebacker with Malcolm Smith. Also back is cornerback Brandon Browner, who returned Monday from his four-game suspension. He will start on the right side against the Redskins.
For the Redskins:
Out
CB Dominique Johnson (knee) was placed on IR
Questionable
OG Kory Lichtensteiger (ankle)
S DeJon Gomes (knee)
Probable
LB Lorenzo Alexander (shoulder)
DE Stephen Bowen (biceps)
QB Kirk Cousins (illness)
LB London Fletcher (ankle)
WR Pierre Garcon (foot)
QB Robert Griffin III (knee)
CB DeAngelo Hall (elbow)
LB Ryan Kerrigan (ankle)
C Will Montgomery (knee)
WR Josh Morgan (hand, foot)
S Jordan Pugh (ankle)
P Saverio Rocca (right knee)
S Madieu Williams (elbow)
STAT DU JOUR
Wilson and the Redskins’ Robert Griffin III put up numbers during the regular season that where impressive for any quarterback, and exceptional for rookie QBs – not to mention eerily similar in some categories. Here’s a comparison:
Category Wilson Griffin
Victories 11 9
Attempts 393 393
Completions 252 258
Completion percentage .641 .656
Passing yards 3,118 3,200
300-yard passing games 0 3
Touchdown passes 26 20
Interceptions 10 5
Passer rating 100.0 102.4
Rushing yards 489 815
Rushing average 5.2 6.8
Rushing touchdowns 4 7
UP NEXT
The team flew to Baltimore on Friday following the players’ midday practice. They will hold their Saturday walkthrough in the D.C. area.
The winner of Sunday’s game will advance to the divisional round of the playoffs next weekend.
YOU DON’T SAY, NATIONAL EDITION
“One of the most anticipated Wild Card games I can remember. How stunning it is to see two rookie quarterbacks ranked 3-4 in quarterback rating (ahead of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger), meeting in the postseason in their rookie years, piloting non-playoff teams from last year with a combined 21 wins? I pick Seattle because of quarterback health and defensive secondary. Each team has a bruising running back who could take over the game and rush for 150. Each team has enough front-seven weapons to make it hot for the rookie QBs. But Russell Wilson will be more evasive, if recent play stands up, because Robert Griffin III is slightly slowed from his Dec. 9 knee sprain against Baltimore. And with Brandon Browner returning to pair with the non-suspended Richard Sherman, the Seattle secondary is back at full strength just in time.” – Peter King at SI.com, who’s obviously “All In” in picking a 24-22 Seahawks victory on Sunday
YOU DON’T SAY, LOCAL EDITION
“Wasn’t that when Ronald Reagan was President? Really. Come on now. None of these guys even had a clue. They don’t know who Ronald Reagan is. So that should shed some light on how much that factors in.” – Carroll, when asked about the Seahawks not having won a playoff game on the road since 1983
Thursday in Hawkville: Brandon Browner excited to be back and heading to the playoffs
A recap of the events at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Jan. 3:
FOCUS ON
Brandon Browner. The Seahawks’ right cornerback returned from his four-game suspension on Monday, practiced with the team for the first time in a month on Wednesday and today he fielded questions from the media at his cubicle in the locker room before practice.
“It’s really exciting,” Browner said. “I’m glad to be back out here with my team. Enjoying that.”
Browner returned to his offseason home in Southern California during his suspension for violating the league policy on performance-enhancing substances.
“I couldn’t find it in myself working out here,” he said. “I wasn’t coming up here (to VMAC). So it was weird to go to some park here.”
But Browner did watch the four games he missed – a 58-0 romp over the Cardinals at CenturyLink Field; a 50-17 victory over the Bills in Toronto; a 42-13 win over the 49ers in Seattle; and last week’s 20-13 victory over the Rams, also at CenturyLink Field.
“It was fun,” he said with a smile, “because we were kicking everybody’s butt. I missed not playing with the guys, but it was awesome to watch.”
Browner has returned just in time to experience the NFL postseason for the first time, as the Seahawks are preparing for Sunday’s NFC Wild Card game against the Redskins at FedExField. He was on a Grey Cup-winning team with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL in 2008. But this is different because it’s the NFL.
