Tuesday's with Morons

OK, in this time of peril, we need a whipping post. This one looks as good to me as any. Enter, Steve Hutchinson. How could he be worth all that money when it's painfully obvious he has absolutly no grey matter from the look on that face?



I'm not playing for the Hawks anymore? D-uhh... I thought it was kinda funny that I kept seeing Johnson on the back of Matts jersey.

MaxHawk, 12 Street Writer


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It's a Banner Day at 12 Seahawk Street

Yesterday, I cleared out a bunch of old banners from the rotation, most that referenced 2005 contests. And this morning, I see that our own Bloof has already posted a new one (Never Give Up) which was exactly my motivation.

This is a call to all 12 Seahawks Street contributors, visitors and lurkers, to come up with some new banners for the rotation. To get an idea of existing banners, and the necessary dimensions, check out the Masthead Gallery.

To submit a banner, you can leave a link to it in the Comments section of this topic, or email it to me at albanyhawker@seahawkblue.com.

Now fire up that bootleg copy of Photoshop, and let's see what you can do!


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It's Time to Change the Color of the Ball

As I sat there watching the end of the Seahawks-Chiefs game, holding my breath, waiting for the results of the replay challenge of the Deion Branch strip and recovery, I got to thinking, is it time to change the color of the ball?

Looking at the images repeatedly as they flashed across my TV screen, it was clearly evident when the ball was in the possession of Jared Allen, due to the high contrast between the colors of the ball and his exposed forearm. However, it was very difficult to determine exactly when possession transferred to Deion Branch, whose exposed forearm is strikingly similar to the shade of the Wilson Official NFL Football.

[Continued on Seahawks Fanhouse]



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DECIMATION ! Is It Over ?

OK, There are certain things that we can count on as this season unfolds, that will be a sure bet 10 times out of 10.
Mike Holmgren will not realize that Mo Ain't Gettin It! I don't give a rats ass what that young man did in Quacker-Ville, he ain't got squat in the NFL. Nada. Ain't happenin fella's. He is, plainly put, the single worst starting RB that the Hawks have ever put on the field. Period. Chump Stats are as follows; 249 yards in 85 attempts for a 2.9 yard average. He racked up an astounding 25 yards against KC fer crysakes. 2.1 yards average. Thats the Mendoza line, Bud. What is there to think about Mike? Drop In Marquise Weeks and shoot the Damned Gauntlet! 148 yards in the last three games for Slo-Mo. Get a Clue Mike.

Tru, as in Marcus Trufant. Its one thing to be a little slower that the speediest of recievers, it's an entirely different thing being beat by them time and time again through stupidity. I could out plan and juke Tru. This is his 4th season, Guy's and he hasn't got one FREAKING INTERCEPTION! What does it take? He has had, get this, 13 ever loving Tackles in the last three games, 13. Hmmm... In his first season, he had 69 solo tackles. Year two, 83, last season, his Superbowl season, he had 55. Ken Lucas anybody? this season, he has 26. Shawn Springs had more killer instinct in his rookie year than this Clown. Bu-Bye!
Losing our Left Gaurd, Steve Hutchinson, Was a mistake that will be a long time in over coming, and it likely cost us Matt Hasselbeck for the next three games, and maybe more. Even if he does make it back on schedule, he will take additional weeks to get to full speed.

Shaun Alexander will not be the rushing TD and or yardage leader for the 2006 season. Not by a longshot. He's expected to miss a fifth week due to his cracked bone in his money maker. His tootsies are healing slower than expected. As well expected, he to will take additional weeks to get up to Shaun-ville speed.
Our Killer defense is getting killed. The one legged,(pulled groin) Damion Huard led, Chiefs lit our asses up for a paultry 499 yards of offense. This is primarily the same defense as last years Superbowl defense and a year older adding key pieces like, Julien "the freak" Peterson to give us on paper, a top five defense. I'm here to tell you that paper is real thin. Our defense has a soft belly and can't stop the run to save it's Kiester. A secondary that is sharp, yet flailing, at the safety spot, and dead at the corners. How we could not depict any portion of that game defensivly is beyond me. We would tease Blitz, they'd burn us with the long ball. We would play cover, they would slap 193 yards rushing on us. I can't remember the last time the Seahawks won at Arrow Head Stadium. Have we?
Maybe this thing is real. The Superbowl losers are playing like they wont see a playoff game. Like many teams before just fall to attrition. Fortunatly for the Seahawks, The Pittsburg Steelers look really pathetic right now at 2 up an 5 down.If we do make the playoffs, Home feild looks as gone as gone can get unless we miraculously sweep the season an the Bears faulter a bit. Damn Guy's, the seasons half over and I don't like the looks of it. In the last first 11 quarters, the Seahawks allowed 19 points. about as good as it gets for nearly three games. In the past 17 quarters, the Hawks have allowed 153 points, with the same group of guy's. Somewhere, they have lost their edge. Where the hell is Grant? Bobby Engram is out and there once was a lil' reciever from Minnisota, that is a bust (name deliberatly withheld to save what little grace is left).
We drop this one to the Raiders and I'll be thinkin, we're gonna be stinkin.

