First game is about Baby Boomers & Jesse Williams

August 13, 2015 cc Leave a comment

The Legion of Boom’s three key members played in the Super Bowl despite being about 50 percent healthy.

To illustrate just how little the first preseason game means in comparison, none of them will be on hand Friday.

Safeties Earl Thomas (shoulder) and Kam Chancellor (holdout) have not been available to practice all camp so far, and now Richard Sherman has a hip problem that will keep him out against the Denver Broncos.

“Sherman’s got a little bit of irritation in the hip flexor area,” Pete Carroll said Thursday, “so we’re going to tend to that and take care of that and make sure he’s right for the long haul.”

Top nickel corner Will Blackmon also is not expected to play.

“Will’s got a groin thing that is bothering him a little bit,” Carroll said. “Real slight, but again those are the kinds of decisions we’ll probably make in favor of holding him out.”

With Tharold Simon and Jeremy Lane both recovering from surgeries, that means Marcus Burley, rookie Tye Smith, trade acquisition Mohammed Seisay and receiver convert Doug McNeil all will see time opposite and in place of new right corner Cary Williams.

Call it the Legion of Baby Boomers.

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State of the team, Training camp

Training camp status report: Offense

August 13, 2015 cc Leave a comment

The Seahawks open the preseason against the Denver Broncos on Friday in Seattle. Here is our breakdown of the
offense, what we will be watching in the first game and our updated roster projections:

QUARTERBACK
Veterans: Russell Wilson, Tarvaris Jackson, R.J. Archer

Wilson’s No. 1 goal in camp has been to develop and refine his rapport with Jimmy Graham.

“Chemistry has been more than I could ever imagine,” Graham said after the scrimmage Aug. 8. “For example, today in the scrimmage we had one we didn’t connect on; so, after practice, we did it about four or five times. And that is how we’re going to do it each and every day. Anything we’re iffy about we’re going to get it after practice. The season is right here; and, when those big moments come, I want that connection to be right.”

Earlier this week, Pete Carroll said, “They’re not there yet. It’s just going to take time. The intricacies of the things that they’re trying to do together go way deep, so it’s going to take them a lot of time. … Both of them are really determined to get this thing figured out. They’re doing great, but there’s more room for them to make up.”

By all reports, Archer has been off target in most practices — putting to rest any thoughts that he might challenge Jackson, who still puts up a great deep ball.

The Hawks have their eyes open for other QBs — they reportedly worked out Jake Waters, who was Tyler Lockett’s QB at Kansas State.

What to watch: Wilson to Graham, of course.

Projected (2): Wilson, Jackson

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CHAWK LINES, Training camp

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Some observations from a stormy Day 11 of camp from those who were there (and other features):

Bob Condotta of The Times recounts Keavon Milton’s journey to possible No. 1 left guard.

The Seahawks don’t know how many tight ends they are going to keep: three or four? Does Will Tukuafu count?

Speaking of tight ends, Anthony McCoy feels “normal” after Achilles injuries cost him the past two seasons.

Mohammed Seisay continues to make plays even as he adjusts to the playbook and pace of practice: “I’m going to get real comfortable and start making a lot more plays.”

Richard Sherman had the day off, and he spent it talking to cover-2 guru Monte Kiffin.

Pete Carroll told KJR-AM that the Hawks catered to Percy Harvin’s talents last year, “to our detriment somewhat,” but Darrell Bevell said they don’t have to change for Jimmy Graham: “We can just plug him in.”

Field Gulls interviewed Doug McNeil about his circuitous journey to the Seahawks and his change of positions.

Peyton Manning is not expected to play Friday when the Broncos visit the Seahawks.