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July 2009
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| October 2008
Mariners left fielder Raul Ibanez files for free agency. He's joined by utilitymen Willie Bloomquist and Miguel Cairo. The M's also put Mike Morse on the 40-man roster. Morse was out all season after separating his shoulder in the outfield. New GM Jack Zduriencik says he understands Ibanez's worth to the fans, but I don't think that he means he's going to try to sign him at all cost. Plus, Ken Griffey Junior is out there. The PI's John Hickey has an interesting blog on how the M's could bring Junior back to the house he helped build. I wonder if either Junior or Ibanez is worth bringing back. I do know the M's need bats to score runs. Just ask Felix Hernandez about that. ...Congrats to former Seattle Prep star Martell Webster. Entering his fourth season in the pros, Webster is recovering from a broken foot. Well that pain was made a little easier by a contract extension. The Blazers signed him to a 4-year extension believed to be worth $20 million. Not bad for guy who's only 22. I know I would have liked making five million a year by the time I was 22. At any rate, the official Blazers press release is after the jump. ...The Seattle Times is reporting that Jim Mora will not be a candidate for the head coaching job at the UW. The Seahawks are supposed to release a formal announcment later in the day. Whether or not that makes Husky fans sad, at least the search can go on without this speculation looming. ...Happy Halloween everyone. Jean won last week, so she moves into the plus column with one correct pick. She now trails Dennis and Lori, who each have two correct predictions.
I found this website via Sonicscentral.com. You can actually curse the OKC Thunder on the website. I thought it was kind of funny.
When asked this afternoon in Renton about the UW opening, Jim Mora said he was there to talk about Josh Wilson and preparing the Seahawks secondary for the Eagles. When asked again, Mora told reporters to refer any questions to his agent. So no news on that front, although the PI is reporting that Mora does not have an out-clause which would allow the coach to leave the Seahawks for the Huskies.
There are several "givens" when it comes to hockey. Here's another "given" hockey fans can expect. Every year, all 30 NHL teams join forces in a fight against a bigger enemy: cancer. The "Hockey Fights Cancer" fundraising event marks its 10th anniversary this year and so far, has raised more than $10 million for national and local cancer research institutions, Children's Hospitals, player charities and local cancer organizations. The Vancouver Canucks took on the Boston Bruins Tuesday night at GM Place and no one looked foward to the game more than Bernie Paille, a lifelong Bruins fan who calls Victoria, BC "home". Add to this passion the fact that before Tuesday, Bernie had not seen an NHL game in person in ten years, and you can almost taste the anticipation and excitement building up within him. Here, Bernie shares his unique perspective about the game and his experience, from start to finish. ...Once again, sportswriter Chris Shafer takes up pen... err.. keyboard and offers up an NHL history lesson worthy of much discussion. Why hasn't a player managed to score 50 goals in 50 games in more than a decade? Sit up and pay attention. Professor Shafer is taking the podium. Feel free to add your own theories in the "comments" section. It's a question that likely is split down the line for fans, Huskies and Seahawks. While the reaction from a past blog indicated that many fans would rather see Jim Mora on the Huskies sidelines, I wanted to ask: Should Jim Mora be allowed to speak with Woodward about the Dawgs head coaching job?
The NHL boasts fans everywhere and sometimes, the team you follow is not the one found in the town where you happen to reside. Along my hockey travels, I have run into some unique fans finding ways to keep the team spirit alive from afar. Today, I introduce you to Justine Sliwka, a rabid Red Wings fan who just happens to live in the heart of Southern California. ...While the "Sonics" name is on hiatus, we've changed pro hoops blog name to "NBA". In the coming months, you'll notice some changes in our coverage on TV and the web. Tonight, we'll air the Thunder highlights for the team's opening night and that's it. In the future, we'll focus our on-air coverage and blogs on the Blazers. But our Sports Blog will still have NBA-related stuff including the Thunder and, knock on wood, updates on Steve Ballmer's plan (or anyone else's plan) to return the "Sonics" to Seattle.
After much anticipation for his debut, the 2007 top draft pick Greg Oden sprained his foot last night. Doctors confirmed the diagnosis today with an MRI. Oden will miss 2-4 weeks. Somewhere Sam Bowie is saying "Oh, not again." ...The Mariners have lost another member of the front office. Vice President of Player Personnel Benny Looper declined a demotion to a scout and will leave the team. The official press release is after the jump. ...You have to love basketball karma. From Jerry Bohnen at KTOK:
Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren says quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is definitely out for Sunday's game with the Eagles. He also says tight end Will Heller and receiver Deion Branch will likely not play against Philly. Patrick Kerney is still sore and there's a chance he may not play as well. Holmgren told reporters that Kerney talked to him about his concern for his injury. We'll have more tonight on KING5 News at 5pm, 630pm, 10pm, 11pm and on Northwest Sports Tonight at 9:30pm, 11:30pm on NWCN, and 10:30pm on KONG 6/16. ...Okay, I know I'll watch the NBA this season because I enjoy pro hoops. From afar, thanks to Howard Schultz. And while the OKC Plunder kick their season off in podunk Soonerville tonight, does anyone in the greater Seattle area care? Will you even watch the NBA? Maybe root for the Portland Trailblazers? Or the Huskies? Or any other college team? Anyway you crack this rotten nut, this town could really use the Sonics right now. Just to take our minds off the Huskies, Cougs and Seahawks football at least for a little bit. ...In a rare instance of good news for NW sports, Bellarmine Prep hoops star Abdul Gaddy (rated the No.2 point guard in the nation by Scout.com) has decided to sign with the Huskies instead of Arizona. The 6-3, 170-pounder made the change after Arizona coach Lute Olson recently announced his retirement. Apparently Dawgs coach Romar had plenty to do with the change, having numerous conversations with Gaddy and his father. And when the choice came down between switching to UCLA or UW, Gaddy decided on Hec Ed.
