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July 2009
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| December 2007The Seahawks will have a short week thanks to the NFL, and will host the Redskins at Qwest Field this Saturday at 1:30 p.m for the NFC wildcard playoff game. I was really hoping the schedule setters would let the Seahawks get a normal week. Coach Holmgren mentioned as much last night on The Mike Holmgren Show, especially considering the amount of travel the 'Hawks have had of late. Oh, well. It's a shorter week for the 'Skins, who lose a day to travel. What do you think of the Seahawks chances? You can vote over on ESPN who you think'll win, which offense is better, etc, here. ...I'm jumping the gun, but with the Redskins up 27-6 over the Cowboys in the fourth and the Vikings losing to the Broncos, I think it's safe to say the 'Skins are coming to take on the Seahawks in the wildcard game. First off, what do you think of the match-up? The Skins scare you? Second, in the spirit of smack-talking, I thought the 12th Man should fire the first salvo. Last time we dueled in '06, a Redskins fan site called ExtremeSkins.com started flinging the smack. If you need to "purge" any dislike for the oh-so appropriately PC "Redskins," sling, sling away. And please do it before we have to hear anything else about how Seattle sucks from ESPN's Tony Kornheiser. In the year the Seahawks went to the Super Bowl, Tony wrote in the WA post: "Is Seattle a football town? Hardly.... Their entire history is about failing." ...The Saints are officially out of the playoffs, which leaves either the Redskins or the Vikings coming to the Qwest. Right now the Redskins lead over the Cowboys in the second quarter, 10-0. The Vikings trail the Broncos 7-3. ...Well, it was obvious Atlanta wanted this game more. A few Seattle starters sat out, but the Seahawks defense made Redman look too good. With no Rocky in the middle, Atlanta ran the ball well. The Falcons also blitzed often, which disrupted a 'Hawks offensive line which was minus Big Walt. All in all, the game mattered little. But next week, the Seahawks are going to have to turn it back on. The Saints are practically out with a loss today, so it's most likely either the Redskins or the Vikings coming to the Qwest. ...With the regular season winding down, it's time to talk playoffs. Which one of the three teams would you like the Seahawks to face-off against in the NFC wild card game? The Washington Redskins, The Minnesota Vikings or the New Orleans Saints? Let us know your thoughts and I'll discuss your comments with former Seahawks quarterback Brock Huard on the Hawks Fone Zone as soon as the Seahawks-Atlanta game is over. Check out the Fone Zone on Northwest Cable News about 10 minutes after the game ends. ...Wallace to Burleson again, for a 13-yard TD. Seahawks 41, Atlanta 44. :53 left. Against mostly backups on defense, Atlanta scores a FG. Seahawks 34, Atlanta 44. Wallace to Burleson, some nifty running and the 'Hawks get a 45-yard TD. Seahawks 34, Falcons 41. One play, another Redman TD pass. Seahawks defense is really getting it handed to them. Seahawks 27, Falcons 41. This time, Seneca throws an interception. Atlanta takes it back to the nine yard line. Seneca Wallace fumbles the ball, Atlanta recovers and a quick drive and pass to Crumpler...and the Falcons take the lead (against nearly all the Seahawks defensive starters). Ouch. Seahawks 27, Falcons 34. The fourth quarter continues the scoring bonanza -- a 55-yard pass to Crumpler to tie the game. Seahawks 27, Falcons 27. ...No Walter as No. 71 joins the inactives list for today's game vs. the Falcons. Here are the inactives for both teams: Seahawks: Mike Green, Jason Babin, Niko Koutouvides, Mansfield Wrotto, Walter Jones, Deion Branch, Rocky Bernard and Charlie Frye. Falcons: Byron Leftwich, Michael Jenkins, David Irons, Marcus Wilkins, Pat McCoy, D'Anthony Batiste, Kurt Quarterman and Courtney Anderson. ...If you've been out at Seahawk headquarters lately, then you've more than likely noticed Matt Hasselbeck wearing a seahawk colored green and blue necklace. It's actually a titanium necklace which he purchased in Seattle. These necklaces have become pretty trendy among golfers and baseball players. Hasselbeck, along with many other athletes believe the necklace helps them recover faster from injury. ...If you have question for the coach, ask it, before or during the Falcons game, in the comments section below. Make sure to include your first name and the city where you live. Then tune in to The Mike Holmgren Show, immediately following NBC's Sunday Night Football, and see if the coach answers your question. ...Here are the KING5 Anchor Picks for the last regular season game. The winner is still to be determined as Mr. Bounds is currently in the lead with 5 picks, Jean Enersen is right behind Dennis with 4, and Lori Matsukawa has 2. Week 17 Anchor Picks Because Jeff asked, I'll quickly clarify the Seahawks playoff situation. The 'Hawks will take on the Redskins, Vikings or the Saints. The scenario is in the Redskins' hands. If Washington beats Dallas this Sunday, then they'll come to Qwest on Jan. 5th or 6th. If the Redskins lose and the Vikings win over the Broncos, Minnesota will come here. If the Redskins and the Vikings lose and