The Qwest for Flight | Yawkey's Seahawks Franchise

[Yawkey Way]

Seahawks Dismantle Cowboys, Surprise Many

17

38

DallasIt was obvious Leroy Hill didn't read the newspaper this week. On the Cowboys first play from scrimmage, which happened to be from the one yardline, he darted through the line and sacked Romo for a safety. From there, the Seahawks added two more touchdowns to go up 23-10 heading into halftime. Today was the rise of Cedric Peerman, as he caught and ran for a touchdown replacing Justin Forsett, who left the game with a leg injury.

It seemed like Dallas would make a game of it in the third, as Romo connected with Roy Williams to narrow the margin to 23-17. But Matt Hasselbeck delivered one of the prettiest thrown balls i've seen from him all season, hitting Deon Butler perfectly over the shoulder on a corner route in between two defenders for a 53 yard TD. 31-17. After trading punts, Dallas drove down the field yet again in the 4th quarter. On 2nd and goal from the 7, Tony Romo was flushed out of the pocket. One yard away from the endzone, he was leveled by none other than Leroy Hill, jarring the ball loose. Big Brandon Mebane fell on it, and the game took a wild turn for Seattle. Cedric Peerman was able to run in a 38 yard toss with a little over 3 minutes to go, sealing the deal for Seattle.

Team Statistics

QB
Tony Romo 14-19 | 281yds | 2TD

HB
Marion Barber 20car | 61yds

WR
Patrick Crayton 4rec | 122yds | TD
Roy Williams 3rec | 16yds | TD
Miles Austin 2rec | 66yds

DEF
Jay Ratliff 5tkl
Igor Olshansky 3tkl | tfl
Bradie James 2tkl | sack

Team Statistics

QB
Matt Hasselbeck 14-21 | 258yds | 3TD

HB
Julius Jones 25car | 114yds | TD
Cedric Peerman 2car | 37yds | TD

WR
T.J Houshmanzadeh 4rec | 88yds | TD
Deon Butler 3rec | 104yds | TD
Cedric Peerman 2rec | 21yds | TD

DEF
Lawyer Milloy 4tkl | tfl | FF
Leroy Hill 3tkl | Sack/Safety | FF
Lofa Tatupu 3tkl​

 

[TheSanchize]

Nice upset.

 

[Yawkey Way]

Seattle now travels to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions, winners of three games already this season. Seattle goes in at a less than astounding 2-5, but are also coming off a beyond impressive win against the Dallas Cowboys.

Detroit Players to Watch
The Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson big play connection should be in full force on Sunday, as Lawyer Milloy is not known for his speed and Marcus Trufant has been known to allow the big play. Kevin Smith has also been a please surprise out of the backfield for Detroit, perhaps giving them a running back mainstay they haven't seen in a while. The Detroit defense has been shaky, so watch to see if they have trouble stopping a sudden surge of offensive production from Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks Players to Watch
Julius Jones is coming off his best game of the season by far, topping the 100 yard mark for the second time but was a much more important facet of the game against Dallas carrying the ball 25 times. I hope he gets his fair share of carries again against Detroit. The Seattle defensive line played stellar in the game against Dallas, lets see if they can keep the trend going.
Prediction
Seattle Seahawks 28
Detroit Lions 14​

 

[Yawkey Way]

Special Teams Blows Game, Leaves Seattle at 2-6

34

20

DetroitIt has become painfully obvious that this Seattle Seahawks team does not have a lick of consistency in them. Coming off their biggest win in some time, The 'Hawks laid the proverbial egg against Detroit losing by two scores. Those two scores can be credited to Dennis Northcutt, who returned two punts for touchdowns. In the first quarter Northcutt went 80 yards for the score, and in the fourth quarter he took it back 76 yards. Those two special teams lapses proved to be the difference as both teams played pretty evenly.

Both John Carlson and Julius Jones found the endzone today, and Olindo Mare knocked in a pair of field goals. Mare hit a 55 yarder in the 3rd quarter, which was his longest of the year. Marcus Trufant did an excellent job on Calvin Johnson, limiting him to just one catch. Seattle will look to pull off another upset on Arizona next week.

