SeahawkBlue

2009-10-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

MAMA BLUE

You see her at every Hawk game, with her blue peacock wig and crazy glasses. An iconic figure who watches over the Seahawks week after week. Year after year. Her real name is Patti Hammond but she is really known as Mama Blue. Everyone on this site is a big Seahawk fan but there is only one Mama Blue.

Raised in Portland, Patti met her future husband Dick in high school. It was the classic story of the star football player and the cheerleader. After school they were married and moved to Seattle where they would reside together for over a half century. In 1976 when the brand new Seattle Seahawks first started accepting season ticket orders, Patti and Dick (affectionately known also as Tricky) were among the first in line. Drawing from her own cheerleading experience, Mama Blue utilized her own unique pep spirit to get the crowd going from her 100 level seat. NFL Films cameramen soon were enchanted with Mama Blue’s style and were shooting her at nearly every game. (You can see footage of Mama Blue on many of the Seahawks NFL Films yearly highlights.)

When the Hawks were in serious danger of becoming the Los Angeles Seahawks, Patti became a pivotal member of the “Save Our Seahawks” campaign that helped stop the evil Ken Behring from moving the team. She has only missed two home games in the Hawks’ history. This means she has seen in person 268 out of 270 games (including playoffs) through October 2009.

In 1999, the NFL chose one fan from each of the 32 franchises to be inducted into a special section of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mama Blue was the choice of the Seahawks. When the team moved into Qwest Field in 2002, Mama was given her pick of where she wanted to sit. She choose the front row of the southwest corner of the south end zone section, right next to the tunnel where the Seahawks come out. Five years later, before the opening day game against Tampa Bay, Mama Blue was honored by raising the 12^th Man flag.

Hanging out with Mama Blue before the Jaguar game a few weeks ago, I understand why she sits in that corner. Before the game, a number of Hawks came over and high fived Mama. One guy in street clothes came up and gave her a big hug. It was Walter Jones.

But Mama Blue at Qwest (and before that at the Kingdome) is only part of the story. Going to her house in the Seattle area is literally visiting a Seahawk museum. Entire walls are covered in Hawk memorabilia. Trophy cases are filled with footballs signed by various Seahawk teams over the years. Football gloves? Mama estimates she has collected 2000 pairs over the years from players. Most of these she has given away but she still a fair amount signed by Hawks. She is also in possession of a few pairs of Walter Jones’ shoes. In fact, Jones gave her the first pair (unused) of his set from last year.

The souvenirs around her house are impressive. However, what makes Mama Blue different from other rabid fans are her relationships with the players and coaches, past and present. When Kenny Easley was inducted into the Ring of Honor, he wanted Mama Blue standing next to him. In one hallway of her house hangs a large collage of photos. The pictures feature Mama (and often Dick) with a who’s who in Seahawk history. Every head coach, every member of the Ring of Honor, various other players and people associated with Seahawk history such as Bill the Beerman Scott. She even has a picture of herself with that toad Behring, who as they were taking the picture, promised he “would never move her team.”

She and Dick used to go bass fishing every summer with Chuck Knox and other Seahawks in Central Washington. Tricky and Chuck would stay up late telling football stories while knocking back cocktails next the campfire. Mama is so much part of the Seahawk family that she even stays in touch with Dave Krieg’s mom.

Dick passed away nearly two years ago. A devastating loss for certain. However, Mama Blue’s zest for life keeps her going. She has a large extended family of children and grandchildren. A hairdresser by trade (she had her own shop for 40 years), she still styles hair twice a week out of her own home salon (decorated in Seahawks and Marilyn Monroe artwork). Although she is in her late 70s, she is sharp as a tack with a great (and salty) sense of humor. Plus she makes the best garlic pickles you will ever eat.

If you ever run into Mama Blue at Qwest, be sure to say hello. If you want a picture with her, she’s always gracious enough to oblige. She is the embodiment of the 12^th Man. A part of Seahawk history. A part of our history.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2009-09-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Week Three: Green with N.V.

That's right. Last Sunday the Seahawks were green with N.V., as in No Victory.

They were green with envy too, playing a team without most of it's starters nursing injury, and already looking up at the Niners and Cardinals in the standings. But even though there were a lot of disappointments in this game, the team put forth a valiant effort, and Seneca Wallaceonce again proved that he's just good enough to deliver another close loss for the Seahawks.

But I'm not here to point out who didn't play well (cough-cough-olindo-mare-cough) I'm here to mentally review the game film and see who the lucky recipient of this week's Alba Dark Angel Award might be.

Actually, Seneca Wallace was the leading candidate in the first half. He came out sharp, lead the team on a touch down drive, and MAN did he look stylish rocking that neon green jersey! But we all know how the second half went for Wallace and the offense, so they'll just have to redouble their efforts next week in hopes of obtaining this honor.

This week's winner is coming from the defenisive side of the ball.

Second runner up is Aaron Curry. He seemed to play a little more in control this week, he was wrapping and tackling much better, and even forced a fumble. But we have much higher expectations for the #4 pick before we just go handing out trophies for playing a technically sound game.

First runner up is the entire Defensive Line. They pretty much shut down fantansy football stud Forte, and forced three fumbles of Jay Cutler, recovering one. Kerney and Tapp were active as ever, and the return of the rolling bag of knives, Bang-Bang Mebane was a major boost.

But this week's Alba's Dark Angel Award goes to the only guy on the field that was hotter than those neon green alternate jerseys...the Heater himself...David Hawthorne. For the second week in a row "Heater" filled in for Lofa Tatupu and was all over the field playing like a man possessed. He lead the team in tackles with 15 solo tackles, had a critical interception, and forced a fumbled near the goal line that should have never been overturned on review.

Lofa Tatupu may be returning to action, so here's a little something to keep David Hawthorne company if he finds himself relegated to his backup role this week in Indy.

[Comments taken in the SeahawkBlue Forum]

2009-09-22T05:58:00.000-07:00

Week Two: The Inconvenient Truth

To cut right to the chase, here's a list of people who will NOT be receiving this award this week: Chris Spencer, Walter Jones, Matt Hasselbeck, Sean Locklear, Marcus Trufant, Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, Josh Wilson, Brandon Mebane and any other Seahawk player who was already hurt or came out of that game nicked up.

Oh yea, an one other guy from yesterday's game who'll NEVER get any recognition from Seahawks Fans: Bill "my penalty flag is black and yellow" Leavy. Even though it was a fairly called contest yesterday, when I saw that "over-officious jerk" as the game official I knew Seattle would be in for a long day.

But before you think this is going to be another whiny Seahawks fan rant blaming the loss on injuries and officials, here's a list of those who SHOULD be getting an Alba Dark Angel Award this week, other than the fact they play for the wrong team: Mike Singletary, his O and D coordinators, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Shaun Hill, the entire 49er O-Line, Manny Lawson, Nate Clements, Dre Bly and the entire 49er defense.(except for Patrick Willis - sure it was a clean hit, but you can't put our starting QB out of a game and have me like you!)

The Seahawks got their asses kicked, plain and simple, and no spoonful of sugar will help this medicine go down. As a matter of fact, I was really concerned about how handily they dispatched the opponent last weekend, and feared that our young defense might think that the would pitch a shut-out EVERY week without breaking a sweat. Well, this is the NFL rookies, and we only get to play the Rams twice!

Yes, there *was* some good in Sundays games, and no, I'm not looking at you Mr. Babineaux and Mr. Grant, so you can just go on tending to those burn wounds.

Had Seneca Wallace come in and scored more than a gimme TD from inside the five, he would have probably won this Dark Angel Award, but alas, he's no Tom Brady or even Matt Cassell, so our backup QB was not riding in on his white stallion to save the day.

Giving up another career day to Frank Gore notwithstanding, I need to mention "Good" Will Herring and David "Heater" Hawthorne, two other backups who were thrown into starting roles, and found themselves equal to the task. Also worth mentioning was the play of Brandon Frye, who came in for an injured Locklear, who was already filling in for an injured Walter Jones. Honestly, I had no idea who Frye was, and when I saw #77 on the o-line, I thought Pork Chop had mysteriously reappeared.

Justin Forsett is the first-runner up for the award this week. When nothing else seemed to be clicking for the Seahawks, it seemed like it was the diminutive Forsett running through tackles, catching screens, fielding punts and carrying defenders for an extra yard or two. After watching highly compensated veterans Julius Jones and Edge James do their Shaun Alexander impressions, it was refreshing to see effort, determination and heart from the littlest guy in the backfield, both in terms of stature and paycheck.

So, if not Forsett, who draws A.D.A. Iron this week? A valid question, but one that any long-time Seahawks fan could answer if they stop and think about it for awhile. There was one other factor that was extremely significant in yesterday's game, and will seem to be a major contributor to the outcome of each game the rest of the way through the season.

This week's Alba's Dark Angel Award to ADVERSITY.

Mike Tyson once said "everyone has a plan, until you hit them in the mouth", and the 49ers landed jabs and combinations all game long, including two hay-makers from Frank Gore, which turned out to be the difference in the game. Seahawk optomists (of which I'm one) like to point out that if it weren't for those two big runs by Gore, the game was pretty even. However, that's like saying if it weren't for the two big hairy balls hanging out of her G-string, that tranny you picked up in the Castro district last night was one hot chick!

Seahawks fans have watched this team be faced with adversity over the years, and not always respond to the challenge. Most fans can even rattle off the laundry list of misfortune, the ref interfering with the D-Jack reception, the time clock snafu in Baltimore, Shaun's broken foot, Lofa's claw, and leaning on these excuses is what gets Seahawks fans branded as whiners. Hell, even will all the calls, Superbowl XL was a winnable game, had the Seahawks players and coaching staff kept their heads and had risen to the challenge, yet I'm one of the most vocal about "not getting over it".

It's time for this organization, including its fans, to stop relying on convenient excuses and bad karma as a justification for losing, and just go out and take care of business. The 49ers certainly were not concerned with the recent history of losing to the Seahawks. The Cardinals went out and laid a thumping on the Jaguars, even in the dreaded Eastern Time zone, after coming up short at home against the 49ers. And even the hapless Rams put up more of a fight this week after being embarrased at Qwest last Sunday.

