Seahawks May Play in England

The NFL's new tradition of playing one regular season game in England may include the Seahawks in 2008. The two opponents being discussed are the Jets and Patriots, both of which are a Seahawk's home game.

The Seahawks don't want to play in this game. Not only do they lose a home game, which as we know, is very valuable, but they also have to endure more travel. As the team that travels the most every season anyway, a trip across the big pond would tax this team even more. We don't know if a team can deny the NFL's request to play in the game, we assume they cannot, then the Seahawks may be playing a home game against the defending Super Bowl champions 4,800 miles from Qwest Field.

The league will announce the teams Friday, February 1.

Jets Could Possibly Play in England [Jets Central]

Would Somebody Please Call Warren Moon A Taxi?

Seahawks radio color commentator and NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon was arrested on suspicion of DUI early Friday morning. This is the second time this year that Moon has been suspected of a DUI.

Your a NFL Hall of Famer, legend at the University of Washington, and have a sweet gig as Seahawks radio analyst and FSN Northwest co-host. What in the hell are you doing driving around drunk, even buzzed? Call a taxi.

Maybe this is a sign that Moon has some deeper things to deal with then just being stupid and driving drunk. Let's hope not, but this is a dangerous path to be on.

Moon arrested on suspicion of DUI [Seattle Times]

2007 NFC West Champions!!!

They just blew a 12-point halftime lead, lost in OT on a field goal, and fell to 4-4 on the season. It looked like they were going to be in a fight for the division until Week 17. Then the offense opened up, the receivers stepped up, and Hasselbeck proved he has to be in the conversation with Tony Romo and Brett Favre for the best QB in the NFC. The Seahawks became dangerous again.

5 wins in a row, 4 straight division championships, 5 straight playoff appearances

Question: Which 3 NFL teams have made the playoffs the last 5 years?
Answer: Indianapolis, New England, Seattle

Critics will say that Seattle plays in the weakest division. Compare the NFC West with the AFC East this season. New England is clearly the best team in the NFL, but the rest of the division is weak. You don't hear any pundits talking about how facing the Bills, Jets, and Dolphins twice a season has helped the Patriots on their undefeated run. If you played 1vs.1, 2vs.2, etc., the NFC West would win 3 of 4 from the AFC East.

Michael Irvin, Sean Salisbury, Tiki Barber, and Dan Marino can say what they want about the Seahawks. Their opinions determine exactly zero games. The only words you need to pay attention to: 4 Straight Division Championships.

Hang up another banner.

Catching Up!

We have had a very busy week so there has been no posting since Thursday, which is not what we want but it had to happen.

It's Apple Cup week and the birds are already chirping. Jordan Reffett, the Husky DT, had a lot to say about the Cougs. We hope the Cougs shove it to the dawgs, but it isn't looking good.

*Update: Locker is going to start for UW, meaning the Cougar defense needs to play its ass off.

The Seahawks beat a mediocre Bears team on Sunday. They have the Rams this week, which should be a win. That would put them at 7-4 with probably still a 1-game division lead.

The state football playoffs semifinal round is this weekend. In the 4A game across the mountain, Bothell visits Ferris with the winner being the favorite to win the whole thing. In the other game, Lewis & Clark plays Edmonds-Woodway at the Tacoma Dome.

In 3A Skyline and Bellevue both play but in opposite sides of the bracket. This could potentially be a huge championship game if they both win.

Dawg has plenty of yap in him [Seattle PI]

What Happened Last Night...

The Seahawks beat a very bad 49ers team and the Cougars B-Ball team wins one game and moves up one spot.

The Seahawks threw it accurately and often in their 24-0 shutout over the 49ers. Hasselbeck threw it 40 times, completing 27 for 2 TD and 1 INT. We wonder what Shaun Alexander was thinking over on the sideline. Did he realize that Holmgren has lost his patience and he may never again get the amount of carries he wants. After losing both games to SF last season the Seahawks took it to them in both games this season.

