Seahawks News Thread
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Don’t plan on seeing quarterback Matt Hasselbeck or left tackle Walter Jones in Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Seahawks coaches aren’t.
That was the word from coach Jim Mora in his just-completed news conference.
“That is the plan,” he said.
Hasselbeck still can’t run or take a deep breath without experiencing pain because of the fractured rib he got against the 49ers two weeks ago. Jones, meanwhile, still has pain in his surgically repaired left knee.
But Mora also said that cornerback Ken Lucas (groin), middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu (hamstring), tackle Brandon Frye (groin), guard Rob Sims (oblique) and free safety Jordan Babineaux (neck) should be able to play against the Colts.
Because of the injuries on the offensive line, the team also made two practice squad moves: tackle Na’Shan Goodard and guard Brian De La Puente have been signed. Linebacker William Thomas and wide receiver Logan Payne were released to clear spots.
“We had to do this just to make sure we could practice,” Mora said.
Tuesday, former University of Washington running back Louis Rankin was signed to the practice squad because the team likes his size and speed. Running back Devin Moore was released to clear a spot for Rankin.
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It's starting up all over again. Signing players from the PS. This shit sucks.
That was the word from coach Jim Mora in his just-completed news conference.
“That is the plan,” he said.
Hasselbeck still can’t run or take a deep breath without experiencing pain because of the fractured rib he got against the 49ers two weeks ago. Jones, meanwhile, still has pain in his surgically repaired left knee.
But Mora also said that cornerback Ken Lucas (groin), middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu (hamstring), tackle Brandon Frye (groin), guard Rob Sims (oblique) and free safety Jordan Babineaux (neck) should be able to play against the Colts.
Because of the injuries on the offensive line, the team also made two practice squad moves: tackle Na’Shan Goodard and guard Brian De La Puente have been signed. Linebacker William Thomas and wide receiver Logan Payne were released to clear spots.
“We had to do this just to make sure we could practice,” Mora said.
Tuesday, former University of Washington running back Louis Rankin was signed to the practice squad because the team likes his size and speed. Running back Devin Moore was released to clear a spot for Rankin.
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It's starting up all over again. Signing players from the PS. This shit sucks.
—Apparently, cornerback Josh Wilson is a quick healer. Wilson suffered a high ankle sprain and was expected to be out at least a month. However, Wilson returned to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday, and could be ready to play on Sunday in Indianapolis.
The Seahawks certainly could use Wilson, who had been starting at cornerback with Marcus Trufant, against the Colts' high-powered offense. "Every day you go out there and see what you can do, and every day it's gotten better," Wilson said about his ankle.
With Walter Jones uncertain when or if he will return this season, and Sean Locklear still nursing a high ankle sprain, Brandon Frye is the team's starting left tackle. You know Frye don't you? The same guy the team picked up off the waiver wire three weeks ago when the Miami Dolphins cut him to trim down to the 53-man limit.
Frye has been a pleasant surprise as a fill-in at left tackle, even playing through a strained groin against Chicago last week.
"We pretty much didn't have anybody else to go to," said Frye, who sat out Wednesday's practice to rest his injured groin. "It's not a situation where I can say, 'How bad is it? Should I sit out or should I not?' It's more a thing like, 'Let's try to get this win,' you know?"
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Damn that'd be badass if Josh Wilson played in this weeks matchup. If he isn't 100%, than don't play him.
The Seahawks certainly could use Wilson, who had been starting at cornerback with Marcus Trufant, against the Colts' high-powered offense. "Every day you go out there and see what you can do, and every day it's gotten better," Wilson said about his ankle.
With Walter Jones uncertain when or if he will return this season, and Sean Locklear still nursing a high ankle sprain, Brandon Frye is the team's starting left tackle. You know Frye don't you? The same guy the team picked up off the waiver wire three weeks ago when the Miami Dolphins cut him to trim down to the 53-man limit.
Frye has been a pleasant surprise as a fill-in at left tackle, even playing through a strained groin against Chicago last week.
"We pretty much didn't have anybody else to go to," said Frye, who sat out Wednesday's practice to rest his injured groin. "It's not a situation where I can say, 'How bad is it? Should I sit out or should I not?' It's more a thing like, 'Let's try to get this win,' you know?"
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Damn that'd be badass if Josh Wilson played in this weeks matchup. If he isn't 100%, than don't play him.
Mimicking Manning
The job of preparing the Seahawks’ defense for the daunting task of facing the Colts’ Peyton Manning has rookie QB Mike Teel working overtime.
This NFL thing has been challenging enough for Mike Teel.
But this week, the Seahawks’ rookie quarterback got an extra crash course on Tuesday – with the defensive coaches, as the team prepares for Sunday’s matchup against Peyton Manning and the unbeaten Colts in Indianapolis.
“I sat down with the coaches and watched a lot of tape of Manning, just to get a feel for what I was going to need to do in practice to help get our defense read for what they’re about to face on Sunday,” Teel said Wednesday after practice, when he did a passable job of mimicking all the pre-snap gyrations that have become trademark movements for Manning and the Colts’ offense.
“Of course I’ve seen Manning play before, but you don’t really realize everything that goes into what he does before the ball is snapped until you really sit down and start analyzing it.”
It’s definitely not as easy as Manning makes it looks.
“There was a play today where when I got through with all the pre-snaps checks and motions, I forgot what the routes were,” Teel said with a laugh.
It’s understandable. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley was asked if his dreams this week have filled with vision of No. 18 doing his thing. It was suggested that nightmares might be a way to put it, and then someone else wondered if Bradley was sleeping at all this week.
Bradley laughed before offering, “You watch all the tapes, you watch all the teams that have played him and defensed him over the years – the New Englands, who have lined up against him over and over again. They change their game plan every time they play him.
