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July 2009
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| August 2007The PI and the TNT are both reporting that Seahawks DE Marcus Tubbs, who injured his right knee in last night's preseason game versus the Raiders, is done for the season with a torn ACL. No official announcement has been made yet. ...Cornerback Josh Wilson got hurt tonight. It sounds like a hip pointer. Head Coach Mike Holmgren talked about it after the game. He says Josh is sore, but he should be OK. Holmgren also half-jokingly, but probably real seriously said that he and Raiders coach Lane Kiffin is happy that the pre-season is over and both teams are relatively intact (injury-wise). Watch KING 5 Sports, Northwest Sports Tonight and KING5.com on Friday for the latest on all the injury reports. ...Seahawks defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs season could be in jeopardy. He sprained knee badly during the second quarter. Head Coach Mike Holmgren sounded really bummed after the game. He says it's hard to see a player like that come back from an injury (microfracture surgery on his left knee) and get hurt. Holmgren called Tubbs a talented player who, for whatever reason, is having a hard time staying on the field. He's having his knee scanned tonight. Holmgren says they'll know exactly what's going on by tomorrow (Friday). By the way, our NFL expert Brock Huard saw Tubbs on the sidelines after the injury tonight. ...
Rumors abound tonight, that former Husky QB Mark Brunell may be headed to the Seahawks. From rotoworld.com: "Despite a WUSA-9 report in Washington, there is no deal in place to trade Mark Brunell to the Seahawks. The station said the move was in motion, but we've confirmed there is no deal at this point. The Seahawks reportedly started the talks, and a trade could still happen by Saturday." ...Fingers crossed that Marcus Tubbs is okay. The team needs Tubbs to stuff the run. Mebane looked good, as did CJ Wallace. It seemed like Wallace gave up that TD, but the entire Hawks D looked fooled (and it was Culpepper--likely the starting Oakland QB). Seneca looked good. Weaver did, and Weeks too. TE Stephens didn't help himself with all the holding calls. One last note: I have no idea who the third string QB will be. Will the Hawks sign a veteran? Anything I missed?
Marquis Weeks stretches into the endzone for a touchdown. ...Well, the injury bug bit. CB Josh Wilson was carted off with an ankle injury and did not return. Update: Marcus Tubbs's injury was the right knee, not the left. We'll have to wait and see how bad it is. ...First, Marcus Tubbs was taken to the locker room with a right knee sprain. I'm not sure if it's the same injury that plagued the DE throughout preseason. I came to KIRO radio late in an interview, but I heard at least two weeks. It's likely too early to say that, but it's what I heard. Sean Locklear had a hand injury and Floyd Womack spelled the tackle in the second quarter. Other halftime thoughts: Seneca looked good. So did CJ Wallace. Leonard Weaver, so-so. Home now, so I need to rewind the DVR. Finally, the preseason is about to end. For those going to the game or watching it here on KING5, some things to look for: The Raiders QB spot is still up for grabs. Will it be Culpepper, or six-year veteran Josh McCown? McCown will get the start. But Rumor has it Culpepper has done the best so far. On the Hawks side, TE Ben Joppru, FB Josh Parry, RB Marquis Weeks, DE Brandon Green and veteran DT Russell Davis need to step up to win a spot on the final roster. I'll be heading to the game early, and won't blog until well after. Taking my boy to see his first Seahawks game. He just learned how to say Seahawks. Go Hawks! ...This is the time of year my Inner Fan walks around the house, mumbling the theme song from MNF. You know what I'm talking about. So where do the Hawks stack up in the National eye? Well, I'm not a betting man and I don't condone it. However, oddsmakers are on more often than not. World Sports Exchange has the Seahawks 23-1 to make the Superbowl (Chicago is highest in the NFC, at 15-1). ESPN's Power Rankings are out. They have the Hawks starting out in the tenth spot. SI.com has the Seahawks to win the NFC with a 9-7 record, but losing to the Panthers in the Wild Card game. And lastly, the braintrust at USA Today has the Seahawks in tenth place as well. You know what I think? Go Hawks! ...KING5 meteorologist Jeff Renner's Gameday forecast: Expect the first-string offense to take one series or so before calling it a game. All eyes will be on those players attempting to secure a spot on the final roster. WR Ben Obomanu tweaked a hamstring yesterday and will likely not play tomorrow. Also not practicing (and likely not to play): Walter Jones, Julian Peterson, Kelly Jennings, Tubbs and Babineaux. Chuck Darby is back at practice, after sitting out Monday. ...Have you've ever taken a look at the language in our state's law banning smoking in public places? Clearly the spirit of the law is to protect patrons and employees of public establishments from being subject to the ills of second-hand smoke. ...Have you've ever taken a look at the language in our state's law banning smoking in public places? Clearly the spirit of the law is to protect patrons and employees of public establishments from being subject to the ills of second-hand smoke. ...
Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck is back in some new television advertisements. He's returning for his second term as a "Mama's Boy" in the Campbell soup company's ad campaign. Also, check out Matt's new NFL advertisement at Seahawks.com. In it, the QB describes the Hawks playbook. I always wanted to know what a zebra two jet X dagger Y shallow cross meant. Say what? Trips right zebra left? Check it out, if you get a chance. Funny ad. It's under Multimedia. ...QB Erik Meyer was the 12th Seahawk released on Tuesday, as the Seahawks cut the roster to 75 players. Also of note, reports say former Huskie and safety C.J. Wallace survived the first round. The team must trim the roster to the final 53 players, on Saturday. ...As we wait for official word on Tuesday's mandatory roster cuts, a quick glance around the rest of the NFC West: In Arizona, the Cardinals placed starting T Oliver Ross on IR with a triceps injury, ending his season. Ross will be replaced by Levi Brown, the team's first-round pick in the '07 Draft. In St. Louis, WR Torry Holt is still being bothered by a sore knee, after undergoing surgery in the off-season. And in SF, Coach Nolan says Pro Bowl RB Frank Gore will not play in Thursday's exhibition finale in San Diego. Gore hasn't played since breaking his right hand on the second day of camp, although he is participating in drills during practice and is set to be ready for the regular season. ...In response to a question, Vikings LB Cameron Siskowic was released from the hospital after spending the night under observation. According to station KTTV, Vikings coach Brad Childress said Siskowic lost consciousness during Saturday's loss at the Qwest. A Vikings spokesman said later that a CT-scan and X-rays at a nearby hospital revealed no fractures. For those who didn't see the injury, the LB fell to the turf at the end of a running play with two minutes left to play. He was driven from the field while strapped to a board. ...
According to the Times and the TNT, these eleven players were not at practice today and have presumably been let go by the Seahawks: Offense: WR Chris Jones & Robert Ortiz, RB A.J. Harris, TE Andy Stokes, G Jason Murphy, T Jon Alston and C Austin King. Defense: S Patrick Ghee, CB Dennis Davis, LB Marcus Rucker. Special teams: K Kurt Smith. The first round of cuts officially falls on Tuesday, from 87 to 75 players. ...Saw this over on the TNT: That Hawk's CB Kelly Jennings has a serious injury (bruise) on his leg. While the report says tests are negative, we'll likely learn more Monday. Let's hope for the best. While it's a short week, the argument could be made Jennings won't need to suit up again until the season opener. ...On the schedule it will read as a pre-season game, but Saturday night's crowd at Qwest Field sure made the Hawks-Vikings game feel like a regular season thriller. The place was rocken' from start to finish. Shaun Alexander told me after the game it's a great feeling to hear the roar, smell the smoke and then run out onto to qwest field with 60-thousand plus screaming mad.... ...Whew, that's better, MUCH better. The starting offensive line and Matt Hasselbeck were back this week, and it was enough to beat up on the Vikings, 30-13. Neither Hasselbeck or Wallace were sacked this time around, compared to seven sacks last week. "Our pass protection was much better tonight," Holmgren said after the game. The 74-yard drive late in the first half was certainly vintage Seahawks in action -- Hasselbeck, Alexander and Pollard all clicking. "(It) was textbook West Coast offense," writes Seattle Times' Steve Kelley. "That drive was the best news in a typical late-August, good-news/bad-news night." ...From the Hawks: 26 days after the Northwest Cable News Seahawks Training Camp began in Kirkland, it comes to an end. I chatted with Mike Holmgren after the final practice to get his thoughts and if your a Seahawks fan you should be excited with the conversation we had. First Off: Holmgren says expectations are still very high with this team. If the stars do what the stars do and everybody stays healthy, Holmgren says it should be a very good year for the Hawks. Second point: Holmgren keeps the fire burning... ...Do you really care what your barista is wearing? I don't. I love coffee. Good coffee. Personally, I can't imagine going to a coffee stand because the baristas wear skimpy or provocative outfits. Maybe if they sold the best coffee in Western Washington I would. On the other hand, if my son were in the back seat, I can tell you where I wouldn't go. ...Do you really care what your barista is wearing? I don't. I love coffee. Good coffee. Personally, I can't imagine going to a coffee stand because the baristas wear skimpy or provocative outfits. Maybe if they sold the best coffee in Western Washington I would. On the other hand, if my son were in the back seat, I can tell you where I wouldn't go. ...Douglas Lee Merino is a man of many hats. And most of them were bought with tax dollars. Douglas Lee Merino is a man of many hats. And most of them were bought with tax dollars. Well, training camp is