“It’s very exciting,” Browner said. “That’s what you play for, to get to the playoffs and eventually, hopefully, the Super Bowl.”
And his thoughts on this latest first in his career that took a radical turn last year when he was signed to a future contract by the Seahawks in January, won the starting job during training camp and ended playing in the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement after leading the team with six interceptions and 23 passes defensed?
“You don’t know yet until the game comes,” Browner said of the playoffs. “But I think we have a good game plan going into this and it will be a good matchup. I’ve got confidence in my team and my ability.”
Is Browner ready after sitting out a month?
“Most definitely,” he said. “It starts in the head, and I’m mentally tough. I know I’ll be a little tired out there, but at the end of the day I’m fighting for a playoff victory. So I’ll be all right.”
To help with the physical preparation, Browner got some reps today with the scout team that works against the Seahawks’ offense, as well as working with the No. 1 defense.
“It always takes a little bit of time to get back into it – the one-on-one’s, the coverage concepts,” defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said. “But he’s taking extra reps to get back on that.
“The mental part of it is all there. But the physical part, he’s getting sharp again. He’s looked pretty good.”
ANOTHER DAY IN THE SUNSHINE
The players practiced outside for the second consecutive day. It will help prepare them for the game against the Redskins, because the temperature along Lake Washington was 46 degrees and the forecast for Sunday in Landover, Md., is calling for a high of 49 and a low 39.
OPPONENT WATCH
London Fletcher. We also featured the Redskins’ inside linebacker yesterday, but that was from the perspective of Washington coach Mike Shanahan. Today, we get Michael Robinson’s take on Fletcher, who is 37 and in his 15th NFL season.
These two ran into each other last season at CenturyLink Field, and Robinson puts Fletcher in the same class as the other great inside and middle linebackers he faced a season ago and this season – the Ravens’ Ray Lewis, 49ers’ Patrick Willis and Bears’ Brian Urlacher. And that is saying a lot.
“We spoke at the Pro Bowl last year. Good guy. Got a lot of love for him,” Robinson offered. “The old adage about London, if you don’t block him he’ll make every tackle. He’s one of those guys, he has a lot of big hogs up front and it’s hard to get on him. And he will make, literally, every single tackle if you don’t block him.
“So it’s a big, big challenge for us.”
INJURY REPORT
The official report, as issued by the team:
Did not practice
CB Jeremy Lane (knee)
Full participation
RB Marshawn Lynch (back)
An already encouraging injury report got even better today, when Lynch took part in all phases of practice after being limited on Wednesday – which has been his routine for much of the second half of the regular season. Lane was added to the list. He started the past three games for Browner.
For the Redskins:
Did not practice
CB Dominique Johnson (knee)
OG Kory Lichtensteiger (ankle)
Limited in practice
S DeJon Gomes (knee)
Full participation
LB Lorenzo Alexander (shoulder)
DE Stephen Bowen (biceps)
QB Kirk Cousins (illness)
LB London Fletcher (ankle)
WR Pierre Garcon (foot)
QB Robert Griffin III (knee)
CB DeAngelo Hall (elbow)
LB Ryan Kerrigan (ankle)
C Will Montgomery (knee)
WR Josh Morgan (hand, foot)
S Jordan Pugh (ankle)
P Saverio Rocca (right knee)
S Madieu Williams (elbow)
Fletcher and Cousins practiced today after sitting out on Wednesday.