“You watch him so much, just his antics. You study every part of his game. From the cadence, to how he handles that; to the how he manages the offense; to substitutions.
“You just can’t help but see him all the time.”
Ah, those antics, as Bradley called them. They have become as much a part of Manning’s game as the pinpoint passes, the 37 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime, the nine 4,000-yard passing seasons, the nine Pro Bowl berths and the three MVP awards.
He points. He gestures. He waves his arms. He steps to the line, if in the shotgun formation; or away from the line, if stationed under center. He repositions the tight end, and then the running back and finally the slot receiver. He leans in to whisper something to center Jeff Saturday.
Then he points again. And gestures again. And waves his arms again.
Even Colts tight end Dallas Clark admitted on Wednesday, “It’s pretty hectic and it’s pretty complex to learn” an offense that includes so many extracurricular activities from the quarterback.
“When you come in as a rookie into this offense, there’s no offense in the college level that can prepare you for everything that you need to know – every signal, every hand signal, every word, every code word. So it’s just tough.”
It’s even tougher on the defenses that try to cope with everything Manning and Colts can throw at them.
“The Colts are doing something a little different than most teams offensively,” Jeff Fisher once said – and the Tennessee Titans’ coach faces the Colts and their traffic cop of a terrific quarterback twice a season.
“I think it’s going to take a number of years for defenses to catch up with them.”
Those defenses are still chasing, but they don’t seem to be gaining much ground. After three games, the Colts lead the league is passing offense and Manning ranks No. 2 in passer rating (117.1), passing yards (983), touchdown passes (seven) and fourth-quarter passer rating (137.3).
There is a method to Manning’s maddening pre-snap motions. He’s looking to gain an advantage, and usually does.
“You have to be patient, but you can’t get lazy,” Bradley said. “I think that’s what happens. The play clock gets down to 20 (seconds) and he’s doing all these aubibles. So you relax a little bit, then he snaps the ball and you’re not ready to go.
“So when we say you’ve got to play 60 minutes, you’re got to play all 60 minutes. When you get to the line of scrimmage and the play clock starts, you’ve got to be ready all the way to one second. That’s the challenge for us.”
The Seahawks have faced quarterbacks who audiblize a lot – Brett Favre with the Packers and the Jets; and Tom Brady with the Patriots. But Manning is just a different cat.
“You see it throughout the league,” Bradley said when asked about quarterbacks changing plays at the line of scrimmage. “But Peyton runs the offense. He makes the calls.”
Eventually. After all the pointing. And gesturing. And waving.
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I sure hope the Hawks' D is ready to face one of the best in the league this week.
The job of preparing the Seahawks’ defense for the daunting task of facing the Colts’ Peyton Manning has rookie QB Mike Teel working overtime.
This NFL thing has been challenging enough for Mike Teel.
But this week, the Seahawks’ rookie quarterback got an extra crash course on Tuesday – with the defensive coaches, as the team prepares for Sunday’s matchup against Peyton Manning and the unbeaten Colts in Indianapolis.
“I sat down with the coaches and watched a lot of tape of Manning, just to get a feel for what I was going to need to do in practice to help get our defense read for what they’re about to face on Sunday,” Teel said Wednesday after practice, when he did a passable job of mimicking all the pre-snap gyrations that have become trademark movements for Manning and the Colts’ offense.
“Of course I’ve seen Manning play before, but you don’t really realize everything that goes into what he does before the ball is snapped until you really sit down and start analyzing it.”
It’s definitely not as easy as Manning makes it looks.
“There was a play today where when I got through with all the pre-snaps checks and motions, I forgot what the routes were,” Teel said with a laugh.
It’s understandable. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley was asked if his dreams this week have filled with vision of No. 18 doing his thing. It was suggested that nightmares might be a way to put it, and then someone else wondered if Bradley was sleeping at all this week.
Bradley laughed before offering, “You watch all the tapes, you watch all the teams that have played him and defensed him over the years – the New Englands, who have lined up against him over and over again. They change their game plan every time they play him.
“You watch him so much, just his antics. You study every part of his game. From the cadence, to how he handles that; to the how he manages the offense; to substitutions.
“You just can’t help but see him all the time.”
Ah, those antics, as Bradley called them. They have become as much a part of Manning’s game as the pinpoint passes, the 37 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime, the nine 4,000-yard passing seasons, the nine Pro Bowl berths and the three MVP awards.
He points. He gestures. He waves his arms. He steps to the line, if in the shotgun formation; or away from the line, if stationed under center. He repositions the tight end, and then the running back and finally the slot receiver. He leans in to whisper something to center Jeff Saturday.
Then he points again. And gestures again. And waves his arms again.
Even Colts tight end Dallas Clark admitted on Wednesday, “It’s pretty hectic and it’s pretty complex to learn” an offense that includes so many extracurricular activities from the quarterback.
“When you come in as a rookie into this offense, there’s no offense in the college level that can prepare you for everything that you need to know – every signal, every hand signal, every word, every code word. So it’s just tough.”
It’s even tougher on the defenses that try to cope with everything Manning and Colts can throw at them.
“The Colts are doing something a little different than most teams offensively,” Jeff Fisher once said – and the Tennessee Titans’ coach faces the Colts and their traffic cop of a terrific quarterback twice a season.
“I think it’s going to take a number of years for defenses to catch up with them.”
Those defenses are still chasing, but they don’t seem to be gaining much ground. After three games, the Colts lead the league is passing offense and Manning ranks No. 2 in passer rating (117.1), passing yards (983), touchdown passes (seven) and fourth-quarter passer rating (137.3).
There is a method to Manning’s maddening pre-snap motions. He’s looking to gain an advantage, and usually does.
“You have to be patient, but you can’t get lazy,” Bradley said. “I think that’s what happens. The play clock gets down to 20 (seconds) and he’s doing all these aubibles. So you relax a little bit, then he snaps the ball and you’re not ready to go.