over. Whew. No major injuries is a very nice thing. A few things for fans to think about as we inch closer to the regular season: QB Hasselbeck is set to play most of the first half against the Vikings, before Seneca takes over. Also, there have been a bunch of questions concerning LB Julian Peterson's knee. Julian's injury is not that serious, according to Holmgren. Coach said Julian would play Saturday...if it was the regular season. One last note, DT Marcus Tubbs will play ten or so plays on Saturday. ...Darryl Tapp impressed me as a rookie last season. The DE out of Virginia Tech filled in when needed, but still was able to come away with three sacks and a defensive touchdown against the Broncos. Tapp worked hard over the summer watching tons of film studying formations, individual players, and his own technique. He also spent a lot of time training with off-season aqcuisition, Patrick Kerney (from Atlanta). Kerney says Tapp's handwork in the pass rush game is very advanced for a second year guy. "He's very strong and can play low so once he refines his technique against the run which he's made big strides in just this preseason he can be a dominant player." ...We all saw it last Saturday when the Hawks got smacked 48-13 in their preseason game against Green Bay. For whatever reason, Leonard Weaver, Shaun Alexander, and others struggled to block the Packers. After the game, Holmgren was asked about feeling good that no one got injured and the coach quipped back, "Which isn't surprising, seeing as we didn't hit anybody." ...After practice, Mike Holmgren gathered the team together as usual, but instead of the routine break, the guys burst into song. Holmgren led the group effort singing "Happy Birthday" to their Strength and Conditioning Coach, Mike Clark. Clark is called Colonel by the guys because he so brutally whips them into shape with ridiculous weightlifting schedules and conditioning workouts. So, from all of us here at King 5...Happy Birthday, Colonel. ...Say what you will about Seneca in the pocket, but one thing is for sure: if Matt gets taken down by a hit to the knees, backup QB Wallace comes in and sure changes the dynamic for the defense. You've likely heard the scuttlebutt this week about last year's rolling hit that took out Matt, a tumbling fall forward from Viking LB E.J. Henderson. Intentional? I'll let you make the call. But you have to think these players are always pretty darn aware of what their bodies are doing. They're paid millions to do exactly that. Here's a link from the Times about Matt's take on the hit, and the revenge factor. Art Thiel at the PI has an article about getting over last week's game, as the OLine gears up for the Vikes pass rush. And one last note: Ex-Green Bay WR Bob Ferguson signed a one-year contract with Minnesota, and expects to play on Saturday. ...This third-string QB David Greene took snaps with the fourth-string offense today at practice. You may remember before Saturday's game at Green Bay, Mike Holmgren told the media he had high hopes for Greene. Monday, Holmgren said he was disappointed with Greene's 6 for 17 performance--good for just 68 yards and 3 interceptions against the Packers. No comments from Greene, but we'll keep tabs on this situation as it evolves. ...After practice today, Hawks' punter Ryan Plackemeier and tight end Marcus Pollard took on Champions Tour golfers, Jerry Pate and Jim Colbert. The contest was to see who could hit the ball closest to a pin which lay 110 yards away. The makeshift tee-box was set up along the side of the practice field, and the pin was all the way on the far side of the practice area. ...According to NFL.com, Seneca will be under contract through 2010. The backup QB was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. This is his second extension with the Hawks in 12 months. Financial terms have yet to be released. NFL.com put the deal this way: By agreeing to a new deal, Wallace is essentially giving up his chance to be a starter. Now in his fifth season, Wallace's contract will mirror that of Hasselbeck's, with both deals expiring after the 2010 season. You can read the whole story here. ...After practice today, Tim Ruskell confirmed that Seneca Wallace signed a four-year deal which is a three-year extension. The deal is speculated to be worth $5.4 million dollars (details were not confirmed). Apparently, Ruskell and Wallace's agent have been working on the deal for about a month but just recently were able to settle. Keep reading for more on the deal: ...Just got word from the Seahawks that they've extended Seneca Wallace's contract for three more seasons. The Seattle Times has it as a 3-year deal worth $5.4 million. Wallace was in the final year of his current contract. ...In case you haven't had time to read the local articles about how Coach Holmgren worked out his frustration over Saturday's loss, here are a couple of quick links. Tom Boling at the TNT has a column not to be missed. From a coach's steely glare not too distant from the days of Knox, to the players responding, here's that link. At the PI, more anger. More looming. And news of Sean Locklear moving to left tackle, while DT Tapp moves ahead of Bryce in the number one defense. Check that one out, here. Lastly, at the Seattle Times, G Tom Ashworth takes his lumps and action, after fessing up to poor blocking in GB. ...Help the Seahawks, Josh Brown and Tully's take a kick out of cystic fibrosis, by purchasing an espresso drink dubbed the "Kicker." 