the Saints win over the Bears, the Saints come to the Qwest. ...Playoff tickets will go on sale Monday at 10 a.m. for the Seahawks wildcard game (it'll be played either Jan. 5th or 6th). Tickets can be bought through Ticketmaster at (206) 628-0888 or at Seahawks.com. Only four tickets per customer, and the purchase can only be made by a credit card. Also of note: tickets cannot be bought at either Qwest Field box office or at Ticketmaster outlets. ...Seahawks Rocky Bernard and Walter Jones did not practice today, as has been the norm for the last few weeks. WR Deion Branch was kept out as well. Niko Koutouvides banged a knee in a collision and was limited. For Atlanta, Alge Crumpler, David Irons, Michael Jenkins, Lawyer Milloy, and Marcus Wilkins did not practice. ...Just how meaningless is this game? Well, the Seahawks backups are already practicing with the first team. And if you're Patrick Kerney, you're going against your former team to try and cement the '07 most-sacks title. And, as we all know, the 'Hawks want to keep the momentum rolling and their starters clicking. Here are a few links to the coverage of the Seahawks v. Falcons matchup: The Atlanta Constitution has a column today about ex-Falcon Patrick Kerney, and how Kerney is sympathetic to Atlanta's current woes. The poll on the page? Would the Falcons have had a better season if they had Kerney on their roster (one may also add, what if they'd kept Mora as the coach?). The Falcons also made a couple of roster moves. OT Terrance Pennington was placed on IR, DE Kevin Huntley was waved and OT Kurt Quarterman was brought up from the practice squad. And (not that it matters) oddsmakers are picking the Seahawks to win in Atlanta by three points, with an O/U of 38. ...
Week 16 Anchor Picks Both CB Josh Wilson and WR D.J. Hackett practiced today. That increases the likelihood that they'll play Sunday in Atlanta. If they're healthy, both need to get that feel for a game back before the playoffs start. Be sure to watch Northwest Sports Tonight tonight. KING 5's Chris Egan is going 1-on-1 with Seattle P-I Seahawks Beat Reporter Claire Farnsworth. Claire explains what worries him about the Hawks. It's on Northwest Sports Tonight at 9:30, 11:30, 12:30 on Northwest Cable News and 10:30 on KONG. Claire is one of the great reporters in the Seattle market (and one of the good all-around guys). You'll definitely want to catch him on Northwest Sports Tonight. ...I just got off the phone with KING 5 reporter Chris Egan. He's over at Seahawks headquarters for their weekly presser. Egan tells me that Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren plans to play the starters like a regular game. As you all know, Hawks are locked into the #3 seed. They can't do better or worse, so the game in Atlanta is kind of meaningless. But don't say that to coach Holmgren. He doesn't want the sick feeling that comes with a loss. He felt it against Carolina two games ago. He felt that way 2 seasons ago when they played the Green Bay Packers. Holmgren wants to win. He wants momentum heading into the playoffs. ...It's a simple question: What should Mike Holmgren do Sunday, rest the starters or let them play? Personally, I'd like to see the starters at least play a half, so they can stay fresh and stay sharp before the playoffs start. I understand the game means nothing and the starters could get hurt, but I think the Hawks need to fine tune some things with the running game and Matt Hasselbeck also needs to find some timing with DJ Hackett who is expected to return. Love to hear your thoughts! ...Secondary coach Jim Mora and defensive end Patrick Kerney will revisit their history next Sunday when the Seahawks travel to Atlanta for their final regular season game. With their win over Baltimore, the Seahawks locked up the third playoff spot in the NFC. Coach Holmgren has not decided whether he'll play his starters the entire game in Atlanta or let them rest up for the playoffs. Based on Holmgren's recent history, it's my guess the starters will start the game in hopes to jump on the Falcons and get an early lead, and then rest them in the second half. Kerney says, he'll do whatever's best for the team. "If that means playing every snap next weekend, [he's] more than happy to do that. If it means, not playing...again, it's whatever [Coach] deems best for the team." ...The Seahawks clinched the third seed in the NFC by winning yesterday. The sixth seed will play Seattle in a wild-card playoff game here at the Qwest on Jan. 5th or 6th. The Redskins muddled the playoff picture yesterday by beating the Vikings, 32-21. With the win, Washington now leads the three NFC teams vying for that sixth seed: Redskins (8-7), Vikings (8-7) and, dangling on the post-season edge, the Saints (7-8). You can get the complete NFL playoff scenario at ESPN. Basically, if the Redskins win the last game against the Cowboys, the team nabs the last playoff spot and comes to Seattle. ...Just got back from the soggy game. I thought the Seahawks won this game in all aspects, offense, defense and special teams. Nice job and a great way to end the regular season at home. If the Seahawks can sustain this type of a running game, the playoffs certainly look a little brighter. Kudos: First, to the offensive line's blocking...and to Shaun Alexander. While