“So when we say you’ve got to play 60 minutes, you’re got to play all 60 minutes. When you get to the line of scrimmage and the play clock starts, you’ve got to be ready all the way to one second. That’s the challenge for us.”
The Seahawks have faced quarterbacks who audiblize a lot – Brett Favre with the Packers and the Jets; and Tom Brady with the Patriots. But Manning is just a different cat.
“You see it throughout the league,” Bradley said when asked about quarterbacks changing plays at the line of scrimmage. “But Peyton runs the offense. He makes the calls.”
Eventually. After all the pointing. And gesturing. And waving.
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I sure hope the Hawks' D is ready to face one of the best in the league this week.
According to KJR AM this morning, the NFL has contacted the Seahawks to apologize for two officiating errors in last Sunday's loss to the bears. The first error was the overturned Forte fumble call on the one yard line. After league analysis, it was determined that it was a fumble and possession should have gone to the Seahawks. This eventually led to a Greg Olsen touchdown reception. The second error occurred on the game winning touchdown pass to Hester. The League has acknowledged that there was a false start on the right tackle that should have resulted in the standard loss of yardage and down replay. The go-ahead touchdown catch should have not have counted.
http://www.fieldgulls.com/2009/10/1/1064707/nfl-admits-crucial-officiating
http://www.fieldgulls.com/2009/10/1/1064707/nfl-admits-crucial-officiating
Accepting their challenge
INDIANAPOLIS – Jim Mora was left to talk about challenges Sunday afternoon.
Not only the just-completed task that was facing Peyton Manning and the NFL’s top-rated passing game in 34-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. But also reaching the quarter-pole of a once-promising season at 1-3, and the fact that the injury-depleted Seahawks will have to sweep the Jacksonville Jaguars and Arizona Cardinals at home in the next two games to reach the team’s bye week at 3-3.
“We’re obviously disappointed – about the game and about the 1-3 start,” Mora said. “One thing about this start, it presents a tremendous challenge for our football team – every man in that room, players, coaches, administrators.
“But one of the reasons we’re in this business is that we love challenges. And this is a great challenge.”
Sunday, the Colts presented a challenge where the smallest mistakes became a big play because of Manning’s ability to exploit it. He finished with 353 passing yards – his fourth 300-yard game in the Colts’ 4-0 start – by completing 31 of 41 passes. He threw for two touchdowns, and audibled to a play that produced a third (Joseph Addai’s 12-yard run) because of something he saw from the Seahawks defense.
During the week, Mora conceded that Manning’s play in the Colts’ first three games had been flawless, and that again was the case against the Seahawks. He spread the ball to four receivers who had at least six receptions. He mixed the run with the pass, at just the right time. He did his best passing on third downs (5 of 6 for 79 yards) to sustain the TD drives that covered 80, 90, 78 and 80 yards.
“You make the smallest mistake and he’ll see it,” said middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who returned from missing most of the previous two games to collect a game-high 11 tackles.
Strong safety Deon Grant went that one better, offering, “The smallest mistake became a big play against this guy.”
The Seahawks were outgunned and outmanned on this day. They were playing without quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, left tackle Walter Jones, cornerbacks Marcus Trufant and Josh Wilson and linebacker Leroy Hill. Then, left guard Rob Sims (sprained ankle) and defensive end Patrick Kerney (pulled groin) went out during the game.
“We realize we have to be darn near perfect,” Mora said.
Instead, they ran into a hot-handed QB who was darn near perfect and an opportunistic Colts defense that generated five sacks – two of those producing fumbles.
But on a day when they had little room for error, and made too many, the Seahawks did not quit. Down 34-3 in the fourth quarter, backup QB Seneca Wallace rallied the Seahawks to one touchdown by driving 70 yards in 10 plays and then took advantage of Olindo Mare’s successful onside kick that was recovered by safety Jordan Babineaux to add another touchdown. Wallace scored the first on a 7-yard scramble up the middle of the Colts defense. The second came on his 1-yard pass to fullback Owen Schmitt.
Too little, too late? Obviously. But definitely better than the alternative.
“We were out there messing up on the things we worked on all week,” said Grant, a defensive co-captain. “And the guys who were doing it, they know it. So we don’t have to do any name-calling or finger pointing.
”That’s not this team. That’s not the way we do things. We’re going to fix this thing this week, and hopefully this is the last time I’m going to have to do this kind of interview.”
Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh finished with eight catches for 103 yards, and the same sentiment as Grant.
“We’re not going to quit,” he said. “We can’t. It doesn’t do you any good to quit.”
There are too many challenges still ahead in this still-young season for this disappointed and injury-riddled team.
INDIANAPOLIS – Jim Mora was left to talk about challenges Sunday afternoon.
Not only the just-completed task that was facing Peyton Manning and the NFL’s top-rated passing game in 34-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. But also reaching the quarter-pole of a once-promising season at 1-3, and the fact that the injury-depleted Seahawks will have to sweep the Jacksonville Jaguars and Arizona Cardinals at home in the next two games to reach the team’s bye week at 3-3.
“We’re obviously disappointed – about the game and about the 1-3 start,” Mora said. “One thing about this start, it presents a tremendous challenge for our football team – every man in that room, players, coaches, administrators.
“But one of the reasons we’re in this business is that we love challenges. And this is a great challenge.”
Sunday, the Colts presented a challenge where the smallest mistakes became a big play because of Manning’s ability to exploit it. He finished with 353 passing yards – his fourth 300-yard game in the Colts’ 4-0 start – by completing 31 of 41 passes. He threw for two touchdowns, and audibled to a play that produced a third (Joseph Addai’s 12-yard run) because of something he saw from the Seahawks defense.