The Seahawks are opening up as six and half points underdogs to the Eagles. The game will be played at Qwest Field. The Hawks have beaten the Eagles the last two times and 4 out of the last six. Last season, Lofa Tatupu owned them with 3 INT's as Seattle won, 28-24. A couple of seasons ago, the Hawks embarassed the Eagles on Monday night football, walloping them 42-0. So is 6 1/2 point underdogs too much considering the Hawks are at home? ...The NFL released its list of Football Hall of Fame nominees for 2009. Seven Seahawks made the list, including former Husky Lincoln Kennedy. Here's the names of the Hawks.
Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck explains to KIRO radio today that he doesn't need surgery on his back (I'm guessing for now). The All-Pro QB has failed his strength test again. The bulging disc in his back is causing problems for his right leg. He calls it "dead leg" and he's unable to get the leg to work properly. Who knows if it'll work properly at any time this season. Until then, Seneca Wallace remains the Hawks only hope to win the NFC West. ...New M's General Manager Jack Zduriencik is quickly going to work. He's let Scouting Director Bob Fontaine go. Fontaine seems pretty cool about it. Check out his quotes in the Mariners official press release below.
SEATTLE, WA - Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today that Mariners Vice President of Scouting Bob Fontaine has been relieved of his duties. From the Sounders FC:
Matt Hasselbeck visited a doctor in LA for his back/leg issue on Monday, and said the doctor did not clear him to play this Sunday against the Eagles. According to the AP, Matt will not need surgery and continued rehab should eventually do the trick. Hasselbeck has been out since Oct. 5th. If Matt can't get it going by Sunday, expect to see Seneca behind center at the Qwest.
After listening to today's press conference, it sounds like the Huskies forced head coach Tyrone Willingham out. In case you haven't heard, Willingham says he's stepping down after the season. Athletic Director Scott Woodward will start a search for new head coach immediately. Below are the unedited interviews from today's presser. Just click on their names for the link to the video.
Members of the Everett Silvertips hockey team will show off their pumpkin carving skills and sign autographs at a Halloween party Thursday night. The team is also sponsoring a costume contest. The party takes place at Alligator Soul restaurant, on 3121 Broadway in downtown Everett. That's about a block away from Comcast Arena, where the 'Tips play. Find more information on this and other Silvertips events here. It's a match up guaranteed to generate excitement and Saturday night was no exception. The Everett Silvertips took on the Seattle Thunderbirds at KeyArena in front of a spirited, pre-Halloween crowd. I could not attend the game but I listened to it online, thanks to the radio station Funky Monkey 104.9FM. The announcers did such a great job, I felt as though I had a seat at center ice! It's tough to say how good of a win this game was against a team as bad as the 49ers. Still, the defense did well with Tatupu sidelined early. We'll have to wait and see how bad the injury is. Make sure and watch the Mike Holmgren show on KING/5 after the NBC Sunday Night Football game for an update direct from the coach. All in all, a win is a win. Made even better with a divisional win, and the Cards and Rams both losing. Game ball goes to Leonard Weaver. Now if the offense can get Matt back, maybe this team can get on a roll. ...The fourth quarter kicks off with the 49ers moving the ball inside the five yard line. Hill throws to Hill for a Niners TD. Seahawks 27, 49ers 13.
The Seahawks start the third quarter with a John Carlson first down catch. After the Seahawks stall and punt, the Niners with Shaun Hill as QB nearly own the entire third quarter. Nedney hits a FG with four minutes left in the third. Seahawks 20, Niners 6.
Weaver starts the second quarter with a Seahawks first down run. Weaver gets another first down, catching a Seneca pass to the five yard line. Duckett runs it one yard for his fourth rushing TD of the season. 14 plays, 83 yards. Seahawks 13, 49ers 0.
Clearly the Seahawks defense is up to task when it comes to forcing turnovers, but how much will they be forced to stay on the field to stop the run? Frank Gore had to be licking his chops before the game having flashbacks to the games in 2006 when the Seattle defense was on the field forever and he spent most of forever running over them. On the other side, we can hope that Defensive coordinator John Marshall was prepared to be on the field if the offense continues to struggle moving the ball. ...After the Seahawks force a fumble and a Niners punt, Julius Jones has a nice run. The Seahawks convert their first third down and not their second. Mare hits a 43-yard FG. Sure nice to see the Seahawks score on their first possession. Seahawks 3, 49ers 0.