STAT DU JOUR
The Seahawks and Redskins don’t play that often, but there have been some memorable events during the series that the Redskins lead 11-4 during the regular season and the Seahawks lead 2-0 during the postseason. Here’s a look at some of the games that standout, and why:
1976: Redskins 31, Seahawks 7. First road loss in franchise history
1980: Seahawks 14, Redskins 0. Second road shutout in franchise history
1983: Redskins 27, Seahawks 17. Steve Largent catches eight passes for 130 yards and two TDs
1989: Redskins 29, Seahawks 0. Steve Largent’s final game
1992: Redskins 16, Seahawks 3. Loss No. 6 in a club-record eight-game losing streak
1994: Seahawks 28, Redskins 7. Chris Warren goes “home” and runs for 100 yards and two TDs
1995: Seahawks 27, Redskins 20. Chris Warren goes “home” again and runs for 136 yards
1998: Seahawks 24, Redskins 14. Steve Broussard returns a kickoff 90 yards for a TD
2002: Redskins 14, Seahawks 3. Bruce Smith beats Walter Jones for two sacks
2005: Redskins 20, Seahawks 17. Last loss before a club-record 11-game winning streak
2005: Seahawks 20, Redskins 10. Win in divisional playoff game sends Seahawks to NFC title game
2007: Seahawks 35, Redskins 14. Win in Wild Card game sends Seahawks to divisional round
2008: Redskins 20, Seahawks 17. Loss No. 4 in six-game losing streak
2011: Redskins 23, Seahawks 17. Only loss in a six-game stretch
UP NEXT
The team will fly to Baltimore on Friday after the players hold a midday practice. Saturday’s walk-through will be held in the D.C. area.
Remember: Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, so the game will start at 1:30 p.m. on the West Coast.
YOU DON’T SAY
“Great football teams don’t shy away from success. We’ve been waiting on these moments our whole entire lives. I know for me, as an example, I’ve been waiting for this my whole entire life. I think with our football team, we’re determined to be successful; we’re determined to be great. And that mindset of staying focused on the positive, staying focused on the great opportunities that you have, staying focused on the now – one opportunity at a time, one play at a time; that mentality of just competing with that, I think that’s where you’re successful more times than not.” – quarterback Russell Wilson when asked if he and his team were comfortable with the level of success they’ve achieved
On this date: Jack Patera named first coach
A look at some memorable moments in Seahawks history that occurred on Jan. 3:
1976: Jack Patera, who had been the defensive line coach for the Vikings, is named the first head coach in franchise history. Patera would guide the Seahawks to their first winning season (9-7 in 1978) and finish with a 35-59 record before being fired during the players’ strike in 1982.
1983: Mike McCormack is named president/general manager. The Hall of Fame offensive lineman for the Browns had been the Seahawks’ director of football operations since March of 1982, and also stepped in as interim coach during that strike-shortened season after Jack Patera was fired.
1988: Tony Zendejas kicks a 42-yard field goal eight minutes into overtime to give the Oilers a 23-20 victory over the Seahawks in a wild-card playoff game at the Astrodome. Steve Largent catches a 12-yard TD pass from Dave Krieg with 26 seconds left in regulation to tie the score. Largent has seven catches for 132 yards and two TDs. The drive to Zendejas’ game-winner includes a tip of a Warren Moon pass by Jeff Bryant that players involved in the game still say was intercepted, but the officials do not agree.
2009: The Titans’ Chris Johnson runs for 132 yards to eclipse the 2,000-yard rushing barrier for the season and also scores on a 1-yard run late in the fourth quarter as Tennessee defeats the Seahawks 17-13 in their season finale in Seattle.
Monday in Hawkville: Pete Carroll connects reality of finale to fun of playoffs
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Dec. 31:
FOCUS ON
Reality ball and fun. Coach Pete Carroll used both terms today when discussing the Seahawks’ 20-13 victory over the Rams in their regular-season finale on Sunday and their playoff game this week against the Redskins at FedExField.
First, the Rams’ game, which was a return to reality for the Seahawks after they had won by 58, 33 and 29 points in their previous three games: “It was a game that was good for us, in that it was hard and tough and we were behind and had to work our way back. I think that was good after the games that we’ve had, to get back to real football – reality ball, how it can be.”
And how it was, as well. Five of the Seahawks’ first seven victories came by two points (Packers), four points (at the Panthers), one point (Patriots), 10 points (Vikings) and six points in overtime (at the Bears). They also beat the Cowboys by 20 and the Jets by 21.
The win over the Rams didn’t come until quarterback Russell Wilson capped a 90-yard drive by scoring on a 1-yard run with 1:39 to play and cornerback Richard Sherman intercepted Sam Bradford’s fourth-down pass at the goal line with 33 seconds left.