My question is, do we cash it in? Is our Superbowl aspirations over? Will we even make the stinkin Play-offs? The die hard fan in me say's, Hell No! We've got nine games left. The realist in me say's that with the way that our D isn't playing, Mo isn't running and the only two solids are Darryl and Deion, it's looking like we'll be 4 up and 7 down by the time that Matt get's back in the saddle.

MaxHawk, 12 Street Writer.
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Citizen K Likes This Award 10/29/06

blah blah blah Another Loss blah blah blah But The Offense Showed Up blah blah blah And Citizen K Liked That blah blah blah Where's The Defense? blah blah blah Lofa's Undersized blah blah blah Citizen K likes Kelly Herndon?! blah blah blah But Hamlin Exposed Like Madonna...

(Read the rest at Citizen K Likes This, where, unlike here, he actually put a modicum of thought into the post.)

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Alba's Dark Angel Award: Week 8

The first nod for a Dark Angel this week goes to the inventors of TiVo! My son had a 2:00pm EST pop warner game today, which directly conflicted with the Seahawks-Chiefs matchup, but thanks to TiVo, I was able to see every snap when we got home. Unfortunately, I turned the TV on at the exact moment they were showing the final score, so it was somewhat anti-climatic, but it was definitely worth watching.

Next up for Dark Angel consideration was fully-spleened rookie guard Robb Sims, who was mistakenly referred to as the spleenless Chris Simms by the announcers when he entered the game. Whether he's the full time replacement at left guard, or if Holmgren will platoon Spencer and Sims to keep fresh legs in the game remains to be seen, but the offense seemed to get moving in the second quarter when he got his chance to play.

I even gave consideration this week to the much maligned Kelly Herndon, for his heads up play on the botched field goal attempt which added seven points to the scoreboard and kept the Seahawks hopes alive. However, when you're a 195-pound DB and you try to tackle Larry Johnson on the one yard line using only your shoulder, there shal be no Dark Angel Award for you, even if I am your adoptive parent!

Seneca Wallace seemed to have this week's award wrapped up, engraved and heading to his mantle, until some ill advised throws in the 4th quarter, like the dump off to Mack Strong on 4th-and-15. Maybe if I withhold the trophy, it will give him extra incentive to "try harder" next week - you know, like AVIS - and he'll notch his first Dark Angel along with his first "W" on Monday Night.

No, there's only one player in today's game worthy of a Dark Angel, and that's none other than one-hand-catching, Lawrence-Taylor-like-ball-stripping Deion Branch! As Bloof says in his piece, this cat's not just an excellent receiver, he's a FOOTBALL PLAYER, who gives you full effort on every play. It would have been poetic justice if Branch's tomahawk chop, ball strip and recovery lead to the defeat of the Kansas City Mildslurs and their 70,000 Native-American-offensive chanting fans.

Thankfully, the Rams also lost today, which takes the sting out of this missed opportunity. And even though our pourous defense made this "a defeat clutched from the jaws of victory" there's a lot to be optomistic about.

Seneca can play. Shaun comes back next week. Boulware's not the problem. Ashworth isn't completely worthless. And we may have a creative solution to the gaping void left behind by Fuchinson.

(I can't wait until next Tuesday when I can safely laugh out loud at Steeler fans for losing to the hapless Raiders!)


P.S. don't forget to look for the hidden picture of Jessica!


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What I Learned From... My Heartbreaker Today

Sorry guys. I didn't mean to be foreshadowing in the gameday post.

But in the end, I think it is the Seattle defense that is the difference in this game. Will they contain Larry Johnson?

And so we have it. The Chiefs mopped Arrowhead Stadium with the collective face af the Seahawks' defense. It is what it is. But as always, I learned a few things in the process:

1. Robs Sims took the backup LG job from Chris Spencer.
2. When faced with a rookie RDE that is assigned containment in a pass rush, Tom Ashworth is tolerable at right tackle.
3. Seneca Wallace is a legit backup QB. He could start on several teams.
4. Ken Hamlin is still mistake prone.
5. When in doubt, opponents should run right at Wistrom and Peterson.
6. Julian Peterson is the Seahawks' best linebacker.
7. Julian Peterson is the Seahawks' best defender.
8. I miss Shaun Alexander more every game.
9. Mo Morris is not the answer. Not with 12 carries/25 yards.
10. Seneca Wallace has a stronger arm than Matt Hasselbeck -- inside 20 yards.
11. Much of Darryl Jackson's success is because if his rapport with Hasselbeck. Without it, he fades deeply into average.
12. Deion Branch is more than a receiver. He's a football player.
13. This is hopefully Grant Wistrom's last season with the Seahawks. 10 tackles in seven games begs for using his roster spot with developing talent.
14. Bob Cassulo should have his wife proofreading his resume by now.
15. Deion Branch already has twice as many catches as Nate Burleson.
16. Jerramy Stevens isn't in nealy as good of shape as last season.

That's all I got. I'm gonna go down a beer and play with the dog.

Go Seahawks. Rah.



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Week 8: Chiefs 35, Seahawks 28 - Can I Get a DEFENSE?

