National Football League
Happy About The 49?ers?
Why We Should … [visit site to read more]
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, cardinals, football, forty niners, Frank Gore, Jeff Fisher, Jim Harbough, John Skelton, Josh McDaniels, Kevin Kolb, Lockout, National Football League, NFC West, nfl, quarterback, rams, Sam Bradford, San Francisco 49ers, Seahawks, St. Louis Rams
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
A Hard Look at Lofa Tatupu
It was recently reported that Tatupu had undergone arthroscopic surgery on both knees. I wasn’t exactly shocked to read this, however, it does beg the question: What should the Hawks do with Tatupu?
This is a tough question for fans. On one hand, he was a huge part of our Super Bowl defense and an instant leader in the locker room. I remember when the Hawks practiced at EWU, Tatupu was more likely to be spotted with coaches than other players. I believe that he came into the league with a chip on his shoulder trying to prove anyone who passed on him in the draft wrong
He did just that becoming a dominant linebacker in the NFL. His intelligence was his most valuable asset as he rarely over pursued and had a knack for picking the right angles on opposing ball carriers. There was a span of years were Lofa Tatupu was easily the most popular player on the field in the eyes of fans and coaches alike.
So what happened?
He got paid, injured, and arrested.
In December of 2007, Tatupu had the greatest game of his career collecting 3 interceptions and 11 tackles. It was perhaps the greatest game ever played by a Seahawks linebacker, but it was also the peak of his career. In March of 2008, after 3 100+ tackle seasons, Tatupu was signed to a lofty contract (42 million for 6 years) making him one of the 5 highest paid linebackers in the NFL.
Two months later he got arrested for a DUI.
I appreciate that he took responsibility for his actions and apologized to the organization and fans, however, it seemed like a real stupid move from a guy who was so smart on the field. If memory serves me correctly, he was driving his girlfriend’s car with a bunch of other guys going to a McDonalds. The whole thing seemed surreal to me at the time.
The following season, Tatupu tore a pectoral muscle and was placed on IR following week 5. He ended that season with 32 tackles.
This year Tatupu collected 88 tackles, however, he only reached double digit tackles in a single game once during a loss to Tampa Bay.
So is Tatupu washed up?
According to the responses on a recent PI forum, he is. Yet I respectfully disagree. Washed up is as pretty harsh term to put on a guy who has given so much to a franchise. However, there is no question he is not the player he used to be. In fact, I would go as far to say he is not even the best linebacker on the current roster. Hawthorne collected 106 tackles and reached double digits 4 times this season.
My problem with Tatupu is not that he has nothing left in the tank because he does. He’s just not the defensive juggernaut he once was. Yet his contract gets bigger every year as his skills decline.
Ultimately, I would love to keep Tatupu. I think he is still an NFL caliber player, but he is no longer on the list of elite players. My hope is that he can restructure his contract to better represent his contributions and allow the Hawks to go after more valuable free agents.
I guess it is really going to come down to what Tatupu wants. Does he really believe in what Pete Carroll is trying to do? Does he have any allegiance left for Seattle? If so, I could maybe see him moving to the weak side and taking a pay cut.
This is a dangerous area in which the Hawks have a tendency to make bad decisions by giving older players huge contracts or in this case honoring a contract past a player’s prime. I would like to see this trend end now with Tatupu.
Either he takes the cut or gets cut.
Either way, I will always appreciate his contributions early in his career. He was one of the great Seahawk players for a limited amount of years. But the Hawks need to look to the future and not towards the past when they’re writing the checks for next year’s payroll.
Tags: 12th Man, football, Free Agency, Lofa Tatupu, National Football League, NFC West, nfl, Opinion, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
What I Like About Pete
The season’s over and I am starting to feel a little better everyday.
Remember in the Peanuts cartoon when Lucy used to talk Charlie Brown into kicking the football only to remove it at the last minute leaving an embarrassed Chuck laying on his back contemplating the reasons why he keeps making the same mistake over and over..
After the Bears game, I felt like Charlie Brown.
Disappointment is a strange emotion. Too much can force a fan to abandon a team, and not enough can turn fans into obnoxious elitists (see any Cowboys or Patriots fan).
The Seahawks have been a disappointing franchise for well over half of their existence. That’s why they have been moved from the NFC to the AFC and then back to the NFC. Fans are used to getting kicked in the teeth by players, owners, and the league. Nothing really seems to surprise us as far as disappointment goes.
At the beginning of this season, the only thing that would surprise me was success.