If we want to salvage this season, we have to start by doing to the Bears what the Bears just did to the Steelers, which is forget about a dismal offensive performance, or injuries to the Pro Bowl middle linebacker, and go out and beat the team that is lining up on the other side of the ball, even if they are the defending Super Bowl champs.

So this week's Dark Angel Award goes to Adversity, and I'm hoping that the Seahawks organization also recognizes and embraces our old friend Adversity, and uses it as a motivating factor the rest of the season, instead of a crutch.

[Comments taken in the SeahawkBlue Forum]

2009-09-17T05:59:00.000-07:00

Back from a two year hiatus, it's the Alba Dark Angel Award!

For anyone who wasn't around back in the 12 Seahawks Street hey-day, several of the contibutors to that blog would hand out weekly awards after each game, along with a companion blog post, highlighting different aspects of the competition.

Alba's Dark Angel Award recognizes the person who comes out of nowhere to have a dramatic impact on the game. This award was originally called the Moonlight Graham Award, after the Burt Lancaster character in Field of Dreams, who only got one official at-bat in his big league career, but made the most of his opportunity.

Now, on to those who were considered for the Week One Alba's Dark Angel Award!

There have been so many changes to this team and organization since the close of last season, that there are a lot of new names and faces among the coaches and players, which means that almost everyone is eligible for the award this year, from Jim Mora to Cameron Morrah.

If I could, I'd give the entire coaching staff a ADAA this week, for the aggressive, creative, relentless and successful gameplan that was developed and implemented for this opening game against a divisional opponent.

Kudos to Jim Mora for casting off the mantle of his predecessor, along with the 3rd-and-long draw play, and re-energizing a team that has a lot of unfinished business to attend to. God bless new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who understands that a lead is not something you fall back and try to protect, but something you use to even more aggressively attack and demoralize your opponent. And congratulations to Greg Knapp for making Seahawks fans fall in love with a former Raider by effectively using ALL the weapons on the field, and masterfully orchestrating the rotation at running back. All great signs for a Seahawks rebirth, however, not enough to draw Alba Iron in Week One.

There were four "runners-up" to this week's award. Like I said, with so many new names and faces, the possibilities were almost endless, but the Alba Dark Angel Award Selection Committee put in tireless hours reviewing the game film, checking the stats, and otherwise effing-off at work to arrive that these finalists.

The Offensive Line - much consternation and hand-wringing was done throughout the pre-season leading up to this game, especially with the abrupt retirement of Mike Wahle, the ~~inevitable~~ shocking injury to Chris Spencer, and the surprisingsurgical procedure to the knee of Mount Jones. However, the re-juggled offensive line of Willis-Unger-Vallos-Sims-Locklear performed admirably in their first official outing together, keeping Hasselbeck's jersey clean, allowing JJ to run for over 100 yards, and providing the necessary protection to unleash the first Seahawks razzle-dazzle play in over 25 years. Next week, Jones and Spencer are slated return, so hopefully the continuity and protection will be even better.

Pardon me, your bust is showing! Of course, I'm talking about the voluptuous display of mounds of aggression, titalating speed and ample power by borderline first round bust Lawrence Jackson. Seemingly, whenever Lo-Jack was on the field, he was in the backfield disrupting the Ram Offense (is that redundant or an oxymoron?) and playing with wild abandon. However, we'll wait until he puts a couple pert red cherries on top of this performace before erecting an Alba Dark Angel in his honor.

Midway through the game, I could swear I heard the following emergency announcement over the Qwest Field PA system, "Will Mr. Herring and Mr. Hawthorne please report to the defensive huddle - STAT!" Trading away Julian Peterson seemed like a good idea when it allowed us to sign Leroy Hill to a long term deal. However, when both Hill and Tatupu had to leave the game, our pro-bowl bound three-headed-monster linebacking crew featured a rookie and two NFL journeymen. Granted, Curry seems like an early leader in the Defensive NFL Rookie of the Year running, but could roster bubble boys Hawthorne and Herring really step in for Tatupu and Hill? Ummm, the aswer is a 12th man decible breaking level "YES!" Both these reserve linebackers came in and played assignment correct football with the same aggressive style that they displayed in preseason. They really came close to drawing Alba Iron in Week One, but just not close enough.

"Having one's identity concealed; to avoid notice or formal attention; a fat slob with anger issues whose boneheaded outbursts consistently help his opponents" Of course, those are the dictionary definitions of the word Incognito, who was the fourth runner-up for this week's award. Fat Richie didn't disappoint in his return trip to Qwest field, racking up false start penalties and throwing in an unsportsmanlike conduct for good measure. Seemingly, he's done more for the Seahawks now 9-game winning streak against the Rams than anyone. But it'll be a cold day in hell when an Alba Dark Angel goes to an opponent, especially one from St. Loser.

No, this week's Alba Dark Angel Award goes to one man, who was instrumental in preserving the shutout, and ironically indicative of the changing of the guard at the helm of the Seahawks, ushering in a new era of optomism and hope for our favorite club. Of course, I'm talking about the Booth Official who called for the replay review of the blocked field goal. Mike Holmgren's run-ins and disdain for the officials was well documented and publicized, and his record at attempted challenges had been futile at best. There were many blown leads against the Rams throughout his career, where defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory by a bad call or weird bounce of the ball. And don't even get me started on Super Bowl XL!

However, on this pastoral September day at Qwest, the skies opened and a heavenly ray of sunshine pierced through the glass of whereever it is the Replay Booth Official is located, startling him from his slumber and causing him to accidentally hit the buzzer indicating to the field officials that something was amiss with the previous play. And as has been indicated by many of my fellow contibutors to SeahawkBlue.com, the Seahawks 12th man was introduced to the 12th man on the Rams FG block team, nullifying the touchdown with the penalty resulting in a Seahawks first down, which lead to a 14-0 halftime lead and the rout was on!

In the Holmgren years, that play would have been the first in a series of events that would have lead to Ram victory, and then a sheepishly worded apology from the league offices on Wednesday of the following week. (yes, I'm looking at you Baltimore time keeper!) But these are not your Walrus's Seahawks, and hopefully this is the start of a beautiful new relationship, between Jim Mora and the guys who wear the striped jerseys, including the unnamed booth review official who is the recipient of this week's Alba Dark Angel Award.

[Comments taken in the SeahawkBlue Forum]

2009-07-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

THE NFL IN LA LA LAND

Recently I attended the NFL 101/201 event on the field at the Los Angeles Coliseum. This was the seventh year the league has coordinated this function with the L.A. Sports and Entertainment Commission. One of the main points of it is to keep an NFL presence in the second largest city in the country. Amazingly, it has been 15 years since an NFL game has been played in L.A. To give you an idea how long ago that was, Tom Flores was the Seahawks coach when the Raiders and Rams last called L.A. home.

The Coliseum is probably the most storied stadium in America. (Two Olympics , the first Super Bowl, numerous other great football games and even a World Series. Yankee Stadium can’t top those credits.) The most memorable Seahawk Coliseum appearance has to be the 1988 game against the Raiders that determined the AFC Western Division title. I actually walked the route of John L. Williams’ incredible 75 yard catch and run TD that helped the Hawks to their first division championship.

The NFL 101/201 event gave participants (who paid pretty good coin to attend) a chance to throw, catch and kick footballs on the field of the Coliseum with some former NFL players. (However, no Seahawks involved.) There were also a number of booths promoting various NFL-related enterprises. The swanky Wolfgang Puck catering company supplied all the food and booze at the event. It was rather gourmet to say the least. No pigs-in-a-blanket at this affair.

The main feature was a panel discussion with Warren Moon, Joe Theisman, Trent Dilfer, Carson Palmer, Peter King of Sports Illustrated, Raider prez Amy Trask, head of officiating (and SB XL apologist) Mike Pereira, and Andrea Kremer, sideline reporter for NBC. The panel was pretty lively with Theisman surprisingly funny and Trask unsurprisingly defensive when asked about the questionable draft choices of the Raiders (all questions asked by the audience were written and submitted in advance). Both King and Palmer said they were very much against an 18 game schedule. Palmer also called TJ Houshmanzadeh “irreplaceable” and said he would never refer to Chad Johnson as “Ochocinco.” Dilfer admitted that when he was a 49er playing against the Hawks, he told the defense all the signals Hasselbeck was giving at the line. This is considered standard when you become “the enemy.” When the panel was asked which non-playoff team from 2008 was going to be in the postseason in ’09, Kremer said the Seahawks. Unfortunately, my question to Pereira asking him “if there were any plans to have Bill Leavy officiate a game at Qwest Field?” was not used.

Moon also signed free copies of his new book “Never Give Up Your Dream.” I was able to talk to him briefly during the signing about his old Husky days and my new book, which apparently he had heard about via an e mail the Seahawks sent out (which I thought was pretty cool).

Probably the biggest story of the evening was the upcoming groundbreaking for the new Los Angeles Stadium, a privately-funded billion dollar sports and entertainment complex in East L.A. County. The city is hoping to attract not one but two current NFL teams to the facility and they have a bullseye on seven franchises: Chargers, 49ers, Raiders, Rams, Jaguars, Vikings, and Bills. Personally, the team that should be coming here is the Rams. Los Angeles would have never lost the team if it were not for it’s now-dead owner Georgia Frontiere, a former showgirl who inherited the team from her husband. The franchise is up for sale and there have been no offers from St. Louis-based ownership groups. I would also like it to be the Rams because that would give Seahawks one guaranteed appearance a year in the city. And really, when it comes to anything about the NFL, it’s all about how it will affect the Seahawks and my selfish interests. Now I’m off to make some pigs-in-a-blanket.

Mark Tye Turner

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

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2008-12-30T16:18:00.000-08:00

SeahawkBlue's Fantasy Football Champion - SeahawkGZ!

Please join me in congratulating SeahawkGZ.

