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July 2009
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| August 2006Well, the starting defense looked much improved since the San Diego game. And while Seneca Wallace seemed to underthrow too many passes, boy does he have a motor. And correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Seahawks QB David Greene throw the ball an awful lot like Dave Krieg? I know it's preseason, but for what Greene lacks in zip, he sure does make up for in accuracy. ...Just got back from vacation (went to Vegas...man, it was hot down there) and there are a lot of exciting things happening with the Seahawks. We're less than a half-hour from the pre-game show on KING-5. Paul Silvi will host it again. Greg Bailey will work the sidelines again. Both do a lot of prep work for these games. They'll talk about the final cuts coming up. All teams have to get down to 53 by next week. The second big thing happening is the Mike Holmgren Show. It'll air on KING-5 after the Sunday Night Football game on NBC. Every week you'll be able to send an e-mail in and ask Coach Holmgren about the game. (More Details on how you can do that, soon) We had a big meeting today about the show. We're going to do a test run tonight and tomorrow. Most of the time, this won't be a typical post-game show. We'll talk to Coach Holmgren about the game, ask him you questions from e-mails, and look to next week's opponant, plus, talk to a player or two and a whole lot more. Sure, I'm hyping it a bit, but we have some talented people behind the scenes that'll help put it together. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Again, The Mike Holmgren show will follow NBC's Sunday Night Football game right here on KING-5 TV. ...Well, even without Hutch (who USA Today says received the cold shoulder from Coach Holmgren during a spring wedding), one oddsmaker is giving Mr. Alexander the nod to recapture the rushing title. ...Looks like Jeff George, recently revived by the Oakland Raiders, liked to keep Mike Holmgren and Seahawks QB coach Jim Zorn on speed dial. Persistence paid off, but with a different team. ...Nothing better than late games at Qwest Field. Always reminds me of watching high school ball. If you can't go, why to watch: The teams play twice this season, tomorrow at 7 p.m. (on KING 5), and again on MNF in November. A little primer of the real action to come. Also, to see how well Hawks backup David Greene controls the offense (did you know the 49ers plucked Gibran Hamdan off the waiver wire yesterday?). I'm a bit interested in seeing how well will the defense gels. If the OL doesn't protect Matt more, I have a feeling the team may be leaning on the defense for the first couple of games. Also, a chance to see Marques Tuiasosopo sling the ball. And come on, it's the Raiders. If nothing else, go boo. ...If QB David Greene gets a chance to play against the Raiders and doesn't cut it, I hear the Eagles have let Koy Detmer go. Another note, any of you watch last week's Cardinal's game versus the Bears? I know its preseason, and I know few teams game plan, but Leinart looked NFL ready. Who knows how long it will last, but he says he's okay keeping the bench warm. ...From the crow's nest: coming to Qwest Field this Thursday, another AFC West opponent to appease those Seahawks fans who still remember being in the division. For those of us who don't (and don't murder themselves getting ready for fantasy football) an update on the Silver and Black: Starting QB, Aaron Brooks. Stand out wideout, Randy Moss. Coach, Art Shell. Oh yeah, did you know Mr. Davis just reincarnated QB Jeff George's career? No, I'm serious. Really. ...A few eyebrows were raised after the Seahawks released QB Gibran Hamdan. Hopefully the third string quarterback position won't become an issue, the point will be moot, and Hamdan can sign with another team. And for an old guy, Rouen is turning up the heat in SF. See what Trent Dilfer has to say about the punter. ...The Seahawks signed free agent TE Leonard Stephens today, on the same day they cut fifteen players. QB Gibran Hamdan and WR Taco Wallace were among those let go by the team. ...Watching how much the QB's had to scramble in San Diego, I can see the defense having to win the first few games. When I think of the last few season openers for the Seahawks, I'm left wondering why the team doesn't game plan sooner. Worst-case scenario: the team loses to the Lions because of too much pressure on Matt, too many interceptions, and they give up a few long runs. Then in Arizona... ...And I can't imagine any real surprises. But I also don't know what the team is going to do about the tight end situation, except hope Mili heals quick and the 33-year-old lasts until Jerramy Stevens gets back onto the field. The Times takes a look at Tuesday's mandated roster cuts. And what about disgruntled Pat's WR Deon Branch? Should the Hawks make a play? ...The Seahawks are 1-2 in the preseason after the Chargers win in San Diego, 31-20. Despite the fact the Chargers had four turnovers, the Hawks couldn't pull it off, due mostly to a poor frontline