The Cougars have matched their highest ranking ever, #9 in the AP Poll. Wazzu beat Eastern Washington and Michigan State didn't play so the Cougars moved up. They play tonight against Boise State in Boise. Since Ian Johnson doesn't play basketball and Chris Petersen isn't coaching I like the Cougars in this one.

Win comes to pass [Seattle PI]
AP Top-25 Men's College Basketball Poll [Seattle Times]

Wishing Seattle's RB Ran Like This

We got the priviledge yesterday to watch the Chargers-Vikings game before Seahawks started. Little did we know that we would be watching history be made right before our eyes. If you missed Adrian Peterson setting the NFL single-game rushing mark, you can see a highlight reel here.

What was even more impressive was his style of running. It's something we haven't seen all season up here in Seattle. Don't you just wish sometimes Alexander would burst through the hole and takeoff down the sideline like that.

Watching Peterson's performance reminded us of 2005 when Alexander and that offense line carved up defenses. Wishful thinking says Shaun will improve when he gets that cast off. If not, Maurice Morris looked pretty good yesterday in limited action. (If you throw out that 4-1 play in OT, which was horrific)

Seahawks-Browns Notes

Wow, what the hell happened today. The 1st half was going so well, the offense was looking good and the defense was holding Cleveland. This is one of those rare, ultimate-loss weekends that happen about once every two years: where Puyallup, Washington State, and the Seahawks all lose on the same weekend. We have to vent, so here are some notes we took while watching the game, these are in no particular order since we don't want to think right now.

-Why the hell can't Seattle convert 3rd and 4th and short. We've been harping on that for 3 seasons now and it has cost them at least 2 games. Today and the Chicago playoff game last season. It is absolutely embarrassing and frankly, its pissing everyone off.

-Hasselbeck's INT was thrown into double-coverage, he tried to force it.

-The 1st quarter Engram TD pass was on a great design. The play was a different wrinkle then we have seen and we love that.

-Spencer missed bad on the 1st and goal run from the 3 when Alexander lost 2 yards, that one's on him not Shaun.

-The blitzes were very ineffective today. The one play we especially picked out was when Winslow almost scored in the 4th. Russell blitzed from the left-side of the line and didn't get past the line of scrimmage. This had been happening all game, in that situation you gotta drop back, only rush 4 and concentrate on covering the receivers.

-Anderson was killing the defense with those dump-offs to the RBs and FB. Those were going for 5-8 yards a piece.

-Where the hell was Julian Peterson?

-Kellen Winslow is a baby. Every time he didn't catch a pass thrown to him he bitched to the officials about PI.

-The Burleson celebration after his punt return TD - the Lebron James chalk clap - was great.

-Did any else notice that Ben Obomanu was on the field a lot on critical plays?

-You can't blame this loss on Hasselbeck, Engram or Burleson. They were the Seahawks players of the game.

Monday News

My internet has been down all day, so I couldn't post these links earlier.

Seahawk injury news: TE Marcus Pollard is having knee surgery and hopefully will only miss the one week like the article says. Yesterday's defensive star Darryl Tapp broke a bone in his hand, but he shouldn't miss any games which is a great thing.

The Mariners have confirmed 4 of their coaching hires. No real surprises here. I am most excited about the new pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre. He won multiple rings with the Yankees and has worked with a lot of great pitchers over the years. I also would be excited if Larry Bowa fills out the staff just because he gets so fired up.

That's all for now.

Pollard faces surgery; Tapp broke bone in hand [Seattle Times]
Mariners name four new coaches [Seattle PI]

Rams at Seahawks - Game Notes

This is what should be expected from the Seahawks when they play an 0-6 team at home. This is a good division win, leaves them alone in 1st place going into the bye, and we saw what this defense is capable of.

-The defense played a hell of a game. Darryl Tapp is today's MVP. Let's hope his hand isn't injured badly. Peterson had another strong game, proving he is the best player on this defense, maybe the team.

-Shaun Alexander. Clearly, he is not running as well as he can. Toward the end of the game when he and Holmgren were having an animated conversation, I was glad to see it. It showed Alexander's got some pride and frustration. The thing that will make this bad is if he comes to the media and complains and whines.