I know and remember the success of Mike Holmgren. That’s the one guy that was an exception, especially in retrospect. But everyone else…?
Enter Pete Carroll. I was skeptical at first. Although Pete dominated college football, he didn’t exactly ride out on a white horse into the sunset. It felt more like he was escorted off the premises in the night right before the hammer fell. Whatever happened, happened, and as far as I am concerned, I don’t care about anything he did as a coach prior to being with this organization. Let the past be just that. He came in as if nothing happened and never let it become an issue. That was the first thing I liked about him.
The Carroll Schneider combo was not afraid to take this team down from the top. Although it cost the Hawks in cap penalties, the release of TJ Houshmandzadeh sent a strong message to everyone else on that team, and I for one loved it. He cleaned house, and made sure everyone was on notice. That was the second thing I liked about him.
Carroll went for it on 4th down early in the season on more than one occasion and didn’t get it. This drove me crazy. “You’re not at USC anymore! This doesn’t work in the NFL.” But in retrospect it makes a little more sense. Pete’s thing is “Buy in.” So how could he expect his players to do that if he didn’t? Perhaps he was sending them the message that he is willing to put the game in their hands as a coach. He believed in them more than they believed in themselves. Provided this isn’t a regular occurrence and was more of a first year coach trying to get the most out of a forgotten team, it was the third thing I liked about him.
Pete Carroll and Matt Hasselbeck were the only two people on the entire planet that believed the Hawks were going to beat the Saints. Before you even say it, I thought they had a chance. I always do, but I would not have dropped a Benjamin on the Hawks without any points. This was the biggest upset in Seahawks history, and Pete Carroll was the reason this team believed they could win. His relentless optimism is the biggest reason the Hawks won that game. That’s’ the fourth thing I liked about him.
The day after the Hawks loss to the Bears, Carroll fired his OC, Jeremy Bates who came with Pete from USC. I imagine that these two are pretty good friends, and that his firing was a hard decision, however, Carroll did it anyway with no hesitation. This demonstrates Pete’s belief in his own mantra of “Earn Everything.” Bates didn’t earn the right to stay. And although it may have been a tough decision, it was the right one. Pete is willing to do what is best for this team regardless of his friendships with coaches and/or former players. I love that he cut Lendale White for being a tool and rewarded Mike Williams for the opposite. Looking back on this season, Pete really seems to Walk the Talk, and that is the fifth and final thing I liked about him this season.
Although this season ended tragically in Chicago, there is plenty to look forward to provided the NFL does not lock out. Pete Carroll had a better year than most thought he would. He took his team to within one game of the NFC Championship. A team that made nearly 300 roster moves in less than a year. A team that was virtually non-existent at the beginning of the season.
Well done Pete Carroll. You made it through your first season and the fans are looking forward to the following one because of raised expectations rather than the visiting team schedule.
Tags: 12th Man, Chicago Bears, football, Matt Hasselbeck, National Football League, NFC West, nfl, Opinion, Pete Carroll, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
Tony Dungy: Seahawks Are the Best Team in the NFC
Everyone has seen this video by now, right?
If you haven’t, check it out after the jump. Tony Dungy calls the Seattle Seahawks the “best team in the NFC.” Immediately following his statement, both Dan Patrick and Rodney Harrison drown his opinion with laughter and criticism.
I can’t say I completely agree with Tony Dungy, but the Seahawks are an improving football team capable of winning their division. At this point, would it be too much to expect a home playoff game this season?
Either way, it is always nice to hear someone with a national perspective praise the Seahawks for their accomplishments. Regardless of Dungy’s opinion, however, a champion is never crowned by talking heads on the television. The Seahawks must continue to improve and win football games every Sunday.
What do you think of Tony Dungy’s bold opinion?
Continue reading to view the video.
Tags: Dan Patrick, football, National Football League, NFC, nfl, Opinion, Rodney Harrison, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, Tony Dungy
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
Charlie Whitehurst, Heir Presumptive
After the disaster in St. Louis, a lot of fans would like to see Charlie Whitehurst on the field a lot more.
Matt Hasselbeck, the current starting quarterback, has been mostly ineffective through the first quarter of the season. At 35 years old and with a contract that expires at the end of the season, critics will point out that Hasselbeck is obviously not a part of the team’s future. With Hasselbeck on the field, it could be argued the team’s long-term growth is inhibited.
Regardless of your opinion, Matt Hasselbeck is still the starting quarterback. But I’m still glad Charlie Whitehurst is a part of the football team.