During the week, Mora conceded that Manning’s play in the Colts’ first three games had been flawless, and that again was the case against the Seahawks. He spread the ball to four receivers who had at least six receptions. He mixed the run with the pass, at just the right time. He did his best passing on third downs (5 of 6 for 79 yards) to sustain the TD drives that covered 80, 90, 78 and 80 yards.
“You make the smallest mistake and he’ll see it,” said middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who returned from missing most of the previous two games to collect a game-high 11 tackles.
Strong safety Deon Grant went that one better, offering, “The smallest mistake became a big play against this guy.”
The Seahawks were outgunned and outmanned on this day. They were playing without quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, left tackle Walter Jones, cornerbacks Marcus Trufant and Josh Wilson and linebacker Leroy Hill. Then, left guard Rob Sims (sprained ankle) and defensive end Patrick Kerney (pulled groin) went out during the game.
“We realize we have to be darn near perfect,” Mora said.
Instead, they ran into a hot-handed QB who was darn near perfect and an opportunistic Colts defense that generated five sacks – two of those producing fumbles.
But on a day when they had little room for error, and made too many, the Seahawks did not quit. Down 34-3 in the fourth quarter, backup QB Seneca Wallace rallied the Seahawks to one touchdown by driving 70 yards in 10 plays and then took advantage of Olindo Mare’s successful onside kick that was recovered by safety Jordan Babineaux to add another touchdown. Wallace scored the first on a 7-yard scramble up the middle of the Colts defense. The second came on his 1-yard pass to fullback Owen Schmitt.
Too little, too late? Obviously. But definitely better than the alternative.
“We were out there messing up on the things we worked on all week,” said Grant, a defensive co-captain. “And the guys who were doing it, they know it. So we don’t have to do any name-calling or finger pointing.
”That’s not this team. That’s not the way we do things. We’re going to fix this thing this week, and hopefully this is the last time I’m going to have to do this kind of interview.”
Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh finished with eight catches for 103 yards, and the same sentiment as Grant.
“We’re not going to quit,” he said. “We can’t. It doesn’t do you any good to quit.”
There are too many challenges still ahead in this still-young season for this disappointed and injury-riddled team.
RENTON, Wash. (AP)—With little depth on the offensive line, the Seattle Seahawks signed tackle Kyle Williams from the practice squad Saturday and released fullback Justin Griffith(notes).
Seattle will be without tackles Walter Jones(notes) and Sean Locklear(notes) on Sunday at Indianapolis.
Brandon Frye(notes) also has a sore groin after the former Dolphins castoff got his first action with the Seahawks last week against Chicago. Coach Jim Mora said after practice on Friday there was a chance the team would sign another tackle before Sunday.
Williams played in four games last season and started two.
Griffith played in Seattle’s first two games, but was inactive last week against Chicago. The veteran was brought in during the offseason to compete with Owen Schmitt(notes) for the starting job.
Seattle will be without tackles Walter Jones(notes) and Sean Locklear(notes) on Sunday at Indianapolis.
Brandon Frye(notes) also has a sore groin after the former Dolphins castoff got his first action with the Seahawks last week against Chicago. Coach Jim Mora said after practice on Friday there was a chance the team would sign another tackle before Sunday.
Williams played in four games last season and started two.
Griffith played in Seattle’s first two games, but was inactive last week against Chicago. The veteran was brought in during the offseason to compete with Owen Schmitt(notes) for the starting job.
FOCUS ON
Matt Hasselbeck. The word from coach Jim Mora is that the team’s three-time Pro Bowl quarterback might return to practice Wednesday for the first time since having a rib fractured in the Week 2 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco.
Getting Hasselbeck back would be significant on several levels for an injury-ravaged team that has gotten off to a 1-3 start.
“One of the things I love about watching Matt through the years was the way he came out of the huddle,” Mora said during his weekly day-after news conference. “He just kind of swaggered up to the line of scrimmage, snapping his chin strap and getting under (center) and really commanding the offense.
“He’s a guy that plays with a lot of confidence and gets a tempo. When Matt plays at his best, this offense is rolling, it’s tempo, it’s upbeat, the defense is having trouble catching up. If Matt’s out there playing, I think you’ll see that right away from him.”
If Hasselbeck is out there playing. That is the plan for Wednesday, when the players return from their off day to begin preparing for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qwest Field.
“I believe, as we sit here on Monday, that the plan is for him to practice on Wednesday,” Mora said. “I’m not promising he will play.”
WHO’S LEFT?
The injury bug continues to bite the left side of the offensive line. Left guard Rob Sims is expected to miss at least a couple of games after getting a high sprain of his left ankle in Sunday’s loss to the Colts in Indianapolis.
The Seahawks already are down to their third option at left tackle – Brandon Frye – because Walter Jones (knee) and Sean Locklear (ankle) remain sidelined. Mansfield Wrotto stepped in Sunday after Sims went down.
“Rob and Lock and Walt being out, that mandates us making a move,” said Mora, who wasn’t sure what it might be.
Saturday, tackle Kyle Williams was signed off the practice squad to be the backup for Frye and right tackle Ray Willis against the Colts. But today, fullback Justin Griffith was re-signed. He had been released to clear a roster spot for Williams.
KERNEY DOUBTFUL
Defensive end Patrick Kerney is doubtful for the game against the Jaguars, Mora said, after straining a groin against the Colts. But defensive end is one position where the team does have depth. Darryl Tapp stepped in for Kerney on the right side Sunday.
Lawrence Jackson, last year’s first-round draft choice, started at left end against the Colts for Cory Redding. That’s because Redding was going to be play tackle in the nickel a lot since the Colts pass as much as they do.
ON TAP
Rookie wide receiver Deon Butler will sign autographs at the Qwest Field Pro Shop from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday.