15-percent of all purchases from Tully's in Washington will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "The Kicker" is a caramel macchiato with hazelnut and roasted marshmallow. Fifty cents from every Kicker sold will go to the foundation. See? Get franchised--get a drink named after yeah. If coffee loving fans get a chance, donate to the cause. It'll be going for a few months. ...From the Seahawks: I just got the 2007 Seahawks Transportation Guide in the mail. Brings up a good point for anyone going to the game vs. the Vikes on Saturday. Even with the I-5 Crunch allegedly wrapping up that morning, the guide has these alternatives to travel. You can always get to the game via Metro Bus Service. ST Express Bus Service and the Sounder Rail Service. Amtrak Rail Service. And Washington State Ferries. Since Sounder Trains are not working the preseason games, the Seahawks recommend Sound Transit's ST Express. ...Looking at the rash of injuries over the weekend, the Seahawks loss stings less this morning. The Giants alone lost five players. As we wait for Holmgren's axe to fall, a sneak peak at the cadillac of seats at Qwest Field: The Seahawks have new club seats, sponsored by car maker Cadillac--at $5,000 a pop. Sorry guys and gals, they're all sold out. According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, the Cadillac Reserve Club has food and beverage service (with a rotating menu). A full-service bar, too. Club members also get reserved parking, a VIP entrance, and can watch the action on five plasma TVs. The PSBG says the club was built in an area that once contained temporary bleacher seats. My Inner Fan just hopes the food near the cheap seats is better this year. ...Well, I'll sum up that game in one word. Ew. But as the wife said, it would only be an abysmal game if all the starters were playing (No Matt, Jones or Spencer). At least there were no major Hawks injuries reported. But Coach Mike's statement a few weeks back, that QB Greene needed to show something this preseason, well, that didn't turn out too well (Greene had three interceptions). The 48 points by GB is the most (preseason) by the Packers since they beat the Cedar Rapids Crush 75-0, in 1938. Going to be one long plane ride home, I imagine. Bizarre play of the game: three Seahawks called for holding on a kickoff return in the second quarter. Culprits? Michael Boulware, Deon Grant and Omowale Dada. Not so special Special Teams, at least not tonight. But who remembers the preseason? ...Well, Peterson looks good. Imagining life without Walt...ugh. Thankfully, it's preseason. That's one locker room I'm glad I'm not in. ...Some pre-season pre-game reading for Hawks fans. Over at the "Official Site of the NFL," Seahawks fans can catch a video of Matt Hasselbeck. Matt takes viewers on a run through NWCN's Training Camp in Kirkland. Head on over to CBS Sportsline, to see the site's Seahawks Camp Tour. Some nice player quotes, fantasy outlook, and a glance back at last year's loss to the Bears. Plus Five Things to Know about this years team, from Clark Judge. One last stop, ala the Bad Guys report. USA Today is profiling the "New Look Cards." From Arizona's face-lift, to how D is now key. ...Some statistics from the Seahawks press release I thought fans might find interesting: Home Record Since Week 16 of 2002 Season Best Home Records Since 2001 Season Every Friday, K5 meteorologist Jeff Renner will bring you the weather report for the games. "The storied stands of Lambeau field in Green Bay are not known to provide seats for sissies. This place is known for tough football-watching weather. I know; I've been there. While snowmobile suits probably won't be necessary for Saturday night's Seahawk game, rain gear will be. It looks mostly cloudy with showers and even thundershowers. If you're lucky enough to fly back to northern Wisconsin to cheer on the Seahawks, take some fleece or a sweater as well as a rain jacket; temperatures at kick off should be in the low to even mid 60's. Those temperatures will rapidly cool into the upper 50's by halftime. That may not sound chilly, but when you're sitting on your bottom (but then on what else would you be sitting?)