No matter how good or bad Whitehurst may end up, it is hard to argue his potential. He possesses excellent size, mobility, and a strong arm. As a football prospect, his tangible assets are superb.
Whitehurst’s intangibles are difficult to assess, but I’m happy his potential is in Seattle.
Before the Seahawks traded for Whitehurst, they were competing against other franchises for his services. One of the teams also interested in Whitehurst was the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals, who played in Super Bowl not even two years ago, had just lost Kurt Warner to retirement. Unsure about the future of former first-round pick Matt Leinart, Arizona was exploring different options at quarterback.
When the Seahawks pulled the trigger and acquired Charlie Whitehurst, most fans questioned the decision. The consensus was that Seattle overpaid for an unproven quarterback, sending a second- and third-round picks to San Diego for a player tendered at the third-round level.
What fans don’t know, however, is what the market was for Charlie Whitehurst. And four weeks into the season, it is obvious that other teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, were probably hoping to land him as well.
After Whitehurst signed a contract with the Seahawks, the Cardinals moved on. Instead of bringing in an unproven quarterback with loads of potential, they acquired free agent Derek Anderson, who had been moderately successful but eventually lost his job in Cleveland.
Anderson came to Arizona to compete with Matt Leinart, who was ultimately released before the season started. Named the starter and heir-apparent to Kurt Warner, Anderson had large shoes to fill in the desert.
Despite having tons of weapons around him, it is hard to argue Kurt Warner’s talent. In his final two years with Arizona, Warner averaged 4,168 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions per season.
Through four games this season, Derek Anderson is on pace to throw for only 2,576 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. That is, of course, assuming he starts every game and isn’t replaced by one of Arizona’s other quarterbacks.
Without a capable quarterback, the Arizona Cardinals are 2-2 and looking more incompetent than ever. The hopeless Cardinals, the winless 49ers, and the inexperienced Rams make for a weak division that even Seattle can compete in.
It is uncertain whether Charlie Whitehurst will ever develop into a good starting quarterback in the National Football League. But right now, his potential is greater than anything throwing the football in Arizona.
The Seahawks may have overpaid to obtain Whitehurst, but if it means the Cardinals won’t have a competent starting quarterback anytime soon, it was worth it.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
Follow 12th Man Rising
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Charlie Whitehurst, David Anderson, football, Kurt Warner, M, Matt Hasselbeck, Matt Leinart, National Football League, nfl, Opinion, quarterback, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, trade
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
Top 12: Reasons the Seahawks Will Beat the St. Louis Rams
12. All eyes will be on Rams’ running back Steven Jackson’s injured groin. This is very distracting for any man.
11. If Steven Jackson out, Sam Bradford will have to shoulder the load, and you know how his shoulders are.
10. If the Seahawks can give up 500+ yards AND win, then surely they can beat the lowely Rams.
9. Pete Carroll calling plays like he’s at USC doesn’t bode well, unless you’re playing the Rams, who could probably lose to the 2009 Trojans.
8. The Rams have added former USC running back Chauncey Washington. Not only does Carroll know how to game plan against his former players, but there’s no way a guy named Chauncey is going to put up big numbers.
7. When was the last time the Rams won two in a row?
6. Rams free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe has an injured thigh, which should open up downfield passes. Jump Mike Williams. Go up in the air.
5. Nobody’s expecting Leon Washington to duplicate two touchdowns on returns, but what about Golden Tate taking two punts back?
4. The greatest show on turf is now the most fraudulent game on fake grass. Who’s going to be faster – St. Louis’ receivers or Earl Thomas? Advantage Seattle.
3. Hell doesn’t stay frozen for long, and it certainly froze over when the Rams crushed the Redskins last week. Expect a warm front rolling in the form of Chris Clemons speeding past the tackle to sack Sam Bradford.
2. Russell Okung IS BACK!
1. All those trades, free agent pickups, roster shuffles, it was all to put the Hawks in position to grab tackle Breno Giacomini off the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad. Super Bowl – here we come!
Ryan Nickum is a contributor to 12th Man Rising. He also publishes the blogs http://thisdayinbaldhistory.com, http://douchepon.com and http://hawkstrap.blogspot.com
Tags: Breno Giacomini, Chauncey Washington, Chris Clemons, football, Humor, Mike Williams, National Football League, nfl, Oshiomogho Atogwe, Pete Carroll, Russell Okung, Sam Bradford, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Steven Jackson, Top 12
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
Chargers vs Seahawks: Game Thread
Feel free to leave comments or start a discussion regarding today’s game against the San Diego Chargers.
