 |  |
|
| |
 |
July 2009
Categories
| November 2005The same questions the Hawks had before the Giants game are the same questions they have now: Will the defense hold up against a balanced offense? (Kind of) Can Seattle's safeties cover an elite tight end like J. Shockey? (Not so much) Can the Hawks stop a solid kick returner? (Penalties helped) Add to that list questions about the offensive line and their ability to protect Hasselbeck... ...
Give Jay Feely credit for facing the cameras, and doing it with class. This guy missed three game-winning field goal attempts, he could have blown off reporters and slipped out the back door, but he faced the mikes and answered the questions. A win is a win. Coaches say it. Players count on it. Fans believe it. But that's not necessarily the case for the Seahawks Sunday. There's no question the Hawks got lucky. Every good team gets lucky every once in a while, the problem is, the Hawks didn't look like a good team for most of Sunday's game. In a rare move, the NFL has admitted that referee Larry Nemmers erred Sunday on two of the Giants' touchdowns against the Hawks, reports the Associated Press. The NFL said the catches by Jeremy Shockey and Amani Toomer should not have been ruled completions. Shockey was hit hard and dropped the ball in the end zone. And one of Toomer's feet did not land in bounds. (I can hear all the "I told you so's" out there.) As for the rare NFL admission, it doesn't hurt that Coach Holmgren is on the NFL competition committee that oversees rules and game operations. ...
"The crowd was tremendous," Coach Holmgren said in the post-game press conference. "They were cranked up the whole way." Meanwhile, Matt Hasselbeck praised kicker Josh Brown for his clutch field goal. ...Brock Talk #1: Jurevicius "The Giant Killer" Joe Jurevicius is the quintessential football player. He's not the fastest, the prettiest, the strongest, but he knows how to play the game, and there is nothing a QB enjoys more than a guy he can count on. Joe can find the soft spots of zones. Joe can run precise routes. Joe can use his big body and shield defenders, and jump over them to score TD's. His seven TD's receiving are a career best, and lead the Hawks, and with Darrell Jackson out, Jurevicius has made a mighty name for himself. And by the way, Shaun Alexander is not the only free agent after the season, Mr. Jurevicius will be on the open market, and he's making quite an impression on possible suitors. ...
(Game in progress) It's been two years since Walter Jones has given up a quarterback sack. Today, he's already given up two, to Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora. The big Osi is cause for concern as the Seahawks try and get a running attack going. Jeremy Shockey's stock is on the rise. Not only is the Giants Tight-End playing with a sore chest, he's also the MVP of this game so far. In the first half Shockey had 6 receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. Slow this guy down or watch the win streak disappear. ...(Game in progress) Just as expected, the Seahawks and Giants are giving the fans their money's worth and then some. Hawks receiver Bobby Engram's fumble in the 2nd quarter was a back-breaker for the Hawks offense, but the defense is holding serve. Shaun Alexander needs to get something going and the Hawks need to keep Giants Tight-End Jeremy Shockey contained. ...When: New York Giants (7-3) at Seattle (8-2), 1:15 p.m. (UPDATE: The Rams beat Houston in OT, so the Hawks will have to wait until next week.) The Seahawks can lock up the NFC West title with a win against the New York Giants and a St. Louis Rams loss. What's Holmgren think of the prospect? "Stop! I appreciate the question, but let's not go there," he responded to a reporter. You may remember (I sure do) back in 1999 when the Hawks' stellar season imploded from a 8-2 record to a 9-7 finish. So a win this weekend is another big deal. At the very least, it will prove to the national media that Seattle is truly a contender. ...
Brock Talk #1: Enough offense to win Seahawks Fullback Mack Strong may not have 100 yards rushing or 3 touchdowns today, but he does get my MVP award. Today, Mack is playing in his 174th regular-season game for the Seahawks. This makes him 5th in the franchises's all-time games-played list. The 34-year-old Strong signed with the Seahawks as a free agent in 1993. (Game in progress) Forget the fact that the Seahawks are playing the last place San Francisco 49'ers. Forget the fact that the 49'ers have the worst offense and defense in the NFL. Right now, the 49'ers are playing like a team on a mission to prove something and it appears the Seahawks are still back in Seattle. It's way too early to panic Seahawk fans, but somebody needs to do something on this Seattle team to light a fire on the Seahawk's sideline. ...When: Seattle (7-2) at San Francisco (2-7), 1:05 p.m.
Has anyone ever seen a more inept play than the Rams' fake field goal during the St. Louis/Seattle game? The call to go for it was a good one (3-0 or 6-0 is pretty much the same thing. Gotta go for 10-zip there). But the pitch to the kicker 5 yards behind the line? That was the worst play I have EVER seen in pro football (the Statue of Liberty play we used to run in our neighborhood would've even been a better choice). Don't ever forget, kickers are NOT football players. ...The Seahawks may be without Ken 'the Hammer' Hamlin, but more than any Seahawk team EVER, these guys are puttin' the hammer down when they need to. Good teams get a stop or put a long drive together at crucial times. That's exactly what they're doing... ...Lots of Seahawks press after the Ram's win, and I'm starting to hear the words "Super Bowl" thrown around. A sampling: So is it a fair question? Or simply way too early? ...
