Thursday cyber surfing: The draft, and QBs
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Feb. 16:
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock addressed this year’s draft class in a lengthy conference call on Wednesday and here at Seahawks.com we focus on the passers that quarterback-needy teams will be focusing on at the NFL Scouting Combine next week: Mayock on Boise State’s Kellen Moore: “He looks like he’s 11-years old. He’s this baby-faced assassin. What I think he does better than any other quarterback in the entire draft is he anticipates throws to receivers who are open. And that’s something a lot of quarterbacks don’t get until their fourth or fifth year in the NFL. Part of it is because he doesn’t have a big arm. He’s had to adapt probably since grade school in learning how to throw people open. He won’t get drafted high. But he’s a winner and his anticipation skills at that position are tremendous.”
Eric Williams at the News Tribune also was on the call, and provides Mayock’s assessment of Tarvaris Jackson, the Seahawks’ incumbent starter, as well as Ryan Tannehill, Mayock’s No. 3-rated college QB behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. Mayock on Jackson: ““I like him. He’s developed to a certain point, but I think that position needs to be upgraded. And I don’t mind T-Jack competing for the position, but I think you either have to get a free agent in there or you have to draft somebody.” Mayock on Tannehill: “He’s got everything you want. He’s got size. He’s got arm strength. He’s a really good athlete. All you have to do is look at his tape as a wide receiver two years ago. He’s a big, strong fast kick with a really good arm. Now, what I don’t like about him is that he waits for routes to develop before he throws the football – in other words he lacks anticipation.”
Speaking of Tannehill, Rob Rang and Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com debate his merits – and status – in this piece for CBSSports.com: Says Rang: “There are four primary physical characteristics NFL scouts are looking for when projecting college QBs to the next level: size, arm strength, accuracy and mobility. Tannehill could earn first-round grades from clubs in all four categories, making him the logical third quarterback to be selected. He may have a stronger arm than Luck, the presumed No. 1 overall pick, and at 6-feet-4, 222 pounds, he’s far closer to the prototype frame than the 6-2, 220-pound Griffin. It is a fifth trait in which Tannehill rates significantly below Luck and Griffin. This makes him a high-stakes gamble for the first round. That fifth skill is anticipation, the most underrated element to forecasting quarterback success in the NFL.”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times explains that the Seahawks won’t have their fifth-round pick in this year’s draft as part of the trade for Marshawn Lynch in 2010: “The Seahawks gave up their fourth-round pick in 2011, and Buffalo will also receive Seattle’s fifth-round pick this year to complete the deal. It was a conditional choice that elevated from a sixth-round selection to a fifth-round selection based upon playing time, according to the Buffalo Bills’ official Web site.”
The New York Daily News has the word on former Seahawks draft choice Mike Teel becoming the QB coach at Wagner College, whose nickname also happens to be the Seahawks: “Teel, who led Rutgers to three bowl victories during his college career, served as the quarterbacks coach at Division III Kean University last season when the Cougars posted a 10-2 record and were ranked No. 10 in the country in D3Football.com’s final poll.”
Brian McIntyre at ESPN.com takes a look at the offseason needs for each of the teams in the NFC West. It’s an “Insiders” feature and requires registration and a fee to view the entire article, but he’s a snippet of what he has the say about the Seahawks: “Since taking over in 2010, Pete Carroll and John Schneider have done a good job of retooling the Seattle defense. The Seahawks’ defense ranked 29th with a DVOA of 15.0 percent in 2010, a figure that improved to minus-3.1 percent in 2011, good enough to rank in the Top 10. (Like points allowed or yards allowed, defensive DVOA is better when it is lower.) The secondary has been completely overhauled, and it placed three players in the 2011 Pro Bowl.”
Also at ESPN.com, Mel Kiper has his second mock draft. It’s also an “Insider” feature, but here’s who he has the Seahawks selecting: “Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina: Some see the Seahawks looking at a QB this high, but the value doesn’t make a lot of sense for me just yet. On the defensive side of the ball, the big need is help for the pass rush. Ingram has enough size to hold up in the 4-3, and will provide an upgrade. The Seattle defense is really fast, and could become dynamic if it can generate more pressure on opposing passers. If (Boston College LB Luke) Kuechly is still here, I can also see that pick, but the development of K.J. Wright makes Ingram a good target.” Kiper has Kuechly going to the Chiefs at the pick just before the Seahawks, but who picks 11th and who picks 12th will be determined by a coin flip at the NFL Scouting Combine next week.