Seahawks:
Well, it's Friday and time for the Ask Mike Holmgren post. So if you have a question for the coach, leave it in the comments section below before the end of the Niners game. Then watch The Mike Holmgren Show on KING/5, following NBC's Sunday Night Football and see if the coach answers your question. And don't forget to leave your first name and the city where you live. ...From the AP: Seahawks starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will not play Sunday, Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said Friday. Holmgren told KIRO Radio that Hasselbeck will miss his third straight game when the Seahawks play at San Francisco and will have more tests Monday. The three-time Pro Bowler is rehabilitating a hyperextended right knee that is being weakened by a bulging disk in his back. Backup Seneca Wallace is ready for his second straight start against the 49ers. He has taken the first-team snaps in practice all week. Wallace completed 12 of 23 passes for just 73 yards in last weekend's loss at Tampa Bay that dropped Seattle to 1-5. Here we are, week eight of the KING/5 anchor picks. Dennis (2) had the closest pick last week and moves into a tie with Lori (2). Jean, while the most loyal to the Seahawks, is still searching for her first correct prediction. What about the national experts? ESPN.com? All Niners. USA Today? All Niners. SI's Peter King? Seahawks, 27-20.
The PI is reporting that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and NBA commish David Stern have recently had talks about bringing the NBA back. Seatle Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis confirms that Ballmer and Stern are talking. The deal centers around a new plan to divert an existing hotel-tax from the state convention center to remodel KeyArena (and Seattle Center). Why this package may get through the legislature, from Ceis: "...it's a city-only tax that already exists and will not be an increase...If we can get our funding package together this session, we can start to work with the Ballmer group on identifying a team for Seattle, but probably not until 2010."
According to the PI, this tax is different from the stadium taxes. A 7% tax on Seattle hotel bills is currently dedicated to the convention center. The city is negotiating to divert 1/10th of that revenue to the KeyArena project. You can read more about the deal, and Ballmer's talks here. Nice timing, don't you think? In case you didn't know, the NBA season kicks off in two weeks. ...From the Sounders FC:
The latest from Seahawks practice isn't great. Neither Matt Hasselbeck or Deion Branch practiced today. Good luck seeing either of them on Sunday against the 49ers. On the bright side, Seneca is getting more reps with the first stringers. Floyd Womack, who left practice yesterday with an illness, also did not practice. Willis and Wrotto worked in Womack's place. Koren Robinson practiced, but was limited. On defense, both DD Lewis and Tatupu shared time at middle linebacker. Tatupu should be fine on Sunday. ...This is the beginning of a long season in the NHL. Look here for regular reports about the Vancouver Canucks as they battle their way through some tough competition on the road to the Holy Grail of hockey: the Stanley Cup. This season, I will be joined by writers from all over the country as we cover Canucks games from two sides: Vancouver's and the opposing teams'. T-Birds hold Halloween costume contest. The cross-town division rivalry heats up this Saturday between Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips, when they face off at KeyArena. In addition to what promises to be some great action on the ice, fans are being asked to show their Halloween colors! ...As you've already seen in Justin's Blog below, the M's hired Jack Zduriencik as their new general manager. Keep putting you comments in Justin's Blog. I thought I'd just pass along the M's official press release. It has Zduriencik's biography. It's after the jump, enjoy. ...You've probably heard the news that the Mariners selected Jack Zduriencik as the team's new GM. What do you think? Does Zduriencik inspire confidence? Can the Milwaukee Brewers exec turn the M's around? Zduriencik won out over Kim Ng (my favorite), Tony LaCava and Jerry DiPoto. Sure, Zduriencik has the most experience and is supposed to be a stud when it comes to picking talent. But can he get the job done? We'll see. ...There was talk of this after the Tampa Bay loss, and now the Tribnet has an article about Seahawks venting frustration towards the coaching staff for the recent losing streak. Specifically, Julius Jones calling Mike Holmgren out during the Bucs game. He was reportedly ranting so loudly, Jones had to be physically restrained by Red Bryant (how big a deal this was, I don't know). The RB was not in the locker room yesterday, and the TNT's request for an interview went nowhere.
Is denial in play here? Are the Seahawks really this bad? I mean, 32nd in the NFL in passing? Whatever the 12th Man believes, the Seahawks open as 5-point underdogs in Sunday's game against Singletary's 49ers. I'll leave you with some of Holmgren's better quotes from yesterday's press conference, comparing these Seahawks to his first high school team: "It reminds me of when I first started coaching at Sacred Heart High School, you know? We were kind of overmatched all the time, playing against better players for a while...They gave you everything they had. And you loved them for it. But it was going to be tough each week...That's a little bit of an exaggeration, but that's the last time, it really is the last time. I can't think in professional football. It's different."126.8 yards passing per game will get quotes like that. NFL.com is reporting that the 49ers have fired embattled coach Mike Nolan. Assistant head coach Mike Singletary will take over in the interim. Nolan went 18-37 since coaching the 49ers. A Hall of Fame LB who played for the Bears, Singletary has been coaching within the 49ers organization since 2005. Sure creates an interesting game next Sunday as the 1-5 Seahawks travel to the Bay Area to take on the 2-5 Niners. Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren held his usual Monday presser today. He doesn't really know if quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will be back for next Sunday. He's listed as day-to-day. Holmgren thinks the team needs something a little more than just a return of Matt to the lineup.
It's a question that seems to linger around the Seahawks recent and mounting losses. Was Mike Holmgren's early retirement announcement a mistake? Even with the scope of pro players always playing to win, is having the next head coach in the wings enough to create more than just an unspoken distraction?