-Understanding that Alexander is playing badly, do we really need the booing. I like the passion from the Seahawks fans, but I'm tired of hearing it. These are the same fans that root for the Mariners when a guy advances the runner to third, but makes the third out. The perfect example of this is when Alexander couldn't catch the high pass from Hasselbeck with his cast the fans started booing, why? Booing should be used when a guy isn't putting forth 100%. Alexander is running hard, he has a broken wrist with a cast. As long as he's running hard, the booing isn't necessary.

-Hasselbeck wasn't himself after pulling that muscle. He was very inaccurate, but hopefully the bye week will allow him to get healthy.

-I fully expect this offense to come out swinging after the bye. Branch, Hackett, and Pollard should be back. Hasselbeck and Alexander should be healthier. Its go time in Week 9.

-The team still cannot convert 3rd, 4th and short. This has been a problem for two years now. I've voiced my idea, but they don't seem to want to do it.

-In the end, good win and let's get healthy in the bye week.

Holmgren's Play Sheet

NBC's cameras picked up Mike Holmgren's offensive playsheet during the game Sunday night. Holmgren was able to joke about it and didn't see too much harm in it saying:

"The guys that have worked with me and for me over the years, have a very similar type of set-up. The plays change weekly. That whole sheet is different now."

Although he did also say: "There are not a lot of secrets, but I think those things probably, they should probably tell you if they're going to try and do that," Holmgren said. "Or ask you, and if you say no, they should honor that request. I would rather they didn't do that."

I like to see that he has a separate section called "Seneca Plays", plays just for when Seneca Wallace is in the game. Hopefully in the next few weeks that section will expand and allow Wallace to be a more integral part of the offense.

Danny O'Neil's Seahawks Blog [Seattle Times]
Photo Courtesy of Enjoy the Enjoyment

Seahawks, Saints Random Thoughts

That isn't what I was expecting last night. That was an overall bad performance by every aspect of the Seahawks team. That should have been a win, at home, on Sunday night, against an 0-4 team, but now the Seahawks find themselves slipping and questioning their game plans.

-Special Teams was horrible. A bad snap for a TD, a blocked FG, little yardage on any returns.

-Alexander 14 carries for 35 yards? What the hell is that? The O-line didn't help him out but Shaun continues to go down to early.

-Hasselbeck was not accurate. He continues to miss on the deeper patterns. It seemed like he was either not seeing the open receivers or holding the ball too long. The last interception he threw was a horrible decision.

-The Seahawks should have kicked the FG at the end. That would have made it an 8 point game with the Seahawks needed to get an onside kick. Either way the Seahawks were going to have to get a 3 and a 8. Take the 3 instead of going for it on 4th and long.

-The defense was playing off the receivers too much. On 3rd and longs they were given them 8-10 yards and allowing them to run to the sticks and catch the ball.

-With Branch and Hackett out the receivers were in trouble. They were keying on them single coverage and sending everyone else at Hasslebeck and Alexander. But Wallace did have a nice grab at the end.

Mack Strong's Career is Over

This is some saddening news from the Seahawks. The Seattle Times is reporting that he has a neck injury that will end his season and his career. Strong was the ultimate professional and teammate and his blocking skills will be greatly missed by the entire offense.

The other news out of the article is that Deion Branch will miss 2 games with his foot injury. This is not good for Seahawks because with Hackett already out and the offense floundered in Pittsburgh on Sunday the team will need all the help it can get to win some ball games.

Strong's football career is over [Seattle Times]
Photo Courtesy of the Seattle Times

Weekend Notes and Thougths

It was a busy weekend, both for me and in the sports world. Here are some notes and thoughts of mine:

-The Pac-10 refs blew it again in Pullman this weekend. They called an apparent TD for Washington State an incomplete pass, then reviewed it but didn't overturn the call. I was at the game and could tell it was a TD catch on the grainy screen at the stadium from an angle. I believe this was the same officiating crew that blew the Oklahoma-Oregon game last year.

-What the hell happened in Los Angeles on Saturday night? That has to be the biggest upset of the season so far. Pete Carrol has to be pissed that Jim Harbaugh beat him after he talked all offseason.