the TD was not Shaun's 100th rushing TD (it was a screen pass), No. 37 brought his A-game to Qwest Field today. By now some NFL players would be talking negatively to the press about all the booing (or making obscene gestures to the fans), but Alexander proved (against the 2nd best rush defense) not only is he a class act, the RB still has the ability to run -- and he looked hungry. More kudos to the defense (what can you say, when these guys are on, they're ON) and lastly to Bobby Engram. Breaking the record for most Seahawks receptions in a season. Way to go Bobby. Also, with the Tampa Bay loss, Seattle clinches the third playoff slot. ...The beginning of the Seahawks game was marred by plenty of technical problems, but they were fixed in a few minutes -- all but the high-definition signal. All of you out there with HDTVs are watching a standard-definition signal. Small price to pay, I guess, for sitting in warm seats. ...Heading to Qwest Field now. Taking my one-year-old son, so this is sure to be an adventure. I have yet to see the inactives list. Which Seahawks team will we see? Will the running game find itself? For those heading to the game, the Seahawks are hosting Fan Appreciation day -- so look for some nice giveaways. Leave your rants/raves about today's game in the comments section below. Go Hawks! ...Jeff Hansen's family has had Seahawks season tickets since the inaugural season. But in an act he thought almost traitorous until now -- this Sunday he'll wear the opposing team's colors to the game. No, he didn't lose a bet -- he gained a heart. Hansen is a heart transplant recipient, and recently learned his donor was a diehard Ravens fan. So he decided wearing a Ravens jersey and knit cap to the game would be a fitting tribute to his donor and his donor's family, and would raise awareness about the importance of registering as an organ donor. (By the way, he said this would be unthinkable if his donor was a Raiders fan.) So if you see him on Sunday, don't heckle too hard. (You can watch Elisa's story here.) ...Most of you know the drill, but here it is again: It's Friday, which means time to ask Mike Holmgren. If you have question for the coach you can ask it, before or during the Ravens game, in the comments section below -- and be sure to include your first name and the city where you live. Then watch The Mike Holmgren Show hosted by K5's Paul Silvi, right after NBC's Sunday Night Football to see if coach Holmgren answers your question. ...
Rewind to last week? This time it'll be a Ravens rookie QB starting against the Seahawks. QB Troy Smith will make his first start Sunday after Kyle Boller missed his second practice (concussion). So far, last year's Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State has played only four series in the NFL. Smith will be the third quarterback to start for the Ravens this season. Steve McNair started six games, but was placed on IR on December 3rd. ...No one picked the Seahawks to lose last weekend against the Panthers, so Dennis Bounds still has the lead with 5, Jean Enersen is a close second with 4 and Lori Matsukawa has 1. Week 16 Anchor Picks What is the national press saying? With their 9.5-point spread, CBS Sportsline is 5-to-1 Seahawks and USA Today is 100% Seahawks. ...The sports director wanted me to pass on that Paul Silvi got an interview with Rick Neuheisel a few days back and it will air tonight at five pm on KING TV. (You likely know Neuheisel was interviewed for the UCLA head coaching job). Holmgren spoke of Neuheisel in the presser this afternoon, saying "We got back a little ways." Mike then joked that he gave Neuheisel his start in coaching...after cutting Rick (as a player) from the 49ers. Holmgren gave Neuheisel high marks, calling Rick a good offensive coach and a very creative guy. He also said (in Rick's UW days) that when he'd call Neuheisel for information about a certain player, Neuheisel was always upfront. ...Just got back from the Wednesday press conference in Kirkland. First off, coach Holmgren addressed the injury status. DJ Hackett and Josh Wilson ran a bit this morning and Mike hopes to have the players back by the final regular-season game. There was plenty of Pro Bowl talk, and Holmgren was obviously disappointed that Bobby Engram didn't get the nod. However, he said the WR took the news as a professional. Holmgren called Walter Jones the best offensive lineman he'd ever coached, and gave high praise for the development of Tatupu. Holmgren also singled out Deon Grant as another player he thought should be heading to Hawaii. About the Ravens, almost all the talk was of the defense, Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed, and how distruptive they can be -- especially to the offensive blocking schemes. Raven's offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel's name came up, but I'll post that next. ...Saw these factoids on the Seahawks v. Ravens game release and thought they might appease readers until this afternoon's press conference (while I'll be there, you can too - via the internet. As always, check Holmgren's Wednesday presser out at seahawks.com). Since 2005, Matt Hasselbeck is second in the NFL with a 93.0 passer rating in the closing 2:00 of each half. He added to those numbers vs. Cincy (9/23) going 2-for-3 for 31 yards