Once again, the Seahawks defense looked like the 2004 squad as the 'Hawks lost to the Chiefs, 35-28. The Seahawks had the lead three times, including a 28-27 lead in the fourth quarter. However, the defense let the game turn into the Larry Johnson Show as he ran for 155 yards and 3 TDs and caught 2 passes for 26 yards and a TD.

Why do I keep refering to the 2004 defense? Because this year's D is showing the same alarming pattern. In 2004, the defense was ranked #1 after three games, then let the Lambs come back from 20 down to win, and dropped to #26 at the end of the season. This year, the D played well for 2 games and 3 quarters of the third, then almost let the Giants come back from 39 down. They haven't played a good game since, giving up 20 points to the Giants in the 4th quarter, 37 to the Bears, 28 to the Lambs, 24 to the Vikings, and now 35 to the Chiefs (I obviously didn't charge the pick-6 that Hasselbeck threw against the Giants or the fumble recovery in the endzone that the Vikings got against the defense).

I'll give the offense credit for putting up 21 points (and Kelly Herdon for that fumble return for the TD), even though the last drive was disappointing. With all the injuries on the offensive side of the ball and the defense healthy, the defense has to STEP UP NOW.

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GAMEDAY: Seahawks at Chiefs

The Seahawks rolled into Kansas City yesterday with a laundry list of no-shows, no-goes and a season's worth of expectations riding on a few inexperienced shoulders. With the absence of Hasselbeck, Alexander, Engram, Locklear, and Womack, the recent demotion Boulware, the struggles of Spencer and the the rest of the offensive line, it would appear that Seattle is limping into Arrowhead.

But KC is not much better off. And with a couple of very important adjustments, Seattle has a very good shot at this game, for a few reasons:

QB Damon Huard has a tweaked hammy. Julian Peterson can shut down Tony Gonzales, if used in man coverage. Michael Boulware is no longer available to surrender the deep ball, Seattle's only real defensive weakness. KC has very little film on Seneca Wallace. KC has very little in the way of wide receivers.

But in the end, I think it is the Seattle defense that is the difference in this game. Will they contain Larry Johnson? I believe they will.

Enjoy the game.

AROUND SEAHAWKS LAND:

• Gameday Chat Now Open!!!
• TC Senn has a great rally thread going, with video of course!
• Listen to Sando's always-knowledgeable audio preview
• BREAKING NEWS: Tubbs inactive
• Get your flip card!

GO SEAHAWKS!!!


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Why the Hall Ain't Nobody Talking About Dante?

We know that coach Holmgren will prepare the offense, and coach Marshall will have the defense ready, but at the risk of scaring the "Hall" out of the Seahawks faithful, this game may rest in the pudgy and soon-to-be-resume-writing hands of special teams coach Bob Casullo. Let's hope he doesn't turn the classic Halloween greeting "Boo" into a "Boo Hoo" this Sunday.

[Continue to Seahawks Fanhouse]



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HOF Does What Others Couldn't

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced it's preliminary list for the Class of 2007, including 10 first-year eligible players, not one of them named Cortez Kennedy.

Kennedy, drafted out of the University of Miami with the third pick in 1990, made his first Pro Bowl in 1991, and was named Defensive NFL Player of the Year 1992, which was a tremendous honor given the fact that the Seahawks were 2-14 that year. Throughout his eleven year career with the Seahawks, he was named to the Pro Bowl 7 times, and is a member of the All Decade Team for the 1990s.

[Continued on Seahawks Fanhouse]



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Knockout Pool: ROUND TWO!

I vow never to stray from using women in boxing themed photos for this piece ever again, as last week I strayed to try and pull off a "Hutch" tie-in, and not only did the Seahawks lose the game, and the KO Pool come to an abrupt end, but it also seemed to cause the Seattle 12th man to do a weird from cradle to grave thing during the game.

So, with the last pieces of confetti still being swept up from the C-Hawk Up Victory parade, we are restarting the 12 Seahawks Street Knockout Pool for the remainder of the season.

All 32 teams are again available for you to pick from, but the same rules apply, where you can't pick FOR the same team twice, nor can you pick AGAINST the same team twice. See the Official Rules link below if you're still confused.

Your pick must be submitted the day before the game, and if you don't submit a pick for a week you will be DQed. To submit your pick, either post it in the Comments section, or email me at albanyhawker@seahawkblue.com. I will post the picks in the Contenders link, along with the teams used each week.

Good luck!

This Week's Matchups

Contenders and Picks

Official Knock Out Pool Rules

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Babs To Replace Boulware, Hamden Returns...But To The Cost Of Whom?

-Gilbran Hamden has been signed, and they released Willie Ponder.

-Sonics-Suns games are the best in sports. (Had to throw that in there)

-From Sando:

"Look for Babineaux to replace Boulware in the starting lineup this week. I got this from sources close to the players, which means the players have already been told of the expected change. We'll ask Holmgren about it tomorrow, but right now that is the direction they are pointing. …"
------------------------

Had to be done I guess...I still rather have Herndon not starting, but oh well. Boulware will still be very good, but the brain farts gotta stop.