YOU DON’T SAY
“We don’t have to limit what we do, but we have to be certain of what we do. We have to make sure that we don’t give a short corner to a defensive end to get to him. That means you have to tweak some things a little bit, but not limit them necessarily.” – Mora, when asked about the need to limit the playbook if Hasselbeck does play.
Matt Hasselbeck. The word from coach Jim Mora is that the team’s three-time Pro Bowl quarterback might return to practice Wednesday for the first time since having a rib fractured in the Week 2 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco.
Getting Hasselbeck back would be significant on several levels for an injury-ravaged team that has gotten off to a 1-3 start.
“One of the things I love about watching Matt through the years was the way he came out of the huddle,” Mora said during his weekly day-after news conference. “He just kind of swaggered up to the line of scrimmage, snapping his chin strap and getting under (center) and really commanding the offense.
“He’s a guy that plays with a lot of confidence and gets a tempo. When Matt plays at his best, this offense is rolling, it’s tempo, it’s upbeat, the defense is having trouble catching up. If Matt’s out there playing, I think you’ll see that right away from him.”
If Hasselbeck is out there playing. That is the plan for Wednesday, when the players return from their off day to begin preparing for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qwest Field.
“I believe, as we sit here on Monday, that the plan is for him to practice on Wednesday,” Mora said. “I’m not promising he will play.”
WHO’S LEFT?
The injury bug continues to bite the left side of the offensive line. Left guard Rob Sims is expected to miss at least a couple of games after getting a high sprain of his left ankle in Sunday’s loss to the Colts in Indianapolis.
The Seahawks already are down to their third option at left tackle – Brandon Frye – because Walter Jones (knee) and Sean Locklear (ankle) remain sidelined. Mansfield Wrotto stepped in Sunday after Sims went down.
“Rob and Lock and Walt being out, that mandates us making a move,” said Mora, who wasn’t sure what it might be.
Saturday, tackle Kyle Williams was signed off the practice squad to be the backup for Frye and right tackle Ray Willis against the Colts. But today, fullback Justin Griffith was re-signed. He had been released to clear a roster spot for Williams.
KERNEY DOUBTFUL
Defensive end Patrick Kerney is doubtful for the game against the Jaguars, Mora said, after straining a groin against the Colts. But defensive end is one position where the team does have depth. Darryl Tapp stepped in for Kerney on the right side Sunday.
Lawrence Jackson, last year’s first-round draft choice, started at left end against the Colts for Cory Redding. That’s because Redding was going to be play tackle in the nickel a lot since the Colts pass as much as they do.
ON TAP
Rookie wide receiver Deon Butler will sign autographs at the Qwest Field Pro Shop from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday.
YOU DON’T SAY
“We don’t have to limit what we do, but we have to be certain of what we do. We have to make sure that we don’t give a short corner to a defensive end to get to him. That means you have to tweak some things a little bit, but not limit them necessarily.” – Mora, when asked about the need to limit the playbook if Hasselbeck does play.
Off to a painful start
Too many injuries to too many key players derailed the first quarter of the Seahawks’ once-promising season. So getting healthy and getting to 3-3 have become the rallying cries.
No one expected this. Not Jim Mora. Not Tim Ruskell. Not Matt Hasselbeck. Not Seahawks Nation. No one.
But, to borrow a line from Mora, the Seahawks’ 1-3 record at the quarter pole of his first season as head coach is what it is.
Injuries certainly have played a major role in the disappointing start, as 10 starters have missed a combined 23 games – and counting, because left guard Rob Sims will not play in Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qwest Field and defensive end Patrick Kerney is doubtful.
The list of missing starters has included the quarterback (Hasselbeck) and two of the three linebackers (Leroy Hill and Lofa Tatupu), and Sunday will grow to three-fifths of the offensive line (tackles Walter Jones and Sean Locklear and Sims).
Mora, however, refuses to use the mounting losses of key players as an excuse for the consecutive losses to the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers (3-1), Chicago Bears (3-1) and unbeaten Indianapolis Colts (4-0).
“We don’t really talk about the injuries,” Mora said. “In front of the team, it’s not a point of emphasis. Part of the reason for that is, like I said a couple weeks ago, these guys are all professional football players. They’re all paid to perform at a certain level. And I don’t want to disrespect any of them by saying, ‘OK, now we have to overcome this injury or that injury.’
“I want to try to exude some confidence in them, which I do have in them.”
For every injured starter, a backup has had to step in. Seneca Wallace for Hasselbeck. Waiver-wire pickup Brandon Frye at left tackle for Jones and Locklear. Will Herring for Hill and, for almost two games, David Hawthorne for Tatupu. Kelly Jennings at left cornerback for Trufant and Josh Wilson. Steve Vallos at center for Chris Spencer, and Mansfield Wrotto for Sims. Craig Terrill at defensive tackle for Brandon Mebane. Owen Schmitt at fullback for Justin Griffith.
All this shuffling has created a patchwork situation where the smallest mistake can led to a big play by the opposition.
“One minute we will, one quarter we will, one half we will,” strong safety Deon Grant said. “But as for four quarters, we haven’t been playing our game. We’ve been making the smallest mistakes and teams have been capitalizing on them.”
The rallying cry of getting healthy has been amended to include also getting to the bye week at 3-3 as the team prepares for back-to-back home games against the Jaguars (2-2) and Arizona Cardinals (1-2).
“We’re not where we want to be. We didn’t expect to be here,” Mora said. “We have to find a way to look forward and get better from this point on.”
With that said, here’s a look back to some of the better efforts from the first quarter of the season:
Best offensive player: Julius Jones. He’s not only the leading rusher, Jones has the team’s longest run (62 yards) and reception (39) – both for scores, as he also has three of the Seahawks’ eight touchdowns. His efforts also have mirrored the inconsistency of the offense, as Jones rushed for 117 and 98 yards in Weeks 1 and 3 and was held to 11 and 25 in Weeks 2 and 4.