and the game winning touchdown pass to Nate Burleson with 1:00 left. During his time in Seattle, Hasselbeck has thown just six interceptions inside the red zone since the start of 2001. In that same span, he’s passed for 90 touchdowns inside the red zone. ...The Seahawks have 6 players named to the 2008 NFC Pro Bowl: QB Matt Hasselbeck, LT Walter Jones, DE Patrick Kerney, OLB Julian Peterson, MLB Lofa Tatupu, and CB Marcus Trufant. PR/KR Nate Burleson is an alternate. But did anyone get snubbed? You could make an argument for Bobby Engram. ...I'm sure a lot of you have already looked over the Pro Bowl selections. Just looking at the NFC team, it surely seems lopsided. The Cowboys have 11 Pro Bowlers, 7 from the Vikings, and 6 of the Hawks made the roster. Adding it up, out of 42 NFC Pro Bowl selections, 24 came from 3 teams. So 57% of the team is either a Seahawk, Cowboy or a Viking. Sure you can point out so-and-so got snubbed today, but it's the teams and communities who were snubbed. ...Seattle hosts the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday at Qwest Field. Kickoff is set for 1:15 p.m. (PT) and will be televised on CBS (channel 7 in Seattle). Bill Macatee will call play-by-play and Steve Beuerlein wil do commentary. It will be Baltimore’s first visit to the Emerald City and Seattle wraps up AFC North play. Seattle is 1-2 this season vs. AFC North opponents. The Seahawks defeated the Bengals 24-21 on September 23, lost at Pittsburgh 21-0 on October 7 and lost in overtime at Cleveland, 33-30, on November 4. After the Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore following the 1995 season, the Ravens and Seahawks have met only twice during the regular season, both in Baltimore. The Ravens won the initial meeting, 31-24, in 1997 and most recently in overtime on November 23, 2003, by the final tally of 44-41. ...WR Nate Burleson was selected as an alternate as a kickoff/punt return specialist. For Water Jones, this is his seventh consecutive trip, tying a club record with his eighth overall (1999, 2001-07). Hasselbeck will make his third trip and has already set the club’s single-season record for completions (319) and is on pace to set the mark for attempts and yards. This is the first time since 1999 that Seattle will send more defensive players than offensive. Four defensive players are the most since 1998. For Lofa Tatupu this is the LB's third straight Pro Bowl. He leads the team in tackles with 101 and is the first player since Chad Brown (1997-99) to do so in three-consecutive seasons. This is Julian Peterson's second-consecutive Pro Bowl season, fourth overall (San Francisco in 2003-04). Patrick Kerney, who leads the NFL with 13.5 sacks, turns his first season with Seattle into a Pro Bowl selection. He notched three 3-sack games in a four-week stretch, becoming the first player in NFL history to do so. Marcus Trufant earns his first Pro Bowl selection after tying for the NFC lead with a career-high seven interceptions. He is second on the team with 77 tackles. ...And they are: Matt Hasselbeck (reserve QB - Favre is the starter) The complete 2008 Pro Bowl rosters are on NFL.com. ...I've heard alot of people say the Seahawks should rest their starters because the final two games mean nothing. I totally disagree with anyone who believes this. First off, the Seahawks need to get back on track and find some momentum and rhythm before the playoffs start. Right now, the 'Hawks are tied (record wise) with Tampa Bay, but Seattle would hold the tie-breaker because they beat the Bucs on September 9th at Qwest Field. If the playoffs started today, the Seahawks would have the third seed. With that in mind, lets look ahead. If the 'Hawks and Bucs both win their first and second-round games, the third seed would host the fourth in the NFC Championship. A lot has too happen for that to happen. But with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, I'd rather be playing in Seattle than Tampa Bay. ...Lisa Gangel and I just returned from the Seahawks Monday press conference at 'Hawks headquarters. Holmgren said the 13-10 loss to Carolina looked as bad on film as it did in person. Third down conversions continue to be a problem for this team. The Seahawks converted just 3 of 12 against the Panthers and rank 29th in the NFL. Holmgren was asked about the energy and emotional level of his team on Sunday. The coach replied, "This is an emotional game, as emotional as any athletic endeavor you participate in, if you don't have it and the guy you have to block or the guy across from you has it, you will lose." ...Seattle Seahawks fullback Mack Strong underwent successful neck fusion surgery on Sunday morning, the team announced today. The surgery was performed by Dr. Sohail K. Mirza at Harbor View Medical Center with Strong expected to be discharged Tuesday. Strong was bothered last week with some pain and underwent an MRI on Friday with findings that the herniated discs suffered at Pittsburgh in October had herniated further. After much discussion and thorough examination with Mirza and team physician Stan Herring, it was definitively decided that Strong would require surgery to protect the integrity of his spinal cord. He was prepped for surgery on Sunday morning and his herniated disc was removed and his 3rd and 4th cervical