As for the give-us-this-day-our-daily-Peyton-Manning item, Don Banks at SI.com reports that the Colts’ iconic QB had a fourth procedure on his troublesome neck: “In addition, league sources say Manning’s neck has potentially developed bone spurs just above the point where his latest fusion surgery took place in early September, and the Colts organization is under the belief that it is nearly inevitable Manning will at some point require further surgery, and possibly another fusion procedure, even if he does successfully return to the field in 2012. It’s unclear how any potential long-term neck issues will impact Manning’s decision to attempt a resumption of his NFL playing career later this year.”
Wednesday cyber surfing: Free agency and the Draft
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Feb. 8:
Mike Sando at ESPN.com takes a look at the Seahawks who are scheduled to become free agents: “The Seahawks’ top priorities in free agency appear clear, at least when it comes to their own players. Re-sign running back Marshawn Lynch and defensive end Red Bryant.”
Sando also has a NFC West “Draft Primer,” and has this to say about the Seahawks: “Finding a long-term quarterback remains the top priority for the Seahawks, but once again the planets appear reluctant to align for them. Parting with Matt Hasselbeck and passing over Andy Dalton have left Seattle with Tarvaris Jackson and developmental quarterback Josh Portis. Chasing after Peyton Manning could make sense for the Seahawks. They have good young players. Adding a front-line quarterback could put them over the top in the division. Linebacker has replaced the offensive line as a primary need for the Seahawks. That should not be the case, in theory, because the team had so much invested in a couple of relatively young linebackers. Aaron Curry and Lofa Tatupu are gone, however, and David Hawthorne is a free agent. The team could move K.J. Wright into the middle.”
Former NFL executive Jeff Diamond at SI.com takes a look at both in this offseason assessment of the Seahawks: “Team Needs: QB, T, DE. The Seahawks want to find a potential elite QB to replace Tarvaris Jackson, but they’re in a tough spot. Picking at 11 or 12 in the first round, it’s too far to trade up for one of the top two. Perhaps they can get a shot at Ryan Tannehill, the third-ranked QB. In free agency, they would have interest in Matt Flynn, but Miami (with Joe Philbin) has a leg up unless the Dolphins can sign Peyton. The Seahawks also must improve their pass protection after giving up 50 sacks, so they will draft offensive linemen in the early rounds. A better possibility in the first round is a pass-rushing DE to play opposite Chris Clemons (such as Melvin Ingram of South Carolina or perhaps a trade up for Quinton Coples). The Seahawks also should seek a vet WR from the strong free agent class. And they may have to franchise Marshawn Lynch after his strong season (1,204 rushing yards, 12 TDs).”
Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com has a new mock draft at CBSSports.com, but a familiar pick for the Seahawks: “Devon Still, DT, Penn State. Many expect the Seahawks to consider a quarterback to compete with incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson with this selection but in beating the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens last year, and matching up well with division champion San Francisco, the club may not be willing to reach to fill a perceived need. Don’t be surprised if Seattle instead turns its attention to a bounty of talented defensive linemen likely to be selected in the top 15. Still, a 6-4, 310-pound defensive tackle, showed his talent and despite all of the distractions in Happy Valley last year, was the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year. Still could help inside at defensive tackle as well as provide the Seahawks with some flexibility at the five technique defensive end position should incumbent starter Red Bryant be heavily pursued in free agency.”
Whatever happened to Randall Morris? We catch up with the former running back here at Seahawks.com: “Morris, 49, owns Final Clean, a company that prepares just-constructed buildings so the tenants can move in. ‘I never left the Seattle area,’ he said. ‘I’m from Long Beach, Calif., and I didn’t want to raise my family down there. This is a much nicer place.’ ”
We also have a look in photos of the Top 10 moments from the 2011 season, as well as a video report of Walter Thurmond, Kris Durham, John Moffitt, Matt McCoy, Jameson Konz and Brandon Mebane delivering “baskets of hope” at Children’s Hospital.
