‘They come in bunches’: Turnovers have been oddly elusive

October 9, 2014 cc Leave a comment

Last season, Seattle became the first defense since the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears to pull off the triple crown — first in yards, points and takeaways.

They have a ways to go this year if they are going to repeat that feat.

While they are the No. 1 run defense, fifth in total yards and ninth in points allowed, they are tied for 31^st in takeaways.

After four games last season, they had 13 forced turnovers on their way to a league-best 39. After four games this season, they have just three.

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Contracts

Only one Russell is going to get an extension

October 8, 2014 cc Leave a comment

After this season, the Seahawks figure to give a contract extension to Russell.

Wilson. Not Okung.

While the quarterback has far exceeded expectations over his first two and a quarter seasons, the left tackle has largely been underwhelming since being drafted sixth overall in 2010.

Both are signed through 2015, which means next offseason is the key time for extensions. Wilson will get his, but it’s hard to see Okung getting one — especially if he continues to struggle like he did Monday night.

The left tackle was flagged for three penalties vs. Washington, including a false start on third down that helped stop a first-quarter drive and a holding on a third-quarter drive that also fizzled.

“I’ve got to play better,” he told The Seattle Times. “I can’t afford to have three penalties. Just a lack of focus. I take full responsibility for it. I can’t help out the line making mistakes like that.”

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Injury report, The roster

With Unger in question, Hawks add backup center

October 8, 2014 cc Leave a comment

The Seahawks signed center Patrick Lewis on Wednesday as insurance in case starter Max Unger cannot play Sunday vs. Dallas.

Unger suffered a foot injury — coach Pete Carroll called it a strain — against Washington on Monday and apparently is questionable for Sunday’s game. Unger reportedly was wearing a walking boot after the game.

With Lemuel Jeanpierre on injured reserve, Stephen Schilling would start at center if Unger cannot play.

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Week 5: At Washington

Harvin’s unbelievable game is a good sign

October 8, 2014 cc Leave a comment

Percy Harvin is tackled by Washington defenders Monday (Getty Images)

In the season opener, the Seahawks showed just how much Percy Harvin changes their offense — creating a dynamic triple threat alongside Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch.

Pete Carroll promised more of Harvin, but all we had seen in the two games since were a lot of short passes and decoy plays.

But they used him a lot Monday night — even if all three of his touchdowns unbelievably were called back — and it is clear they want to keep him involved.

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CHAWK LINES

October 3, 2014 cc Leave a comment

Jerry Brewer of The Seattle Times says the Seahawks’ season, which has been very start-and-stop so far, shifts into overdrive now.

Russell Wilson probably stunned some of his adoring fans when he admitted to being a bully as a kid.

Field Gulls wraps up a week of interviews with Seahawks coaches and players.

Kam Chancellor says he has “no concerns at all” about the previously bothersome bone spurs in his ankles and explains why Zach Miller had to have surgery and he didn’t.

Jon Ryan — the hero of the Denver game — was named NFC special teams player of the month for September.

Bob Condotta of The Times explains how the synergy between Ryan and the speedy Ricardo Lockette has changed the Seahawks’ punting strategy this season.

As for the Seahawks’ opponent on Monday …

Jason Reid of the Washington Post wonders if neither Robert Griffin III (currently injured) nor Kirk Cousins (who will start Monday) is the Redskins’ answer at quarterback.

Five questions facing the Redskins for their tough matchup with the Seahawks.

Coach Jay Gruden says his biggest fear is that Cousins, who threw four interceptions in a 45-14 loss to the Giants, will be “gun shy” against the Seahawks.

Injury report, Week 5: At Washington

How much will the Hawks miss Miller?

October 1, 2014 cc Leave a comment

Earlier this year, there was a chance Zach Miller would not be with the Seahawks. But he took a pay cut to stay, and Seattle did not have to find out how the absence of the multi-faceted tight end would affect the offense.

Well, now they will have to find out.

The Seahawks — while banged up in the secondary — had not experienced any front-line losses so far this season. But they joined the rest of the battered NFL when they lost Miller for several weeks due to ankle surgery.

While Kam Chancellor found a way to play through his bone spurs, Miller apparently could not.

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