vertebrae were fused. He is resting comfortably and a full recovery is expected. ...Don't know where this team'd be without him. Kudos, as the Seahawks WR deserves the recognition of a superb year. Bobby Engram reached 1,000 yards recieving (1,013) in yesterday's loss to the Panthers -- the first time in his career he's attained that mark. The 12-year veteran started the game, and caught nine tosses for 84-yards (his first time playing professionally in Charlotte). Bobby grew up in Camden, S.C, and got tickets for 75 friends and family. Way to go Bobby. ...You know what no pressure on a rookie QB gets the Seahawks? An ugly loss. With the thumping, the Packers (who showed up to play in St. Louis) clinch a first-round bye. Say what you will, but the Seahawks looked flat. The offense didn't get going until way too late. Let any team stick around too long... Because of the way this defense is built (speed), they play better with a lead. The linebackers did great against the run, but not getting any pressure on the opposing QB with the front four is a flaw that could be exposed in the playoffs. ...If your having troubles getting on the Seahawks Fone Zone with Brock Huard and Chris Egan, leave us a comment about today's game and we'll do our best to read your rant or rave about the Hawks on the show. ...In what may as well be garbage time, Branch catches a TD. Seahawks 10, Panthers 13. Too little, too late. One second left. After Mo fails to stand up his guy, Hasselbeck is sacked and loses the ball. Panthers recover. A 35 yard run for Williams seals the deal for Carolina, 13-3 (with 1:17 to go). Sure does seem like the Seahawks players were resting after winning the NFC West. Seahawks 3, Panthers 13. Carolina answers with a nice drive and John Kasay hits another FG to take the lead. Just under three minutes left. Seahawks 3, Panthers 6. A pass interference call gets the Seahawks into the red zone and Josh Brown hits a FG to tie the game. Seahawks 3, Panthers 3. Matt looked sharp on that drive, and Mo had some nice running. It's a different game with Maurice in the backfield. John Kasay didn't get his second attempt stolen by the win, as the Panthers take the lead in the fourth quarter with a 53-yard field goal. Seahawks 0, Panthers 3. 11:32 in the third quarter, and the Seahawks defense stops a Carolina fourth and one. Way to go, 'Hawks D. Could end up being the play of the game, given the scoring going on down in Charlotte. Halftime. First half in a word? Frustrating. Six possessions, six Seahawks punts. At least the new long-snapper, Jeff Robinson, is getting some practice. Best stat? How about the Packers being tied with the Rams before the half, 14-14. First quarter: John Kasay misses a 36-yard field goal after the wind catches the ball and takes it way left. Like Greg posted earlier, the wind is already making an impression on the game. ...Vinny Testaverde is inactive for the Panthers, which leaves rookie Matt Moore to start. Here are the rest of the inactives: Seahawks: Panthers: Yes indeed. No matter what the locals said - it's blowing inside the stadium too. There's a strong wind howling across the top of the stadium, making for a gusty swirling wind here at field level. Josh and Ryan fighting the gusts during warm-up. It's also making life difficult for the punt and kickoff returners. The corners of the (TV left) endzone have some pretty stiff wind coming from the tunnels that lead to the outside of the stadium as well. Hold onto your hats folks. ...The Seahawks just got on the buses headed to the stadium. Rain has stopped, but it's still damp and cool. The weather's a whole lot better here than some of the NFL cities northeast of us. Only wrinkle, the National Weather Service has posted a Wind Advisory for the area. Winds 15-30mph with gusts to 45mph. It's a fully enclosed stadium, locals tell us that it cuts the big wind down pretty well. Hopefully we won't see any adverse effect for Matt, Josh or Ryan. ...The Seahawks arrived here in Charlotte late last night bringing Seattle weather with them. Clouds and rain for the weekend - gone are the 70 degree temps and sunshine like we had Friday. Something else we won't see Sunday - a veteran QB on the opposing side of the ball. Reports on the local news late Friday night - Matt Moore will start against the Seahawks tomorrow. Not unexpected. Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde did not practice for the third straight day Friday. The Seahawks should be licking their chops. but it's all business as usual today - they just left the hotel on the buses for their walkthrough at Bank of America stadium. If they keep up their intensity from the past 5 weeks you should see some bigtime performances from many of the Seahawk players. We're here and will have it all for you on Sunday night's Mike Holmgren Show from Charlotte. ...Testaverde missed practice again today, which could leave the rookie Matt Moore starting for the Panthers on Sunday. It would be Moore's first regular-season start (David Carr has struggled this season). Carolina's coach John Fox said he'll wait until gameday to make the decision. Jake Delhomme was injured way back in September, had surgery (elbow) and was placed on IR. ...It's Friday, which means it's time to ask Mike Holmgren a question. If you'd like to leave a question for the coach -- before or during the Panthers game -- do so in the comments section below, with your first name and the city where you live. Then watch The Mike Holmgren Show hosted by Paul Silvi, immediately following NBC's Sunday Night Football and see if Mike answers your question. ...Here are the KING5 Anchor Picks for week 15. Dennis Bounds has the lead with 5, Jean Enersen is a close second with 4 and Lori Matsukawa has 1. Week 15 Anchor Picks