Im stunned Ponder was released. Maybe its because Scoobs provided more on ST coverage, and we're deeper at WR then almost anywhere. Better than Tafoya, Davis, or Terrill.

Also, anyone from the street notice that my 3 dots following sentences are suddenly becoming a national phenomona? Its strange, as noone I've noticed did this before I did...





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C-Hawk Up a New KO Champion!

Congratulations to C-Hawk Up (not pictured), who like E.J. Henderson and the Vikings, took care of all comers with one low blow, knocking out all remaining contestants in Week 6. (too bad it wasn't Week 2!)

His efforts to control and win this pool should have been transparent, and even though he seemed relaxed during training, his partially obscured body shots were all that was need to hit the jackpot.

Congratulations C-Hawk Up on being the second annual 12 Seahawks Street Knockout Pool winner.

Anyone who is interested in re-starting this pool for the remainder of the season, put in a pick on this thread.


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Alba's Dark Angel Award: Game 6

These awards are hard enough to do after a loss, but when you lose your starting quarterback and get beat handily at home to a less talented team, the task is even more difficult.

In a perfect world, this award would either go to Maurice Morris, for finally getting into a grove and chewing up some running statistics, or to Seneca Wallace, for coming in cold in relief of an injured Hasselbeck, and rallying the team to a victory.

Unfortunately, we live in a world that is not perfect, and are rooting for a team that is has proven to possess many different flaws.

We saw a couple of valiant attempts to secure a Dark Angel Award on the offensive side of the ball, where Darrell Jackson was doing his "unlucky hooker" impression, by catching everything! However, his perplexing and inexcusable decision to lose yardage after making a first down catch, left him a few lumens short of full halo wattage.

Ryan "Your weapons are useless against my enormous and manly thighs" Plackemeier also nearly picked up another Dark Angel Award, for pinning the Vikings deep and nearly having the coffin kick of a lifetime. Unfortunately, it rolled into the end zone instead of out of bounds at the one, so he'll have to make due with his weekly glossing from Alan again.

It is important to note that nobody, and I mean NOBODY, on the defensive side of the ball got even a sniff for the Dark Angel Award this week.

I'd like to bestow this week's award on Matt's guardian angel, higher power, deity of choice, or whatever was responsible for protecting his knee from a more severe Carson Palmer/Dante Culpepper type injury, leaving us with hope for a strong push for the final quarter of the season. However, you can't give a virtual award to an entity that you cannot see, so it'll have to go to someone on the roster.

So, D.J. Hackett, step up and be fitted for your wings!

Even though he only carded 4 catches for 37 yards, it seems like everytime he's making a grab, it's for a first down or at a crucial point in a drive. He also deserves credit for always being prepared, even though he was inactive for the first few games of the season, and is out performing some guys on this roster who haven't made a meaningful catch in several weeks. *cough*Burleson*cough*

Instead of whining about playing time, or bitching about his relative financial position, all he does is come in and make catches. And afterall, isn't that what you expect your wide recievers to do?


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Alan's D.O.G and Gus the Mule

This week's D.O.G. is up, so step right up to see the show. That reference will become quite clear when you read it here.

Also, The Ryan report is good to go. Defensive MVP anybody?

Ugh.

Alan

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Citizen K "Likes" This Award 10/22/06

Really, what's there to like about a game in which one of the few healthy All-Pros on the team, the team's undisputed leader and master-audibler, goes down with an injury, due to a bastardly, post-whistle "oops--I knocked out your QB" play? Not much at all, in Citizen K's opinion. As long as Hasselbeck and Alexander are out, he doesn't see much light at the end of the tunnel. The defense, led by Peterson, Tatupu, Hamlin, and the line, had multiple big stops when needed, just like last week in StL. However, they gave up WAY too many big plays, with Kelly Herndon (or the space he should have been occupying) typically right in the middle of each of them. Again, several three-and-outs by the defense in the second half had the offense in good position to come back, but without Hasselbeck is was impossible.

Josh Brown was likeable, although his kickoffs just as typically got shorter and shorter as the game wore on.

Citizen K noticed that Hutchinson got beat multiple times, which was quite liked. He was not a major factor in the actual game play, although his insight into the offense might have done more to down the Hawks.

Darrel Jackson was on fire (except for that incredibly stupid third down dive backwards instead of forwards for the first, which forced the team to go for it on fourth, which ended up costing them because Morris is not Shaun Alexander.)

And that's about it.

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What I Learned From My Ass Kicking Today

Yeah, this game pretty much sucked. Losing Hasselbeck sucked. Offensive coordinators playing mind games with Seattle's safeties sucked. Watching graybearded offensive linemen get physically overwhelmed every other play sucked.

The list goes on, but it's not generally my habit to outline things like that. But it felt good at the moment.