The Zion Canyon Zombies of which SeahawkGZ managed, has won the championship of SeahawkBlue's Fantasy Football League (SBFFL). Rookie SeahawkGZ, is a rags to riches story. Having taken an abandoned team from scrub bottom to reign as champ, is worthy of having a book authored by MttHawk.

The team from Zion had a forgetable start having lost it's first game to a bunch of streakers from Marysville. Zion led by Tom Brady's healthy knee and reels of underground practice videos of the streakers, was still unable to forge a victory, losing 105 - 117 to the streakers. Not giving up, the Zombies opted to oust the Brady Bunch, so he hired Tonia Hardings bodyguard to whack Tom Brady's knee, so that Matt Cassel would turn his season around.

Having learning the ropes, the Zombies won 7 of it's last 8 games. Relying upon such astute transactions and coaching to elicit superb performances from the likes of QB Cassel, RBs Michael Turner and Tashard Choice, WRs Mr Man-Bra Steve Breast-on, Laverannues Coles, Lance Moore, TE Billy Miller, Kicker Nate Kaeding and the Dallas Defense. Each week, putting up just enough points to win his games. In the Super Bowl, the Zion Canyon Zombies outscored Keeley Hazell and the St. Helen Saints 113 - 93.

SeahawkGZ will wear the title of SBFFL proudly on his avatar for 1 year while the rest of us strategize how to take it away from him next season.

SBFFL Notebook: In related news --

Mr. PsychoBabbler reigns as the current NFL Pick'em Champ. As last year's champ was caught picking his nose, Chuckster topped out with a 65.5% success in the NFL Pick'em contest. Congrats to Chuck.

HawkCrazy pulled off the monumental task to reign as NFL Survivor Champion. After eliminating all other entrants and duking it out for an additional 5 weeks, GladiatorHawk succumbed to the eventual champion at week 12. Not satisfied having won the championship Crazy continued to play through week 17 having completed the season in un-blemished fashion with 17 consecutive weeks of surviving. Congrats to HawkCrazy.

-- GladiatorHawk

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-12-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

Blue Christmas

There are many times we lose perspective as Seahawks fans.

Especially when riding a losing record into the holidays..

But it’s more important now then ever to keep our spirits high.. And maintain a supportive atmosphere for our players to reside in. They are who we should really feel for. They still have to play the games. All we have to do is watch them.

The gifts the holidays bring us this year, are an early off-season, an early draft pick, and dramatic change to our beloved franchise.

Change for what though is still uncertain.

It reminds me as a child when you select a toy from a catalogue for Christmas without having really experienced it. It really looks cool and exciting from the picture and description.. And you begged until your fairly confident your going to get it.

Then begins a process, mixing second guessing your decision, with severe anticipation.

We’ve had a long ride and all good things must end. Lets keep filling our stadium and message boards with lots of Christmas “Cheer” for our team.

Here’s hoping next season is everything that we dream.

2008-11-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

Whose Team is it Now?
by albaNY Hawker

When the schedules were released in April, Mike Holmgren knew that his final regular season game as head coach of the Seahawks would be against the Arizona Cardinals. What he didn't know was that it would be the Week 11 game at Qwest Field.

With a 2-8 record, and all dreams of a late season run finally doused, all focus should now shift to next season as we play our second stringers and younger guys to see what holes need to be filled on the roster.

So the next obvious question is, 'whose team is it now?'

At the risk of slighting the future hall-of-famer, perhaps it's time to pass the ~~baton~~ headset to coach-in-waiting Jim Mora, and give him some sideline-OJT for the rest of the season.

Sure he's coached before, and this is not his staff, but it might make sense to allow him to do the tinkering if players and schemes are to be evaluated for the future.

Besides, there's never enough opportunities to test yourself in game situations, in terms of play calling, clock management and challenges.

Being the man of his word that he is, and since he's often referred to gameday as the best part of the job, Mike Holmgren will most likely continue to call the shots until the last second of the last minute has ticked off on this brutally painful season.

And he's more than earned the right to do so.

However, if the front office wants to get a head start on turning this thing around, maybe the best thing for this team right now is Mora the James, instead of more of the same.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-11-10T07:01:00.000-08:00

The Seahawks Have a Winning Record
by albaNY Hawker (image by JetCityHawk)

Yea, the fat lady may be warming up for her solo, and there's no shortage of media pundits with forks ready to stick in the Seahawks, but to complete the pun-trifecta, it ain't over til it's over.

With this headline and opening paragraph, I'm sure many readers are worried that the pressure of this season has finally gotten to me and I've gone off the deep end.

But the truth of the matter is that the Seahawks *do* have a winning record, sitting at 2-1 within the NFC West, with two games yet to play against Division leader Arizona, so the prospect of that fifth consecutive NFC West Championship is still alive.

For those who refuse to give up, the Seahawks fought a good fight in Miami, Eastern Time Zone and all, and but for a few drops and untimely gaffes, should have come away with a victory. There even seemed to be a somewhat creative and aggressive defensive gameplan for the first time all season. And at the very least, they didn't come out with any other major injuries. (knock wood)

This week should mark the return to action of starters Matt Hasselbeck and Deion Branch, as the Seahawks prepare for their home match-up against the Cardinals, who will be coming off a short week, and hopefully a stunning loss, as they play the 49ers tonight.

But even if the Cardinals win tonight, and all indications are that they should, the hopes of the 2-7 Seahawks, at 4 games back with 7 to play, would still have a pulse.

Of course, Dr. Kavorkian is the on-call physician.

In order to qualify for post season play, the Seahawks need to win both remaining games against the Cardinals, and then win at least two more games than the Cardinals do the remaining weeks of the season. With a quick look at the schedule, this will be a daunting task, but not necessarily impossible.

The Seahawks and Cardinals both have remaining games against St. Louis (2-7) and New England (6-3). Both teams should be able to beat St. Louis, and the Seahawks should have an advantage against at home against the Patriots, while the Cardinals have to go to New England.

The Seahawks are also done with the Eastern Time Zone portion of their schedule, drawing the Redskins (6-3) and Jets (6-3) at home, and traveling to Dallas (5-4) on Thanksgiving. The Cardinals, on the other hand, have to go to Philadelphia (5-4), and host the Giants (8-1) and the Vikings (5-4).

Other than the Rams, the remaining opponents for each of the Seahawks and Cardinals have winning records and are fighting for their own playoff positioning, so none of these are going to be easy games.

But it's still not impossible.

The Patriots, Jets and Cowboys aren't as tough as their records may indicate, and the Seahawks should play hard against former-favorite-son Jim Zorn's Washington squad. The Cardinals have to deal with the Eagles and Giants, both of which appear to be the real-deal, and a streaky Vikings team lead by Purple Jesus.

So this is no time for the 12th Man to despair. Buckle up your chinstrap and cheer your ass off, as distasteful as it may seem, for the 49ers tonight, and then in support of your beloved Seahawks the rest of the way.

There's still time for the team and the players to give Mike Holmgren the send off that he so richly deserves.

[Comments taken Here]

2008-10-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

(2) years ago Leonard Weaver had it all. He was a fan favorite. He was on a competitive team that was going places. He was being groomed to replace Mack Strong as the starter. The road to opportunity opened up like a four lane highway, and Leonard without a care in the world was driving alone with the top down and his hair blowing in the wind, right down the center. 1 year later, Leonard Weaver barely made the team. It doesn't even seem possible, but there it was. The fall from grace can be a short unfair trip. At the beginning of the 2006 season Weaver suffered a high ankle sprain and was out for the entire year. This preseason found Weaver fumbling, rusty and unremarkable. The 2007 version of Leonard Weaver came out flatter then an anorexic teenager. But lets stop and think about this for a minute. Is it realistic to expect Weaver to just pick up where he left off a year ago? How many people can leave their job, face months of rehab and return a year later as though nothing happened? Not many. But Weaver made the final cut, and I am delighted with the Seahawks for not giving up on him, and believing in him like some of us fans do.

This new chance for Weaver is like a rebirth. I think he needs an image make-over to go with his return to grace. Weaver has been nicknamed several things, Dream Weaver, Mister Sandman and a few others, but none of them really stuck. The act of stiff arming a defender has also been referred to as many different things but only one has really stuck. Baptism, this has never made any sense to me. The dictionary describes a baptism as a religious sacrament marked by the symbolic use of water. I'm missing the connection... Which makes me wonder if the original creator of the term was thinking "faith healing" but saying baptism out of confusion, as a faith healing sometimes ended with a palm to the forehead of the recipient, who was then caught by members of the mesmerized crowd standing behind them. But you see, even the faith healers were mimicking the the early actions of the Exorcist, who when performing the ceremony to rid the poor helpless soul of the demons therein, would end this grand specter with a hard palm thump to the forehead.

Whether the ceremony itself removed the demon, or the poor wretched recipient decided one hard thump to the forehead was all the exercising they needed to see, remains a mystery. But you can't argue with results.

Weaver needs to return to form and deliver these blows that drew the admiration of all us fans. He needs to run like a wild man and hang onto the ball like a fat man rescuing a pizza from a burning Domino's. We believe in you Leonard. We know you can do it, you know you can do it.

Welcome back, Leonard "The Exorcist" Weaver

This is a re-post in tribute to Leonard Weaver.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-10-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Bitter Sweet Symphony

We go into this Sunday’s game at Tampa, during the bitterest stretch of time that Seahawks fans have experienced in recent memory. It’s the trade off for several years of sweetness.

There is always a toll.

Seahawk fans as a whole are responding to the sour taste quite well respectively. The bad times typically are felt much more intensely then the good. And when one looks at other losing team’s internet sites you find Hawk fans are actually very civil in comparison.

Is there a reason for this?

Is it perhaps that this seems an aberration to the trained Hawk fans eye? Going into this season there was no reason to even consider a start like this was possible. Are the fans still in shock?

Or is it simply because they know all good things must end and they rest on their laurels?

Fortunately.

All Bad things must end as well, right?

Wrong.