Best defensive player: Lawrence Jackson. Last year’s first-round draft choice has a team-leading three sacks in his role as a rotating end. Monday, Mora referred to Jackson as, “One of the hidden jewels, I guess you could say, in the 1-3 start.”
Best special teams player: Jon Ryan. The Canadian punter is the only player on the team to rank among the Top 5 in the league in any category – third in average (51.8) and fourth in net average (42.7). As Mora said Monday, “I think our punter is outstanding.”
Best rookie: A tie between right guard Max Unger and outside linebacker Aaron Curry. While Curry, the first-round draft choice, has made the flashier plays; Unger, the second-round pick, has been steadier. Each has had his moments early on this season.
Best stat line by a fill-in defensive player: 15-1-16-1. It belonged to Hawthorne in his start for Tatupu against the Bears. The second-year middle linebacker, who made the team last year as a rookie free agent, had 15 tackles and one assist for the second-highest total in franchise history (16) for the regular-season game. Oh, and he also intercepted a pass.
Best stat line by a fill-in offensive player: 45-33-257-1-0-99.4. Those were Wallace’s numbers against the Colts on Sunday. The 33 completions tied for the second-most in club history (with Dave Krieg, and three shy of Hasselbeck’s total from an overtime win against the Chargers in 2002). The passing yardage was four short of his career-best total against the Bears the week before and his completion percentage (.734) was just off his career-best against the Falcons in 2007 (.773).
Comeback player: To be determined. Which still-sidelined player comes back first and helps the team most? Hasselbeck? Jones? Locklear? Hill? Trufant?
A five-way tie would go a long way toward helping Mora and everyone else forget the 1-3 start to the 2009 season.
Too many injuries to too many key players derailed the first quarter of the Seahawks’ once-promising season. So getting healthy and getting to 3-3 have become the rallying cries.
No one expected this. Not Jim Mora. Not Tim Ruskell. Not Matt Hasselbeck. Not Seahawks Nation. No one.
But, to borrow a line from Mora, the Seahawks’ 1-3 record at the quarter pole of his first season as head coach is what it is.
Injuries certainly have played a major role in the disappointing start, as 10 starters have missed a combined 23 games – and counting, because left guard Rob Sims will not play in Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qwest Field and defensive end Patrick Kerney is doubtful.
The list of missing starters has included the quarterback (Hasselbeck) and two of the three linebackers (Leroy Hill and Lofa Tatupu), and Sunday will grow to three-fifths of the offensive line (tackles Walter Jones and Sean Locklear and Sims).
Mora, however, refuses to use the mounting losses of key players as an excuse for the consecutive losses to the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers (3-1), Chicago Bears (3-1) and unbeaten Indianapolis Colts (4-0).
“We don’t really talk about the injuries,” Mora said. “In front of the team, it’s not a point of emphasis. Part of the reason for that is, like I said a couple weeks ago, these guys are all professional football players. They’re all paid to perform at a certain level. And I don’t want to disrespect any of them by saying, ‘OK, now we have to overcome this injury or that injury.’
“I want to try to exude some confidence in them, which I do have in them.”
For every injured starter, a backup has had to step in. Seneca Wallace for Hasselbeck. Waiver-wire pickup Brandon Frye at left tackle for Jones and Locklear. Will Herring for Hill and, for almost two games, David Hawthorne for Tatupu. Kelly Jennings at left cornerback for Trufant and Josh Wilson. Steve Vallos at center for Chris Spencer, and Mansfield Wrotto for Sims. Craig Terrill at defensive tackle for Brandon Mebane. Owen Schmitt at fullback for Justin Griffith.
All this shuffling has created a patchwork situation where the smallest mistake can led to a big play by the opposition.
“One minute we will, one quarter we will, one half we will,” strong safety Deon Grant said. “But as for four quarters, we haven’t been playing our game. We’ve been making the smallest mistakes and teams have been capitalizing on them.”
The rallying cry of getting healthy has been amended to include also getting to the bye week at 3-3 as the team prepares for back-to-back home games against the Jaguars (2-2) and Arizona Cardinals (1-2).
“We’re not where we want to be. We didn’t expect to be here,” Mora said. “We have to find a way to look forward and get better from this point on.”
With that said, here’s a look back to some of the better efforts from the first quarter of the season:
Best offensive player: Julius Jones. He’s not only the leading rusher, Jones has the team’s longest run (62 yards) and reception (39) – both for scores, as he also has three of the Seahawks’ eight touchdowns. His efforts also have mirrored the inconsistency of the offense, as Jones rushed for 117 and 98 yards in Weeks 1 and 3 and was held to 11 and 25 in Weeks 2 and 4.
Best defensive player: Lawrence Jackson. Last year’s first-round draft choice has a team-leading three sacks in his role as a rotating end. Monday, Mora referred to Jackson as, “One of the hidden jewels, I guess you could say, in the 1-3 start.”
Best special teams player: Jon Ryan. The Canadian punter is the only player on the team to rank among the Top 5 in the league in any category – third in average (51.8) and fourth in net average (42.7). As Mora said Monday, “I think our punter is outstanding.”
Best rookie: A tie between right guard Max Unger and outside linebacker Aaron Curry. While Curry, the first-round draft choice, has made the flashier plays; Unger, the second-round pick, has been steadier. Each has had his moments early on this season.
Best stat line by a fill-in defensive player: 15-1-16-1. It belonged to Hawthorne in his start for Tatupu against the Bears. The second-year middle linebacker, who made the team last year as a rookie free agent, had 15 tackles and one assist for the second-highest total in franchise history (16) for the regular-season game. Oh, and he also intercepted a pass.