Defense wins championships, right? You've heard it over and over again. So which defense is better? The current defense, or the defense that got the Seahawks to the Super Bowl? Stay with me here, because I'm heading into deep water...and stats. With three games left to play, the current team is 12th in total defense. The '05 team was 16th. Let's look at turnovers. In INT's, the NFC Championship defense tied for 14th in the league at 16. This year's squad is second in the NFL with 20. In the forced fumbles category, the '07 team is tied for second in the league with 22. The '05 team had 12 teams ahead of them, and tied with four others for 13th place. ...The ex-Coug gets his first ever NFC Defensive Player of the Week award, as Marcus Trufant was honored by the NFL for his three INT day against the Cards (and first career return for a TD). Way to go Trufant (I can hear the "Tru-Tru-Tru" chant from the 12th Man already). That makes two weeks in a row that a Hawks was given the award -- last week Tatupu received the honor. ...That's kind of how Mike Holmgren's press conference felt this afternoon. Much of the conversation drifted towards free agency, which is interesting given the game ahead. But I'll talk about that in a bit. First off, no DJ Hackett or Josh Wilson this week -- although Mike said both are healing quicker than expected and he was very pleased with that. Also, he said there would be no change in game planning following the clinching of the division. ...Mike Holmgren's team continues to set Seahawks franchise records. Here are a few team records (and personnel career highs) that could be set this season: Matt Hasselbeck needs 64 attempts (Dave Krieg 531 in 1985), 22 completions (Warren Moon 313 in 1997 and Hasselbeck in 2003) and 496 yards (Hasselbeck 3,841 in 2003) to set single-season Seattle records. Matt also needs three touchdowns for a career-high. Patrick Kerney needs 3.5 sacks to set a single-season Seattle record (Michael Sinclair 16.5 in 1998). Nate Burleson needs 42 yards to pass Charlie Rogers for second place and 127 yards to pass Bobby Joe Edmonds for first place on Seattle’s punt return yards list. ...
Week 14 Anchor Picks The Seahawks have cut long snapper Boone Stutz. They've signed 14-year vet Jeff Robinson. Robinson last played for the Rams. He's also snapped for the Cowboys. So the Boone era is over. It started with a botched snap to Ryan Plackemeier and nearly ended with his high snap after a 4th quarter touchdown (Trufant's INT return). Godspeed Boone. ...Don't know if you've seen this story already on KING5.com, but ex-Seahawk kicker (and leading all-time scorer for the team) Norm Johnson helped rescue a woman in Silverdale, WA. The 47-year-old Johnson was taking his son to school Monday when pulled a woman from her car. Her Grand Am had skidded on ice and was upside down in a water-filled ditch. Johnson used a rock to break the window and free the woman. She was shaken but okay. Johnson's son Jameson couldn't wait to tell his teacher why he was late to school. ...From the Seahawks:Seattle, winners of six of its last seven, carries a five-game winning streak on the road to Charlotte this Sunday to take on the Carolina Panthers. Kickoff is slated for 10 a.m. (PT) and the game will be televised on FOX (channel 13 in Seattle). Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Brian Baldinger (commentary). It will be Seattle’s first trip to Carolina since the 2000 season. Last week, Seattle captured its sixth division title in franchise history, fifth under Mike Holmgren and fourth-straight NFC West crown with a 42-21 victory over Arizona. Seattle’s five-game winning streak is the longest since its 11-game streak during the 2005 season. ...Despite some reports, Seahawks' long-snapper Boone Stutz has not been released by the team. However, coach Mike Holmgren did announce in this afternoon's press conference that the team will be trying out long-snappers (and punters) tomorrow. Keep in mind the team routinely tries players out at different positions during the course of the season. The Inner Fan is hoping these special teams' gaffes don't come back to haunt this team in the playoffs. Feels like "laughing too hard at bumbling Romo" karma. Here's to hoping the 'Hawks kicking game hammers out the kinks. But you'd think if there was a better long-snapper out there, Ruskell and company would already have found him. Maybe the darn kicking balls are just frozen chunks of leather. Every cold game in the NFL this year has been giving kickers a hard time. ...During the Mike Holmgren show, the coach had this to say when asked about Shaun Alexander: "The thing that I would emphasize that after his first carry, I could hear, you know, there was some displeasure coming from the stands. And I would just ask everybody to cut him a little slack. He was the MVP of football a