It’s much easier to fall off a pedestal. Then it is to pull oneself from quicksand. You must hang on to that thin vine. Struggle and fight to pull your self free of the sands downward grasp. Every moment you let up. You lose ground that was just fought for. If during the struggle you have people (Fans) helping to pull you out. Your chances are much better then if everyone leaves you behind.

We are in the twilight of Mike Holmgrens 2nd symphony. Awaiting the grand finale. The overture begins this Sunday against the Buccaneers. Don’t leave your seats.

-- HavokHawk

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-10-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

BURIED AT THE MEADOWLANDS

BURIED AT THE MEADOWLANDS
Ruminations from Mark Tye Turner aka mtthawk

In just a few days the Hawks will venture into a place where history has not been kind: Giants Stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Legend has it missing Teamster head Jimmy Hoffa was buried in the foundation in one of the end zones during the construction of the stadium. The Hawks have not fared much better in it over the years. It opened in 1976, the year the Seahawks came into the league. That inaugural season saw the Hawks take a 9-0 lead into the second quarter at Giants Stadium, only to lose to a very bad group of G-Men, 28-16. Since then, Seattle has won exactly once in ten attempts in New Jersey.
The Seahawks’ only victory actually occurred a quarter of a century ago during their pivotal playoff run in 1983. The Giants entered the game struggling under first-year head coach Bill Parcells. Seattle was able to convert two Giant turnovers into touchdowns but the team toiled offensively most of the game against a budding Giant defense led by third-year star linebacker Lawrence Taylor. As the Seahawks clung to a 17-12 lead, the G-Men put together a last minute rally. With only :31 remaining, the Giants appeared to score a miraculous game-winning touchdown which sent the stadium crowd into mass euphoria. But lady luck smooched the Hawks as a Giant lineman was flagged for holding. The euphoria inside the stadium was quickly replaced by something uncommon for New Yorkers: mass silence.

Since then, the Seahawks have struggled against the Giants in New Jersey, scoring a total of 16 points during games played in 1989, 1992, and 2002. Their most frustrating loss happened during the topsy-turvy season of 2001. The Hawks took a 24-17 lead into the fourth quarter at the Meadowlands. The defense showed some fatigue when the Giants had a twelve play drive which resulted in a field goal early in the fourth to make it 24-20. Unfortunately, the Hawk offense couldn’t sustain either of its fourth quarter possessions. With just under three minutes remaining in the game, the Seahawks have the Giants pinned at their own four-yard line with the erratic Kerry Collins at quarterback. But somehow Collins manages to drive nearly the entire length of the field. Both Reggie Tongue and Anthony Simmons almost have interceptions on the drive that would’ve won the game for the Hawks. But “almost” doesn’t mean squat in the NFL. New York scores the winning touchdown when Collins hits Ike Hilliard with a seven-yard pass while only twenty seconds are left on the stupid clock. The loss essentially keeps the Hawks from making the playoffs.

Possibly the best indication the Seahawks are cursed at the stadium is to look at their history with New York’s other team, the Jets. In their early years, the Hawks dominated the Jets on the road, winning all five games played at Shea Stadium. But since the Jets moved to Giants Stadium in 1984, Seattle has not beaten their AFC foes from New York in New Jersey, going 0-5. This includes the infamous Testerverde phantom touchdown game in 1998 in which an officiating blunder help cost the Seahawks a playoff spot and head coach Dennis Erickson his job.

However, this is all just history and the Seahawks have a chance to make new history come Sunday. Let’s just hope no one trips over Jimmy Hoffa in the end zone.

Turner’s new book Notes from a 12th Man: A Truly Biased History of the Seattle Seahawks is set to be published by Sasquatch Books in 2009.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-09-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

An Open Letter to Giants Fans
by albaNY Hawker

I live outside of Albany, New York, but I'm a life long Seahawks fan.

Part of the reason a born-and-bred Upstate New Yorker became a Seahawk fan was due to the history and fan base of the New York Giants. I was always impressed how Giants fans lived and died with their team's successes and failures, and how seasons tickets were handed down through generations. When the league expanded in 1976, I decided to pick one of the new teams and follow them with the same loyalty and passion that I admired in the Giants fans that I knew.

Last week, some idiot at SeahawksHuddle.com stepped way over the line. I refuse to grace his words by reading them, so I don't know exactly what was posted, but from what I've read about the incident, it was unacceptable, even if couched as a failed attempt at humor.

While every Giant fan has a right to be outraged about someone desecrating the memory of 9-11 on a sports blog, please remember he does not speak for all Seahawks fans. Hell, every U.S. and international citizen who believes in freedom and democracy should be justifiably outraged, as I am.

And Giants fans should be very unhappy to see Seahawks fans this weekend.

Undoubtedly, there will be a contingent of fans in the Meadowlands decked out in Seahawks gear, there to cheer and support their team, as I have done over the years. Sure there have been good natured taunts, but I have never felt targeted or threatened when wearing "enemy gear" to a Giants or Jets game. On behalf of the respect we have for the traditions of both of our teams, let's keep it that way.

Hate on the Seahawks for owning the Giants the past few years. Hate on the Seahawks for inducing 11 false start penalties at Qwest field, or Jay Feely's three missed potential game winning field goals. Hate on the Seahawks because they're one of 15 other NFC teams trying to keep the Giants from repeating as World Champions.

But please don't hate on the Seahawks for what this "waste of human sperm" (as one fellow Seahawk fan described him) posted.

We both know the Giants fan-base is smarter and better than that.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-09-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night Party

Will You Survive Motherland III?

Saturday September 20th marks the beginning of Motherland III! This year the Saturday night party will be hosted by SeahawkBlue.com's HawkHeart and Kegger56 at The Hawks Nest Bar & Grill!

The Hawks Nest was born out of discussion and ideas exchanged on this very website. It has grown from a simple idea to a wildly successful reality.

Joining us will be our old buddy Seahawks Vice President Mike Flood, he will be giving away and raffling off all kinds of goodies. If you didn't get to see Mike at last years event, then you just can't miss this! Mike is a fun guy to party with.

And if that wasn't enough...

Also joining us will be SeahawkBlue.com's very own Nicole! That's right! Seahawks Cheerleader Nicole will be there, and if you thought it was nice that she comes here and lets us know whats up with the Seagals, now you can thank her in person!

What the hell could possibly top that?

How about Seattle Seahawks Cheerleader Natalie? Yep! The lovely Natalie will also be joining us, Natalie and Nicole will be bringing a load of their 2009 Seagal calenders! Uh huh, you will be able to purchase one of these calenders at MLIII. If you play your cards right, you might get a autograph or two on your calender (wink).

And there may another surprise guest or two. To top off it off, you get to meet and party with all your friends and fellow members from SeahawkBlue.com. Most of the Moderators and Admins will be there as well (and a certain orange cat). We will also be bringing the MLIII Tee shirts for all of you who ordered them, and maybe a few spares for those of you newbies who didn't get the chance. All of this from your friends at SeahawkBlue.com and The Hawks Nest!

Vice president of the Seahawks Mike Flood

Seahawks Cheerleader Nicole

Seahawks Cheerleader Natalie

This event is for SeahawkBlue.com members and their guests only. You and your guests must be on the approved guest list to attend. To inquire about the guest list you may PM any Moderator or Admin at SeahawkBlue.com

2008-09-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

monKEYS to the Bills game

We'll start with defense, because it's what worries me the least.

Defensive monKEY #1 Don't let the Bills Lynch you!
I almost didn't type this one out, because it really falls under the big DUH heading, it is so obvious to anyone with a brain, but I just had to say it anyway.
I just did my fantasy football draft this week, and my first overall pick was Marshawn Lynch.
I hope he absolutely stinks it up this week, but there's a reason I took him first overall (other than the fact that the jerk who drafted one spot ahead of me took the guy I really wanted).
Marshawn is a solid strong runner, who isn't all that crafty but is elusive enough and has home run speed.

The Bills are going to want desperately, to establish their running game early on, to take pressure off of Edwards, who is still only a sophomore and doesn't have great arm strength.

Defensive monKEY #2 You just got dealt an 8 and a 3, DOUBLE DOWN!
Buffalo has exactly three scary threats offensively, Marshawn Lynch, (who we already mentioned) and a 6-5 WR named James Hardy (who I will get to in a second), and a WR who wears number 83 by the name of Lee Evans.

Evans is a 5-10 speedy guy with good hands. He's not a world class sprinter, but he definitely has home run speed.

Most importantly Evans is by far and away their biggest threat to stretch the field and score. The nice thing is, if we double cover him, they really don't have much else, the rest of their WR corps is pedestrian at best. Heck the rest of their offense is pedestrian at best.

Take away Evans by doubling down on him as much as possible, and the Bills offense is pretty easy to stop.

I do except to see quite a bit of the Bills TE's this game, especially Robert Royal, who isn't anyone special, but will likely get used more than we are used to seeing with the Bills offense.)
Oh, to get back to the tall WR. He's got good height and decent leaping ability, but he is not at all physical.

In fact, he's sort of a wuss.
The only time we really need to worry about him, is when they're in the red zone.
In case anyone has forgotten, our CB's are tiny little guys, who often get beat out in jump balls, even when they have blanket coverage.

Hence, Defensive monKEY #3 Cut down the tree!
The Bills will want to try and throw it up to their tall WR, in the end zone.
Fade routes, and play action jump balls, could spell big time trouble for us, unless our corners get position EARLY and DO NOT bite on the play fakes.
But the best way to take down this tree, is by getting physical with him, and disrupting the route right from the get go.

He's tall but he's a wimp, so you bump him hard in the five yard bump zone, and screw up his route, otherwise it will be a jump ball over the heads of our defenders for six.

Bottom line for our defense: While Lynch and Evans are very good players and pose some threat, their QB is a ball control type who lacks a big time arm (though he doesn't make a lot of mistakes with the ball) and who really doesn't scare me much at all.

The Bills do have one terrific LT, a guy who is a force, and is also grossly underpaid, and who will not be playing because of that. :P And due to an injury to their backup LT it looks like the Bills will have to get creative with their O-Line.