...it will feel cool. Jumping to your feet to cheer will keep you warmer, and boost the Hawks." - Jeff Renner ...Good news, as G Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack was back at practice Thursday in full pads and taking reps. Womack suffered a strained hamstring the second day of camp and has been rehabing and watching from the sidelines since. Pork Chop has missed two dozen regular season games in his six years with the Hawks because of injuries. Now that the 330-pound guard is back on the field, he'll compete for a backup position at right guard or right tackle. ...These quotes came from the Seahawks Press Release for the Green Bay game. A couple are sort of funny. The first few are from Matt Hasselbeck. On training camp progress “I am really excited about our defense. Our defense is playing great. They’ve had a great camp. They’ve made us better by the way that we’ve had to compete with them. Our wide receiver group, that was a topic of conversation this offseason, but Nate (Burleson) and Hack (D.J. Hackett), those guys are competing with each other and really playing well. Hack is catching the ball great. Nate’s playing so fast and so explosive. It’s exciting to see those guys step up to the plate. The next step is probably to feed the tight end a little bit more. That is something that we like to do in this offense and Marcus (Pollard) is new. He’s a great guy, a very good player. If we get him going as well we’re back offensively.” Keep reading for more quotes from Matt and Shaun Alexander. ...Third string QB David Greene is in his third year with the Seahawks, and Saturday will be a big day for him in terms of his role with the Hawks--but also for this stage in his career. Holmgren says he expects Greene to play most, if not all, of the second half against the Packers. Holmgren says he needs to see Greene display great game management, solid decision making, and accuracy when throwing the ball. Greene's practice Thursday had its highs and lows. After a Greene missed an easy target off a screen, quarterback coach, Jim Zorn, reminded the frustrated quarterback that it needed to be a soft, easy throw and encouraged him for the next snap. ...Rookie G Mansfield Wrotto left practice today after getting poked in the eye. Mike Holmgren said his eye was red and puffy and bleeding a little bit, so the 320 pounder was taken to have test done. No results were released at the close of practice today. Holmgren added a light-hearted quip about the situation, saying with a chuckle, "It's nice to have both eyes but not absolutely necessary (for a Guard)." ...News Hawks fans can use: Matt Hasselbeck may not play much, or at all, in GB (the QB had a beeyutiful pass to Deion Branch this afternoon at practice). Expect QB David Greene to play most of the second half. Marcus Tubbs is not even expected to make the trip (neither will Walt or Sean Locklear). The timetable for Tubbs' return is still the Aug. 25th game against the Vikings. Leroy Hill (hamstring), did not practice. One last note for fantasy fans: NFL has their player rankings out today. Shaun (that's S-H-A-U-N) Alexander is sixth on the list. Matt? Well, um, 59th. Neon Deion is 61st. (re: Lisa's note about the great chili. Wonder if Mike has ever had Mike's Chili in Ballard? Mmm. Hungry just thinking about it. Darn fine chili.) ...As you all know, Mike Holmgren spent many years in Green Bay, making two Super Bowl appearances (beating the Patriots in XXXI) and showcasing a 75-37 record. So, no doubt, Holmgren knows his stuff. And I'm not talking about X's and O's. After practice today, Holmgren asked the media who will be making the trip to Green Bay. Why? A restaurant recommendation. Chili John's. Supposedly, the most gut-wrenching, lick-your-fingers, best-thing-you've-ever-had chili. Coach also said he'd be able to buy for all of us, because it's so darn cheap. So, if for some wild reason you're heading to Green Bay for a preseason game, make sure you include a trip to Chili John's. It's on Military Avenue (and don't forget your Tums). ...Hungry for Hawks stories? It's a great day for fans starving for a steaming plate of reading. Local columnists wrote some stellar articles last night. Over at the Tribnet, Frank Hughes pens the pain at the O-line, with Walter Jones out for the rest of camp and Sean Locklear healing. Find out what that means for the offense, here. At the Times, another tasty morsel as Mr. Romero takes a glance at WR Branch clicking with Matt. Keep reading this article, because there is more about OG Chris Gray keeping his job, and how Matt will be limited in Sunday's game at GB. Lastly, head on over to the PI, where Clare Farnsworth has an article about Brandon Mebane, and how the DL may not just be the run-stuffer the coaches were looking for, he might also be a pass rusher in the making. ...OL Floyd Womack practiced today. Pork Chop's return is tres nice, because Walter Jones (shoulder) and Sean Locklear (knee) are out. DT Rocky Bernard sat out. TE Ben Joppru returned, out since the scrimmage at Memorial Stadium. On the Bad Guys watch, ESPN is reporting that ex-Hawk and current Cardinal LB Chike Okeafor is likely out for the season. Chike had surgery to repair a torn bicep. Even typing that hurts. The article is here. Also, if you want to start early potshots at the Niners, or just want to see what being blogged in the Bay Area, check out this 49er blog. The last entry? Who's geared to be Gore's backup. Me neither. ...If you have the time, here are a couple of quick reads/links for Hawks fans. There is an interesting snippet about Marcus Tubbs over at ESPN's NFC roundup, with a quick glance at the microsurgery the DL had on his knee. There