Cyber surfing: Monday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Jan. 9, and was “out there” over the long weekend:
Dave Boling at the News Tribune checks out the Seahawks’ free agent class: “After a pair of 7-9 seasons rife with roster rebuilding, general manager John Schneider appears to have positioned the Seahawks for the next step by creating enough salary cap room to meet the most pressing needs. Consider what’s at stake. Seahawks fans might trigger a seismic event from outrage if running back Marshawn Lynch takes his beastly style elsewhere. And Red Bryant has likewise become an exemplar of spirited toughness for the Seahawks on defense. These two are at the top of the list of 18 unrestricted free agents with whom the Seahawks may exclusively negotiate.”
Also at the News Tribune, Eric Williams hands out grades for the just-completed season and the highest marks (B-plus) go to the running backs and offensive line: “They went through six starting combinations and finished the season with three-fifths of the team’s projected starting line on the injured reserve. Still, Seattle effectively ran the ball at the end of the season, a tribute to the teaching skills of offensive line/assistant head coach Tom Cable.”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald looks at who might be the Seahawks’ QB of the future: “Well, certainly there is plenty of time to discuss Seattle’s options. Should they make a play for Green Bay backup Matt Flynn, who will be a free agent? Should they trade up to draft Robert Griffin III? Should they draft a quarterback in the middle rounds and hope he develops behind Tarvaris Jackson? The best thing to do for the next couple of months is take a deep breath, wait, and trust that head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider will do what’s right for the franchise.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we passed out our honors for the season, including the obvious choice for MVP: “Marshawn Lynch. Beast Mode. Skittles-back. Free spirit. Call him what you will, but the hard-running Lynch proved his value week after week, game after game, down after down – especially in the second half of the season after the coaches decided that running the ball was the offensive identity. Lynch finished with career-highs in rushing yards (1,204) and touchdowns (13), and 941 of those yards and 10 of those scores came in the final nine games – when his totals were league-highs over that span. And with Lynch, it wasn’t so much what he did, but how he did it. The entire team followed his refuse-to-go-down lead.”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com has the word on the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, who were announced Saturday: “Without slam-dunk candidates such as Emmitt Smith or Jerry Rice on the ballot this year, the door could open for some who have waited their turn recently. Cortez Kennedy, Charles Haley, Jerome Bettis, Chris Doleman and Kevin Greene are among the finalists with ties to franchises currently in the NFC West.”
Sando also has his selections for an All-NFC West team, with center Max Unger and running back Marshawn Lynch landing spots on offense, Chris Clemons, Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman making it on defense and Heath Farwell making it on special teams.
For a look at the wild-card weekend, there’s Clark Judge’s “Judgements” at CBSSports.com; and Peter King’s “Monday Morning Quarterback” at SI.com.
Cyber surfing: Wednesday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Jan. 4:
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times looks at the improvement the Seahawks made in their second season under coach Pete Carroll, even if the record was the same as in his first year: “The construction isn’t complete by any means. There’s still the question of a long-term quarterback and the need to improve the pass rush. But this franchise is no longer a fixer-upper. The roster has been retrofitted. The Seahawks have gotten younger, they have gotten faster and over the past two months this team has shown itself to be competitive. That wasn’t always true a year ago. Sure, the Seahawks had one of the most memorable playoff victories in franchise history, but they also lost nine games by 16 or more points. Being the first 7-9 division champion in NFL history isn’t the kind of thing anyone aspires to. It’s different now. Seattle has forged itself an identity.”
Dave Boling at the News Tribune came away from Carroll’s season-ender news conference thinking that the Seahawks are thinking quarterback in the NFL Draft: “Carroll stressed from the start that he expects to challenge every player at every position. And that obviously includes quarterback. But how? The question was put to Carroll, as it relates to quarterback, do you have a preference – bringing in a veteran or a young prospect? In essence, the question is whether he’d rather have a soon-to-be free agent such as Matt Flynn of Green Bay, or a draft pick he can shape from the start. He was emphatic: He is intrigued by young guys. And it’s clear he’s given it a great deal of thought while flipping 180 degrees on the issue.”