Only the Detroit Lions are lower. So, the question lingers. What should this franchise do next? Can this be turned around next year? Maybe with a new secondary, a new DT and a WR or two taller than 5'9". And one has to ask: Just how bad is Matt's back? ...Can the Seahawks offense do anything? Three first downs? The Bucs own time-of-possession 2:1. The defense is simply pooped. Bucs move down the field easily and get a 27-yard FG. Seahawks 3, Tampa Bay 20.
Anyone hitting the sauce yet? Sheesh. The Seahawks at least force a three-and-out by the Bucs. After the punt, the Seahawks finally get a first down. After stalling in the red zone, the Seahawks are on the board with a short FG. Seahawks 3, Bucs 17.
The second quarter starts off with the Bucs fumbling after a huge hit on Ike Hilliard by Hill and Tatupu in the red zone. A challenge by Holmgren ends with the Seahawks getting the ball on the turnover. Finally, the Seahawks get a break.
Well, the Seahawks converted their first third down as Holmgren starts off with three straight passes. They can't convert their second third down and after a Seahawks punt, Bryant beats Jennings for a Garcia TD pass. Yet another huge play given up by the Seahawks defense. Seahawks 0, Bucs 7.
It's an hour before gametime. It's shorts weather here in Tampa, but the wind is blowing at a pretty good clip from north to south. The Bucs website proclaims Raymond James Stadium as "The Crown Jewel of the NFL." I think that's a bit much, but you have to love the 103-foot-long ship known as "Buccaneer Cove" that sits above the north end zone. In the picture below, you'll notice the number 40 in the end zone seats. That's the number of longtime Buc, Mike Alstott, who retired after 12 seasons. One of the most popular Bucs ever, Alstott will be honored at halftime.
SEAHAWKS
Well, once again it's time for the Ask Mike Holmgren post. If you have a question for the coach, leave it in the comments section below before the end of the Tampa Bay game. Then watch The Mike Holmgren Show on KING/5, following the Seahawks v. Bucs on NBC's Sunday Night Football and see if the coach answers your question. And please don't forget to leave your first name and the city where you live. ...
From the team: This is a great weekend to take in some hockey in Western and Central Washington, as nearly every team has a home game. ...Well, all the anchors picked the Seahawks to win against GB so no one gets a win. Lori is still in the lead with 2 picks, Dennis with 1 and Jean 0. This week, the Seahawks head to Tampa Bay. Seattle is still huge 10-point underdogs, across the board. ESPN? All Bucs. USA Today? All Bucs. SI's Peter King? Well, King thinks NBC wishes they could use the flex schedule starting this Sunday.
Add another wrinkle to the slew of college and high school athletes heading to play in Europe. Reports have a team in Greece offering Kobe Bryant $83-million tax-free, a villa in the Mediterranean Sea, a private boat for Kobe, and a full-service staff. The offer was first reported on the Italian basketball site basketcentral.it. You can read more on the offer on Zagsblog.com. The reported deal isn't for this season, so Lakers fans can relax. The team? The Olympiacos. While the offer may create a few "what the?", the team is serious. They recently made ex-NBA star Josh Childress the highest-paid basketball player in the world outside of the NBA, with a three-year $20M contract. Call me crazy, but I have a good feeling about the Seahawks chances in Tampa Bay with Seneca behind center. First, it's an East Coast night game which takes away the time zone advantage. Second, Seneca was 2-2 in 2006 when he started. He knows this offense. He understands Holmgren's West Coast hybrid. And the defense is going to come out hungry.
Receiver Michael Bumpus cleared waivers today and is officially back on the Seahawks practice squad. Bumpus was cut yesterday to make room for Justin Forsett. I'm sure Forsett will take Bumpus' spot in the return game. ...Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren says Matt Hasselbeck will not play on Sunday. Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace will start if his calf is healthy. Wallace will run with the first team in practice this week. Holmgren says they only have one game plan ready for the Bucs. That means, as of right now, the team's offensive game plan centers on Seneca starting at quarterback. Holmgren believes the optimists on the team hope Hasselbeck will be back in time for San Francisco game (that's the next game after the Bucs).
This is the story of two mothers. Jim Zorn and the Redskins signed three former Seahawks today. As well as signing Shaun Alexander to back up Clinton Portis, the Redskins also inked former Seattle punter Ryan Plackemeier. Plackemeier won a competition among the free agents flown in to audition this morning. To replace Reed Doughty, the Redskins' strong safety who was recently placed on injured reserve, the Skins added yet another former Seattle player, safety Mike Green. After a stint with the Bears, Green played two years with the Seahawks, but was cut at the start of training camp. ...Tickets for the Cougars men's basketball progam will go on sale soon. You can buy single game tickets October 25th at 10am. The pre-sale begins October 20th. You can check out all the details on the press release after the jump. ...The Huskies may be without quarterback Jake Locker for the season. The Times' Bob Condotta reports that offensive coordinator Tim Lappano thinks Locker could be done. Doctors will take a closer look at Locker's thumb tomorrow. "Is he going to play this year before the season is over? Who knows,'' Lappano said. "It's highly unlikely I would guess. But tomorrow we'll know more when they find out a little bit more about it.'' -Seattle Times website It appears Ronnie Fouch will be playing the rest of the way. For someone who competes as hard as Locker, you gotta feel for him. ...And the Redskins signed Shaun Alexander to backup Clinton Portis and the Dallas Cowboys traded with the Lions for Roy Williams. The Cowboys reportedly gave up a first round, third and six round pick next year, and a seventh round pick in 2010 (this sounds like Jerry Jones kind of thinking, doesn't it? No way Bill Parcells would have given up so much for Williams). Here is the press release from the Seahawks concerning Forsett and Bumpus:
When was the last time the Seahawks opened as such big underdogs? WSEX, BETcris and Sportsbetting all have the Tampa Bay as 10.5 point favorites over the Matt Hasselbeck-less Seahawks. Ouch.