is more NFC info to be had in the article, including why the Giant's Plaxico Burress isn't praticing (see: WR riding bike thru training camp). Also, the NFL relaunched their "Official Site of the NFL" website. When you're checking it out, make sure to watch the Top Ten Plays from last weekend. A certain Seahawk's WR's one-handed TD catch made numero dos. And lastly, at USA Today, you'll find an interesting article about new Hawks DE Patrick Kerney's decision to come to Seattle instead of Denver. Kind of a behind-the-scenes glance at the hard-sell from Mora and Hasselbeck. ...On a couple of previous posts/blogs, we've talked about Marcus Tubbs. I just wanted pass on a few notes from what coach Mike Holmgren and Tubbs said after practice. Holmgren liked his new haircut (it's short, much like Marcus Trufant's recent cut). He seemed very optimistic that Tubbs will be back for the Minnesota game. Tubbs sounded appreciative of his teammates encouragement. He also thinks his rehab (for his surgically repaired knee) will help his transition back to practice. They're working him hard to get him in shape. Tubbs can be a playmaker in the team's run defense. Arizona: QB Matt Leinart's custody battle gets weirder by the minute... ...In this afternoon session, WR Nate Burleson took a lot reps with the special teams returning all the kickoffs and punts. Not sure if it means much...Seattle used Burleson last season for punt and kickoff returns. If Burleson works on special teams, I wonder if that'll affect his ability to play wide receiver, much less his chances of starting at split end. ...The Seahawks returned to the field today after a day off, and Mike Holmgren was not happy with their performance. The coach says guys didn't step up as expected, and ordered the team to run sprints...the first time that's happened during camp. The only other time was the Saturday before camp. Marcus Tubbs returned to the field. He should practice this week, and is hopeful for the Vikings game. Sean Locklear sat out nursing some tendonitis. Holmgren is not worried about him. Mike says... ...Some Seahawks notes for fans on Tuesday: Great news for the Hawk D as the Seattle Times is reporting that DL Marcus Tubbs is on the practice field again. We'll see later how much practice Tubbs actually took part in. Check out the KING5 sports report at 5 pm with Paul Silvi for more on that. Also, the Times is also reporting that the team signed ex-Ram, Ex-Saint CB DeJuan Groce. Here's the link to Groce's stats. One last note, here's an ESPN article of interest on how the NFL is taking steps to reduce the number of concussions in the league. ...Today, the South Bureau (Photographer Tom Tedford and myself) got up early...really early. Like before the crack of dawn early. Today, the South Bureau (Photographer Tom Tedford and myself) got up early...really early. Like before the crack of dawn early. The Seahawks face a short work week, and will travel to Green Bay on Friday for Saturday's game versus the Packers. The team took Monday off, but will practice the next three days before hopping aboard the chartered jet. We may hear more about Locklear's status (knee) on Tuesday. Quick Bad Guys Update: Former Seahawk WR DJack caught his first pass from Alex Smith tonight (18 yards), in the Niner's preseason loss to Denver. ...The Seahawks and NFL Sunday Ticket in-stadium with Direct-TV are offering fans the complete game experience. For the cost of $24.95 per game or $79.95 for the season, you can rent a hand-held device that gives you fantasy football stats, the home game broadcast, replays, and more. Here's the link if you want more info. Kangaroo TV is helping with the service. They installed units last season with the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins. Kangaroo TV expanded this season to the Seahawks and the Houston Texans. Now I haven't seen the device in person, but it looks like the same device Kangaroo TV uses for NASCAR. ...KING 5 photographer extraordinare Alan Reed just told us where you can find Seahawks t-shirts with Cheney '07 on it. That's Cheney, Washington not the Vice President. You can find the t-shirt at Alderwood Mall at the JC Penney. Alan says the t-shirt is Seahawks blue and goes for $25. The reason why it's kind of a collector's item is because the team is holding training camp in Kirkland, not Cheney. Hmmm, someone forgot to send the memo to JC Penney. Thanks A-Reed for the tip. ...Well, sad to say I was stuck on I-90 coming back from vacation and was forced to listen to the game over the radio (talk about bad traffic, after Cle Elum -- sheesh). The local radio guys are pretty darn good, though. If I could get the delay with the TV/radio to work, I may use the radio's audio for the away games. Any ideas? Far as the game, my Inner Fan really liked the first drive. From the replays, I was impressed with the timing on the TD from Matt to Branch (Remind you of anyone? Over the left shoulder? hmm?) I'm glad Wallace bounced back. The best stat? RT Sean Locklear was the only injury...with 'knee soreness.' The Inner Fan also thinks Leroy Hill has to have a killer year