“That’s high odds going against you,” Carroll said of the late scoring drive. “But we got great play. Guys executed beautifully at that time. The quarterback did a great job, made a couple big plays scrambling and running.
“And we scored early enough to give the defense a chance to do their thing, as well. And it was good to see that because we’ve had some issues at times. I think the thing that was exciting for us is that we kind of expected to pull this thing off here at the end.”
Now, the fun that is the reward from winning their final five regular-season games and seven of their past eight to reach the playoffs: “It’s more fun, because of where you are and the focus and all that. There will be a feel about the playoffs, there’s always kind of that air about it. You can sense it. It’s different.
“But the key is not allowing that to factor into what it really takes to prepare well, and not miss the message. They’ll be excited to play and everybody’s going to have great focus this week, just because it is the playoffs. But that’s something we’re trying to create on a regular basis, so when we get to this time we’ve already ‘been-there/done-that.’ ”
The Seahawks advanced to the playoffs in 2010, their first season under Carroll, and knocked off the defending Super Bowl champion Saints in a wild-card game in Seattle. They then lost to the Bears in Chicago in the divisional round.
So this Seahawks team is looking to do something no Seahawks team has done since 1983: Win a playoff game on the road.
“It’s about consistency when you get into this opportunity,” Carroll said. “You’ve got to bring what you’ve got. Don’t show up without your stuff on that day. We know how to do that. Now we have to see if we can bring it to life and not get distracted by the fact it’s the playoffs.”
BROWNER RETURNS
Cornerback Brandon Browner returned to the Seahawks today from his four-game suspension.
To clear a roster spot, cornerback Walter Thurmond was placed on injured reserve. Thurmond injured a hamstring in practice earlier this month and has missed the past three games.
“We couldn’t get him over the hump on it,” Carroll said. “He kind of re-tweaked it again last week, and that means it’s going to be a couple of weeks again.”
Browner, an alternate to the Pro Bowl last season who was added to the NFC squad as an injury replacement, started the first 12 games on the right side.
“He’s worked out real hard. His weight’s in good shape,” Carroll said. “He’s still fast and all that. He’s going to have fresh legs. But we’ve got to see how he does. Unfortunately, we have guys that can play. If he’s not quite right or he doesn’t get off to a good start during the week, we’ve got other guys who can play for him.
“But we’re going to give him a heckuva chance to play. We’re thrilled to get him back. We’ll see what happens.”
The club also signed rookie defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga and cornerback Ron Parker to its practice squad.
Meatoga was with the Raiders earlier this season. He fills the spot that opened when linebacker Allen Bradford was signed to the 53-man roster on Friday. With Parker being added, wide receiver Corbin Louks was released. Parker was with the team in training camp, released on the roster cut to 75 players and then signed to the 53-man roster off the Panthers’ practice squad Dec. 5 before being released last Friday.
SIX SEAHAWKS FINISH AMONG LEAGUE LEADERS
Leon Washington finished second in the league and led the NFC in kickoff return average (29.0).
Sherman tied for second in the league in interceptions (eight) and led the team with 24 passes defensed; while Chris Clemons tied for ninth in sacks (11.5) and Bruce Irvin led all rookies in sacks (eight).
Marshawn Lynch slipped to third in the league is rushing when Redskins rookie Alfred Morris ran for 200 yards on Sunday night. Lynch finished the regular season with 1,590 yards, while Morris had 1,613. The Vikings’ Adrian Peterson led the league with 2,097. Lynch also was fourth in total yards (1,786) behind Peterson (2,314), the Titans’ Chris Johnson (1,964) and Bucs’ Doug Martin (1,926); tied for sixth in first downs (79); and tied for seventh in scoring among non-kickers (72 points).
Wilson was fourth in the league in passer rating (100.0) behind the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers (108.0), Broncos’ Peyton Manning (105.8) and Redskins’ Robert Griffin III (102.4); fifth in fourth-quarter passer rating (102.7); fifth in third-down passer rating (96.2); and eighth in completion percentage (.641).
Jon Ryan was ninth in net punting average (40.8) and tied for seventh in punts inside the 20 (30).