Today's game revealed a lot, more than the usual unfortunate loss. With reserve players stepping in, and not necessarily up, we learned some things that we might not otherwise. So here's a list:

1. Seneca Wallace is a legitimate backup quarterback.
2. Mo Morris can't break tackles.
3. Julian Peterson is a playmaker.
4. When Hasselbeck is out, there is a huge leadership vacuum on offense.
5. Steve Hutchinson knows how to block little linebackers named Lofa Tatupu.
6. Micheal Boulware is mistake prone.
7. Darryl Jackson is still Seattle's best WR, by a little.
8. Walter Jones is still the best, but he's starting to show his age.
9. Ken Hamlin is mistake prone.
10. Ken Hamlin hits like a mutha.
11. Willie Ponder is scared out of his mind.
12. Nobody on defense tries to strip the ball.
13. Seneca needs to run at least once per series.
14. DJ Hackett is the slot receiver of the future.
15. Seattle's defense plays great for 50 plays, but can lose the game with three stupid ones.
16. Bob Cassulo needs to update his resume'.
17. Ryan Plackemeier can be a weapon.
18. On 4th and 1, call a friggin' bootleg when you have Seneca in the game.
19. Matt Hasselbeck is missed.
20. Shaun Alexander is missed.
21. Jerramy Stevens is missed, even when he shows up.

Now pardon me while I try to comfort myself in my wife's ample bosom.



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Week 7: Vikings 31, Seahawks 13 - Too Disgusting for Words

Just about everything that could wrong today DID go wrong today. Matt Hasselbeck played fairly well until Vikings linebacker E. J. Henderson rolled into his knee, spraining it and taking him out of the game. After that, everything went downhill for the 'Hawks. Seneca Wallace got picked off twice and fumbled once (which was recovered in the end zone for the TD). The defense allowed two flashbacks to SBXL (a 95 yard TD run by Vikings RB Chester Taylor and a TD on a pass from Vikings RB Mewelde Moore to TE Jermaine Wiggins).

(Before reading this paragraph, read this disclaimer)
NFL referees are still alarmingly inconsistent in protecting their QBs, which they allegedly are supposed to do. Referee Walt Anderson watched Matt Hasselbeck go down and DOESN'T THROW THE F---ING FLAG! Henderson is down on the ground and instead of picking himself up, he rolls into Hasselbeck. Seneca Wallace gets his face mask grabbed (not bad enough for a 15 yard penalty, but enough for a five yarder) as he slides on a scramble and there is no call. Meanwhile, a questionable holding call on Walter Jones brings the play back. Obviously, these non-calls don't cost the Seahawks the game, but still are blatant enough to merit some concern.

Oh yeah, WHERE THE HELL WAS THE O-LINE TODAY? Still in St. Louis? The 'Hawks only had 52 yards rushing and allowed 4 sacks. I know Shaun Alexander is still out, but the Vikings got consistent penetration on most of the running plays. If Matt Hasselbeck wasn't good at eluding pass rushers, the Vikings would have gotten two or three more sacks.

The players of the day were Darrell Jackson and Julian Peterson. D-Jack had 7 catches for 136 yards and a TD (on a brilliant audible by Hasselbeck). J-Pete had 8 solo tackles, 4 assists, and 2 sacks.

NOTE: There is a better recap here.

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GAMEDAY: A Viking Funeral!

Finally, a comic that depicts a possible explanation as to why Hutch would sign that poison pill deal, along with a graphic illustration as to what it will do to his career, and his new team's chances of winning this afternoon.

While the media pundits will be yammering all day about Hutch versus Burleson and ethics versus poison pills, we all know this game is more about Mo Morris against the front-seven of the Vikings, Hasselbeck against the Cover-2, the Seahawks DBs against the deep ball, and the 12th Man against visiting team!

Remember to join your fellow Seahawks fans online for the:

LIVE GAME DAY CHAT

Other Links of Interest

New Math in Seattle: 76 + 12 = 5

12SS Knockout Pool Contenders

Remember to use the News Feed Index in the upper right corner of this blog to access the stories in the Seattle papers, Mike Sando's blog, the AOL Fanhouseand other online new services.


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Urban (is a) Cowboy!

This is a picture I had from my old Moonlight Graham Blog, I believe after Jerheme Urban had a pivotal catch to defeat the Cowboys.

Well, as Mike Sando reports on his blog today, Jerheme now *is* a Cowboy. (but let the record show that the corny pun was used here, first, and a long time ago.)

I'd love to get a chance to talk to him about the differences between the laid-back, character-rich Seattle locker room, and the me-first, star-entitled locker room of the Cowboys.

(and no, CitK, this is NOT just a short lead in topic to an item I just posted at the Seahawks Fanhouse!)


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Mack Strong Kinda Freaks Me Out

So, be honest - How many of you were jumping out of your seat and pumping your fist Sunday, when Mack Strong plowed, jigged, and bolted for a 32-yard touchdown run? And how many of you were fit to be tied after it was called back on a holding penalty?

And how many of you felt a little bad for the Mackasaurus Strongimus, as he trotted back to the huddle in perfect team mode, not displaying even the simplest visible signs of disappointment?

I did. Sure, Hasselbeck and Jackson connected for a TD on the next play. But those guys get the glory all the time.