I see a big big big big big...(did I say BIG?), day for our DE's.
Edwards is going to be forced to take underneath stuff, because he will not have the time in the pocket to go deeper, I see him running for his life a LOT.

Offensive monKEY#1 Help out the big slow.
Locklear isn't starting, which means Willis will be.
Sorry, I realize there are a lot of you all who think that Willis is going to become a good RT. Personally I think he's a bust, and will always be a bust.

I just saw too much of him in college to trust the guy.
IMO he was a vastly over hyped Florida ST product, whose feet are annoyingly slow, and who gets beat badly by good speed rushers. (I'll never forget watching him get beat for four sacks in one game while all the stupid commentators were busy telling me how great the guy was...and I was thinking WTF are they talking about??? He's getting beat like a rented mule out there and has been all day!)

What I'm saying is, we need to give Willis help. Especially since he will be next to Rob Sims, at RG, who at times, simply clueless or just overwhelmed and will no doubt be precious little help to Willis.

Thankfully these are no longer the days of Alexander blocking, and we do now have some good blocking RB's, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to have our TE's give Willis a little extra help out there.

Offensive monKEY#2 And this one will go under the big DUH! heading again, but it still needs to be said, Don't force the pass!!!
Let's face it, Matt Hasselbeck is the best QB we've ever had here in Seattle, but when Hass doesn't see any open WR's he has a HORRIBLE tendency to try and force things, to try and make things happen.

We've all seen it, in Green Bay, in the Super bowl, in Pittsburgh last season, and many many other games.

The WR's aren't getting themselves open, or are breaking off their routes, or are running incorrect routes, and Hasselbeck decides to try to zip it in there.
We've all seen the result of that too, interceptions.

I personally think that our young WR's will have a mixed bag of good and bad plays.
Sometimes they will look fine, and at other times will just disappear.
During those times Hasselbeck MUST stay patient!

This is so vital, I cannot stress it enough.
In fact, if we do lose, I predict that this will be why, too many turnovers (picks).

Bottom line for the offense: Patience is going to have to be the word of the day.
With all new (except for Morris and Weaver) RB's and with a bunch of brand new, inexperienced WR's, our defense may have to become our best offense. Field position will play a huge part in determining whether or not we can score points. (Which reminds me how much I hate bend don't break defense!)

Our Special teams hasn't looked special at all, unless you mean like, the short bus kind of special, (which is why keeping Mare over Coutu was the RIGHT decision).

Our offense is going to have to try to sort of grind it out, hopefully we can establish some kind of a running game or we will likely be in a low scoring slug-fest. (Though I do predict one deep TD to Burleson where he makes some nifty moves to score.)

Monkey's prediction: Seahawks 19 Bills 13 in a mostly defensive slug-fest.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-08-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

CitK Reveals Ruskell's Top-Secret Methods!

Ever wonder why the Seahawks draft or sign certain players, while releasing or bypassing others? I have the answer, and if you'll bear with me, I'll give you the entire story.

The Seahawks, like any typical modern business, employ holistic methods when it comes to acquiring personnel. The front office screens potential draft picks and free agent signings using a battery of wily tests intended to gauge the applicant's fitness in body, mind, and soul. For the Seahawks, however, one assessment trumps the rest, as far as influencing the decision whether or not to pursue or retain a player. This test, officially titled Anagrams in Determining Suitability (AIDS), is more commonly known within the team offices as the Anagram Exam.

The use of anagrams to reveal hidden character traits and as predictor of future actions was originated by Sigmund Freud, who employed the method to attempt to (unsuccessfully) influence the 1908 U.S. elections, famously declaring, “William Howard Taft? More like ‘fat admiral who wilt!'” Accurate as this portrayal of Taft eventually turned out to be, AIDS fell by the wayside as an analytical tool, regarded by most psychologists as inferior to the phrenological methods favored by the majority of early 20th century mental health professionals. That is, until the 2004-5 NFL offseason.

Late one March night Tim Ruskell, newly installed Seahawks GM, paced his library, searching for his tattered copy of “When Pride Still Mattered,” when he noticed a musty tome embossed “AIDS for the Workplace.” Intrigued by the title, Ruskell was rather delighted to discover the book not to be an instruction manual on how to slyly distribute a horrible disease among one's unsuspecting co-workers, but a method of bringing to light a person's innermost character traits by rearranging the letters in their name. Ruskell tried it on himself: “lemur's kilt.”

He fell back against his recliner, dumbfounded and inspired. His parents had for years displayed a photo on their living room wall of an infant Tim, in an umbrella stroller at the Japan Monkey Centre, surrounded by lemurs, several of whom were inexplicably wearing kilts. The young Tim, an intent look on his face, was unsteadily reaching out toward one of the lemurs, causing a blur in the photo where his arm had been moving. Though still a baby, Tim’s mind retained this scene, and throughout his half-century on the planet, he still felt he was continually grasping for that lemur’s kilt, that secret to success that eluded him as long as he had known. The adult Ruskell immediately understood the reason he’d stumbled onto this method. AIDS was to be his life’s destiny!

Ruskell set to work transforming the Seahawks using his newfound method, AIDS, which he, on the gentle urging of Seattle’s LGBTQ community, soon renamed the Anagram Exam. Each player was brought into the GM’s office and asked to take a Wonderlic test, a Rorschach test, a urine test, a cholesterol test, a body fat indicator, a lifting test, and a proctological exam. Finally, the players were asked to spell their full name, then were allowed to depart. Ruskell, throwing a mere glance at the results of the physical and mental tests, would quickly type the player’s name into his word-processor, then feverishly pound out anagrams for the next 3-5 hours, depending on the length of the name and how many RSTLNE’s it contained. Once he had done this for the entire roster, plus each potential college draft pick and NFL free agent, he was ready to put his stamp on the team.

Among the players subsequently released by Ruskell, a few stand out. Chronic malcontent Jerry Lee Rice, who was revealed by the Anagram Exam to be a lustful, petulant, authority-mocker, (“I leer, cry, jeer”), was almost immediately axed. So was Kenyatta Cornelius (Ken) Lucas, who was shown to obtain all his football skills from the dark side, as a “lousy satanic rune tackle”. Anthony Lamont Simmons was similarly allowed to leave, despite scoring near the top of the charts on every other test. No doubt the result of his Anagram Exam (“nanny lotions mammoths”) scared the team off, mindful as they were of the public’s backlash against the Sonics’ Ruben Patterson following his legal trouble a few years earlier.

On the player acquisition front, Ruskell—though desperate for DB help—decided against trading for Patrick Frank Surtain. The team sought, and was granted, permission to perform one test on Surtain, naturally the Anagram Exam, which showed that he may not be the most comfortable teammate with whom to travel, (“irritant fur knapsack.”) This was proven to be true in 2005, as several of his Surtain’s new Chiefs teammates were soon quoted saying things like “don’t sit by Surtain—that woolly backpack will make you itch like a 19th century Honolulu Harbor gentleman's establishmentl!” Indeed, since Surtain joined KC the team has basically regressed, due no doubt in large part to Surtain’s cancerous influence on his teammates while traveling, something that no one could have otherwise foreseen, if they had not the benefit of Anagram Exam, Ruskell’s amazing augury device.

Ruskell has also experienced great success in acquiring players based mainly on their anagrammed name. Mosiula Mea'alofa Tatupu, a little-heralded USC player, was shown to have a ravenous appetite for the opponent, (“Ma’s Meatloaf Luau Utopia,”) which has been proven true in the NFL. Floyd Seneca (Pork Chop) Womack, though oft-injured, was re-signed due in part to his role as clubhouse cutup, often keeping the team plane in stitches on their long trips with his Chapelle-esque “askance comedy flow.” Other notable successes for the Anagram Exam have been Patrick Manning Kerney, whose return from injury to slither past blockers and tackle opponents was obvious: “re-entry mink pancaking,” and Julian Thomas Peterson, whose name pays a grammatically-challenged tribute to his mega-toned midsection, “just a phenomenal torsi.”

That’s not to say Ruskell’s method is totally foolproof. A few mistakes have been made. The most egregious miscue made by the Anagram Exam is likely backup QB Charles Lester Frye, whose intrinsic ability is revealed to be that he “rectally refreshes.” No, thanks! On many levels, the Seahawks gamble on Steven Hutchinson really hurt, setting their running game back several seasons, but at least Ruskell learned to “not invest hunches,” because “even snots unhitch” on occasion. When the Seahawks were looking for help at receiver, Nathaniel Burleson seemed to be the toughest, most virile wideout available, (“none hunt a ballsier.”) But after several years in Seattle his limited skillset has been exposed as more similar to that of a former Hawk: “hello, a nu Bannister.”)

Of course, by 2008 the Seahawk roster has been fully molded by Ruskell’s anagramagic touch. Should the Hawks match up with Denver in the Super Bowl, the stout Brandon Mebane will be a surefire double-digit tackler, as he’s “nabbed roan men.” Darryl Anthony Tapp dares running backs to elude his “hard laptop tyranny,” which the ladies say more than makes up for his small stature. Brandon Coutu was drafted somewhat to fill the void at kicker, but moreso because he’s known as a vocal clubhouse leader, regularly regaling his college teammates with his latest off-color “bra undo count.”

Christopher Clarks Spencer, the Seahawks’ affable center, employs a sneaky hand-blocking technique to deter defenders trying to bypass him with a swim move: “chipper scratch snorkelers.” Owen Schmitt’s oral toughness impressed the Seahawks enough to draft him, as he regularly “chews on mitt” to strengthen his jaw muscles, so essential to making an effective block. Fellow recent draft pick John David Carlson probably won the team over in his interview session, but Carlson’s selection status was not finalized until his Anagram Exam revealed the presence of “John’s candid valor,” a trait entirely undetected by the rest of the teams interested in Carlson, but not by Ruskell, (who, curiously, values candid valor more than any other quality in a young player.)