Tags: 12th Man, football, game thread, National Football League, nfl, Pete Carroll, Qwest field, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
The Tale of 2 Defenses
Without a pass rush, The Seahawks have no chance against the arm of Phillip Rivers. Currently Rivers is 4th in the NFL averaging 316 ypg. The last time Rivers was in Seattle, 2006, he found Jackson in the waning seconds of the 4th qtr to steal what by all accounts should have been a Seahawk win. The weird thing is that Rivers had a 33% completion percentage, however, he did have 2 tds.
I can’t help but wonder which Seattle defense will show up for this weeks match up against the Chargers. If it’s the week 1 defense, I think the Hawks might have a chance. This defense held the 49ers to 1-15 on 3rd downs, a meager 77 rushing yards, had 2 sacks , and 2 interceptions. One was for a touchdown courtesy of Marcus Trufant. This is the defense that held one of the elite rushers in the NFL, Frank Gore, to a harmless 2.2 ypc. Red Bryant stood out on this defense picking up a sack and hitting the qb on 2 more occasions. Chris Clemons made contact 4 times, and even Curry managed to make a ripple collecting 2 hits on Alex Smith. This defense was like an avalanche that chased, caught, and eventually engulfed a 49ers offense. It was a suffocating force drenched in a chaos of decibels created by the 12th man. It was a defense I would love to grow accustomed to.
The following week in Denver the same defense, the chaotic, high energy defense fueled by it success starved fans, seemed to forget how to play. They could not get off the field giving up 14-20 third down conversions, and only made contact with the qb once. It was on a sack by Raheem Brock. Ya I know. Me either. Although the defense looked impressive against the run it gave up over 300 yards passing. Jennings looked like a fat kid chasing an ice cream truck, and the pass rush was virtually non existent. Kyle Orton and a rookie wide receiver who was playing his first regulars season game made the defense look sluggish and confused. On the bright side Curry’s number was called a couple of times as he collected 2 tackles for a loss as did Mebane, but outside the run defense this performance will not cut it against the Chargers. The Chargers have the potential to make the Hawks look worse than they did in the Denver game.
Being the eternal optimist and Homer town fan that I am, I have hope that home is where the heart is for the Seahawks defense. I want to believe in the week 1 defense. I think the Hawks could be the upset special this week. However, if the week 2 defense decides to rear its ugly head, the Hawks will unravel. Rivers will punish Jennings pushing him farther away from confidence he began to assimilate in week 1 only to lose in week 2.
Week 1 defense: Chargers 17 Seahawks 24
Week 2 defense: Chargers 34 Seahawks 10
Tags: 12th Man, Aaron Curry, Chris Clemons, defense, football, National Football League, nfl, Opinion, Red Bryant, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
Top 12: Reasons the Seahawks Will Beat the San Diego Chargers
12. In solidarity with Vincent Jackson, the whole Chargers team goes out and gets drunk, leading to multiple DUIs and other alcohol-related arrests. The Seahawks easily beat the hungover Chargers.
11. It’s an old school AFC West rivalry. Nostalgia is stoked, Qwest Field will be electric, and the Seahawks break out some vintage smash mouth defense. Dan Fouts has a flashback of Jacob Green crushing him, and he ends up wetting himself in his Lazy-Boy.
10. The Chargers got smoked by the Kansas City Chiefs while playing in a downpour. Seahawks fans: start your rain dances.
9. Ryan Mathews has two fumbles and no touchdowns so far this season. Keep them coming Ryan. It’s better to give than to receive and giving the ball to the Hawks’ defense is the greatest gift of all.
8. Qwest Field remains the loudest place in the NFL and Qualcomm Stadium is the quietest. The Chargers will need earplugs and the refs will need extra flags for all the false start penalties.
7. Shawne Merriman has had his head up his ass for a couple years. Imagine how distracted he’ll be when his ex-girlfriend Tila Tequila raises the 12th Man flag before the game. Make it happen Seahawks brass!
6. Everyone was surprised when Matt Hasselbeck ran for a touchdown. Now that he’s the second coming of Randall Cunningham, the Chargers will have to game plan for the threat of the fleet-footed Hasselbeck. This will free up John Carlson. Adjust your fantasy team.