Also at the News Tribune, Eric Williams has notes from Tuesday’s Q&A session, including Sidney Rice having surgery: “Rice is expected to have a three- to four-month recovery, and Carroll anticipated he’ll be close to being ready to participate in the beginning of the team’s offseason workout program April 16.”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald says that while Carroll was disappointed about the way the season ended, he’s excited about the future of this team: “Carroll certainly hoped to be better than 7-9 this season. In all reality, however, the Seahawks appear to be ahead of schedule in what is, whether Carroll wants use the word or not, a rebuild.”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com revisits his preseason predictions for the teams in the NFC West, and has this to say about the Seahawks: “Tom Cable is a fantastic offensive line coach, for one. Also, general manager John Schneider and the Seahawks’ personnel people should get the benefit of the doubt on their evaluations. They repeatedly got positive results when turning to young players. They replaced Lawyer Milloy with Kam Chancellor and came out way ahead. They replaced Aaron Curry with rookie K.J. Wright and were correct, again. They continually churned the roster and made themselves deeper. They turned a project from the CFL (Brandon Browner) into a Pro Bowl first-alternate even while rookie fifth-round choice Richard Sherman became their best corner. So, if the Seahawks do not show interest in Green Bay quarterback Matt Flynn, we can trust it’s because Schneider, formerly of the Packers, knows better.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at Carroll’s season-ender news conference, where he was grilled about the team’s QB situation: “The bottom-line assessment for any and all questions remains unchanged, no matter how many times Carroll is asked about it: (Tarvaris) Jackson is the starter moving into the offseason because, “He’s our No. 1 guy in the program and that’s all we have right now,” as Carroll put it. But that does not – and will not – preclude the team from looking for a quarterback in free agency or the NFL Draft. ‘But we will compete at all spots,’ Carroll said. ‘I want to very clear to you that there is no misunderstanding that that’s the theme in this program – competing. That means you’re always looking to get better and you’re always pushing in every way, and if we’re not we’re not competing. And that’s wrong for us. That’s not our right mindset. That’s it. I’m not trying to send any mixed messages and you shouldn’t take any out it, because there isn’t. That’s it.’ ”
There also are recaps of the day in “Tuesday in Hawkville” and Tony Ventrella’s video report. And then there’s one last, definitive, look back at Sunday’s season finale in Rod Mar’s photo blog and Ben Malcolmson’s “From the Sidelines”: “The prospects couldn’t be more hopeful for the players and coaches. Now if only they didn’t have to wait eight months to see it come to fruition. Even with a heartbreaking season-ending loss on Sunday, there’s no denying something special welling up among the Seahawks as the 2011 campaign closed out and the future opened up to the brightest of horizons. ‘Here’s a football team that’s going someplace,’ Coach Pete Carroll said during his postgame locker room speech on Sunday following the team’s 23-20 overtime loss in Arizona. ‘You can feel it.’ Indeed, it can be felt from the top of the organization all the way down to the bottom. The Seahawks are a team on the move — and going in the right direction.”
And if you can’t get enough on what should be an entertaining postseason, check out Don Banks’ “Inside the NFL” at SI.com.
Tuesday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Jan. 3:
FOCUS ON
The future. That was the focus of Pete Carroll’s season-wrap news conference today, as the Seahawks’ second-year coach did not – and could not – hide his enthusiasm about just how good this team can be next season. And the season after that. And the season after that.
Carroll began as he should have, by acknowledging the disappointment that came with this season’s 7-9 record – which saw the Seahawks start 2-6 and then finish with back-to-back losses to the division rival 49ers and Cardinals by two and three points, respectively.
But in between, this team won five of six games – including victories over the playoff-bound Giants and Ravens – and did it the way Carroll wants to play. By running the ball, playing tough defense and getting solid efforts from the special teams.
“The rest of the story to me is so positive and so encouraging that we look forward to this offseason with tremendous hopes of adding to a very, very young football team and building from where we are now,” he said. “I think our foundation for the future is fairly solid, in that we know where were going and we know our style of play.
“We’ve become a very aggressive, tough football team – playing good defense with highlight aspects of our special teams; we’ve run the football with a commitment. Those are the things I came in a couple of years ago trying to create. It just took us longer than I wanted. But that fact that it’s emerged here in the second half of the season is crucial for us moving forward.”
INJURY UPDATES
Wide receiver Sidney Rice, who spent the last five games on injured reserve after receiving a concussion, is scheduled to have surgery this week to repair the damaged labrum that he played with most of the season.