Well, I hope you have enjoyed learning about the Seahawks’ best tool for evaluating a player. Here’s hoping Tim Ruskell will continue doing what he does best, and perhaps we may see these players on the Seahawks come 2009: WR Jared Dillard, (whose name, “darter jilt lad” indicates he is quick and will leave defenders behind,) OL Herman Johnson, his mean streak developed on the mean streets, (“ho/john manners,”) or LB Brian Cushing, whose anagrams, (“such braining,” and “bashing incur”) so reveal his on-field persona that, though a projected sixth round pick, the Seahawks are likely to take him with their very first selection. And he will no doubt succeed, thanks to Tim Ruskell and that musty tome, late one night, three years ago.

All images thrown together by Citizen K

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-07-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE NFC WEST

(First published on football.com May,20th 2008)

ARIZONA CARDINALS- The Arizona Cardinals are hoping that stability equals improvement. For only the second time since the club moved to Arizona in 1988, the offensive line is returning intact. Last year, Matt Leinart was the starting quarterback to start the season, but when Leinart went out for the season in game five; Kurt Warner became the new starter. It is a new season and Leinart is slated once again to be the starter, despite his off-season extra-curricular activities. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is looking for a new contract, but states, “I don’t want to be traded” despite an earlier report from his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Boldin isn’t the only player with ongoing contract concerns. Defensive lineman Darnell Dockett has expressed his feelings to the team about his contract. Linebacker Karlos Dansby is concentrating on football right now after signing a one-year franchise tender, but Dansby isn’t very optimistic that a long-term deal can be reached anytime soon. Antrel Rolle has moved from cornerback to free safety to replace the departed Terrence Holt. The outside linebacker position could have some heated competition come training camp. Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor return this season, but veteran newcomers Travis LaBoy and Clark Haggans will prove they were brought in for a reason. Second year fullback Tim Castille “bulked-up” during the off-season, and may be ready to assume the starting role, but veteran Terrelle Smith isn’t likely to just sit back and watch it happen. Kicker Neil Rackers had offseason surgery to repair a sports hernia, which may have led to his struggles in 2007, and is expected to be 1oo% heading into training camp.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS- The competition for the starting quarterback job is apparently a three-person race between Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, and J.T. O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan was a backup QB in Detroit, where Mike Martz was the offensive coordinator. Martz is now the offensive coordinator for the 49ers, and is implementing a new, complex offense, one that J.T. O’Sullivan is familiar with, giving him an advantage over the other two quarterbacks vying for the start. San Francisco will see new faces at the receiver position this year, Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson. Running back DeShaun Foster was signed to a one-year deal giving Frank Gore a reliable back up. Rookie defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer was taken in the first round and figures to be the replacement for Bryant Young who retired. Balmer is versatile enough, that he could challenge for a starting spot against veterans Aubrayo Franklin and Isaac Sopoaga. Offensive rookie Chilo Rachal is a strong possibility to start at left guard for retired Larry Allen. Free agent acquisition Justin Smith is expected to fill in and start at defensive end. The 49ers also brought in cornerback Allen Rossum, who could assume the kick return duties if receiver Michael Lewis is not given the chance.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- The Seahawks begin the post-Alexander era in Seattle. Seattle signed Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett in the off-season, mix that with Maurice Morris and you have a position battle. Julius Jones is the expected starter for the Seahawks, but Morris and Duckett will fight in the trenches to earn the starting nod. By selecting defensive end Lawrence Jackson in the first round, Seattle addressed a need to add depth to the line. Jackson could challenge Daryl Tapp for the starting job at right end. Even if he doesn’t secure a starting spot, Jackson is likely to see considerable playing time in the rotation. Another area addressed was tight end, selecting John Carlson of Notre Dame in the second round. This could end up being a highly contested position battle among Carlson, free agent acquisition Jeb Putzier, and Will Heller. Seattle brought back a familiar face at linebacker in D.D. Lewis, and resigning Lance Laury, addressing the need of departed special teams’ players Kevin Bentley and Niko Koutouvides. Lewis and Laury will also provide depth along with Wesley Mallard and rookies Will Herring and David Hawthorne. The Seahawks brought in veteran kicker Olindo Mare to replace Josh Brown, who left for NFC West rival St Louis. Kicker Brandon Coutu was selected in the seventh round of the draft, and should have a decent opportunity to challenge Mare for the starting job. Free agent offensive guard Mike Wahl is looking to make an immediate impact for the Seahawks, and is being compared to former guard Steve Hutchinson. The wide receiver position may end up being a distraction more than anything. With D.J. Hackett flying east to the Panthers, and a possible contract dispute with Bobby Engram, the Seahawks inexperience is likely to cause a problem. If Deion Branch is not ready to go from his knee injury, and Engram decides to sit out over his contract, that opens the door for players such as Ben Obamanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne, and Jordan Kent to step into a starting role. By drafting long-snapper Tyler Schmitt, Seattle may have found the answer to a problem area that existed last season.

ST LOUIS RAMS- Energy and excitement are the words surrounding the Rams this season. After finishing in the cellar of the NFC West in 2007, St Louis is poised to turn things around. New offensive coordinator Al Saunders returns to the Rams, after serving with the team from 1999-2000. Although there are minimal players left from Sunders previous stint, it remains to be seen if the growing pains will be too painful. Veteran quarterback Trent Green will provide ample back up to Marc Bulger. The Rams are recovering from a myriad of injuries suffered from last season, and hope to have most of those fully recovered. Rookie defensive end Chris Long is expected to plug into the starting role and become an immediate pass-rushing force. Defensive end James Hall had been released by the Rams, but was resigned. Linebackers Quinton Culberson and Chris Draft will battle for the starting spot left open by Brandon Chillar. Although Draft is the favorite, Culberson is in the mix and will be given plenty of opportunities to win the job. Another contest that should be highly contested is between centers Brett Romberg and converted guard Mark Setterstrom. Receiver Isaac Bruce has sadly departed opening the door for Drew Bennett to replace him. With Tory Holt and Drew Bennett seemingly set as the top duo, the depth needs to fall into place. Rookie Donnie Avery is looking forward to make an immediate impact, but standing in the way are Dane Looker, Reche Caldwell, and Dante Hall who have the experience. Longtime veteran kicker Jeff Wilkins has retired and lured Josh Brown from the rival Seahawks.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-07-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

THANKS FOR THE WELCOME

First of all I would like to thank TC for allowing me to join as a contributer. It is an honor to be able to be here. Thank you to the Seahawkblue.com members that have welcomed me as well. I hope I will not disappoint you. As TC mentioned, I am currently working for football.com. I have been contributing regularly, for both the college and pro scenes. Here is a link to my work I have done so far. Please take a look if you are interested. Over the next few weeks I would like to preview each position on the team, and break down the players. I will be brutally honest in my posts and it will be my opinion only. Please respond if you would like to, and tell me wheter you agree or not. I look forward to bringing in some interesting and enlightening aspects, previews, and spotlights of the team. I am also a huge trivia buff when it comes to the beloved Seahawks, and I might throw some of that in as well. Once again I would like to thank all of you for the welcome, and I look forward to the opportunity to talk to all of you at sometime. Also, please feel free to drop me a line about anything. Thanks again.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-07-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

HAWKS FINALLY BEAT ONE OF THE ELITE

WRITER’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt from the upcoming book NOTES FROM A 12TH MAN: A TRULY BIASED HISTORY OF THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS.

The Seahawks have never had a real history book about the team, especially from a longtime fan’s point of view and I think it’s high time it did. Think of this book as a sports time machine that visits the highs (and lows) of the franchise. I am a television writer/producer originally from the Seattle area, now based in Los Angeles. The book will be coming out following the 2008 season, which hopefully will be a memorable one for the Hawks.

HAWKS FINALLY BEAT ONE OF THE ELITE

SEAHAWKS 29, VIKINGS 28

The Kingdome, October 8, 1978 Quarterback Fran Tarkenton and the famed Purple People Eaters defense make their first and only appearance in the Kingdome in 1978. I am excited to see one of the premier teams of the seventies live in person. Head Coach Jack Patera is excited since he coached the aforementioned “Eaters” for seven years. The Vikings are only a season removed from winning their fourth NFC Championship and while they are on the decline in ’78, they’re still contenders. The Seahawks catch a break before the game when Vike all-pro running back Chuck Foreman is scratched from the lineup but Minnesota is still a prohibitive favorite.
On the first play of the Hawks’ second possession, Zorn makes a nice play-action fake and hits Sam McCullum in the end zone for a 44-yard touchdown (part of Zorn’s AFC-leading passing yardage total for the season). However, Efren Herrera’s extra point is negated by a false start call against Seattle. Backed up five yards, Herrera’s second attempt is blocked. Later in the quarter, the Seahawks drive 83 yards on only six plays for a 13-0 lead. The touchdown comes when Zorn, finding no one open, takes off and shows that Tarkenton isn’t the only master scrambler in the house as he goes 12 yards for the score.

After the Vikes get on the board via a touchdown reception by Ahmad “Seahawk for a few minutes” Rashad, the Hawks march down the field again; only this time Zorn throws an interception in the end zone. Late in the second quarter, FB David Sims runs eight yards for a touchdown on a nice draw play (Sims would go on to lead the NFL in touchdowns scored in 1978). Unfortunately, the Vikings again block the extra point. The special teams woes worsen on the kickoff when Herrera’s attempted squib flies right into the mitts of an upback who returns it seven yards to the Minnesota 42 with :35 remaining in the half. It takes five plays and only :31 for the Vikings to make it 19-14 at the half.

Things get worse in the third quarter as Minnesota scores two touchdowns to go up 28-19. When Zorn throws his second interception of the game at the Viking 31 early in the fourth quarter, life is very bleak inside the Kingdome. But the defense steps up to play possibly its best quarter in team history (up to this point) as it limits Tarkenton to only eight more passing yards and more importantly, no more Viking points or first downs. Meanwhile, the Hawks put together a solid drive and close the gap when Zorn, seeing no open receivers but an open lane on the right side, darts 22 yards for a touchdown. The extra point once again is an adventure as the Hawks are flagged for a false start after Herrera knocked it through. However this time, Efren is able to convert the second attempt, mere milliseconds before another Viking comes in from the side to block it. The score now stands 28-26, Minnesota.