No one knows if Lauren Jackson will return to the Storm next season, but it sounds very likely she'll skip town in 2012, at least for that season. Fox Sports in Australia is reporting that LJ will focus on the Aussies Olympic effort in 2012 and probably won't play in the WNBA. "People are kind of banding together right now. The Australian team to me means more than anything. I'm going to do whatever it takes to get back on track, and, look, we won a silver medal. It's not like we bombed out. But for me now I think something I really need to look at is not going back to the WNBA in Olympic years and, instead, focusing on our team, just being around and getting to know people, building relationships. I'll try and be more of a leader, more of a captain." - Lauren Jackson on foxsports.au If you want to read the whole article, click here. I guess it wouldn't surprise me. She's very passionate about her country's Olympic hopes. She'll only be 31 for the London Olympics. So LJ will still have a lot of basketball ahead of her. ...According to NFL.com, Shaun Alexander should sign with the Redskins on Tuesday. Former Seahawks QB coach and current Washington head coach Jim Zorn must feel comfortable enough with Shaun. If nothing else, he's probably familiar with the terminology. He'll backup Clinton Portis. The normal backup, Ladell Betts, hurt his knee Sunday against the Rams. ...The Cougars starting quarterback Marshall Lobbestael will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL & MCL. At first they thought it was only an MCL tear, but further tests revealed the ACL tear. Typically, that type of surgery requires nine months of rehab. Lobbestael is the third WSU starting quarterback to go down to injury. Gary Rogers has a cervical spine fracture. He's done for the season Kevin Lopina broke a bone in his back. But Lopina could be back this week. Is the state of Washington cursed for sports? Between the Huskies, Cougars, Seahawks, Mariners, Sonics (gone), and Storm (LJ injury), there's been enough bad luck to make the Cubs look like lucky leprechauns. ...In case you missed Holmgren's Monday press conference, the coach just announced that Matt will not play on Sunday. Seneca may, if the second-stringer can practice this week. If not, then Tampa Bay's defense gets to pin their ears back before Charlie Frye. Holmgren also said Branch should be back for this Sunday's game.
Hockey is supposed to be a sport for tough guys. Make it to the NHL level and you can expect bone-crunching hits, lightning quick speed and spectacular goals. But Friday night, toughness gave way to tears at GM Place in Vancouver, as the Canucks and their fans remembered a promising career cut tragically short. They paid tribute to Luc Bourdon, a 21 year old defenseman, who died in a motorcycle accident on May 29 near his hometown of Shippegan, New Brunswick. ...On a day when Romo is reportedly out four weeks with a broken finger, Holmgren says Matt Hasselbeck's gimpy knee will require more tests and the Seahawks QB could miss the Tampa Bay game. Ouch. Holmgren said he is turning his sights on getting Seneca healthy and ready to play. Stay tuned, the coach said he'd likely have more information on Matt's condition at today's news conference. Not the best news for Seahawks fans who still think the team can scrape their way out of the 1-4 NFC West cellar. ...Well, well, well. Anyone just watch the Arizona Cardinals beat the Cowboys in OT? And you still think the Seahawks-that-Ruskell-built can get it going in time to reach the playoffs? Because we all know the NFC West will likely only field one post-season team.
Sonics legend Gary Payton raised the 12th Man Flag today. He also raised the hopes of basketball fans. GP thinks Seattle will get an NBA team by 2011. According the Seattle Times, Payton is recruiting some former players to help bring the Sonics (not the OKC Thunder) back. I'm guessing it'll have to be another team relocating to Seattle. Commish David Stern has said they don't plan to expand in the U.S. With the rumors of the Bobcats leaving Charlotte, it could happen sooner than 2011. Plus, the New Orleans Hornets are struggling to keep their fan base after Hurricane Katrina and Rita. ...- Packers keep driving the ball. They score on a 1-yard TD catch by Kuhn. Packers lead, 24-10.
The Seahawks are content to run the ball. It looks like they want Frye to manage the game. He's only thrown 6 passes. Seattle has ran the ball 16 times for 58 yards. On defense, the Hawks have done a good job keeping Ryan Grant in check (14 carries for 49 yards). But they've got put more pressure on Rogers and test his sore shoulder. - Packers ball. They go 3 and out. Rogers looks bad on his first two passes of the half. It looks like Seattle is content to run the ball more than they pass. Julius Jones looked good in the first quarter. For some reason, the Packers got away from running Ryan Grant. We'll see if they get back to it in the 2nd quarter. - Seahawks still have the ball. Frye gets sacked. Sean Locklear gets beat. Frye also threw a horrible pass to a wide open Engram. I can understand why the Hawks will run the ball a lot more than normal. Olindo Mare nails a 50-yard FG. Game tied, 3-3.