Team Statistics

QB
Matthew Stafford 16-25 | 141yds | TD

HB
Kevin Smith 19car | 152yds | TD

WR
Adam Jennings 4rec | 35yds | TD
Dennis Northcutt 2rec | 12yds
Calvin Johnson 1rec | 24yds

DEF
Ernie Sims 11tkl
Dewayne White 3tkl | 2sacks
Kalvin Pearson INT

Team Statistics

QB
Matt Hasselbeck 26-47 | 216yds | TD | INT

HB
Julius Jones 12car | 58yds | TD
Cedric Peerman 7car | 22yds |

WR
John Carlson 9rec | 70yds | TD
T.J Houshmanzadeh 4rec | 35yds
Deion Branch 3rec | 33yds

DEF
Leroy Hill 6tkl | Sack
Lofa Tatupu 4tkl
Patrick Kerney 3tkl​

 

[Yawkey Way]

A Tale of Two Veterans

As the season progresses and Seattle inches slowly and slowly towards a losing season, many believe that it is time to look towards the future at the Quarterback position. Matt Hasselbeck has done a great job, but many point to age as the main reason. While Hass won't be around forever, the numbers he has put up this season may surprise many. With a 87.9 QB rating, he ranks 12th in the league. He also ranks 12th in passing yards, 13th in TD's while being 23rd in the league with 7 INT's. Hass could easily be a dark horse for comeback player of the year after missing a lot of time in 2008 with injuries. He has thrown for 2205 yards, while doubling his INT total with 14 TD's. So I pose the question to you Seahawk fans, are you really ready to pull the plug on Matt Hasselbeck this early? His numbers are comparable to many of the 2nd tier QB's in the league, why potentially waste a 1st round pick on a QB if this class is not very strong.

Our 2nd veteran is defensive end Patrick Kerney. Kerney, in his 11th season, has wreaked havoc for right tackles almost his entire career. This year however, we have yet to see the same dominance from Patrick. After being a perennial 10 sack guy, injuries have also played a factor for Kerney. He only had 21 tackles and 5 sacks all of last season. This year, the tackle numbers are there but he has yet to register a sack. 8 games played and the team's best pass rusher has yet to garner one sack. I know this team needs help on offense, but could a potential replacement for Kerney be next in Seattle?​

 

[Yawkey Way]

Forsett Done for Season

After tearing his hamstring two weeks ago, Justin Forsett has elected to go to injured reserve for the rest of the season. Forsett could have came back for the last 2 weeks of the season, but will elect to give himself more time to heal in the off-season. Forsett is a free agent to be, and with Julius Jones playing average it creates questions as to whether Forsett is in the future plans. With only 2 HB on the roster, Seattle signed Ian Johnson to a 1 year deal.

​

 

[Skins2K9]

tough loss to the Lions

 

[Mit]

That sucks that you lost Forsett. On a better note, Ian Johnson's journey to the Hall of Fame has now begun.

 

[TheSanchize]

Tough loss to the Lions and losing Forsett. Nice write up about the two vets.

 

[TheSanchize]

Some of us don't have time for full game lengths

 

[Yawkey Way]

I don't put the small running stats such as the FB getting 2-3 carries or the backups or anything to that matter. I totaled 87 plays and that is just offensively, you probably get another 20 added on from the small running stats/punts/field goals/XP's. i'm 10-15 plays short..shoot me.

 

[Yawkey Way]

Seattle comes into this one angry, as they were seconds away from an upset in the two teams first encounter. Now, Seattle is 2-6 while Arizona is 6-2, two teams heading in opposite directions.

Arizona Players to Watch
This team loves the big play, which means that Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston will all have a field day toying with the struggling Seahawk secondary. This means big numbers for Kurt Warner, who will look to put the ball in the air early and often en route to a victory.

Seattle Seahawks Players to Watch
Jordan Babineaux has a pick in three straight games. Will it be enough to make up for the 2 big plays he allows each game? Matt Hasselbeck has looked steady so far, knock on wood but he may be proving that he has another year left in the tank to save Seattle from a QB class that is not very high profiled.
Prediction
Seattle Seahawks 10
Arizona Cardinals 24​

 

[Yawkey Way]

Arizona Puts Seattle Away this time, 'Hawks fall to 2-7

31

17

Arizona With upset on their minds, Seattle went in thinking this would be a close game. Arizona however, wanted nothing to do with the annoying NFC bottom feeders. The Cardinals staked themselves to a 14 point lead after one, returning an interception for a touchdown and pounding in a short TD run with Tim Hightower. Nate Burleson produced Seattle's only points in the first half, coming off a 3 yard touchdown reception from Matt Hasselbeck. The Seahawks went into halftime down 24-7.