5. God has Matt Hasselbeck starting this week on his fantasy football team and he’s obviously a Justin Forsett fan.
4. Darren Sproles runs up the middle and gets tackled by 1,200 lbs. of defensive line and beaks open like a pinata.
3. Pete Carroll pops two 5-Hour Energy drinks before the game and his energetic enthusiasm is tripled. If you thought he was jazzed and pumped up before, just wait until he bursts onto the field on his gimpy knees and sacks Philip Rivers with a crushing hit that puts Rivers out for the season and garners a 4-game suspension… But the Seahawks win.
2. With Billy Volek in the game, the Chargers realize they made a tragic mistake trading Charlie Whitehurst.
1. The Chargers have a lightening bolt on their helmet, but Golden Tate is the one who’s electric. He treats the Chargers defense like they were Western Michigan and runs a punt back and catches three TDs and 200 yards.
Ryan Nickum is a contributor to 12th Man Rising. He also publishes the blogs http://thisdayinbaldhistory.com, http://douchepon.com and http://hawkstrap.blogspot.com
Tags: Billy Volek, Charlie Whitehurst, football, Golden Tate, Humor, Justin Forsett, Matt Hasselbeck, National Football League, nfl, Pete Carroll, Philip Rivers, Qualcomm Stadium, Qwest field, Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, vincent jackson
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
Peter McLoughlin Named Seahawks President
Paul Allen today announced the appointment of Peter McLoughlin as president of the Seattle Seahawks, Sounders FC, and First & Goal Inc.
McLoughlin will replace Tod Leiweke, who is leaving to become a part-owner and executive of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. In his new role, McLoughlin will be responsible for all business operations, sales and marketing, sponsorship, administration and operations of Seattle’s football and soccer franchises.
Seahawks fans shouldn’t notice any difference on Sundays; McLoughlin will not influence football-related decisions and will likely follow the blueprint left by Leiweke.
McLoughlin has spent the past four years working with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and has known Tod Leiweke for roughly 15 years. Leiweke assisted in the search for his replacement.
From the team’s official press release:
“Peter is a bright, proven leader who believes as I do that the fans always come first and understands the importance of community,” Allen said. “He is experienced in all aspects of the business side of sports.
“Peter joins a very capable leadership team with General Manager John Schneider and Executive Vice President of Football Operations & Head Coach Pete Carroll. He is the best fit for the job to continue the growth of the Seahawks and Sounders FC.”Allen is the sole owner of the Seahawks and a minority owner of the Sounders FC, the MLS team now in its second season.
As president of the Seahawks, McLoughlin will report to Allen and be in charge of all financial and business operations of the team. Schneider and Carroll report to Allen for football operations and to McLoughlin for budgetary and finance issues.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
Follow 12th Man Rising
Tags: First & Goal Inc., football, National Football League, News, nfl, Paul Allen, Peter McLoughlin, president, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Blues, Tod Leiweke
Posted in: Seahawks, Sounders FC | No Comments »
Michael Vick Deserves a Second Chance
Yesterday, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid announced Michael Vick would be the team’s starting quarterback. Vick will take the snaps this Sunday instead of Kevin Kolb, who suffered a concussion in the opening week but has since recovered.
In Kolb’s absence, Vick played well enough to lead the Eagles to a victory in week two. Against the Detroit Lions last Sunday, Vick completed 61.7 percent of his passes and threw for 284 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also added 37 rushing yards on eight attempts.
Now that Michael Vick is a starting quarterback in the National Football League, people from all over are openly protesting his promotion. Their reasons for protest are obvious – and somewhat justified – but Vick deserves this opportunity in Philadelphia.
People don’t have to be radical, crazy, or members of PETA to be angry at Michael Vick. A lot of lingering resentment comes from dog owners and average people, still upset at Vick for his participation in the dog fighting case.
Michael Vick, however, deserves a second chance. What he did was wrong, illegal, and probably immoral on some levels, but he still should be given a new opportunity.
As a society, we’re fond of giving second chances. We like to see people recover from mistakes. We’re willing to forgive and forget, in most cases.
For whatever reason, Vick’s situation seems a bit different.
Vick was given an opportunity in Philadelphia and he made the most of it. As a backup, he led the Eagles to victory and impressed the coaching staff enough to earn a promotion. Like second chances, our society generally believes hard work should be rewarded; Vick has worked his tail off to get to where he is now.
Vick was punished for his crimes. He lost all of his previous endorsement deals, eventually filed for bankruptcy, endured public backlash, and served a federal prison sentence. He has already paid his dues and deserves a shot at redemption.
He may not deserve everyone’s forgiveness, but we cannot prevent him from playing in the National Football League. As one of the more gifted athletes of our generation, Vick belongs on the field every Sunday.