As you all know by now, Matt Hasselbeck won't play today. Sonics legend Gary Payton raised the 12th Man Flag. - Seattle goes 3 and out on their 1st possession It is official. Matt Hasselbeck will not play in today's game. Charlie Frye will start at QB. By the way, word is that Gary Payton will raise the 12th Man flag. Here are the rest of the inactives.
Brandon Coutu K
Atari Bigby S ... It's time for the Ask Mike Holmgren post. You know the drill: If you have a question for coach Holmgren leave it in the comments section below before the end of the Packers game. Then watch The Mike Holmgren Show on KING/5, following NBC's Sunday Night Football and see if the coach answers your question. And please don't forget to leave your first name and the city where you live. ..."Perfect fall football weather will be in place in time for Sunday's kickoff at Qwest Field. As the Seahawks get set to host the Pack, cool crisp autumn sun will be shining over the Seattle skyline. Temperatures will be in the upper 50s to near 60 at game-time. However, by late in the afternoon, those readings will drop back into the low 50s, and with a light north wind blowing, it will feel even cooler. Definitely 'dress in layers' to prepare for the cooling conditions set to come as the game wraps up." - Shannon O'Donnell, KING/5 Meteorologist ...You've likely heard the news that Charlie Frye may start on Sunday after Matt Hasselbeck spent another practice playing spectator in a green Seahawks cap. With Seneca still hurting, that means Charlie Frye could be the starting QB against GB. Can the Seahawks win with ex-Browns starting QB Frye? ...This week, Aaron Rogers and crew come to the Qwest. Oddsmakers like the Seahawks, but not by much. The Hawks are 1.5-3 point favorites, depending on which NFL line you use. Glancing at the national experts, ESPN is 8-1 GB. USA Today is 5-3, Seahawks and Peter King at SI is Seahawks 23, Packers 20. Now for the KING/5 Anchors. Dennis won the pick last week and moves into second place. Lori (2), Dennis (1), Jean (0).
Supersonicsoul.com has posted a blog. It seems like OKC part-owner Aubrey McClendon had a tough day, or past few months, with his company Chesapeake Energy. According to the blog, Chesapeake's stock tanked from a high in July of 70.24 to today's 17.71. That's a loss of $52/share, which, if you have 34,000,000 shares like some people do, in the last three months your net worth has declined by the sum total of $1,768,000,000. -- supersonicsoul.com Here's the link to whole article. Is it petty for me to wish this to be true? Nearly losing 2 billion dollars? If it's wrong of me, then I don't wnat to be right. ...Yes, you are reading that correctly. TV star and clothing designer Alyssa Milano is coming to Seattle on October 18th. She's going to be at the Seahawks Pro Shop. Milano is in town to promote her clothing line, "Touch". Here's a link to some of her merchandise. Here's a link where she models her baseball line. Starting October 13th, the first 200 people to purchase some of her gear at the Seahawks Pro Shop will get an autograph picture of her at the October 18th appearance. Check out the official press release after the jump. Attention Mayor Greg Nickels and your cronies. Here's a list of the top 10 pro teams likekly to move. This comes from fanhouse.com via forbes.com. Forbes made a list. There are 3 NHL teams and 2 NBA teams. -- Florida Marlins It saddens me to see my Vikings on the list, but I digress. As much as I would hate to see what's happened to the city of Seattle and its surrounding community, they (Nickels and company) should get Steve Balmer on the line and e-mail him the Forbes list. The NBA season (and NHL season) is about to start and I already feel the pangs in my stomach of not having an NBA franchise in town. I seriously wouldn't feel bad if the Bobcats moved. That would mean they've tried twice in the last 20 years. Or If the Coyotes and Predators wanted to head north, that's fine with me too. Not only do all NHL teams belong in the upper half of the U.S. and Canada, but I've never really heard any team complain about stadium issues much.
Who says athletes don't do their part? The Mariners sent over a press release announcing how much money they've raised for northwest charities. The M's raised over a million dollars. They've nearly collected 10 million over the last nine years. Kind of makes you wonder about all those people who said let the Sonics leave...they don't add anything to the community. Well I don't have the numbers in front of me of what the Sonics added, but you have one Seattle team (the M's) pouring a million to the needy. Enough of my mini-rant. The official press release is after the jump. You can see what organization got what. ...Well, fan favorite RB Justin Forsett is again a Seahawk. The Seahawks announced today they released RB Matt Lawrence and WR Trent Shelton and replaced them on the practice squad with RB Justin Forsett and QB Travis Lulay. Forsett was drafted 233rd overall by the Hawks, before being released after camp. He was picked up by the Indianapolis Colts and played three games, returning 11 kickoffs for 248 yards with a long of 28. Lulay signed with Seattle as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2006 but was released and did not play in 2007. He was signed by the Saints in May but was released in July. From the Seahawks: Giving up seven passing TDs and only having one interception usually creates some changes in the secondary. This week, Kelly Jennings has been replaced in the starting defense by Josh Wilson. Injuries nonwithstanding, changes need to be made: Right now the Seahawks are 27th in the NFL in total defense. They allow six yards per pass. Only KC, Denver, St Louis, and Detroit give up more. Here's what Mora had to say yesterday about the changes: "Number one, we want to get Josh more reps because he's worthy of more reps. Number two, Kelly had a mild concussion and maybe a little bit of a stinger Sunday on the seventh play and didn't come back then. And in the second game he broke the rib, so he's a little beat up. It's a long season. We've got 12 games to go. So we want to make sure we're prudent in how much we put him out there and expose him when he's not 100 percent."Neither is a Seahawks defense that returned 11 starters. In four games the Hawks have given up 17 pass plays of plus-20 yards. And who's coming to town this weekend? The Packers. The team that started the D's downward spiral. Whether a wounded Tatupu, Trufant and a replacement in the secondary can enact revenge, the 12th Man will have to wait and see. One bright gem: GB is only 23rd in the NFL in rushing. ...KING 5's Chris Egan is watching Seahawks practice. He tells me that Leroy Hill is not running with the 1st team defense. He's resting a sore knee. D.D. Lewis is filling in for now. It sounds like Hill should be available to start on Sunday. Also, Josh Wilson has taken Kelly Jennings spot with the first teamers. But that could be more about Jennings' concussion than anything else.