couple years ago. He wants to help the team win. He's played all year with a cast on his wrist. And his accepted this role and done it really beautifully." ...What a game. Five sacks. Five interceptions, three by Trufant (and an 84-yard TD). Kerney is playing out of his mind (third three-sack day in four games), as is Matthew -- the hot QB throwing for four TD's (131 passer rating). Talk about hitting your stride at the right time. And the catches -- nice hands by arguably the best WR corps in the NFL. On post game radio, Holmgren said Paul Allen gave the coach the game ball, and rightly so. Holmgren now has the most wins in Seahawks history, passing Chuck Knox with his 81st victory. Holmgren has also won the NFC West for the fourth consecutive season. Say what you will about the division, four in a row is a superb feat -- which will likely be ignored by the national press. But who cares. The 12th Man knows what kind of team Seattle has. Oh yeah, the fifth consecutive win is the longest winning streak since the '05 season. ...The Seahawks beat up the Cardinals at Qwest, winning 42-21. And for the fourth season in a row, the Hawks have won their division. The team rocked on both sides of the ball. Justin will be along shortly to post his analysis, and I have to admit, I'm getting excited about the playoffs... ...I'm heading down to the game. No word yet on inactives. This game feels like a game the Seahawks should win -- barring turnovers or injuries. The 'Hawks front seven need to find a way to put pressure on Kurt Warner, keep the sack machine going, to put themselves in a good position to capture another NFC West title. Leave any thoughts about the game in the comments section below. ...The Seahawks and the Salvation Army will collect donations for southwest Washington flood victims this Sunday, at Qwest Field prior to kickoff of the Cardinals game. There will be volunteers at gates throughout the stadium. Fans are also encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to the game or make a donation at various gate locations throughout the stadium for the 31st annual Toys-for-Tots drive. There will also be a collection booth inside Touchdown City. Some of the toys donated will be allocated to families in southwest Washington. ...Seahawks WR Bobby Engram will be on hand at the Northwest Builders Show to promote Turf Evolutions artificial turf at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue on Tuesday, December 11 from noon to 6 p.m. “I’m very excited about the opportunities for installing Turf Evolutions’ products in the greater Seattle area,” Engram said. “Football players are familiar with the improvements in artificial turf in recent years. Now more and more people are installing it in backyard putting greens, golf courses, public and private playing fields, roadway medians and many other areas. Since it requires no watering, cutting or fertilizer, it is environmentally friendly compared to what it takes to maintain a typical grass lawn, field or green.” ...Seahawks Out Cardinals Out Extra point: There will be another Hasselbeck at Qwest this Sunday. Matthew's brother, Tim, is the Card's third-string QB. ...Have a question for the coach? It's time for ask Mike Holmgren. Just leave your question in the comments below (as always you can ask before or during the Cards game), with your first name and the city where you live. Then watch The Mike Holmgren Show with Paul Silvi, following NBC's Sunday Night Football and see if your question is answered by Mike. ...
Odd to call a game between the Cards and 'Hawks a showdown, but Arizona is not your grandfather's team. Whisenhunt has his team playing well, scrapping and winning games. In yesterday's presser, Mike Holmgren said how much he respected Whisenhunt. He also said Kurt Warner was having a marvelous year. With Russ Grimm taking over the o-line and a new conditioning coach revamping their workout philosophy, the o-line has shed tons of weight -- and are keeping their QB's protected. The first game was decided by a botched hand-off. Will we see another close game? Seahawks win, they win the NFC West. At the K5 anchor desk, we have a tie between Jean and Dennis, four wins each. Lori is in third. Here are their picks for Week 14: Week 14 Anchor Picks It hasn't been formally announced, but the Seattle Times and the TNT are reporting that Patrick Kerney will be named Defensive Player of the Month tomorrow by the NFL. Kerney had seven sacks, an INT and forced three fumbles in the last four games...all wins for the Seahawks. ...For the first time in his career, Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Tatupu had three interceptions, a team-high 11 tackles and something like 100-yards in INT returns in the win over the Eagles. Tatupu is the first Seattle LB to be honored since Chad Brown way back in Week 17 of '03. ...Fan voting for the Pro Bowl is online now, at NFL.com. Other than the usual suspects (Matt, Tatupu, Jones), there are some other Seahawks worth voting for -- who have never earned a trip to Hawaii. Bobby Engram. The WR is tied for 3rd in the NFC in receptions with 72. Josh Brown is tied for third in the division in scoring (kickers). And Marcus Trufant is tied for fifth with four interceptions. (Oh...and I forgot to add Nate Burleson, who leads the NFC in Punt