We should hope he has changed through his ordeal; Vick needs to show he has matured and become a better individual. His post-suspension accomplishments have been hard-earned and well-deserved.
Give him a break. Leonard Little and several other athletes also committed heartless crimes, and Vick deserves a chance to redeem himself like they did.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
Follow 12th Man Rising
Tags: bankruptcy, dog fighting case, football, Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick, National Football League, nfl, Opinion, Philadelphia Eagles, Seahawks, starting quarterback, suspension
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
Cardinals, 49ers Ranked Higher Than Seattle
Following a huge victory in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, the Seahawks failed to execute and lost miserably last Sunday in Denver.
The 49ers, despite an 0-2 record, looked much improved against the New Orleans Saints. And despite a defeated season through two weeks, the media is prepared to admire Mike Singletary and friends once again.
Prior to the season opener, the San Francisco 49ers were considered by many to be the class of the NFC West. That isn’t saying much, but on paper, they seemed to be primed for a breakout season in a weak division.
Everyone conveniently forgot Alex Smith is still San Francisco’s starting quarterback.
Mike Singletary, a clown not worthy of his apparent prominence, is still the head coach – and still “great” despite a 13-14 coaching record without any postseason appearances.
Apparently, after barely losing to the New Orleans Saints, the 49ers are finally living up to their potential.
But they’re still winless in 2010. And close doesn’t count in the National Football League; a loss is a loss.
According to Mike Sando of ESPN.com, however, the San Francisco 49ers are still better than the Seattle Seahawks. Yes, they are ranked higher than the team who handily beat them in the first week of the regular season.
In his latest power rankings, Mike Sando ranks the San Francisco 49ers as the 20th best team in the National Football League, ahead of the Cardinals (23), Seahawks (24), and Rams (31).
And yes, the Cardinals – who barely beat the Rams in week one and were easily defeated by the Atlanta Falcons last week – are also ahead of the Seahawks.
The season is young, but I don’t know how anyone can justify ranking the 49ers or Cardinals ahead of the Seahawks. Until the Seahawks win the division, the media will continue to give unearned credit to the 49ers.
Did anyone watch the first week of the regular season?
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
Follow 12th Man Rising
Tags: Alex Smith, Arizona Cardinals, ESPN, football, Mike Singletary, National Football League, New Orleans Saints, NFC West, nfl, power rankings, San Francisco 49ers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
Leroy Hill Injured, Good News for Russell Okung
Fortunately, there weren’t any serious injuries suffered in Denver. Health in the National Football League is a good thing.
Leroy Hill strained his calf and was wearing a boot following the game. According to reports, Hill is going to need some time to completely recover.
Hill, however, was barely noticeable prior to his injury. Combined with his suspension and previous injuries, he was an unreliable asset entering this season anyway. David Hawthorne is expected to remain a starter for now and his position with the first team has been earned.
Continuity on the offensive line remains a concern, especially following Max Unger’s season-ending injury. Stacy Andrews was less-than-impressive as a replacement, but mostly because of ill-timed mistakes and needless penalties.
Ben Hamilton returned to the starting lineup after the team briefly experimented with Mike Gibson at left guard. Hamilton was the projected starter throughout the offseason, but Gibson outplayed him in training camp and was given the starting nod in week one.
Right now, the starting line features Tyler Polumbus, Ben Hamilton, Chris Spencer, Stacy Andrews, and Sean Locklear. Surprisingly, Tyler Polumbus has been inconspicuous at left tackle – good for an offensive lineman – as the team waits for Russell Okung to return from a high ankle sprain.
According to Carroll, Okung will begin running on land this week – as opposed to working out on a treadmill – and could begin practicing soon. I doubt he’ll be ready to play against San Diego, but could be back in the starting lineup in a few weeks.
No serious news regarding new injuries is good news for the Seattle Seahawks.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
Follow 12th Man Rising
Tags: Ben Hamilton, Chris Spencer, David Hawthorne, football, injury, left tackle, LeRoy Hill, Max Unger, Mike Gibson, National Football League, News, nfl, offensive line, Pete Carroll, Qwest field, Russell Okung, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Sean Locklear, Seattle Seahawks, Stacy Andrews, Tyler Polumbus
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »
Seahawks vs Broncos: Game Thread
Feel free to leave comments or start a discussion regarding today’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Tags: 12th Man, Denver Broncos, football, game thread, Matt Hasselbeck, National Football League, nfl, Pete Carroll, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks
Posted in: Seahawks | No Comments »