It was pure cool to see the geriatric fullback make a play that kids and even young NFL players dream about. And it sucked to see it yanked away. And you know, he really did feel it too - as he writes on Seahawks.com:

"That’s why I still feel great about the run even though it was called back. I’ve got it on Tivo, so I think I’ll hold onto it for a while and watch it a few more times. It was sweet. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to do it again, and it can make a difference in a game."

But that really is Mack Strong in a nutshell -- he's all about getting it done, and not about who gets it done. The ultimate team player. The ultimate winning attitude. Work hard, get points on the board, never roll over, never say die, and maybe -- never retire?

Which brings up another point. He is officially freaking me out, looking better running the ball this season than I can ever remember. He's always had trouble changing direction and never been tremendously agile, but the walking, talking, fossil has been hurdling defenders, flying over piles, and now -- sprinting for touchdowns. He's in amazing shape for the beating he's taken and given. I don't quite get it. This guy played with Joe Nash, for crying out loud. He should be on the radio with Moon, but he's still grinding it out on earth.

I see a shoe-in for the ring of honor. Anyone second that?


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Knockout Pool: Week 7

Hutch and his new friends are going to get quite and eyeful when they gaze upon the Seattle defensive front, and they'd better designate someone to jot down the license plate numbers (99, 91, 90, 59, 51, etc.) of the trucks that are going to be running over them.

Week 6 saw more than a few contestants sweating out Seahawks and Bears as they made late rallies to pull out the victories. Condolences to Seahawks62 who was the only contestant knocked out last week.

Your pick must be submitted the day before the game, and if you don't submit a pick for a week you will be DQed. To submit your pick, either post it in the Comments section, or email me at albanyhawker@seahawkblue.com. I will post the picks in the Contenders link, along with the teams used each week.

Good luck!

This Week's Matchups

Contenders and Picks

Official Knock Out Pool Rules

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Alan's D.O.G. week 6 at St. Louis

Hey how about a little offense with your side of comeback? I finally get a few chances to talk about the high octane offense. Also in this issue, praise gets heaped upon Matt Hasselbeck, Michael Boulware shares a habit of a sixth grade girl, and there's more ribbons than an erased Watergate tape.

Read all of the delicious goodness here.

Check back later when I update the Gus the Mule page.

(EDIT: Gus the Mule is up...with lots of photos!)

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Alba's Dark Angel Award

If ever there was a game that needed a little help from a Dark Angel, this was it. The Seahawks seemed stuck in neutral again, and went into half time down two touchdowns, looking like a team that was truly cursed.

But the second half was a "whole nuther story," providing key plays and defining moments, and several candidates for this week's Dark Angel Award, recognizing the individual who rises to the challenge to have a positive affect on the outcome of the game.

The Seahawks, not traditionally a team that makes great second half adjustments, were a completely different team after the intermission, so the first nominee for this award was Coach Mike Holmgren, whose fire and brimstone halftime speech seemed to have its desired effects. But while I'd like to reward him for administering the kick-in-the-ass the team desperately needed, and for remaining committed to the run even though trailing, we need to recognize that it's his job to have these guys ready to play, and it would be nice if they were engaged and focused for all four quarters of the game.

[Continued]

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Citizen K Likes This Award, 10/15/06

Citizen K only was able to watch the second half of the game today, but he figures he didn't miss much. In that half, the Hawks seized the Mo-Mentum and channeled Citizen K fave Martin Luther King, Jr., as despite several potentially debilitating miscues, they simply persevered and eventually overcame. Citizen K liked so much about this game, his fingers actually locked up while typing; hence, this post was completed the next day. (However, all references to "today" and "today's game" remain unretouched, because you all know what he means. Likewise, all game descriptions contained within refer solely to the second half.) Read the rest at Citizen K Likes This.



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Week 6: Seahawks 30, Rams 28 - Back to Where They Belong!

Josh Brown kicked a last-second 54 yard field goal to give the Seahawks a thrilling 30-28 win in St. Louis. The Seahawks came back from being behind 21-7 to take a 27-21 lead with 10:33 left to play. The rest of the game was full of mistakes by both teams. Lambs' QB Marc Bulger finally got picked off by Lofa Tatupu with 3:09 to go. Unfortunately, Mo Morris fumbled twenty seconds later and the 'Hawks couldn't tack on any insurance points. Then Bulger completes a 67 yard TD pass to Torry Holt (who bobbled the ball, but caught it and ran away from Tatupu to score) to tie the game and the Lambs kick the extra point to take the lead. One small problem for the Lambs, though. They give Matt Hasselbeck 1:38 to drive down the field to set up Josh Brown for the game winning field goal. Timeouts? Matt don't need no stinkin' timeouts! He still got the job done. The field goal would have only been 49 yards if Nate Burleson would have LINED UP ON THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE WHEN HE WAS SUPPOSED TO. The illegal formation penalty had Lambs' HC Scott Linehan jumping up and down and the Lambs' bench emptying onto the field. They thought there would be a 10-second runoff, ending the game. Fortuneately for the 'Hawks, the runoff only happens when the ball isn't snapped. The 'Hawks offense legally snapped the ball, so there was no runoff of time, only the 5 yard penalty for an illegal formation. Josh Brown nails the 54 yarder (the dude has become clutch with the game on the line), and the Seahawks put the Lambs back in their rightful place (second, of course) with the win.