defense. "We can't pass protect very well tonight," coach Mike Holmgren said. "That's the whole deal." But the big news of the game is Itula Mili's injury, a knee sprain, which combined with Jerramy Steven's injury makes Seattle vulnerable in the tight end department. A couple photos... I blogged the game live below... ...Other than making sure no one gets hurt, reasons to watch the game in San Diego (Saturday at 8 p.m on KING5, unless you live in San Diego -- where the game is blacked out): The top two running backs on everyone's fantasy football list. LT vs Alexander the Great. Don't agree? Name better. Oh yeah, another reason: to see who's next in line to protect San Diego QB Phillip River's blind side. How is Jim Sorgi doing, anyway? I hear the Colts may be in the market for a new backup QB. ...The Seahawks are headed back to Kirkland, with two weeks to go before the Sept. 10th opener in Detriot. Maybe this trip to Motown the zebras will go easy on the team . So how're the Hawks looking after breaking Camp Cheney? Bad traffic may have lead to Darrell Jackson dropping the ball while signing autographs for some kids in Puyallup, but he says he'll be there for the season opener. Otherwise, Jerramy Stevens, Marcus Tubbs, and Russell Davis are the only players still injured. Anyone out there think the local media is playing it too nice on the DJack injury? Or does it even matter? At least we don't have to deal with TO. Can the Seahawks beat the recent trend of Superbowl losers missing out on the playoffs the following season? Vote here. Even if you don't want to vote, fans should check out the USA Today article. As they point out, Shaun (that's S-H-A-U-N) has his own jinx to beat -- the Madden Hex (below). What do you think? ...Update: Local reports have OG Floyd Womack back in action at left guard today. Chris Spencer continues to take reps at center while '05 Pro Bowler Robbie Tobeck heals from surgery. Nice to see Spencer working with the first unit. Also, wide receiver Bobby Engram was back at practice after an excused absence. ...Go behind the scenes at Camp Cheney, and see what Matt Hasselbeck sees. A dozen photos, a brief glimpse inside the QB's day. Well according to the TNT, WR Darrell Jackson did not work out during the a.m. practice. And Bobby Engram was excused for personal reasons. Read more here. ...Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson takes his first reps at Cheney today. So who slips to no. 4? Bobby? Engram is a great slot receiver who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Here is an article about the team's take on the situation. As long as Darrell stays healthy, the depth give the Seahawks one scary looking four receiver set. For lunchtime, don't forget to check out the second-to-last live Seahawks Camp webcast at noon. And here's an article at how this year's team will beat the trend of Superbowl losers. ...Well, the aftershock of Julian Peterson is still being felt as the Colts wait for word on their backup QB Jim Sorgi. Ouch. Also, Arizona picked up Brandon Gorin from the Patriots to bolster their depleted OLine. Oh yeah, Carolina's WR Smith watched practice from the sidelines once again. And what's up with Bryant Gumble? What he said that has NFL bigwigs fuming. ...He said he didn't like his performance in the first preseason game. Point taken. I cannot agree more that Julian Peterson was the player of the game. In other news, the 49ers shore up their starting RB position by sending Barlow to the Jets. Did you know that former Seahawk WR Jerry Rice will retire a 49er, on the night the team faces the Seahawks on Nov. 19th? And in SI's Monday Morning QB, you have to dig deep but you can find references to what King thinks of both Spokane and Koren Robinson's recent DWI. The Seahawks take down the Colts, 30-17, on NBC's Sunday Night Football in a much-improved performance over last week's preseason loss to the Cowboys. I blogged the game live, listed below... ...Shaun Alexander, in digital form, hosted an ad for Electronic Arts' upcoming Madden 07 video game where he poked fun at his relatively unknown status nationwide. "If people want to keep passing me on the streets without knowing who I am, mistaking me for that guy in New York, and spelling my name wrong in magazines, then I guess I'm gonna have to keep re-introducing myself." Cut to Alexander giving some guy a nasty straight-arm. "Hi, I'm Shaun. S-H-A-U-N." Classic. Watch it below... ...The Seahawks play the Colts on a national stage on NBC's Sunday Night Football this weekend, beginning at 5 p.m. on KING 5. Indy QB Peyton Manning and the starting offensive squad will run 18 plays before taking to the bench. Let's hope the Hawks tighten up over their pre-season performance last week against the Cowboys. ...Update on Jerramy Stevens: The Hawks tight end will have surgery tomorrow on his left knee. He tore cartilage. It's the same knee he had surgery on back in April. Usually, this is no big deal. You have plenty of athletes who tear cartilage, they get it fixed and they're back playing again in no time. But this is Stevens second surgery in nearly four