As a team, the Seahawks ranked No. 3 in rushing offense, No. 4 in total defense, No. 6 in passing defense and No. 10 in rushing defense. The offense was No. 17 overall and No. 27 in passing offense. They also were plus-13 in turnover differential, which tied for fifth in the league.
Rookie middle linebacker Bobby Wagner led the team in tackles with a franchise rookie-record 140, while linebacker K.J. Wright (96) and strong safety Kam Chancellor (91) finished 2-3. Heath Farwell led the team with 15 special teams tackles.
KING VOTES WILSON, WAGNER FOR ROOKIES OF THE YEAR
Peter King at SI.com has a vote for the NFL awards given each year by the Associated Press, and he tabs Wilson as the Offensive Rookie of the Year and Wagner as the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
King on Wilson: “Wilson over Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck. Morphing from a laughed-at 5-foot-11, 75th pick in the draft into a tornado-like force at quarterback by December (three games, 150 points, including 42 against the mighty Niners), and playing like Fran Tarkenton with a better arm, Wilson nipped Griffin in my opinion. But if you want either other man, I have zero problem or argument with you.”
King on Wagner: “Bobby Wagner, edging Green Bay cornerback Casey Hayward and Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly. Wagner turned a suspect group of Seattle linebackers, the weak point of the Seahawks defense, into a competitive group by being great against the run (more tackles than Patrick Willis) and good dropping into coverage (three interceptions, excellent instincts).”
STAT DU JOUR
We ran the chart of the rookie QBs with the best passer ratings in league history last week, but that was before Wilson and Griffin rewrote it on Sunday. So here’s the new Top 5, with those who fell out of it and the other rookies in this year’s class:
Player, team (year) Rating
Robert Griffin III, Redskins (2012) 102.4
Russell Wilson, Seahawks (2012) 100.0
Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (2004) 98.1
Dan Marino, Dolphins (1983) 96.0
Greg Cook, Bengals (1969) 88.3
Dropping out:
Matt Ryan, Falcons (2008) 87.8
Cam Newton, Panthers (2011) 84.5
Other 2012 rookies:
Nick Foles, Eagles 79.1
Andrew Luck, Colts 76.5
Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins 76.1
Brandon Weeden, Browns 72.6
UP NEXT
New Year’s Day, of course. The players had today “off” and will be “off” on Tuesday as well, although many were in today for a workout, treatment or to get a jump on their video preparation for Sunday’s game.
YOU DON’T SAY
“Whatever awards come Russell Wilson’s way, we understand it. He’s just such a complete kid. That’s a really cool award for what he’s done off the field. He’s just on on all cylinders hitting it. The players would recognize that. The people in the community would recognize that. And the coaches certainly know that, as well. Anything with Steve Largent’s name on it is pretty cool.” – Carroll on Wilson being voted the Steve Largent Award by his teammates
On this date: Seahawks post only road playoff victory
A look at some memorable moments in Seahawks history that occurred on Dec. 31:
1983: The Seahawks drive 66 yards in five plays to a touchdown run by Curt Warner in the fourth quarter and Norm Johnson adds a 37-yard field goal as they upset the Dolphins 27-20 in an AFC divisional playoff game at the Orange Bowl – a victory that sends the Seahawks to the AFC Championship game in their first season under Chuck Knox. Warner runs for 113 yards and another TD, while Dave Krieg passes 16 yards to Steve Largent on third-and-2 and then hits him for a 40-yarder to the Dolphins’ 2-yard line on the drive to Warner’s game-winner.
1988: After capturing their first division title, the Seahawks fall to the Bengals 21-13 in a divisional playoff game at Riverfront Stadium. Dave Krieg rallies them from a 21-0 deficit by throwing for one touchdown and running for another in the fourth quarter, while John L. Williams catches 11 passes for 137 yards.
2002: In order to retain his job as head coach, Mike Holmgren relinquishes his role as general manager and fires his defensive coaching staff in the wake of a 7-9 season.
2006: The playoff-bound Seahawks push their regular-season record to 9-7 with a 23-7 victory over the Buccaneers in Tampa as Shaun Alexander runs for 92 yards and a touchdown and Josh Brown kicks three field goals.