I only saw about half of the third quarter and the fourth quarter, so I will leave the breakdown of the game in the very capable hands of the commentors.

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GAMEDAY: The Silence of the Lambs!

As if the anticipation for the first meeting with our division "arch" rival couldn't be worse, they had to go and schedule it after a bye week. I am SO ready for some football that I can actually bear that Hank Williams Jr. diddy!

Actually, this game is coming after two bye weeks, seeing as the real Seahawks decided to skip the trip to Soldier Field in Week 4, which makes this game even more important. Lots of questions should be answered by the final gun today. Are these Seahawks as good as last year? Is Mo Morris an NFL quality running back? Can this offensive line come together as a unit?

Remember to join your fellow Seahawks fans online for the:

LIVE GAME DAY CHAT

Other Links of Interest

Meezy's Key to the Game

PETA Petitions to Cancel Game

Sneak Peek at New Seahawks Web Site

Review of New Seahawks Web Site

12SS Knockout Pool Contenders

Remember to use the News Feed Index in the upper right corner of this blog to access the stories in the Seattle papers, Mike Sando's blog, the AOL Fanhouseand other online new services.


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Meezy's Keys to the Game: Rams

Last time the Seahawks played a game they didn’t read the keys to the game and thus lost. They turned the ball over got beat by the deep pass and couldn’t get pressure on the quarterback all were keys to the game. This week I hope they can actually listen to a few and execute them. Rams week this week so we all know this game is huge. So to ready meezy’s keys to the game go to Page 2.

New Seahawks Web Site

Click any graphic for first review of the soon to be released newly designed Seahawks.com web site, or click http://beta.seahawks.com/Home.aspx and test drive it yourself!



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Seahawks: First Quarter Progress Report

Feeling a Bit Anxious, Are We?

Prior to the opening kickoff of the 2006 NFL season had someone said, "the Seahawks will open at 3-1," I would have responded, "and there will be much rejoicing! More women! More wine!" Yet, here our beloved 'Hawks sit at 3-1, and things seem a tad less satisfying than I might have anticipated--though I am far from the point of sack cloth and ashes.

If you are at all like me in this regard understand that part of this anxiety simply comes with the raised expectations that accompany a little success. It's easy for us fans to get into a mode where we expect the Seahawks to win by 20 against a so-called inferior opponent or we're not satisfied. It's easy to forget that the talent differential between the Colts and the Titans is not so vast as we might like to presume. And then there was the whole Chicago debacle, of which we shall no longer speak...

More on Page Two...

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Player Spot Light Mack Strong

Who say's fullbacks can't jump? Center Robbie Tobeck has a theory on the leap.
"He's running so dang slow that they expect him to get there faster," Tobeck said. "And they go down to make the tackle, and they're already down before he gets there."

Strong countered by adding that he could leap Tobeck without even a running head start.

Mack Strong has to be the single most under rated football player ever to grace the NFL. When Mack is old an petrified you can just prop him up on the Gridiron and he will still preform like a rock. Now in his 13th year, Mack just keeps getting better with age.


He has a megar 821 yards rushing with a 4.0 average. not a bad average for a 13 year veteran. In the 408 times Mack has toted the rock for Seattle, he has fumbled the ball 8 times. He has only lost that ball 5 times people. 5. Maybe the powers that be weren't looking at the big picture. Maybe they featured the wrong back all these years.
A little known fact about the Mack Truck is that he has 72 defensive tackles, 13 kick returns for 237 yards thats an 18.2 yards average. Is it entirely possible that Mack should have been the feature back? The Man has 189 receptions for 1272 yards with a 6.7 yard average.
Three different tailbacks have posted 1000 yard seaons behind Mack's bone crushing blocks, Cris Warren, Ricky Watters and of course, Shaun Alexander. Mack has blocked for more but there isn't much need to mention Ahman Green or a few of the others.

One of the game's premier fullbacks, and finally recognized as such with his first Pro Bowl berth in 2005, Strong signed a three-year, $3.16 million contract. The deal includes a signing bonus of $500,000 and base salaries of $860,000 (for 2006), $870,000 (2007) and $930,000 (2008).
The new contract likely means that Strong, who originally signed with Seattle as an undrafted college free agent in 1993, and who served his first year on the practice squad, will spend his entire career playing in a Seahawks uniform.

Strong, 34, had said all along that his preference was to return to the Seahawks, the only team for which he has ever played, if their contract offer was a fair one. He had some discussions with the Miami Dolphins, but most of his substantive discussions were with Seattle officials.
Strong has spent his working life as a human battering ram. Defenders say he just beats on you all day until he beats you into submission. There are some things that you can just count on in todays NFL. The regular season games will play on Sunday and Mack Strong will suit up in Seahawks blue for as long as he plays the game.
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Knock Out Pool: Week 6

Special thanks to MaxHawk, who selected this week's KnockOut Pool picture.