months. Hopefully, for Stevens and the Hawks sake, he'll get it repaired and he'll be back catching balls from Hasselbeck again in October. ...Tough break for Jerramy Stevens. The Hawks tight end was carted off the field after re-injuring his surgically repaired left knee. After a career year last season, the Hawks were looking for more out of Stevens. If anyone of you has ever had a knee injury or surgery, you know knees aren't anything to mess with. The knee issue will follow Stevens all year long. That doesn't mean he won't play, but it'll always come into play. Check out the jump for the complete story. ...In a big sigh of relief, Grant Wistrom, Rocky Bernard and Joe Tafoya are practicing with the Hawks for the first time all camp...no pads, just drills. Coach Mike Holmgren says all three have been rehabbing their off-season injuries and they seem to be in shape. They may sit this weekend's preseason game. They're probably not game ready. The rest has been nice, but Tafoya could be fighting for a spot in the in defensive line rotation. Holmgren thinks he's good on special teams, but the undersized Tafoya needs to contribute on the D-line, too. Also, Lofa Tatupu has a mild groin injury. The All-Pro linebacker will rest and may return to practice on Friday. If this happened during the season, I believe Lofa would be out there playing. But it's the pre-season, so he'll take it easy. ...NFC West Training Camp Reports: Koren Robinson is in trouble with the law again. Just about a month ago, there were rumors that Koren had relapsed with alcohol, but he was getting counseling with his alcoholism so he wouldn't drink again. Sounds like it's got a bigger hold on him than he thought. No one doubts that Koren has the skills to be one of the top performers in the NFL, but he's got to get over his personal demons first. ...A couple of setbacks for the Hawks. Center Robbie Tobeck had surgery today to remove bone chips from his left elbow, and he could be out seven to ten days. I'm sure the surgery won't matter much. In fact, it'll probably help. Former first round pick Chris Spencer will get more reps on the line. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Russell Davis could be out for up to a month with a sore foot. He was expected to be in a defensive tackle rotation with Rocky Bernard and Chuck Darby. ...It kept happening over and over again on Saturday night, and the crowd where I was sitting was getting sick of seeing it. Cowboy receivers would sprint, stop and catch intentionally underthrown balls, burning the Seahawks cornerbacks. The biggest offender: Kelly Jennings, Seattle's top draft pick. "I've got to work on the underthrown fade route," Kelly Jennings said after the game. "Instead of turning into the ball, I need to turn into the receiver and then find the ball, go through the man to get to the ball." Let's hope he's a fast learner. ...“I know it is sloppy in the first preseason game,” Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said about last night's 13-3 loss to the Cowboys. “But that wasn’t us out there. We are a much better team than that. I know that it's a going to be a tough week this week. Our coaches are going to look at that film and they’re going to be tough on us - and they should be.” Says Coach Holmgren, "Between the mistakes and the penalties and the sloppiness, I was a little disappointed to be honest. I think the effort was pretty good. I think Dallas is going to be a good football team. I can deal with physical errors, but the mental stuff really bothered me tonight." I just returned from the Hawks-Cowboys game, and as my friend Doug says, the most exciting moment was the team introduction. Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck took to the field as fireworks pierced the stadium air, and Ken Hamlin dropped to one knee in the corner of the end zone as fans roared -- nearly a capacity crowd. But then it was time to play football. While Cowboys starting QB Drew Bledsoe sat it out, backup quarterback Tony Romo played the entire game and completed 19 of 25 passes. In the end, the Cowboys walked away with a 13-3 win in a game the Associated Press called "sloppy" for the Seahawks. Alexander ended up with just 13 yards on 6 carries, and Hasselbeck was 4 of 6 for 43 yards. Sure, it's just an exhibition game -- and many of the starters played for just a couple series or not at all -- but the Hawks did look sloppy, especially the secondary and the defensive line (QB Seneca Wallace was sacked four times.) But Hamlin wasn't shy on his first big hit... Sure it's only pre-season, but every rabid Seahawks fan has waited for this moment. The Seahawks take on the Dallas Cowboys in their first pre-season game. You can catch it on KING-5 TV. Pre-game starts at 6:30. KING-5's sports anchor Paul Silvi is working the pre-game. Gametime is 7:00 pm. KING-5's sports anchor Greg Bailey will work the sidelines during the game. Both Paul and Greg already have some interesting storylines to watch. Here's the teaser. One involves a hard-luck receiver trying to revive his career. Another is human bowling ball that could see more time at a different