For consolation purposes, Seattle did win the 3rd quarter 10-0. Deion Branch caught a 15 yard TD from Matt Hasselbeck, and Olindo Mare knocked in a 47 yard field goal. Anquan Boldin reminded Josh Wilson that he was still a young'n in the 4th quarter, reeling in a 47 yard TD pass. This was a tale of two halves for Seattle, who played a lot better in the 2nd half. Consistency issues continue to plague this team, who know crawl into a Metrodome match up with the Vikings at 2-7, the NFC West proverbial punching bag Seattle Seahawks.

Team Statistics

QB
Kurt Warner 30-43 | 274yds | 2TD

HB
Tim Hightower 19car | 64yds | TD

WR
Larry Fitzgerald 10rec | 81yds | TD
Anquan Boldin 8rec | 110yds | TD
Anthony Becht 5rec | 26yds

DEF
Chike Okeafor 8tkl | Sack
Darnell Dockett 6tkl | sack
Antrel Rolle INT

Team Statistics

QB
Matt Hasselbeck 25-37 | 335yds | 2TD | INT

HB
Julius Jones 8car | 27yds |
Owen Schmitt 9car | 17yds
Cedric Peerman 6car | 7yds

WR
Nate Burleson 9rec | 119yds | TD
John Carlson 8rec | 92yds
T.J Houshmanzadeh 5rec | 62yds

DEF
Deon Grant 7tkl
Lofa Tatupu 6tkl
Aaron Curry Sack​

 

[Yawkey Way]

After another loss to Arizona, Seattle takes on the Purple People Eaters, and look entirely like vulnerable food at this point. Seattle is a feeble 2-7 while Minnesota has their eye on a playoff spot at 6-3.

Minnesota Players to Watch
Minnesota finally has their QB, and it's the great Brett Favre! Favre will look to torch an often confused Seahawks secondary while opening up running holes for whom many consider the best back in the league in Adrian Peterson. Seattle's run defense has not been too bad this year, but are vulnerable to the big play. On defense, the front line of Minnesota is very scary to just an average offensive line. Lets see if Walter Jones has trouble with Jared Allen off the edge.

Seattle Seahawks Players to Watch
The strong core of linebackers for Seattle will be tested this week, as they have to deal with a potent passing and rushing attack. Peterson routinely breaks it into the second level, but is also capable of displaying fumblitis. Look for Aaron Curry and Lofa Tatupu to go ball hawking on Sunday. Julius Jones is coming off an 8 carry performance against Arizona, hopefully he can get back on track for the Seahawks who will need balance if they want to stay competitive.
Prediction
Seattle Seahawks 17
Minnesota Vikings 27​

 

[Yawkey Way]

Hasselbeck Throws it Away Four Times, Seahawks Lose Laugher

31

14

Minnesota It must be easy to win when your offense never even has to drive down the field. Turnovers killed the Seahawks today, as they committed 5 of them en route to a loss. Matt Hasselbecks four interceptions proved to be more than costly. Brett Favre found his new favorite target Sydney Rice early on a 21 yard jump ball in the end zone. Off a Matt Hasselbeck INT, Adrian Peterson ran in a three yard TD. Peterson was kept in check in part to a masterful performance by the Seattle Seahawks rushing defense. At halftime the game was already 17-0, so Seattle could not run the ball as effectively as they wanted too.

The two teams played even football the second half playing to 14-14. Nate Burleson and Matt Hasselbeck again hooked up for the lone passing touchdown of the game. Burleson seems to be playing better and better as the season goes on and has been able to stay away from the injury bug. E.J Henderson recovered a Julius Jones fumble and took it the distance, but Jones was able to retaliate late in the game with a 1 yard TD. Things look better for next week as the Seahawks take on the Rams.