Best stat line by a fill-in offensive player: 45-33-257-1-0-99.4. Those were Wallace’s numbers against the Colts on Sunday. The 33 completions tied for the second-most in club history (with Dave Krieg, and three shy of Hasselbeck’s total from an overtime win against the Chargers in 2002). The passing yardage was four short of his career-best total against the Bears the week before and his completion percentage (.734) was just off his career-best against the Falcons in 2007 (.773).
Comeback player: To be determined. Which still-sidelined player comes back first and helps the team most? Hasselbeck? Jones? Locklear? Hill? Trufant?
A five-way tie would go a long way toward helping Mora and everyone else forget the 1-3 start to the 2009 season.
A recap of the day’s activities:
FOCUS ON
Lawrence Jackson. Look at last year’s first-round draft choice now. After a so-so rookie season, the new defensive coaching staff began challenging Jackson during the spring minicamps and OTA sessions to become a more physical and consistent player.
So far, better than good.
Jackson leads the team – and is tied for fourth in the NFC – with three sacks, despite working in a rotation at defensive end. In Sunday’s game against the Colts, Jackson got the start at left end because Cory Redding was going to be needed extensively at tackle in the nickel line due to the fact that the Colts throw the ball so much. Jackson responded with three solo tackles.
“Lawrence Jackson (is) quietly becoming a pretty darn good football player,” was coach Jim Mora’s assessment.
The needed step in Jackson’s development also is timely, because Mora considers Patrick Kerney doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qwest Field after the veteran defensive end strained a groin in the Colts game. Kerney has been starting at right end, but also getting some snaps on the left side in the nickel.
A LITTLE Q&A
Q: Rick in Omaha asks, “The team rolled out the alternative green uniforms vs. the Bears in Week 3. Does the team have any plans to go retro – ala Jim Zorn era – with some throwbacks during one of its home games this year?”
A: The love-’em or loath-‘em green jerseys – matched with darker blue pants – were the Seahawks’ choice as a third uniform, rather than going with a retro throwback version. So there won’t be a throwback uniform later this season. While some traditionalists did not care for the lime-green look, sales of the alternative jerseys have been strong.
ON TAP
The players return Wednesday from their off day to begin preparing for the Jaguars, and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is scheduled to practice for the first time since having a rib fractured in the Week 2 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco.
“I think that it’s healed to the point where he can attempt to play through the pain,” Mora said. “Without giving you a purely medical answer, because I don’t know, that’s what I would say. It’s a factor of him being able to run and take deep breaths. He’s moved along in that direction.”
YOU DON’T SAY
“It’s killing Matt not to play, just like it’s killing Walter (Jones) not to play, and it’s killing Tru (Marcus Trufant) not to play, and it’s killing Leroy (Hill) and Sean (Locklear). I mean, it’s killing those guys. They’re not guys that like to stand on the sidelines while their teammates are out there busting their tails to win, and not having success.” – Mora
FOCUS ON
Lawrence Jackson. Look at last year’s first-round draft choice now. After a so-so rookie season, the new defensive coaching staff began challenging Jackson during the spring minicamps and OTA sessions to become a more physical and consistent player.
So far, better than good.
Jackson leads the team – and is tied for fourth in the NFC – with three sacks, despite working in a rotation at defensive end. In Sunday’s game against the Colts, Jackson got the start at left end because Cory Redding was going to be needed extensively at tackle in the nickel line due to the fact that the Colts throw the ball so much. Jackson responded with three solo tackles.
“Lawrence Jackson (is) quietly becoming a pretty darn good football player,” was coach Jim Mora’s assessment.
The needed step in Jackson’s development also is timely, because Mora considers Patrick Kerney doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qwest Field after the veteran defensive end strained a groin in the Colts game. Kerney has been starting at right end, but also getting some snaps on the left side in the nickel.
A LITTLE Q&A
Q: Rick in Omaha asks, “The team rolled out the alternative green uniforms vs. the Bears in Week 3. Does the team have any plans to go retro – ala Jim Zorn era – with some throwbacks during one of its home games this year?”
A: The love-’em or loath-‘em green jerseys – matched with darker blue pants – were the Seahawks’ choice as a third uniform, rather than going with a retro throwback version. So there won’t be a throwback uniform later this season. While some traditionalists did not care for the lime-green look, sales of the alternative jerseys have been strong.
ON TAP
The players return Wednesday from their off day to begin preparing for the Jaguars, and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is scheduled to practice for the first time since having a rib fractured in the Week 2 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco.
“I think that it’s healed to the point where he can attempt to play through the pain,” Mora said. “Without giving you a purely medical answer, because I don’t know, that’s what I would say. It’s a factor of him being able to run and take deep breaths. He’s moved along in that direction.”
YOU DON’T SAY
“It’s killing Matt not to play, just like it’s killing Walter (Jones) not to play, and it’s killing Tru (Marcus Trufant) not to play, and it’s killing Leroy (Hill) and Sean (Locklear). I mean, it’s killing those guys. They’re not guys that like to stand on the sidelines while their teammates are out there busting their tails to win, and not having success.” – Mora
RENTON, Wash. (AP)—Lofa Tatupu’s(notes) father was born in American Samoa. The Seattle Seahawks star still has family members on the island. And he hasn’t heard how they fared through last week’s deadly tsunami that rolled across the U.S. territory, as well as neighboring Samoa and Tonga.
He figures the least he can do is donate to the disaster relief efforts in the Pacific Rim region.
“Those are my people,” he said Wednesday.
Coach Jim Mora said his three-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker is volunteering to match the first $10,000 that fans donate in a collection drive started by the Seahawks and Medical Teams International.
Tatupu didn’t want attention on his generosity, and he was surprised to learn word got out.
Mora and the Seahawks blew his cover. The team released an advisory which quoted Tatupu saying, “Every donation will help provide relief to those affected by the disaster.”