for this defense to bounce back. Hill and Tubbs need to be around--and healthy--to put a stop to those awful third-and-long conversions. ...The Arizona Cardinals may have lost two starters for this year's campaign, one with ties to the Seahawks. In Saturday night's game versus Oakland, former Hawk Chike Okeafor suffered what's being called a torn left bicep (*ouch) and OT Oliver Ross may have torn a tricep -- leaving both possibly out for the season. ESPN is reporting that both injuries typically require surgery. Also, backup center Nick Leckey twisted a knee and is likely out for at least two weeks. ...Pre-season game number one is in the books and the Hawks leave San Diego with a 24-16 win over the Chargers. Matt Hasselbeck only played one series, but man did he look sharp! Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Gil Haskell took over the reins today at the Northwest Cable News Seahawks Training Camp. Mike Holmgren is in Palo Alto attending Bill Walsh's funeral. ...I just thought I'd start out with NFL.com's Vic Carucci's Super Bowl picks. He put the Hawks on the "Super Bowl fleeting thought" list. Has he seen the NFC? Plus, Carucci puts the Chargers on the "Super Bowl Reality" list. Has he seen Norv Turner's coaching record? (for the record, he's 58-82-1 in 10 seasons and only made it to the playoffs once) Sure San Diego has a great team, but can Norv lead them? All right, let's go camping. Arizona: Kurt Warner is all right with his backup role. The Cards line should be better because of Ken Whisenhunt. ...Attention fantasy football geeks (present company included), Shaun Alexander will be more involved in the passing game. Today at practice, QB Matt Hasselbeck talked about getting the Shaun the ball more out of the backfield. Alexander the great only caught 10 balls in 10 games last season. Hasselbeck said if the team can get him involved and work in the tight end, the offense should be back on track. Hey, if he'll truly get more touches in the passing game, that'll only make him more dangerous. ...Who's the lil' big man making all that noise at Hawks camp? Coach Mike Holmgren seems impressed with 3rd round pick Brandon Mebane. Seattle drafted the defensive tackle with dreams of guy who can clog the running lanes for Seattle. But Mebane has surprised Holmgren with his pass rushing skills. Just like Chuck Darby, Mebane is a leverage player. In other words he's short, wide and with a lower center of gravity. I understand 315 means you should be wide, but is 6'1" considered short? Only in the world of pro sports. Coach Holmgren is so impressed with Mebane's play that he believes he'll help the team this season, but he wouldn't commit to how much time Mebane will play. ...After today's practice coach Mike Holmgren talked about defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs. He says he expects him to play by the 3rd pre-season game (vs. Vikings at Qwest Field). If he's truly heathy and ready, that'll be a huge boost to the team. Tubbs is trying to come back from microfracture surgery on his knee. It works for some (NBA point guard Jason Kidd and power forward Amare Stoudamire) and for others it doesn't work at all (former Seahawk CB Bobby Taylor, former Cardinals d-linemen Eric Swann and Andre Wadsworth, and former NBA point guard Penny Hardaway). But make no bones about it, the Seahawks will be a better defensive team with Tubbs' bulk and talent in the middle. ...At Sunday's NWCN Seahawks Training camp Mike Holmgren updated the media on the status of wide receiver Courtney Taylor, wide receiver Ben Obomanu and tight-end Ben Joppru... ...It's not all good news for the Seahawks after the NWCN scrimmage on Saturday night. After the game Mike Holmgren informed the media about his concerns regarding three members of his team. Holmgren says Tight-End Ben Joppru hurt his hip, receiver Ben Obomanu hurt his neck and receiver Courtney Taylor tweaked his knee. The Hawks head coach says we'll keep a close eye on the guys and hopefully we'll have more for you on Sunday. ...Nearly 10,000 Seahawk fans showed up at Memorial Coliseum in Seattle to get their first glimpse at the Seahawks. The Hawks holding their annual intersquad scrimmage. A quick a.m. primer for Hawks fans. There's a nice article at the Seattle Times about new Hawks TE Marcus Pollard. Danny O'Neil's story shows how a basketball player made good at football. Worth a glance. And at the TNT, Frank Hughes has a more in-depth read at the reasoning behind bringing martial arts into the mix at training camp. Anyone remember FB John L. Williams doing the same thing? The Hawks will also hold an open practice next Wednesday at Husky Stadium. Info can be found at Seahawks.com. It starts at 9:15 am and is free. One last note, on the bad guys watch, first-round pick Levi Brown agreed with the Arizona Cardinals. The six-year contract could be worth up to $62 million, just over $18 million guaranteed. ...Robbie Tobeck made his first visit to the Northwest Cable News Seahawks Training Camp on Thursday. Tom Ashworth spotted the Hawks former center and yelled out, "What's up slim?" I have to admit, Tobeck