Lots of post-game video, unedited of course: Shaun Alexander talks about becoming the new "big dog" in the NFC West, Bobby Engram reacts to a second big win over the Rams and Coach Mike Holmgren praises the defense and overall team effort. ...Brock Talk Point #1: Great offensive tempo The Hawks are the Lakers of the 1980's, they are the "Seattle Showtime," as they are pressing the tempo and pushing that football down the defense throats. They lead the NFL with 15 TD drives of 80 yards or more, and they are doing it by keeping defenses on their heels and being the one dictating tempo. So Matt's Magic, Engram's Cooper, Walter Jones is AC Green, Stevens is Worthy, and with the unstoppable sky hook Abdul-Jabaar is really Alexander. Go Showtime! ...
(Game in progress) All week long I had to listen to all these so called experts say how dangerous the Rams would be this Sunday with Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt back in the line-up. Guess what, it's almost half-time and the dynamic duo has yet to show-up for this game. Holt has one grab for 4 yards and Bruce has yet to make a reception. Knock on wood, but I like these stats and I also like the fact that Grandpa Marshall Faulk is the Ram's leading receiver right now with just 4 grabs. ...(Game in progress) Looks like the creative play calling didn't pay off for Joe Vitt in the 2nd quarter. With an easy three points at his feet, Vitt goes for the touchdown on 4th down and the Seahawks defense stops the Rams cold. Lets just hope this defensive stance can help wake-up the offense and the 60,000 plus fans. Hey Mike, how about handing it off to Shaun Alexander? ...(Game in progress) It's still early, but the Rams are taking advantage of some over anxious Seahawk's linebackers. St. Louis is doing a nice job of mixing things up on offense. Lots of different play-action looks could continue to cause troubles for the Seahawks defense. ...(Game in progress) The refs miss a big call early and it costs the Seahawks a possible touchdown. St. Louis with some illegal contact on hawks tight end Jerramy Stevens, the refs miss the call, Stevens falls to the ground and the Rams intercept Matt Hasselbeck. When: St. Louis (4-4) at Seattle (6-2), 1:05 p.m.
That said, what do you do with one of the league's top rushers in Shaun Alexander? He's on pace to rush for 1900 yards and 28 touchdowns - easily his best all around year in the NFL... ...I don't mean to burst anyone's bubble, but there's one small problem with the Seahawks championship caliber team - special teams. The biggest problem, without question, is penalties in the return game. Mike Holmgren admitted today he's so frustrated he's toyed with the idea of trying to fine the players. He'll settle for making substitutions until someone can get it right. But it's clear he can't take this kind of effort much longer, and who knows how long the Seahawks can take it. Engineering long drives against weak NFC opponents, but that's not going to work in the playoffs or against a tough Indianapolis team. Let's hope the Hawks can fix this weak link before they get burned. ...
Dallas Morning News columnist David Moore calls this Sunday's Seahawks-Rams match-up the "NFL game of the week," and he's giving the Hawks a 7 point edge. "The Seahawks are one of the best teams in the NFL this season. Really," he writes. Duh. That's a given. But to hear it from the center of the Cowboys universe is music to my ears. ...Is Shaun Alexander Seattle's mid-season MVP? He's on pace for another record-setting season, around 1,900 yards and counting. If I had to pick one player, I might pick Alexander. If I could go with a unit, I'd much rather pick Seattle's offensive line. But Seattle's REAL MVP is president of football operations, Tim Ruskell. Before Ruskell brought his understanding of team football to Seattle, the Hawks were basically a 500 team that couldn't win in the playoffs. Now look what's possible. Its not just imports like Chuck Darby, Joe Jurevicius and Bryce Fisher, it's a TEAM that understands just how important that word is... ..."We're excited," Shaun Alexander said after the Hawk's victory over Arizona. "Our first and No. 1 goal is to win the division and get the best record in the NFC." Watch the video. ...