-The division series in baseball have been somewhat boring so far. With 3 sweeps it hasn't been all that exciting and it sucks that Boston is going to the ALCS.

-The Seahawks played like garbage on Sunday. It was very disappointing because it was Pittsburgh and it would have been nice to beat a good team on the road. But it is only 1 game and the season goes on.

Enough Super Bowl XL Talk

I guess I have to give my 2 cents on this subject. I was trying to ignore it, but everyone keeps talking about it. Just because the Seahawks are playing Pittsburgh this weekend doesn't mean we need to talk about that Super Bowl. Its over, the Steelers won, the officiating was bad, and its now 2007.

Fox Sports Adam Schein wrote this article about how the Seahawks still hold a grudge. Then you read this article from the Seattle Times and it talks about how the Seahawks are over it and its a non-story. I think the national writers are looking for a quick story and the idea that the Seahawks are still upset about the game is an easy one to write.

There are too many new players on both teams, it was 2 years ago, and this is not nearly as important as a Super Bowl. This shouldn't be a story and I don't understand why everyone wants to talk about it. The only Super Bowl Seattle needs to be talking about is XLII.

Seahawks still hold Super grudge [Fox Sports]
Hawks will see different matchup vs. 2006 Super Bowl champs [Seattle Times]

Mysterious NFC QB

Whenever you watch The NFL Network, ESPN, or the FOX pregame show you always hear Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning, Brett Favre or Tony Romo. These are the class of the NFC QBs, the guys that lead their teams to victories and make the front cover of Sports Illustrated. Through the first 4 weeks of the season, Romo and Favre deserve to be talked about, but there's one QB that never gets mentioned as one of the elite: not this year, last year, or any other year.

He has led his team to the best record in the NFC since 2003, 4 straight playoff appearances, a Super Bowl berth, and through 4 games is having another Pro-Bowl worthy season. But when most people hear the name Matt Hasselbeck they think of his proclamation in Green Bay 4 years ago, "We want the ball and we're gonna score." While he was wrong that day, it's that confidence that makes him player he is.

In the 6 years he's been the Seahawks' starter he has a passer rating of 89.0, with 112 TD, 67 INT, and completes 62.2% of his passes. The 2-time Pro-Bowler has been solid this season with 7 TD and 3 INT (2 that his receivers tipped into the hands of defenders), and other than a broken handoff in Arizona would have the team at 4-0. He is the clear leader of the offense and the difference without him in the lineup was exposed last season when Seneca Wallace had to start 4 games.

In the last 6 years there isn't another QB in the NFC that I would rather have lead my team then Matt Hasselbeck. He is a proven winner, a great teammate, and a model citizen. With all the cheating, 'roiding, and criminal activity going on in the NFL the last few years having a player who puts the team above himself is a breath of fresh air. He can continue to get ignored by Sean Salisbury, Terry Bradshaw, and Dan Marino but as long as he continues to win games that's all that matters.

Hey, it could be worse: He could have to play for the Rams.

Former Seahawk Stevens Sentenced to Jail Time

Former Seahawk TE Jerramy Stevens was sentenced to 12 days in jail today in Arizona. He will get 12 days in jail, but his lawyer filed an appeal that will stay the sentence till after the NFL season is over.

He was a waste of talent with the Seahawks and continues to be a burden on society. Hopefully this will help him turn his life around and I'm glad he's not the Seahawks problem any more.

Stevens gets 12 days in jail, fines for extreme DUI [The Arizona Republic]

Tatupu On Offense

I'm watching the Patroits-Bengals game seeing the Patriots using Junior Seau and Mike Varbel on offense in their goal line package. The Seahawks have trouble converting 3rd and 4th and shorts. Why not use Tatupu in the backfield in short-yardage situations.

You don't have to use him in every situation, just the ones that are deemed important. I know that Mack Strong is a good blocker but he's not getting any older and he hasn't done the job in these situations the last few years. Lineup Strong and Tatupu in the backfield with Alexander. It may be unconventional but I think it's at least worth a try.