Today, during the press conference, Hawks head coach Mike Holmgren talked a little in-depth about cutting Courtney Taylor. He likes him and had a long talk with Taylor. Holmgren thinks he needs just a little more seasoning. Seattle drafted him in the 6th round in 2007.
Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren says Matt Hasselbeck won't practice today. We don't expect to see Seneca Wallace take any snaps either. Holmgren says his sore calf has acted up. Charlie Frye will work with the first unit. Holmgren doesn't seem too concerned if Hasselbeck can't practice all week long. If that happens and Matt tells coach he can play on Sunday, he'll welcome him with open arms. He says Hasselbeck has to play. ...It's an argument in hindsight and one that's easy to make: Doesn't it just make sense to have Mora as the Huskies coach and Zorn as the Seahawks'? The Seahawks secondary, which Mora coaches, is floundering. Zorn and the Redskins are rolling. And we all know about the last four years at Montlake. Just think about the energy Mora would infuse at the UW.
The Seahawks made two moves today, cutting WR Courtney Taylor and (re) signing Jordan Kent to the active roster. Kent was on the practice squad, where Taylor may be if he clears waivers. ...Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck talked on KIRO 710 today. He says his knee has a bone bruise and hyperextended. To hear Matt's whole interivew, click here. It's called the Matt Hasselbeck Show. ...Wazzu held a quarterback tryout on Monday. Head coach Paul Wulff had 29 current students attempt to make the team. With all the injuries at the position, Wulff needed a scout team QB. He whittled it down to four on Monday night. Today, Wulff picked one. It's former Woodinville high school QB Peter Roberts. The Cougars sent out a press release. It's below:
PULLMAN, Wash. - Following a tryout Monday afternoon at Rogers Field, Washington State University Head Coach Paul Wulff announced Tuesday that freshman quarterback Peter Roberts has been added to the Cougar football team.
Depending on who you ask, mind you. Some agencies have the Seahawks only favored by two points at the Qwest. Glancing across the board, WSEX (-2.5) Bodog (-3) BetCris (-2) Betus (-2) and Sportsbetting (-2.5) are all giving the Seahawks a slight margin over the 2-3 Packers. The Accuscore engine actually has the Packers winning as a 56% favorite -- to a team that just lost at Lambeau Field to the 3-2 Atlanta Falcons. Ouch. For a quick glance at points for (PF) and points against (PA) on the season, Seattle has 83 PF and 124 PA. GB has 133 PF and 128 PA. The Seahawks need to find a way to keep the defense off the field and score. Time for the 12th Man to get the vocal cords tuned up. ...I just received an e-mail about an appearance by Puyullap's Ryan Moore on the Golf Channel. He's going to featured on Inside the PGA Tour. Check out the press release below.
That's out of Renton this afternoon. The often-sidelined wide receiver will remain out, indefinitely. Still begs the question if Deion Branch is a bust. Also from Holmgren's Monday somber press conference, Matt tweaked his knee but should be able to practice this week (The Packers injured Aaron Rodgers reportedly won't practice until possibly Thursday). Jennings, who suffered a concussion in the Giants game, will undergo more tests but should be okay. ...If you're not watching NWCN right now, you're missing the Mike Holmgren press conference live. Turn to Northwest Cable News and hear Seahawks head coach Holmgren's thoughts on the game, the future, and more. NWCN will air Holmgren's presser live on Mondays around 2pm (or whenever he takes the podium) and Wednesday at noon (or whenever he takes the podium). We'll a complete roundup of presser right here on the blog, then on KING5 news at 5, 630, 10, and 11, and tonight on Northwest Sports Tonight at 9:30, 11, 11:30, and 12:30am. ...Can you believe it? There's an actual movie about former Cougars QB Ryan Leaf. Deadspin.com had an article about it. If you want to see the NFL Network's interview with the director/writer/actor of the movie, click here. The official title of the movie is call "Leaf: The Movie". Here's the film's myspace page. It was released this year. Apparently, the director wants to air it in Seattle at some point and time, but there are no plans as of yet. I can't believe it's a very positive flick. It sounds like he's focusing on Leaf's years in San Diego. By the way, the docudrama won an Accolade Award-honorable mention.