The defense holds the Vikes to three and out and the offense gets the ball back with 7:04 remaining. Early in the drive on third down, Zorn is stopped just short of the first down markers at the Seahawk 38. Patera decides to go for it on fourth down knowing:

A) If he punts it back to Minnesota, the offense may not see the ball again. B ) Picking up a few inches represented the best way to beat his old boss Bud Grant.C) What did a third-year expansion team have to lose since they were not expected to win anyway?

Sure enough, Sims is able to pick up slightly more than a yard for the first down. Another key play occurs just inside the two minute warning when on first and ten at the Minnesota 33, Zorn avoids the sack by dumping a pass off to Sherman Smith who scampers to the 16 to put the Hawks in more makable field goal position. The next play is a draw to Sims who goes up the gut eight yards that gives Efren an attempt in chip shot range. The Hawks eat up more clock and get all the way to the Viking two before calling their last time out with :03 left. My dad, wanting to avoid the rush out of the stadium, drags me out of our seats. He tells me we can watch the field goal from a monitor in the 200 level concourse. Reluctantly, I exit our row. As Herrera comes onto the field, three things are going through my mind and the minds of thousands of other Hawk fans:

A) Efren had been a shaky 2-6 in field goal attempts this season. B ) This field goal was exactly the same distance as an extra point and he already had two blocked today.C) Why would Fran Tarkenton go on to host That’s Incredible?
As I sit at the top of our section, I risk the wrath of my father by running back down the steps so I can watch the field goal in person. Incredibly, just as the Hawks are ready to snap, flags come out for the fourth time on a kicking attempt. Fortunately, the call goes against the Vikings, moving the ball near the one. Rather than hear my dad telling me we need to view the kick from a concession stand near an exit, I decide to stay on the stairs and watch the next attempt. Then, in almost anti-climatic fashion, Herrera makes what could possibly be the shortest game-winning field goal that will ever happen in team history. I quickly run up the steps where my dad gives me a semi-stern look before we hustle out of the ‘Dome.

The win is very significant in the story of the Seahawks because it is the first time Seattle beat a team that finished the season with a winning record. Minnesota was 8-7-1 in 1978 (and NFC Central Division Champs), which incidentally was not as good as the Hawks 9-7 mark. By finishing above .500, Seattle became the fastest NFL expansion team to have a winning record.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-07-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

Dad And Me Day!
Hi everyone, yesterday myself and my daughter Madison were in Hawk Heaven. It was Dad and Me at the Seahawks day, 4 fun filled hours of drills, discussion, and food. Our hosts were Seneca Wallace, Courtney Taylor, and Linebackers Coach Rollins. The drills they put us through were an obstacle course, hands and footwork drills, 40 yard dash, and a tour of the holy grail the Seahawks Locker Room.

The Locker Room is something that people are hardly ever able to see, and I included lots of pictures for those of you who are interested in seeing what it looks like. This event is great, and the Hawks really cater to dad's and their kids. I really recommend it to anyone, we had a great time. There was some good one on one time with the players, and I am very impressed with Courtney Taylor what a nice man he is, and I look forward to seeing more of him in the future. My daughter was really excited to try on Nate Burleson's (my wife's favorite) equipment, but for me it was standing next to Lofa Tatupu's locker.

Anyway we had a great time, and if anyone has any other questions let me know.

-tacomahawk

12th Man...I Am

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-07-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Bobby Played

Ever since Bobby Engram hinted at a possible training camp hold out due to contract issues, there have been a lot of long faces in Seahawk fandom. Engram is looking for a contract extension and it looks as though the Seahawks are taking a dim view. Usually a player who wants to restructure his contract is seen as a selfish “me first” type of person. Does Bobby really fit this mold? It is considered a taboo for an organization to entertain this type of request as it sends an unfavorable message to other players that the organization can be held hostage at the players will.

When a players skills diminish to the point that the organization considers the player is being paid too much for the amount of production they are getting in return, it is general practice to ask that player to restructure their contract resulting in that player taking a pay cut. This is considered normal and acceptable.

The general feeling among fans is “he signed the contract, he needs to live by it”. Then there is Shaun Alexander who’s skills diminished to the point that the Seahawks asked him to restructure and take a pay cut. Alexander refused and was cut from the team. Should we have kept him and paid him the money he was due?

Engram was the Seahawks leading receiver last season with 94 catches. Last year Bobby made $ 1,402,200 while Nate Burleson made $ 5,253,080 and Deion Branch made $ 8,976,471.

Lets take a closer look at Engram, a player who has never really had that big “pay day”. If his motivation isn’t greed, then what is it? I believe it is something that I hope none of us will ever have to experience. Bobby has a daughter who is very ill. Engrams daughter has Sickle Cell Disease. For just a moment try to imagine one of your children stricken with a sickness, you had a great year at work, but realize you are nearing the end of your career. What would you do? Normally I am also the type that believes a player who signs a contract should shut up and play the game. But every once in a while you have a situation like this where you have to look at the whole picture. Under paid and nearing the end of the road.

It seems like almost every time we needed that 3rd down catch across the middle to get a first down, Bobby was there. Bobby’s career here has produced many clutch catches that we needed to keep a drive going. Bobby always gave us hope that any game was winnable when he was in there. I hope the Seahawks organization and maybe even the players and fans re-think this over. When we needed a catch, when we needed a few more yards, when we needed a score, Bobby played.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

Zornout!!!

2008-01-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

Jim Zorn, the wildly entertaining quarterback who thrilled the Seahawks fans that first season in 1976, has slithered away into the night. He being the icon of Seahawk's lore, who passed through the black vortex of evil and landed in Snyder's den.

What will Matt Hasselbeck do? How will fans react? The cry out for number 10, falls on deaf ears. The era of change and uncertainty is coming. Mike Holmgren declared 2008 to be his final season as Seahawks coach. Wide receivers coach Nolan Cromwell and quality control coach Gary Reynolds have left to take jobs at Texas A&M. Bill Laveroni has been fired. Ray Rhodes is expected to join the Houston Texans. Now Zorn, 54, who many projected that he would become offensive coordinator after Holmgren passes the reins over to Jim Mora, has also moved on to another team.

Let's put this into perspective. Cromwell, Reynolds and Zorn left to accept promotions. Rhodes wants to finish his career near his home in Texas. They are doing what is best for their families and their career. This is expected. Laveroni earned his way to the soup line. There has been speculation in the press, that Jim Zorn with an offer in hand, met with Seahawks officials to see if he would get an extension. He received no promises so he agreed to become the offensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins. You know, this is the team where the power of the spirits of Sean Taylor failed them.

Jim Zorn thrilled us with his scrambling ability and his flair for lofting passes to Steve Largent during our inaugural season of 1976 and beyond. He is one of the more revered athletes this town has seen. The majority believes he could not fail. However, we do not know if he will become a good offensive coordinator. Holmgren will find a capable replacement for the coach of the quarterbacks. The walrus is one of the premiere evaluators of quarterbacks in the NFL and is astute enough to hire the "right" QB coach. This is best to have him select someone now, rather then to choose someone after Holmgren retires.

I am happy and sad for Jim Zorn. I am glad that he has the opportunity to elevate his coaching career in the NFL. I am sad for him to have to languish within the insane asylum that is the Washington Redskins. Snyder - how did someone so stupid, ever find a way to get rich? It must be from inheritance. As long as Snyder is at the helm, that franchise will wallow in urine.

As for the Seahawks, we will be fine. The majestic headquarters and training facility is due to open this June which will be enticing to prospective free agents. Paul Allen's money will ensure great facilities and provide sufficient payment for the best in coaches. Tim Ruskell will continue to find gems in the draft and bring in veterans to maintain our competitive edge. We will have Mike Holmgren for one more push for that Super Bowl win. We have a fine future coach in Jim Mora who is receiving the best in mentoring from "The Walrus".

Jim, beware of Ouija boards delivered from a shipper with the initials of S.T.

Gladiator Hawk

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

2008-01-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

HAIL TO THEE, O SEAHAWK FANS! IT IS I, MOSES, HERE TO PREDICT THE UPCOMNG SEAHAWK / slacker PLAYOFF GAME!!!!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“We’ll take the ball and we’re going to score.” -Matt Hasselbeck after winning the flip in overtime the last time the Seahawks played a playoff game in Green Bay.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK:

21….. The amount of points the Seahawks beat the Redskins last week (WOW! Just like someone’s old number… creepy, eh?)

THIS WEEK’S SPONSOR:

This week is brought to you by our sponsor, The Green Bay Fudge Packer. Do you have a need to compress your fudge as tightly as possible? Why not try a Green Bay Fudge Packer? The Green Bay Fudge Packer will help you compact your fudge as tightly as possible with little mess and only a small amount of fuss. When you feel like you want to pack fudge, only a Green Bay Fudge Packer will satisfy you.

Brett Favre Laxatives not included.

LAST WEEK:

How dare the Seahawks crush the dreams of those emotional Redskins! WE ARE HEADED TO THE SECOND ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS AND ARE 11-6!!!

Last week the Seahawks provided a fair amount of emotion courtesy of their 12th man to combat the emotions the Redskins had regarding their own 12th man deceased safety Sean Taylor and sent the Redskins prematurely home before their much anticipated showdown with the Cowboys.

Oops… Sorry to spoil your plans, fellas.

The only ‘21’ felt this game was the 21 points that the Seahawks beat the Redskins by. Of course, ‘21’ was indeed there in more than just spirit. I refer, of course, to Seahawk defensive back Kelly Jennings who play very well.
The Redskins learned in Seattle that the only spirits affecting the outcome of games in Qwest Field is the Spirit of their OWN 12th Man and their deafening roar when opposing offenses are on the field.

But as the Redskins return back home to apply Sean Taylor for sainthood, let us look forward to:

THIS WEEK’S PLAYOFF MATCHUP:

SEATTLE VS. GREEN BAY

The Seahawks leave the friendly confines of Seattle to tread upon the “FROZEN TUNDRA OF LAMBEAU FIELD”.