Team Statistics

QB
Brett Favre 18-27 | 183yds | TD | 2INT

HB
Adrian Peterson 23car | 30yds | 2TD
Chester Taylor 8car | 36yds

WR
Sidney Rice 7rec | 68yds | TD
Percy Harvin 4rec | 48yds
Darius Reynaud 1rec | 27yds

DEF
Jared Allen 7tkl | 4sacks | INT
Ray Edwards 6tkl | 3sacks
Tyrell Johnson/Antoine Winfield/Madieu Williams INT each

Team Statistics

QB
Matt Hasselbeck 23-34 | 252yds | TD | 4INT

HB
Julius Jones 10car | 36yds |
Cedric Peerman 9car | 23yds

WR
T.J Houshmanzadeh 5rec | 47yds
Nate Burleson 4rec | 36yds | TD
Deon Butler 2rec | 46yds

DEF
Lofa Tatupu 5tkl | 2tfl
Leroy Hill INT
Patrick Kerney Sack​

 

[TheSanchize]

yikes

 

[Yawkey Way]

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-1)
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-2)
3. New England Patriots (7-3)
4. Oakland Raiders (4-6)
5. Cincinnati Bengals (7-3)
6. Baltimore Ravens (6-4)
----------------------------------
7. Houston Texans (5-5)
8. Miami Dolphins (5-5)
9. Indianapolis Colts (5-5)
10. Tennessee Titans (5-5)
11. New York Jets (4-6)
12. San Diego Chargers (4-6)
13. Denver Broncos (4-6)
14. Kansas City Chiefs (3-7)
15. Buffalo Bills (3-7)
16. Cleveland Browns (1-9)

1. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)
2. Arizona Cardinals (8-2)
3. Green Bay Packers (7-3)
4. Atlanta Falcons (7-3)
5. Carolina Panthers (7-3)
6. Minnesota Vikings (7-3)
--------------------------------------
7. New Orleans Saints (6-4)
8. New York Giants (6-4)
9. San Francisco 49ers (4-6)
10. Dallas Cowboys (4-6)
11. Chicago Bears (4-6)
12. Detroit Lions (4-6)
13. Washington Redskins (3-7)
14. Seattle Seahawks (2-8)
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-8)
16. St. Louis Rams (1-9)​

 

[Yawkey Way]

Heading into St. Louis, Seattle actually has the upperhand. For the first time since week one, the 2-8 Seahawks are favorited by a touchdown over the 1-9 St. Louis Rams. Can they hold up?

St. Louis Players to Watch
No, this isn't a paradox, there are actually a few players on the Rams roster to watch. Obviously, starting HB Stephen Jackson is one of the best all around backs in the league and he's been doing it on a below average team his entire career. The Seahawk run defense has looked dicey in their first four preseason games, so maybe Jackson can win some fantasy owners their opening week games. I'll also be interested to watch WR Donnie Avery. If Keith Null or Marc Bulger can get him the ball, Avery can do some special things in open space.

Seattle Seahawks Players to Watch
Matt Hasselbeck has had his ups and downs in Seattle. The downs have been more profound than the ups recently, but 2009 is a chance for Matt to redeem himself to the Seahawk faithful. I will also like to see how Aaron Curry responds in his first NFL game. Curry was the Seahawks top draft pick, and brings uncapped potential to the linebacking core in this Seattle defense. Curry will need to plug the gaps and not allow Stephen Jackson to break outside in the runge game.

Prediction
Seattle Seahawks 27
St.Louis Rams 24​

 

[TheSanchize]

I may cry if you lose this game..

 

[Yawkey Way]

Not one Touchdown Scored in Afternoon Snoozer

9

15

St. Louis Ah, I apologize for any errors, I just woke up from the nap I took during the Rams Seahawks game. A game that saw no touchdowns scored was one that enticed only the soccer players and field goal kickers of the world. Olindo Mare and Josh Brown traded 50 yard field goals in the first quarter. The second quarter was where Seattle took their charge, as they doubled the Rams field goal total 2:1. A scoreless third quarter for the Rams sealed the deal, as the Seahawks went on to win 15-9.

Team Statistics

QB
Marc Bulger 11-26 | 111yds

HB
Steven Jackson 18att | 68yds

WR
Donnie Avery 4rec | 70yds
Randy Mcmichael 4rec | 32yds
Ruvell Martin 2rec | 6yds

DEF
James Laurinitis 11tkl
Leonard Little 5tkl | 2sacks
James Butler 5tkl

Team Statistics

QB
Matt Hasselbeck 24-41 | 306yds

HB
Owen Schmitt 9car | 28yds
Julius Jones 9car | 9yds
Cedric Peerman 9car | 4yds

WR
John Carlson 8rec | 93yds
T.J Houshmanzadeh 6rec | 110yds
Nate Burleson 3rec | 45yds

DEF
Leroy Hill 9tkl
Lofa Tatupu 6tkl
Lawrence Jackson Sack​