dropped some weight and looked great. He told me that life after football has been incredible. The 13 year NFL vet took his kids to the Seafair parade for the first time, he's been busy fishing on his boat, and busy relaxing with friends and family. I asked the former Pro Bowler if he missed playing football. He said about the only thing he misses is hanging out with the guys on a daily basis. Misses having lunch and dinners with guys like Mack Strong, Walter Jones, Chris Gray and Matt Hasselbeck. Tobeck was also surprised with how good this year's Seahawks team looked. ...I was out with Chris today at the morning session. Made the sunny a.m. interesting with the Blue Angels screaming overhead. Barring injury, Ryan Plackemeier seems a lock. He boomed his first punt during special teams practice, continuing yesterday's reports of solid kicking. Also looking sharp was Nate Burleson. No. 81 really had a hop in his step, as did SS Michael Boulware. Like Chris said, the ref's were at practice. They'll officiate the scrimmage this Sat. at Memorial Stadium. Tickets are still available at Seahawks.com. It's a great way for fans who can't see camp to check out the team. ...D.J. Hackett returned to practice today for the first time since Monday. His wife gave birth to a baby boy on Tuesday night. Hackett had the play of the day with a 70-yard TD reception. After practice, Mike Holmgren sent the entire defense off to do martial arts drills designed to help hand/eye coordination. NFL referees were at practice, making calls during the workout. They will address the team following the afternoon practice to go over rules...one of the biggest ones Holmgren wants clarified is about spiking the ball after a touchdown. Fullback David Kirtman broke his hand in Wednesday's practice. He will have surgery on the hand, but might only be out for 7-10 days. ...Seahawks FB David Kirtman broke his hand in practice today. We'll find more about the severity of the injury to the second year player on Thursday. While Coach Holmgren was driving the Hawks not to make so many procedural mistakes, special teams coach DeHaven made his first appearance with his players. ...Let's just say the second day of pads proved to be better for the defense. 25 year old Chris Spencer was recently named the starting center on the offensive line and today he was held to that responsibility. Here's what happened... ...On the bad guys alert, Arizona Cardinals fullback A.J. Schable has a broken foot and will be sidelined for eight weeks. New Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Schable was injured during a practice drill Monday. Schable appeared in 11 games last season, mostly on special teams. ...With closed practices I am certainly fielding a lot more questions than normal regarding training camp. However, Saturday is now right around the corner and the scrimmage at Memorial Stadium will be available for all to see. ...Well, the Hawks hit in pad yesterday. From all accounts, the defense is a step ahead of the offense but that's no real surprise. That usually seems the case with this intricate offense until Week 4. Special Teams take to the field as a unit today, so we'll get a chance to see new Special Teams coach Bruce Dehaven in action. Chris Spencer is filling in on most snaps at center and seems to be doing well. Also, safety Patrick Ghee strained his right hamstring. One last note: tickets are still available for Saturday's scrimmage at Memorial Stadium. Go to Seahawks.com and click on Special Events. ... |
A couple of DC stations called about this deal. According to one station, they made it sound like former Husky Mark Brunell is coming to Seattle to be a backup quarterback for a draft pick. The NFL Network called to see if we've heard anything as well. According to guy from the NFL Network, a prominent Redskins player confirmed it. I won't name him, because who knows if that player is telling the truth. It wouldn't be the first time a player has given mis-information. Another telltale sign that something could happen, David Greene didn't play tonight. Rookie Derek Devine played some in the fourth. Hmmm!
It's been no secret that FB Leonard Weaver has struggled with various things in each of his exhibition appearances this NWCN Training Camp. The third-year back has been inconsistent reading blocks and running through the line, catching the ball out of the backfield, and throwing blocks in pass protection. But the thing is, Weaver has the size, the speed, and the attitude to be the guy to backup Mack Strong. And he's done all that before. The thing is that he must come through on game day.
The Seahawks got all presidential today in Bellevue, as Matt Hasselbeck and Mack Strong welcomed President George W. Bush to the Hyatt (the president is in town for a political fundraiser). The QB and RB gave the president a Seahawks jersey, number 43. Matt jokingly told the president, "We know you are going to be unemployed here in about a year and a half. About the same time Mack Strong will be retiring. We might be looking for a fullback, so get with your strength coach and we'll be ready for you."