position than his designated spot. For more, you've gotta watch the show. It should be great one. Oh by the way, if you're going to the game, I've got a couple of things for ya. One, if you're coming from the north, use I-5 South. A couple of lanes of I-405 south will be closed today. Leave early....all that traffic will be concentrated on I-5. Second, go to the west side of the stadium. At Qwest Field Plaza, the Seahawks are unveiling a wall devoted to you Hawk fans. It should be pretty cool. Have fun at the game 12th Man. ...The Seahawks announced the induction of Cortez Kennedy into the Ring of Honor today. Although most of the chatter was about how great Kennedy was in his 11 year career in Seattle, a lot of laughs came as he told his story about going back to school. When asked why he decided to finish out his degree, he said his daughter, Courtney, asked him why he never did. He said, "I played football for 20 or so years of my life." Then she said, "Well, you don't do anything now." So, he decided to do it for her, for his family, and for himself. The highlight of his time at the University of Miami was his modern dance class. He told us that kids in class laughed at him until the teacher told them to "stop laughing at Cortez." He did get an "A" because, as he says, "I can dance a little bit!" He finished with a Bachelor in Liberal Arts and Sciences. He wouldn't dance for us though! ...I wish I could forget T.O. doing his thing on the Cowboy's star, like I wish he'd try the sharpie thing in the endzone this Saturday. While I know neither will happen, it looks like a backup QB may start for Dallas tomorrow. Fine with me. In case you're staring at the clock, here's more on all things Cowboy. ...Looks like Chris Spencer will get the chance to start with Porkchop hobbled. And from our partner, the Seattle Times, here's a look at what the Seahawks are doing to gear up for Saturday night' s game. If you're left wanting more, then how about a look at the Dallas Cowboys training camp? Thankfully, it's not all about T.O. ...Will Seahawks fans travel better if the team gets into the the Superbowl this year? After all those terrible towels last February, I hope so. Check out how far soccer fans were willing to travel to check out Real Madrid last night at Qwest Field. Talk about a fan base. Oh yeah, here's a short primer on this weekend's Seahawks preseason game. And here they come: NFL odds--a nearly identical over/under, across the board. ...Boy, just when things seem to be going his way, Porkchop gets injured. Let's hope it's not too severe. But hurt hamstrings can linger. One good note, Jerramy Stevens finally took the practice field. They call it hump-day for a reason. Is Friday here yet? Or better yet, Saturday, 7 p.m.? Did you know there was football at Qwest Field tonight? Tickets for Real Madrid still available. But talking pigskin, how are those Cowboys doing with the T.O. injury frenzy? For a quick peek at the bad guys, it seems the Card's WR Boldin has a hamstring issue. So far, so good. Glad to see Ken Hamlin doing some hitting (that's him below returning an interception at practice today). And in a Homer Simpson moment, ESPN is placing Matt among the bad decision makers for QB's last season. Well true believers, we're real close. So close, I can already see the long lines at Qwest Field (the guys know what I'm talking about). Here's a quick primer: A nicely done piece at how the roster is shaping up. Oh yeah, and sad to say we won't see one player (T.O.) get Sharpied by the linebackers this weekend. Want to know how Nate B is fitting in? Then click this. And lastly, what we can expect out of the Rams this season. And lots of it. ...NFC West Training Camp Reports: Hawks' first round pick Kelly Jennings suffers a groin injury. He calls it minor, but when you're talking about a groin injury and your job depends on being quick and fast, you gotta be careful. I'm sure the Seahawks trainers will watch him very carefully and closely. Check out the full story by clicking on the jump link below. ...Coach Mike Holmgren thinks Chuck Darby has a future in Hollywood. Reports the Associated Press: Starting defensive tackle Chuck Darby limped off the field Monday morning with an apparent injury to his left leg that briefly stunned Holmgren. But after trainers worked on him, Darby appeared fine. "He got kicked," Holmgren said. "I told him when his football career is over I have a guy in Hollywood that can help him." ...Looks like Jerramy Stevens will return this week. That has to make Matt happy. So hows the OL shaping up? Take a look at what the guys do to make it through Camp Cheney. ...Still trying to recover from all that fun and sun this weekend? Missing your football fix? Ok, to get you up to speed: a look at LB Julian Peterson's early contributions. Starting to look like the deepest linebacker corps in a long, long time. Here's another from the TNT, about how much versatility backup QB Seneca Wallace brings to the table. Oh, and did you know Steve Hutch is still riled at the team? And if you're too sunburned to make it out for lunch, don't miss today's live