Rookie cornerback Richard Sherman also is scheduled to have an arthroscopic procedure on a knee, Carroll said. He added that a decision on whether quarterback Tarvaris Jackson will need surgery to repair the torn pectoral he played with the last 10 games has not been made.
SEVEN SIGNED
The club has signed seven players to future contracts: defensive end Pierre Allen, linebacker Allen Bradford, cornerbacks Coye Francies and Jesse Hoffman, defensive end John Graves, tight end John Nalbone and guard Brent Osborne. All spent time with the team at some point this season.
Last year’s future-contract group included cornerback Brandon Browner, who started at cornerback and was a first alternate to the Pro Bowl; and lineman Paul McQuistan, who started 10 games at three different positions.
STAT DU JOUR
With his 222-yard passing performance against the Cardinals on Sunday, Jackson became the sixth quarterback in franchise history to throw for 3,000 yards in a season. Here’s a look at the company Jackson joined:
Quarterback 3,000-yard seasons
Matt Hasselbeck 7 (2002-05, 2007, 2009-10)
Dave Krieg 4 (1984-85, 1989-90)
Jim Zorn 3 (1978-80)
Warren Moon 1 (1997)
Jon Kitna 1 (1999)
Tarvaris Jackson 1 (2011)
And here’s a look at how those 3,000-yard seasons rank:
Quarterback (season) Yards
Matt Hasselbeck (2007) 3,966
Matt Hasselbeck (2003) 3,841
Warren Moon (1997) 3,678
Dave Krieg (1984) 3,671
Jim Zorn (1979) 3,661
Dave Krieg (1985) 3,602
Matt Hasselbeck (2005) 3,459
Matt Hasselbeck (2004) 3,382
Jim Zorn (1980) 3,346
Jon Kitna (1999) 3,346
Dave Krieg (1989) 3,309
Jim Zorn (1978) 3,283
Dave Krieg (1990) 3,194
Tarvaris Jackson (2011) 3,091
Matt Hasselbeck (2002) 3,075
Matt Hasselbeck (2009) 3,029
Matt Hasselbeck (2010) 3,001
UP NEXT
The offseason. Unlike last year, there will be an offseason. Until previous years, it will be different because of the new CBA that was reached to end the 136-day lockout in July. The offseason conditioning program that typically has begun in March will now start April 16.
YOU DON’T SAY
“We’re going to try and make it as hard as we can possibly make it for the guys on team to stay on this team, because they’d better battle to keep their spots.” – Carroll with an eye toward free agency and the NFL Draft
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.
Monday in Hawkville
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for Jan. 2:
FOCUS ON
The not-so-long goodbye. The players cleaned out their cubicles in the locker room today, always a sweet-and-sour experience, after completing their exit physicals and before a final team meeting.
“We’re going to be going our separate ways,” quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said, less than 24 hours after their season ended with a 23-20 overtime loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. “A lot of guys are going to be tuning into the playoffs and wishing that we were in there and had that opportunity. But time will fly by.
“Guys are going to get with their families and enjoy that time and before you know it in April we’ll be back here and ready to get started.”
April? That’s right. As part of the new CBA which came out of the 136-day lockout that erased the offseason in 2011, the offseason workout program and OTA sessions that usually began in March will be delayed this offseason.
So this was a last chance for the players to be with their teammates as a team for awhile. Some players made the rounds getting teammates to autograph helmets. Other exchanged jerseys. All filled large boxes with their belongings.
“This team took a turn this year from last year,” fullback Michael Robinson said. “It went from the coaches pretty much directing us, to this year we kind of took ownership of the team. It became our team, and that’s what you like to see at this level.
“Nothing else can motivate you more than your peers.”
Among the items Robinson tucked into his storage box was a tool belt that was presented to him by his running backs peers – Marshawn Lynch, Leon Washington and Justin Forsett.
“It signifies that I come to work and I can fix a lot of problems,” said Robinson, the lead blocker for Lynch’s career-best 1,204-yard season and also a special teams captain this season. “That’s going to be in my locker forever now.”
GOAL-KEEPER
Jon Ryan broke his own franchise records for punting average (46.6) and net average (39.3), but he also reached a personal goal: Leading the league in punts inside the 20-yard line.
“It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do, because it’s such an important stat,” Ryan said.