Week 5 saw all contestants make it through to Week 6, without as much as a bump on the knee! That's not to say that all contestants will now make a porn flick with Jeff Gilhooly, turn into trailer trash and/or put on 75 pounds and become a female prizefighter...but it could happen!

Your pick must be submitted the day before the game, and if you don't submit a pick for a week you will be DQed. To submit your pick, either post it in the Comments section, or email me at albanyhawker@seahawkblue.com. I will post the picks in the Contenders link, along with the teams used each week.

Good luck!

This Week's Matchups

Contenders and Picks

Official Knock Out Pool Rules

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Week 5: Bye Week - A Few Thoughts

Since I have no Seahawks game to recap this week, some thoughts popped into my mind that I want to share with everyone. They are not totally Seahawks related, but the 'Hawks have a small part in each of them. I'd like to hear everyone's opinions.

Thought #1: Who thought the Lambs would be 4-1 and have a half game lead in the division going into next week's game with the 'Hawks? The Lambs have their first outright division lead in two years. Will the 'Hawks put them in their place come next Sunday?

Alba has already started a war with Lambs' blogger Watchdog on the AOL Blogs. Come join the fun!

Thought #2: How 'bout them Cardinals? Did anyone besides their fans NOT think they would start out 1-4? (and in last place, even behind the 49ers, haha!) Does anyone think that Matt Leinart will turn the Cards into a threat when the 'Hawks head to the desert in Week 14?

Thought #3: How 'bout them Steelers? (or Stealers, if you prefer) Did they get the "Super Bowl Loser's Curse" instead of the Seahawks because the 'Hawks played a better game (except for a few choice plays and some bad officiating), or do you think they will bounce back and make the playoffs? Do you even care?

Do you even care about ANY of these questions?

UPDATE: A Lambs blogger has stolen our "flying underneath the radar" card used by Seahawks fans last year.

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Alba's Dark Angel Award: Weak 4

The Seahawks go to Chicago and get man-handled to the tune of 37-6, and we're supposed to hand out AWARDS??!! It's hard enough to do this after a loss, but a tough loss like that, where practically EVERYTHING went wrong and NOBODY played well, makes it almost impossible to find something Dark Angel worthy.

However, this blog has been dead lately, so I'll give it my best shot.

[Continued]


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Knock Out Pool: Week 5

Finding another female boxing picture to compete with last week's cutie was quite a task, so I hope you guys approve.

Fittingly, Week 4 ushered out four more contestants, one by disqualification, so be sure to get your picks in on time. Even though we don't have a dog in the fight, we still need to pick a winner for Week 5, which is a bye week for the Seahawks.

Your pick must be submitted the day before the game, and if you don't submit a pick for a week you will be DQed. To submit your pick, either post it in the Comments section, or email me at albanyhawker@seahawkblue.com. I will post the picks in the Contenders link, along with the teams used each week.

Good luck!

This Week's Matchups

Contenders and Picks

Official Knock Out Pool Rules

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Good Man Gone to the Dogs!

Actually, it's worse than that. Recently released Seahawks special teams captain Isaiah Kacyvenski has signed with the Rams!

Looks like it's back to dumpster diving and plain doughnuts again for our favorite Harvard Graduate!

News on Mike Sando's Blog

Alba's AOL Piece

Kaz's Take

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Alan's D.O,G; Week 4 at Chicago

Because even being tortured at the hands of a hobo named Crackers has its silver lining....its this week's Drive of the game!

And, hey, Gus the Mule wasn't terrible.

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Week 4: Bears 37, Seahawks 6 - Defense? WHAT Defense?

The Seahawks brought their defense from the 4th quarter of the Giants game tonight and got blasted by Da Bears 37-6. The offense deserves some of the blame for the loss, obviously (Matt Hasslebeck got sacked 5 times AGAIN, and he threw 2 picks), but I'll give them a partial pass because of Shaun Alexander's absence (even though, ironically, the 'Hawks had a better average gain per rush than the Bears, 4.1-3.8).

The D gave up 4 touchdowns tonight, 2 on the ground (Chicago's first rushing TDs of the season), and 2 through the air. Both Marcus Trufant and Kelly Herndon got burned by Chicago WRs Muhsin Muhammad and Bernard Berrian, and the vaunted front 7 let Bears RB Thomas Jones gain 98 yards and 2 TDs.

Meezy's keys to the game turned out to be everything the Seahawks DIDN'T do tonight, and the final score reflects that. As I mentioned up top, the Bears sacked Hasselbeck 5 times, while the 'Hawks only got one (a nice sack by Russell Davis). Chicago won the turnover battle with a +2 margin (Bears' DB Ricky Manning, Jr. made 2 nice picks, while the 'Hawks D didn't take the ball away from the Chicago offense). The offense only got 153 yards passing and 77 rushing (versus Chicago's 219 passing and 143 rushing); the 4 wide receiver sets weren't as effective as last week because the Bears put pressure on Hasslebeck and covered the WRs surprisingly well.

Now, the Seahawks have two weeks to prepare for the surprisingly 3-1 (and probably will be 4-1 after playing at Green Bay next week) Lambs. Let's hope they prepare to make Lamb Stew and not stew over this game (no pun intended).


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