I can't say for certain why the once proud Seahawks are so woeful outside of Qwest Field. 28th in the league in passing yards? Understandable. 29th in the NFL in points given up? Yesterday was worse than watching the Seahawks defense from the Tom Flores era. What does secondary coach/assistant head coach/next head coach Jim Mora think? Mora was on the bus before reporters could get an answer. Not a great sign. Let's let local sports writers Art Thiel, Steve Kelley and Dave Boling take a stab:
Anyway it's looked at, yesterday's loss was a serious message. The question is, can this broken Seahawks defense be fixed in time to save the season? And by the way, in Flores three seasons as head coach he never lost by such a large margin of defeat. And that's including the 1992 season, when the Seahawks went 2-14. ...Manning's day is done as is Matt Hasselbeck's. Branch got hurt early on and never returned. Positives: Engram looked good. Hasselbeck's return from that early knee injury was inspiring. Negatives: too many to list. Can the Seahawks stop the run when Bernard is taking a breather? Can the secondary stop anyone?
Maybe Paul Silvi wasn't the only one to hit Times Square last night. Five possessions, five Giants scoring drives. NY is averaging over 10 yards per play. Per. Play. The Seahawks defense isn't. Their 342 first-half yards allowed is the most by any team in the NFL this season. Jennings is out with a concussion, FYI. Leave any rants below. Seahawks 6, Giants 27. ...I can't tell what defense is out there...Seahawks, Huskies or Cougs. The Giants put up 214 total yards in the 1st quarter...69 rushing, 145 passing. ...The second quarter starts not much different than the first, with the Giants scoring. The only thing that stopped the Giants was Manning's first incompletion. Seahawks 3, Giants 17.
Well, the Seahawks got off to a fast start with a nice catch by Deion. But a few plays later, Matt Hasselbeck gets hit after releasing the ball and is on the turf clutching his knee.
It's 40 minutes before gametime, and the sky is gray. After overnight rain, we should have a dry game with temperatures in the 60's. And remember, if you have a question for us to ask Mike Holmgren during The Mike Holmgren Show, get it in before the game ends. Here's the inactive list: SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks arrived on the East Coast on Friday to get acclimated to the time difference. On Saturday, they had their walkthrough, making final preparations for tomorrow's game against the Giants. The team did get some free time in the afternoon. Some players took advantage of the time to visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We'll have a preview from New York on KING 5 News at 10 and 11.
Just a couple of notes from the city. When in New York, we work out of WNBC in 30 Rock. We got a chance to see the Conan O'Brien studio tonight. While the studios of Jay Leno and David Letterman are smaller than you think, Conan's studio is especially small. I know that sounds puzzling. Sue Bird finishes third in the MVP voting behind the winner Candace Parker and Connecticut's Lindsay Whalen. But yet Bird can't crack the 1st team All-WNBA. How can you be considered the 3rd most valuable player, but not be considered one of the top five players?
It's Friday again, which means it's time for the Ask Mike Holmgren post. Here's the drill: if you have a question for coach Holmgren, leave it in the comments section below (our producers need your questions by halftime of the Giants game). Then watch The Mike Holmgren Show on KING/5 right after NBC's Sunday Night Football, and see if coach answers your question. And don't forget to leave your first name and the city where you live. ...Well, Lori was the closest to the actual point spread and gets a notch in the win column for the Rams at Seahawks game. So Lori moves ahead with two correct picks, while Dennis and Jean have yet to get a win. This week, a game that almost nobody believes the Seahawks can walk away with a victory. ESPN? All Giants. USA Today? All Giants. SI's Peter King? Giants 23, Seahawks 21 (which is almost exactly what the Accuscore engine is predicting). Now for Week 5 of the KING/5 Anchor Picks:
To answer Trevor, I glanced at the 10 a.m. away games for the Seahawks for 2006-present. Here is what I found concerning wins and losses:
I've been thinking about that question as the Giants game nears. Road game + bye-week usually = loss for the Seahawks. Is it a mind game, like Holmgren expressed yesterday? Or is it jetlag? The Giants are just as bad coming off the bye, so I'll take that part out of the equation and simply look at how East and West Coast NFL teams are when they play on the opposite side of the country.
Head coach Mike Holmgren was a little more non-committal than Bobby Engram, but Matt Hasselbeck's favorite receiver should be a go on Sunday. Engram says he feels fine after a physically tough rehabilitation period. Engram also thinks Deion Branch should play against the Giants, too. It sounds like Bobby has been the psychiatrist for Branch and Hasselbeck recently. He's told Deion that he's ready, but he's gotta break through the mental stuff. Engram also says, while he was out, he would talk to Matt about football things and what he saw from the opposing defense during the game.
Mo Morris returned to the field in Renton today, but the RB was limited in practice -- as was Koren Robinson. While Koren had more reps than Bumpus, Koren was still gimpy. On the plus side, Branch and Engram both had plenty of work with the number one offense. Billy McMullen is currently getting the nod at split end, but we'll have to see what happens comes Sunday. Holmgren added again today that there may be a move on the roster this week.
I'm not sure this embarrassing story should gain more traction on the blogosphere, but here it is: A local blog, Seahawkshuddle.com, took trash talking way too far last week by posting a photo of the still smoldering World Trade Center and then commencing to trash talk the Giants with 17 different 9/11 jokes. Really? The idiotic idea really started moving when the New York Daily News ran the story in one of their sports blogs.
Is jackass too strong a word? Idiot just seems weak. I mean, come on. Well, at least New Yorkers know not all Seahawks fans are pinheads. Just some of them. ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