He had 34, to nudge the Broncos’ Britton Colquitt by one. And that one came in overtime during Sunday’s loss. Ryan’s total also ties the franchise record that was set by Jeff Feagles in 1999.
MOVING ON
Jeff Ulbrich, the Seahawks’ assistant special teams coach the past two seasons, is leaving to become special teams coach/linebacker coach on Jim Mora’s staff at UCLA. Luke Butkus, a quality control/offensive line coach the past two years, will become the offensive line coach at Illinois, his alma mater.
GIDDY-UP
The Seahawks will host the Cowboys in 2012, because they finished third in the NFC East. It had been reported that the Eagles would return to CenturyLink Field, but they finished second in their division based on a tiebreaker with the Cowboys.
The rest of the Seahawks home-and-away lineup is available here.
STAT DU JOUR
They did it. The defense finished No. 9 in the NFL, allowing an average of 332.2 yards. The Seahawks’ defense had finished among the Top 10 in the league only five other times in franchise history, and the last time was in 1997. Here’s a look at those defenses compared to this season’s unit:
Year Rank; average yards allowed
2011 No. 9; 332.2
1997 No. 8; 303.1
1992 No. 10; 286.4
1991 No. 8; 293.9
1990 No. 9; 288.1
1984 No. 6; 310.2
UP NEXT
Coach Pete Carroll will hold his season-ending news conference on Tuesday.
YOU DON’T SAY
“More games.” – Robinson when asked what was missing at this point
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: Sunday
Happy New Year. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Jan. 1:
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times looks at what’s at stake in today’s season finale between the Seahawks and Cardinals: “The outcome of this game won’t override the miserable start both teams had this season, and a loss won’t nullify the progress each showed the past two months. Sunday’s result is really a matter of punctuation — the winner gets to affix an exclamation point to the end of its season. And while being the hottest NFC team not to make the playoffs hardly counts as consolation, it beats the alternative ending. ‘Everybody would like to finish on a positive note,’ Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said.”
Eric Williams at the News Tribune stays with that there-is-something-to-play-for-today theme: “With 19 players scheduled to become free agents, Seattle coach Pete Carroll will get one final look at his team before mulling over some tough offseason decisions, including whether to sign Lynch to a long-term deal and how to move forward at quarterback – although Carroll already has committed to Tarvaris Jackson starting at quarterback next season.”
Also at the News Tribune, Dave Boling looks at the changing face of the Seahawks: “As the Seattle Seahawks rallied in the season’s second half, it has been popular to suggest that this team has a new identity. If it indeed wears a new face, it carries a combative snarl, a few bruises and some blood – probably not its own. More important than the fact that tough teams are fun to watch is the reality that tough guys don’t take games off. They don’t quit work early. They can’t afford to. These days they call the behavior ‘swag,’ apparently because they’re too tough to waste another syllable to say ‘swagger.’ ”
John Boyle the Everett Herald checks in with Richard Sherman, the Seahawks’ always-dancing and always-talkative rookie cornerback: “Richard Sherman has spent the past few weeks telling anyone who will listen that fellow cornerback Brandon Browner deserves a trip to the Pro Bowl. And Browner, Seattle’s surprise signing out of the Canadian Football League, is indeed deserving of his teammate’s support. But when all is said and done, there’s a good chance that, years from now, Sherman will be the one with a few Pro Bowls on his resume.”
Mike Sando at ESPN.com wonders, Can the Cardinals keep Marshawn Lynch out of Beast Mode in today’s game? Says Sando: “Lynch carried 19 times for 73 yards during a 13-10 victory over the Cardinals in Week 3. That 3.8-yard average benefited from a 23-yard run during a drive that otherwise went nowhere. The Cardinals prevented Lynch from controlling the game. Lynch has become much more productive in recent weeks. He leads the NFL in rushing since Week 9. The Cardinals prevented him from scoring in Week 3, but Lynch has scored at least once in every subsequent game he has played. The 11-game streak is a Seahawks franchise record. The Cardinals’ defense, like Lynch, has improved as the season has progressed.”
Sando also looks at yards-after-contact for the 13 1,000-yard rushers in the league, including Lynch.