Return Average. Sorry, Nate.) Vote soon, the service ends on December 11th. ...Just got this release from the team: The Seattle Seahawks have signed cornerback Kevin Hobbs from its practice squad to the 53-man active roster and signed Omowale Dada to fill the practice squad opening, the team announced this morning. This is Hobbs’ second stint on the active roster and Dada went to training camp with Seattle, but was released on September 1. ...The Seahawks have released FB Fred McCrary and signed RB Josh Scobey. The club placed S C.J. Wallace on IR. Scobey was released earlier this season by the Buffalo Bills. He returns to the 'Hawks where he played the last two seasons, returning kicks. He also had 35 special teams tackles. ...From the Seahawks: Seattle, winners of five of its last six, carries a four-game winning streak back to Qwest Field this Sunday vs. the Arizona Cardinals. Kickoff is slated for 1:05 p.m. (PT) and the game will be televised on FOX (channel 13 in Seattle). Seattle has the opportunity to capture its sixth division title in franchise history, fifth under Mike Holmgren and fourth-straight NFC West crown with a victory over Arizona. The Seahawks have won four of the last six meetings and seven of the last 10. Arizona leads the all-time series by a slim 9-8 margin. Since joining the NFC West in 2002, Seattle is 7-4 versus the team from the Valley of the Sun. ...If the Seahawks win this Sunday against the Cardinals, they'll clinch their the NFC West for the fourth time in a row. While Arizona (6-6) defeated the Seahawks way back in week two, a win would give the Hawks a three-game lead and the divisional tiebreaker. The Cards are facing a challenge: Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson is out (knee), and Pro Bowlers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald did not play against Cleveland. The Seahawks come into the game as 7-point favorites with oddsmakers. ...I hope everyone is safe and dry out there. Here's a quick Seahawks injury update: CB Josh Wilson pulled his quadricep in his right leg. A pulled quad can take a long time to heal. C Chris Spencer (yes, another oblique) likely won't practice Wednesday, but is expected to play on Sunday. S C.J. Wallace reinjured his knee. Walter Jones (knee) should be fine, after missing a few hikes in the Eagles game. ...At Monday's Seahawks press conference Mike Holmgren praised the effort and the attitude of Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris. Holmgren says it's refreshing the way Shaun and Mo have handled the time-share at running back. Alexander and Morris combined for 129 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns against the Eagles. Alexander rushed the ball 20 times, while Morris carried it just 5 times. Mike Holmgren would not say whether this would be the game plan for the rest of the season. What do you think? Should we see more of Maurice Morris, or do you like the way the Seahawks game-planned against Philly? ...I googled the Seahawks v. Eagles matchup to see what they're saying in Philly about the game. Ouch. They certainly lack the NW's passive aggressive gene. The headlines say it all: Quarterback Controversy Is Over: Evening Bulletin. Jean Enersen was the only anchor in the K5 Anchor Picks to select the Seahawks to win in Philly, and so moves up to tie Dennis Bounds in first place. Dennis and Jean have four correct picks, Lori has one. Up next, the Cards. Opening line has the Seahawks favored by 7-points. Week 13 Anchor Picks It's Hawks head coach Mike Holmgren's favorite new injury. Okay maybe not, but it's becoming a trend. It's sweeping the Seahawks locker room like a flu bug. I'm talking about the oblique injury. To my knowledge, four Seahawk players have suffered from an oblique injury in the last month or so. Here's the list: Matt Hasselbeck, Patrick Kerney, Lofa Tatupu, and now Chris Spencer. Who knows, there could be more, but at this moment I can't remember. So what is an oblique? I'm glad you asked. ...MVP? Tatupu. Lofa had a monster game in the freezing rain, sealing the deal near the goal line with his third INT of AJ Feeley. What a game for the Pro Bowl LB. The FOX crew said the three interceptions tied a Seahawks record. We'll have to see how the players on the offensive line are, there was a lot of subs. Shaun looked good, as did Mo. Final: Seahawks 28 Eagles 24. ... |
KING 5 anchor Lori Matsukawa was the closest to the spread of the Ravens' game (27-6) and wins the pick. Mr. Bounds is in the lead with 5, Jean Enersen is second with 4, and Lori Matsukawa now has 2.
"Take your rain gear Sunday. Although showers should diminish early in the day, a warm front will approach Qwest field and that could result in rain developing during the second half. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 40's at kickoff." - Jeff
Okay, I wasn't a math major and neither was my proofreader (although she's much better at numbers than I am). You know how Charlie Brown felt after Lucy pulled away the football? Well, sorry Mats. Earlier I posted that Lori Matsukawa had won the Week 14 Picks, mostly because I can't subtract properly. Dennis Bounds had an eleven point spread and wins the pick. So Dennis takes the lead with 5 correct picks, Jean is in second with 4 and Lori has...1. My apologies for the error.