Seahawks' webcast at noon. Action pic of Peterson (44) guarding Peter Warrick... A quick look at the new uniforms the zebras will be wearing this year. I don't know, they remind me of the XFL. But I digress. Instead of talking fashion, here's a good article about this weekends' Hall of Fame induction. About how much former Seahawk QB Warren Moon means to the current players. Guy's a stud. I'm just glad I had a chance to watch him play. ...Seems waiting Seahawks fans were left wondering what happened, after Coach Holmgren called the morning practice early today. No one knows what prompted the move, but the TNT says sending the players packing left fans missing out on autographs. ...Keeping up with the NFC West bad guys, the Cardinals seems to hit one wall after another, with the latest hit being on their offensive line. Ouch. I can see the happy feet already. Mack Strong reports from Cheney, check out the veteran RB's view of the new team and how he gets through camp. And one last note, look who's wearing Hutch's old number 76. That was quick. ...Hard to fathom, but former Seahawk linebacker Anthony Simmons is retiring from the NFL. Simmons was suppose to play for the Saints this season, but he never showed for training camp. Just two seasons ago, the 30-year old played for the Hawks. Kind of crazy, again, he's only 30. ...NFC West Training Camp Reports: Update: WR Darrell Jackson is probably out of commission until at least August 26th, because of knee problems. Jackson is recovering from his second knee surgery. From all accounts, the healing is right on track. Also, it looks like WR D.J. Hackett could miss a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury. Not really Seahawk news, but Hawks' owner Paul Allen is taking the Blazers off the block. ...Seems everyone is talking about Ed Hochuli and the referees at Camp Cheney today. Given what happened to the Seahawks in the Superbowl, maybe its a good thing. Or is it time to move on? ...Ouch. Looks like Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett will have to get a MRI today. We'll keep you posted. A couple of nice articles about CB Kelly Herndon and QB Seneca Wallace. Plus, for those interested, how the long gone $49 million Steve Hutchinson is meshing with the Vikings. ...Seahawks fans, you'll love this. The folks at OfficialSteal.com are selling it for $7.95... Steelers All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu talks about Super Bowl XL, his love of Pittsburgh and more. ...NFC West Training Camp Reports: Reporting from Cheney: For a second straight day the Seahawk defense dominated the offense. Mike Holmgren’s yelling punctuated the first “live action” drills in camp. The defense forced two fumbles, made two interceptions in the final 15 minutes of practice. LB Lofa Tatupu delivered the big hit of the day, dropping Jimmy Dixon after a catch in the flat. ...Well, with Faulk out and Bennett gone, the Rams quickly gobbled up veteran RB Moe Williams as a backup for Steven Jackson. At camp, Seahawks Mili and Spencer were back in action in Cheney. And the TNT is reporting the team waived a TE and signed another. ...Well, RB Michael Bennett went to the Chiefs instead of St Louis. Seahawks play in KC on Oct. 29th, by the way. If you have a moment, here'a a nice look at the competition at wide reciever , and here's another about the syncing of the O-Line. And don't forget to tune into the Seahawks live audio webcast, from Camp Cheney at noon. ...What's going on around training camps in the NFC West: Does Brett Favre need a hug? Check out this article as he claims, this season, Green Bay has the most talented team he's ever been on. Maybe Brett should talk to Mike Holmgren before making such an outlandish claim. I do remember the Packers winning a couple of Super Bowls under Holmgren. ...Reporting from Cheney: Nothing makes me feel more like a wimp than standing in the Hawks weightroom while the O-line and D-line are lifting. I’m no She-Ra, but I’ve always felt like I don’t embarrass myself at the gym. It’s a good thing the guys at my gym don’t look like Lofa Tatupu, Chris Gray, and Julian Peterson. The video is coming to KING 5 very soon, and when you see it, you will have a greater appreciation for what players do to earn their paychecks... ...There're rumors flying around that St. Louis is interested in New Orleans' Michael Bennett as a backup to Steven Jackson. And while Leinhart still hasn't signed, don't forget Arizona has Edgerrin James, and an '06 team who ESPN's Clayton says has a new buzz in camp. ...We're getting a steady stream of exclusive photos from the Seahawks photographer at training camp, and we're posting them as we get them on this page. Plus, we'll highlight a few as we blog... Because some things just bear repeating, its nice to see the Seahawks get some credit from ESPN. And while it may agitate some Steelheads, probably not as much as this article about Big Ben. Kind of harsh, don't you think? But more importantly, a look behind the scenes at how Ray Rhodes is adjusting to his new role with the Seahawks defense. ... |
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