(Ring….ring….. Ring…ring….. Chris Berman??? Chris Berman??? Please pick up the white courtesy phone….)

The Packers enter this game with a mind blowing 13-3 record, which was enough to give them a well deserved bye week last week. This coming from a team that many people thought would be about as exciting to watch this season as watching milk curdle.

How in the name of Paul Horning did this happen?

Well, having the 11th best defense in the NFL certainly didn’t hurt.
Defensively, the Packers were stout against the run (14th in the NFL) as well as against the pass (12th in the NFL).

BUT……

The big headlines over the last few years for the Packers come from its offense. It should be no surprise that the Packers have ridden in on the arm of the never aging Brett ‘Retirement is for losers’ Favre.

Brett Favre has put together another memorable season this year. He has 28 touchdown passes, and also leads the league in love letters sent to by John Madden.

Not bad for someone who contemplated retirement before the season started.

In fact, Brett has made the issue of his possible retirement the last few offseasons the hottest topic in Wisconsin since the great “Gouda vs. Cheddar” debate of 1947.

Each season, Brett mulls retirement both privately and publicly while Cheeseheads around the country hold their collective breaths (and crackers). They all wait, the team waits, John Madden waits…EVERYONE WAITS!

And then, he emerges from his self induced non-hibernation to announce that he once again will be slinging the ball and shooting those childish smiles that make Tony Kornheiser’s heart flutter.

After all the debate, all the examination of every word he says, every scrutinizing of his body language when he is out in public…… Well, nothing really changes.

When I examined why he decided to stay in the huddle another season, it became as clear to me as a Bobby Engram third down catch why he decided to stay.

So, here from our offices located John Madden’s man crush comes……

TOP THREE REASONS BRETT FAVRE DID NOT RETIRE AFTER LAST SEASON:

3. THE CHEESE IN WISCONSIN IS SIMPLY THAT MUCH BETTER THAN ANYWHERE ELSE.

2.MIKE HOLMGREN TOLD HIM NOT TO.

1. FEAR OF HAVING TO SIT IN A BROADCAST BOOTH NEXT TO JOHN MADDEN

BUT….

Despite being the man in Green Bay, without Holmgren, Brett Favre has yet to return to the Super Bowl.

But for now, Brett Favre is still the Leader of the Packers.

And that title segues into this week’s:

SING ALONG WITH MOSES!

This week, I rewrite the classic 1964 song by the Shangri-Las. So, get out your bouffant wig, find your favorite poodle skirt, and sing this week’s song (sung to the tune of “Leader of the Pack”) :

Does he really have one?
Well, there he is, Let's ask him.
Holmy, is that a Super Bowl ring you're wearing? Mm-hmm
Gee, it must be have been great coaching him.
Is he gonna lose Saturday? Uh-uh
By the way, how will you beat him?
We’ll beat him on Saturday Night
He’ll throw the ball, we’ll intercept
You get the picture? (yes, we see)
That's when the Seahawks beat
The leader of the Packers.

The AFC was always putting us down (down, down)
They said our conference was full of clowns
Whatcha mean they said we had a conference of clowns?
Brett Favre well he‘ll be sad, Cause I knew he would be sacked
That's how the Seahawks beat The leader of the Packers.

One day Hass said, "Try something new"
He’ll throw touchdowns by the slew
Whatcha mean Hass said that ya better go try somebody new?
He stood there and asked me why, But all Favre could do was cry,
I'm sorry I hurt you
The leader of the Packers.

Brett Favre will smile and them he’ll be dropped
The wear and tear is beginning to show
As he drove downfield on that Saturday night
The Seahawk defense put on a show
But whether he audibled, we'll never know
Look out! Look out! Look out! Look out!

He fell so helpless, what could he do?
Brett Favre’s playoff dreams were now through
The NFL all stopped and stared, I can't hide the joy, but I don't care
He should have retired
The leader of the Packers

The leader of Packers - now he's loss
The leader of Packers - now he's loss
The leader of Packers - now he's loss
The leader of Packers - now he's loss

BUT…..

The Seahawks come into this game in familiar territory. This is their third straight year playing in the second round of the playoffs. Yet despite this constant success, as I type this over 75% of the country polled no a certain sports station still think the PACKERS are going to win.

I guess I should not take it too seriously. I mean, look who the public has leading the country…

(ring…ring…… ring…ring…. George W. Bush??? George W. Bush??? Please pick up the white courtesy phone…)

Of course, it wasn’t long ago that the Seahawks found themselves playing in Green Bay in the playoffs. It was four years ago, and the Seahawks were playing in the playoffs for the first time in YEARS!!!

So, we should be understanding when, as the Seahawks win the toss in overtime, their young and excited quarterback could not help but blurt out his confidence while the country watched at home and turned to each other and said, “Did he just say what I THINK he said?”

Be that as it may, Matt Hasselbeck has provided us with this week’s:
TAKE A CRACK AT THIS PHRASE!!!

This week, I take a crack at the following phrase…

“WE ARE GOING TO TAKE THE BALL…”

….here we go!

WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE BALL AND….WE ARE GOING TO PUNT IT BACK AFTER THREE PLAYS.

WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE BALL AND….WE ARE GOING TO GIVE IT A NICE HOME.

WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE BALL AND….WE ARE GOING TO GO HOME

WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE BALL AND….GIVE IT A SHINY NEW COAT OF PAINT

WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE BALL AND….REPLACE IT WITH A WATERMELON

WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE BALL AND….KEEP IT UNTIL YOU PAY FOR OUR BROKEN WINDOW

Really, the Packers and the Seahawks have a lot in common. Think about it. They gave us Matt Hasselbeck. We gave them Ahmad Green. We hired Mike Holmgren from them. They hired Sherman Smith from us. The Packers are known as an organization that is partially owned by its fans. The Seahawks fans take great delight in OWNING the opposing offense each week.
How will this all turn out?

MOSES’S BURNING QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK:

WILL THE SEAHAWKS TAKE ONTHER STEP TOWARDS SUPER BOWL XLII?

WILL BRETT FAVRE TAKE ANOTHER STEP TOWARD FOOTBALL IMMORTALITY?

WILL SOMEONE PASS THE CHEEZ WHIZ???

SO, CAN THEY DO IT?

MOSES PREDICTS:

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 27
Green faced slackers 16

SO LET IT BE WRITTEN, SO LET IT BE DONE!!!

--MOSES

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

Note to media: We're better than the Cardinals

2007-12-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

I'm going to throw this little bone out there. Take it, leave it, whatever. But, here it is.

I hate the Arizona Cardinals.

For reasons I can't quite fathom, ever summer we read about how this perenial joke of a franchise is going to overtake Seattle for the NFC West crown. We hear how well they drafted, how that one free agent will put them over the top. This is despite the fact that they haven't won 9 games in a season since 1998 (wonder if they'll make a 10 year patch for next season) and haven't won 10 games since 1976.

Look, I'm not saying Seattle has been a model of consistency through out its history, but the past few years have been, to say the least, a succesful. How fitting is it that Seattl'e NFC best 50th win since the start of the 2003 season could come against the team that has exactly half that total in the same span?

Seattle has been twice as successful as their feathered rivals, yet Arizona gets twice the media love. Yeah, it irks me. I'm a fan, its my job to get ticked off about this.

So, like many other Seahawk fans, I'm really excited that the club can sew up another division crown and get revenge for a week 2 loss. Its time for Alexander to make up for his fumble. Lets protect the ball, make life miserable for Arizona, and remind them how a real football team wins divisions.

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]

Will the Seahawks Force Another NFL Rule Change?

2007-11-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

Not many people realize this, but the Seattle Seahawks have either been directly or significantly involved in several NFL Rule Changes.

Most everyone remembers the Vinny Testaverde "phantom" touchdown against the Seahawks, which ushered in the return of instant replay, and the Excessive Crowd Noise rule, from the old Kingdome days, which is still on the books but rarely called. There's also the "Joe Nash" rule, requiring ~~an "injured" player to sit out for at least one play~~ a 10 second run off for an injury stoppage if you're out of time outs, which came into effect after ~~Tom Flores'~~ Chuck Knox's "brain child" for slowing down the Boomer Esiason Cincinnati Bengals hurry-up offense was to have Nash fake an injury after every other play!

But given the fact that the lackluster Seattle Seahawks seem primed to "win" the worst division in football for the fourth consecutive year, there are rumblings that another NFL Rule change may forthcoming.

Six Teams make the playoffs from each conference, the four divisional winners and the two Wild Card teams with the next best records. If the playoffs started today, the Cowboys (7-1), Packers (7-1), Bucs (5-4) and Seahawks (4-4) would be your division winners, with the Lions (6-2) and Giants (6-2) as the Wild Cards, and the Redskins (5-3) on the outside looking in.

Looking at the AFC, the Patriots (9-0), Colts (7-1), Steelers (5-2) and Chiefs (4-4) would be your division winners, with the Titans (6-2) and Jags (5-3) as Wild Cards, with the Browns (5-3) and Ravens (4-3) getting the green banana!.

That's three teams with better winning percentages than the Seahawks watching the playoffs at home on their TVs.

There are rumbings throughout the league for the NFL to change the playoff format, seeding the teams by their season record, without automatic bids for divisional winners, and possibly even disregarding the Conference balance.

Which means if playoff rosters were comprised of the top 6 teams in each conference, the Redskins would be in and the Seahawks would be the out. Similarly in the AFC, the Browns would be in and the Chiefs would be out.

Taking the top 12 teams in the league, regardless of Conference, wouldn't change the participants, but would change the seeding.

Seeding the playoffs this way would basically render the Divisions and their respective rivalries as useless, but the only thing that may keep this change from getting serious consideration might be the fact that the Chiefs, one of the "good old boy" franchises from the league's infancy, would be screwed out of a playoff berth.

Because Lord knows, if the league could find another way to screw the Seahawks, it would jump at the chance!

[Comments taken in SeahawkBlue Forums]