Who's Division? Seattle's Division!

I had to take the night to digest the Seahawks' dominating victory over the 49ers. This was as close to what I expected from the Seahawks this year as we've seen so far. Here are some observations and questions from the game:

-The pass rush was phenomenal. (Obviously) Peterson and the LBs were in Smith, then Dilfers face all day long which allowed the secondary to play an outstanding game.

-"Does Shaun Alexander secretly suck? I haven't watched him closely enough to have an opinion on this, but I'll be watching this weekend. Stay tuned." Bill Simmons from ESPN.com in his weekly picks article. No, Alexander does not suck. Yes, he does go down to easily when he's hit in the backfield. Once again the opponent stacked the box to stop our running game. Now that Hasselbeck and Branch are proving they can throw it will loosen up the running lanes and I expect Shaun to start to run like the Pro-Bowler he is.

-Speaking of Deon Branch, he has had a hell of a 3-week stretch. Ever since that 1st game he has been the Seahawks most productive and consistent receiver.

-Burleson and Hackett, when he comes back, need to be more productive. Burleson only had 2 catches for 10 yards yesterday. If one of them emerges as a solid #2 that will only open the running lanes more for Shaun and the middle of the field for Pollard.

-Hasselbeck continues to play solid as a rock. Today he threw his first "real" interception but he still has shown that without him in the lineup this whole thing could really fall apart.

-It was good to see Seneca Wallace in on some trick plays. Hopefully they will continue to work on them and use them next week against Pittsburgh.

-I recorded the 1st 15 plays from scrimmage because Holmgren likes to script them, I just wrote down the formation and the result, whether it was run or pass.

1st series:
1. Regular - Pass
2. Zebra - Run
3. Eagle - Pass

2nd series:
4. E - Run
5. E - Pass
6. Eagle - Pass
7. Regular - Run
8. Regular - Pass
9. Eagle - Pass

3rd series:
10. Regular - Run
11. Regular - Pass
12. Eagle - Pass

4th series:
13. E - Run
14. E - Pass
15. Regular - Run

Who let the underdogs out? [ESPN]
Photo Courtesy of Scott Eklund, Seattle PI

Alexander has cracked wrist

Apparently the cast Shaun Alexander has been wearing for the past two weeks may have been for something a little more serious. Coach Holmgren said today Alexander has a small crack in his wrist. He also said that its nothing to be alarmed about and he will continue to play.

If this gets anymore serious the Seahawks could be in trouble. Backup Maurice Morris has been out with a hip injury, but appears ready to return to action soon. If he gets injured again the Seahawks are down to Leonard Weaver or Alvin Pearman as their running backs and no one wants that.

Shaun Alexander's injury deepens [Seattle Times]

Seahawks 24 Cincinnati 21

What an exciting game for the Seahawks today. I had to take alittle break to calm down after that come-from-behind victory. Here are some of our notes from the game:

- The run defense played exceptional. They held Rudi Johnson to only 12 yards and although his backup ran for 60 yards on 9 carries, overall they played well.

- The pass defense gave up a ton of yards, but limited Palmer to only 1 TD while collecting 2 ints. Clearly the Bengals plan was to attack Kelly Jennings and that was who the majority of their yards came against. Trufant played well in coverage and played strong in run help.

- Hasselbecks two interceptions were both tipped balls that were not his fault.

- Burleson dropped a few balls, but the game-winning TD saves him from any harsh criticism from A Sideline View

- Since the season-opener Deon Branch has played extremely well. Today he had 6 catches for 77 yards and 1 beautiful post pattern for a TD.

- Where the hell is Marcus Pollard, 1 catch for 4 yards? He needs to become a more integral part of the offense to give Hasselbeck a solid checkdown option.

- Special Teams played a hell of a game. If there was one aspect of the team that won the game today it has to be special teams. How many games has it been since you could say that about the Seahawks special teams not named Josh Brown?

- Cincinnati converted 11 of 18 3rd downs. That is when the defense needs to get off the field.

Hasselbeck, Burleson elude Bengals with last-minute score [ESPN.com]