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at while today’s game isn’t everything it could have been there’s still plenty for both teams to play for: “ ‘It’s not hard to get up for this game at all, because I think we’re a finishing team,” strong safety Kam Chancellor said. ‘That’s what we preach around here – at every position and in every (meeting) room. We want to finish, and finish at the highest level possible. So we’re going into this game as a team that wants to finish, and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish.’ ”
There’s also Tony Ventrella’s video preview.
For a look at the rest of the league on this final Sunday of the regular season there’s Adam Schefter’s “10 Spot” at ESPN.com; and John Czarnecki’s “Week 17 Countdown” at FoxSports.com.
Cyber surfing: Saturday
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Dec. 31:
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times looks at the improvement of the Seahawks defense in stopping big plays this season: “A year ago, the Seahawks allowed 76 plays of 20 yards or more, tied for second most in the NFL according to The Associated Press. This season, Seattle has given up just 45 such plays, tied for second fewest. That explains why the Seahawks have one of the most improved defenses in the league. But it will face a stiff test Sunday in Arizona. ‘They’ve had a lot of explosive plays,’ defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said of the Cardinals.”
Eric Williams at the News Tribune looks at Deon Butler, who is looking to make the most of his opportunities in the Seahawks’ season finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday: “Because receivers Sidney Rice, Kris Durham and Mike Williams all landed on the season-ending injured reserve list, Butler has been one of five active receivers the past four games. And although he has only five catches for 40 yards, Butler has started the process of earning the trust of quarterback Tarvaris Jackson – something he hopes to build on through more offseason work. ‘Every game I feel like I’m just getting back to being myself,’ he said. ‘It was good for me to actually get a good hit in last week like that, so that was the next step. And just knowing that I feel like I’m fully back right now, and I feel comfortable out there.’ ”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald not only asks who made the better quarterback move this season – the Seahawks by signing Tarvaris Jackson or the Cardinals by trading for Kevin Kolb – he lets you vote: “If this were a game of high-stakes poker – and really, what is a bigger gamble than trying to identify that always elusive Quarterback Of The Future? – the Seahawks would be the player who bet the bare minimum. If they decide they don’t like their hand, they can fold. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are all in with Kolb.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we check in with Marshawn Lynch, whose images are threatening his identity, or so it seems: “Beast Mode. Skittles-back. Just who is this guy? Lynch paused from what he was doing the other day in the locker room, looked the questioner directly in the eyes and offered, ‘I know who I am. I’m very clear with that.’ After what Lynch has done in the team’s second-half surge, so does everyone else: The most productive running back the Seahawks have had since Shaun Alexander in 2005.”
We’ve also got a look at the final practice of the season in “Friday in Hawkville,” as well as a closer look at Sunday’s game in our “Matchup box.” There’s also Tony Ventrella’s video recap.
Mike Sando at ESPN.com has his “Final Word” on the NFC West for the final weekend of the regular season, including this: “Battle of the backs. Frank Gore leads NFC West running backs with 1,202 yards even though his production has trailed off late in the season. Marshawn Lynch would have to outgain Gore by 85 yards to overtake him for most rushing yards in the division. That is unlikely, but Lynch has set a furious pace lately. He leads the NFL in rushing since Week 9, gaining 855 yards over that eight-game period. The Rams’ Steve Jackson ranks eighth in the league with 620 yards during that time. Arizona’s Beanie Wells is 15th (541 yards), one spot ahead of Gore (527). All four primary backs in the division have topped 1,000 yards.”
As for the rest of the league, there’s Peter King’s “Game Plan” at SI.com; and Clark Judge’s “Peek at the Week” at CBSSports.com, in which he makes the Seahawks his “upset pick of the week”: “This one not only is for second place in the NFC West; it’s for a .500 season, and given what these clubs endured this season, yes, that’s a big deal. It looks as if the Cards start John Skelton again, and the Seahawks try to ride Marshawn Lynch to the upset. I say they do it, not just because of Lynch but because their defense is playing superb football. The Cards’ defense is improved, too, but Seattle has too much for Skelton to pull another fourth-quarter comeback. Unlike Cincinnati’s Cedric Benson, Lynch won’t try to fumble away the game this time. Moreover, the Seahawks are vastly improved on the road, where they had trouble winning much of anything a year ago. They have won three there, including upsets of the Giants and Bears. No, they’re still not a great road team, but they’re better … and better than Arizona here.”