The Seahawks are inviting fans to donate on their way into the stadium at Sunday’s home game against Jacksonville, or on their team’s Web site.
Mosi Tatupu, a former NFL running back who played from 1978-91, was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Lofa was born in Wrentham, Mass., when his dad was with the New England Patriots.
Mora was struck by Tatupu’s generosity, and by the perspective the tsunami and the earthquake that triggered it give when fans are bemoaning the injuries and defeats the Seahawks are enduring.
“There are bigger problems in the world than Matt Hasselbeck’s(notes) ribs or Patrick Kerney’s(notes) groin, or Leroy Hill’s(notes) groin, or Walter Jones’(notes) knee,” the coach said while announcing Tatupu’s contribution. “So I’d encourage everyone to keep life in perspective. And that’s some perspective right there.”
A Seahawks spokeswoman said former University of Washington star quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo(notes), who became an assistant strength coach for the Huskies this season after the Oakland Raiders released him, will help collect donations at Qwest Field on Sunday. Tuiasosopo has a grandfather and extended family in the Samoan islands. They were safe following the tsunami.
On the Net:
www.seahawks.com
www.medicalteams.org
Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, left, and his dad, Mosi Tatupu, "hang loose."
He figures the least he can do is donate to the disaster relief efforts in the Pacific Rim region.
“Those are my people,” he said Wednesday.
Coach Jim Mora said his three-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker is volunteering to match the first $10,000 that fans donate in a collection drive started by the Seahawks and Medical Teams International.
Tatupu didn’t want attention on his generosity, and he was surprised to learn word got out.
Mora and the Seahawks blew his cover. The team released an advisory which quoted Tatupu saying, “Every donation will help provide relief to those affected by the disaster.”
The Seahawks are inviting fans to donate on their way into the stadium at Sunday’s home game against Jacksonville, or on their team’s Web site.
Mosi Tatupu, a former NFL running back who played from 1978-91, was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Lofa was born in Wrentham, Mass., when his dad was with the New England Patriots.
Mora was struck by Tatupu’s generosity, and by the perspective the tsunami and the earthquake that triggered it give when fans are bemoaning the injuries and defeats the Seahawks are enduring.
“There are bigger problems in the world than Matt Hasselbeck’s(notes) ribs or Patrick Kerney’s(notes) groin, or Leroy Hill’s(notes) groin, or Walter Jones’(notes) knee,” the coach said while announcing Tatupu’s contribution. “So I’d encourage everyone to keep life in perspective. And that’s some perspective right there.”
A Seahawks spokeswoman said former University of Washington star quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo(notes), who became an assistant strength coach for the Huskies this season after the Oakland Raiders released him, will help collect donations at Qwest Field on Sunday. Tuiasosopo has a grandfather and extended family in the Samoan islands. They were safe following the tsunami.
On the Net:
www.seahawks.com
www.medicalteams.org
Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, left, and his dad, Mosi Tatupu, "hang loose."
Seahawks 2010 draft pick hopeful
Scouts leaving USC's campus are shaking their heads in amazement after viewing safety Taylor Mays' sensational skills in person. Mays' game is so unique, even the most astute evaluators are awestruck by his immense talent.
Mays, a four-year starter and two-time All-American, has earned rave reviews for his outstanding playmaking ability as a pass defender and as a teeth-rattling hitter. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, he brings the intimidating presence that most defensive coordinators crave in the middle of the field. His blazing speed (reportedly runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash) makes him a rare athlete at the position. Mays' combination of skills and measurables have been the buzz in scouting circles for the past few years.
Safeties with the ability to play effectively against the run and pass are rare commodities, and those who also bring exceptional size to the position earn regal status in the draft.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d813402f9&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
What say you?
Scouts leaving USC's campus are shaking their heads in amazement after viewing safety Taylor Mays' sensational skills in person. Mays' game is so unique, even the most astute evaluators are awestruck by his immense talent.
Mays, a four-year starter and two-time All-American, has earned rave reviews for his outstanding playmaking ability as a pass defender and as a teeth-rattling hitter. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, he brings the intimidating presence that most defensive coordinators crave in the middle of the field. His blazing speed (reportedly runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash) makes him a rare athlete at the position. Mays' combination of skills and measurables have been the buzz in scouting circles for the past few years.
Safeties with the ability to play effectively against the run and pass are rare commodities, and those who also bring exceptional size to the position earn regal status in the draft.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d813402f9&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
What say you?
2 shutouts, 2 wins. Not bad I guess. Today was just one game but I gotta say that it was a statement. Yeah we've shit the bed in a couple games this year but look at us with our starting QB and you can't say we're not at least a half decent team. Hoping to go in to next week with some momentum and make another statement against another NFC West team then enter the bye at 3-3, have a bye then come back even stronger with everyone healthy and ready to make this another successful Seahawks season.
GO HAWKS!
GO HAWKS!
Yeah that's what some of the people said on this other board, but then they brought up that no one throws in Taylors area, and doesn't get to show off his skills or some shit like that. I haven't heard much from Berry, though. Heard a lot about Mays. From what that article stated that I posted, Mays seems like he would be a badass safety for our team. But I'd rather the Hawks focus on beefing up the Oline in next years draft. We really need Olinemen.
Eric Berry is a pure safety and even though he is not the physical specimen that Mays is, he has the skills to make up for it. Mays is a hybrid player, which is fine, but Eric Berry is looking like the next Ed Reed, or some have said. He possess all the tools a safety needs and has the INT's to go with it. You think people are throwing at Berry??? of course not, but a good safety knows HOW to overcome that. Mays just looks for big hits and in all honesty, is not a very good pure tackler, as he doesn't wrap up all the time. Eric does. The NFL is drooling over Mays because of his speed and size but football wise. Eric is far superior.
I would rather have Berry than Mays any day of the week.
I would rather have Berry than Mays any day of the week.