Nice job, Seahawks. You broke the bye-week losing streak curse and you're two games ahead in your division after today's 33-19 victory. Granted, Arizona's a bit hapless, but a win's a win. Given the Hawks' upcoming schedule, one commentator went out on a limb and said the Hawks could go 12-2. Let's not get too crazy yet... ...(Game in progress) After watching Kurt Warner march his Arizona Cardinals down the field, it's time for the hawks offense to get back on track. Seattle can not afford to let a struggling Arizona Cardinals team back into this game. If today's game comes down to a field goal, the last thing you want to see is Neil Rackers coming onto the field with a chance to tie it or win it. ...(Game in progress) I love watching Shaun Alexander take the ball down field 88 yards for a touchdown, but I'm tired of Alexander getting all the credit. The Hawks offensive line, with 315 pounder Walter Jones leading the way, creates such big holes for Alexander. Alexander is having a season to remember, but whenever we praise Alexander, we should also take time to thank Robbie Tobeck, Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson, Chris Gray and Sean Locklear for their hard work in the trenches. ...(Game in progress) After heading to the locker room in the 2nd quarter with an upset stomach, it's good to see Shaun is feeling just fine. Alexander begins the 2nd half with an 88-yard run on the first play of the drive. Seahawks now lead it 24-6. Hawks need to keep the pressure on. ...(Game in progress) Seattle leads it at the half 17-6 thanks to some strong 2nd quarter defense and some big plays from Jerheme Urban, Maurice Morris and Matt Hasselbeck. In the end, four drives and three scores for the Seahawks is the reason they're the #1 offense in the NFL and the reason they lead it at the half. Only concern right now, where is Shaun Alexander? ...(Game in progress) As former Seahawks Quarterback Brock Huard and I watch this game, were a little surprised how well Arizona is running the ball, considering they came into this game as the worst rushing team in the NFL. Hawks looking good, but right now, the Cards are keeping things close thanks to their MVP, Neil Rackers the kicker. Thanks to his 2nd field goal in the 2nd quarter, he's now kicked 24 straight field goals. ...Here's some good news. Shaun Alexander says he "definitely" expects to sign a long-term contract with the Hawks before the end of this season. "Just through talking with people [team executives], everyone is on the same page with getting it done," he said. "It's time for us to do something special." Alexander said he believes the team is committed to sustaining this season's fast start and the growing dreams of a championship. ...When: Seattle (5-2) at Arizona (2-5) at 1:05 p.m.
Here's raw video of Shaun Alexander talking to reporters after practice today about the Seahawks' upcoming game against Arizona and the team's playoff prospects. "Our backs are up against the wall more than any other team because we know we have to win," he said. ... |
Whoa. The NFL is now denying that it admitted to Coach Holmgren that officials botched the call on two Giants' touchdowns last Sunday. "Our officiating department never discussed with the Seahawks the Amani Toomer touchdown reception, which was properly called," the NFL statement 
You'd think the New York media would tear apart Giants kicker Jay Feely for missing three crucial field goals in a row, but they're remarkably restrained. Meanwhile, Feely apologized to the team. "I know some people will say this is a team game," Feely said, "but you have to come through when you have one opportunity, much less two good opportunities and a third that I could have made."
Unbelievable. Deep into overtime, the Seahawks' Josh Brown kicked the winning field goal after Giants kicker Jay Feely missed three in a row (what are the odds of that?) "There's no way this team is not going to the Super Bowl," said Brock Huard on NorthWest Cable News right after the game. And you might also say the crowd -- rocking Qwest field -- won the game for the Hawks after forcing nearly a dozen false start penalties against the Giants. Read the game wrap-up 
That's what Shaun Alexander 
The guys on KJR Radio this morning were salivating over the possibility of a Seahawks-Colts Super Bowl, but Coach Mike Holmgren is doing his best to 
The Seahawks loss of Def. Coordinator Ray Rhodes could have cost the franchise its division title run. Instead, 38 year coaching veteran John Marshall has the Hawks in the thick of Super Bowl discussions. Its a long way from Hancock Junior College to the NFL, but Marshall has earned every promotion, from Junior College to Oregon to USC and the NFL. Marshall has the likes of LeRoy Hill, Rocky Bernard, Lofa Tatupu and Marquand Manuel playing at a clutch level. Think about that. Last year we didn't even know who those players were and now they're all contributing to a defense that always seems to find a way. Sunday, Marshall mixed blitzes and a 4 man rush inside the 20. St. Louis' first five trips inside Seattle's 20 produced ZERO touchdowns. Great stuff from a team largley defined by the stellar play of its back ups. Add John Marhsall to that list.
At this point it looks like the NFC West will be wrapped up in November. The Seahawks offense is doing everything right. The Hawks are running at the right times, throwing at the right times and the Rams have no answers. Kudo's to Mike Holmgren and his play calling. Hawks walk away with a win, 31-16.
Every team has a window to win a championship. The Mariners watched that window close in the final years of the Lou Piniella era. The Seahawks have clearly entered into their window. They cracked it open last year with the division championship, and in the next few years with skill position guys entering their prime, the Hawks will be considered serious contenders to win it all.
That's what Matt Hasselbeck has to say about this Sunday's game against the Rams (watch the 
Matt Hasselbeck is the guy that sets the table. A pass first offense only works if your QB makes great decisions, doesn't turn the ball over, and makes the plays at the most critical of times. His two minute drives, his go route to Urban, his 92 yard drive to finish the game, he's been doing this all season, and if you listen to Holmgren in his press conference, it's Matt that makes this offense tick and why they're 6-2...
By now everyone knows the Hawks are 0-6 coming off bye weeks under Mike Holmgren, but the streak stops here. There's a reason the Hawks keep saying the bye came at a good time. It's their halfway point, and they needed the break. It's less likely the off week will break their momentum, especially with Bobby Engram back on the field this week. He's still not quite 100%, but the Matt Hasselbeck feels 100% better having him out there. D.J. Hackett and Jerheme Urban did a good job filling in, but their lack of experience started catching up with them against Dallas. Engram is a huge boost for the offense, and a big reason the Hawks will win Sunday.