Seahawks sign former Vikings All Pro Kevin Williams

The Seattle Seahawks have bolstered their depth on their defensive line by reportedly signing former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams. 

Williams will be entering his 12th season in the NFL, having spent his entire career until now with the Minnesota Vikings. Williams started 15 games last season for the Vikings with 3 ½ sacks and an interception.

It's almost a case of the rich getting richer as the Super Bowl champion Seahawks will be getting a six time Pro Bowler and five time first team All Pro player. Williams had contemplated retirement if he couldn't find a team that would give him a fair deal.

Williams won't be used as much as he was in Minnesota as the Seahawks favor a deep rotation for their defensive line.

Suspended Seahawks corner Brandon Browner plans to sue NFL

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner, who was suspended indefinitely by the NFL in December, will file a lawsuit against the NFL next week in an attempt to be reinstated, his agent Pete Schaffer told ProFootballTalk.com.

Browner was suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy—according to Schaffer the failed test was for marijuana—and he faces a minimum of a one-year suspension based on the league's drug policies. Browner and his agent contest that Browner should not have been in position to face such a lengthy ban, because he only advanced to Stage 3 of the NFL's substance abuse program because he missed tests he was unaware of while playing in the Canadian Football League.

Were Browner eligible, he would become an unrestricted free agent on March 11, and will seek an injunction allowing him to be eligible both for free agency and to practice and play until the lawsuit is resolved.

From the ProFootballTalk.com report:

"I'm not afraid to fight City Hall," Schaffer told PFT by phone on Wednesday. "I've bent over backward to find a way to work something out with the league to make everyone comfortable.

"I don't understand how the league can ruin someone's career over this fact pattern. I'll represent Brandon zealously to make sure his career isn't ruined."

Schaffer says he isn't troubled by the possibility that taking up this specific fight will have separate consequences for Browner, or for his lawyer.

"My job is to protect my player," Schaffer said. "You can use the word 'blackball' for Brandon. I could get blackballed, too. But I don't care. I'd do it every day of the week."


This lawsuit could change how the league pursues those who violate the substance-abuse policy. And it could help save Browner’s reputation and career.

Paul George calls the Pacers the 'Seattle Seahawks of the NBA'

Indiana Pacers star Paul George believes that his team are the NBA equivalent of the Seattle Seahawks given their defensive prowess and physicality.

The Pacers are the best defensive unit in the NBA, allowing an average of just 90.7 points per game which has helped them to the top of the Eastern Conference with a 39-10 record.

Frank Vogel’s men are now 23-0 this season when they have been able to hold their opponents to below 90 points, and George believes that both individually and collectively they remind him of the newly crowned Super Bowl champions, the Seahawks.

“We approach it as a physical team and we do everything from a toughness standpoint,” George said, as reported by USA Today.

“Like Seattle….Seattle’s got individual guys that stand out defensively, as we do, and as a group we put it all together. We’re a great comparison to that team because we do it from an individual standpoint and as a group.”

Like their apparent NFL equivalents, the Pacers benefit from long, athletic defenders in the form of George, Roy Hibbert and Lance Stephenson while the likes of David West and George Hill add further elements of toughness to the team.

Indiana allow just 18.3 three points attempts a game while also allowing the fewest field goal attempts in the league inside five feet, a tribute to effort on the defensive end both as individual talents and as a team.

While the season ended in glory for the Seahawks after their dominant 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos in New Jersey, it remains to be seen whether or not George’s comparison will see them ended the year with success too.

Given their relentless push for the best record in the league this regular season, they appear to be on course to dethrone the Miami Heat and will leave nothing to chance in terms of having home advantage throughout the post-season.

If the Pacers can finish the job, the comparison will be valid.

Matthew Stafford says no to working with a quarterback guru

The Detroit Lions were primed to win the NFC North and get a home playoff game this season. Even talking head Skip Bayless thought the Lions could go on the road and beat the Seattle Seahawks if they met in the playoffs.

In true Lions fashion the team imploded over the last six games after a 6-3 start and will struggle to finish .500. Many point the finger at head coach Jim Schwartz. Others point at the statistical nosedive and erratic play of quarterback Matthew Stafford.

At times Stafford looks like he's ready to break into the elite of NFL quarterbacks. Then he has moments like he has over the past five games. He has passed for 28 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. But his interceptions come at the most inopportune moments. Since week 11 Stafford has thrown 12 interceptions and has lost a few fumbles along the way. Stafford's mechanics and sometimes sidearm throwing motion has been questioned and many figure that Stafford should work with a quarterback coach in the offseason (Steve Clarkson, George Whitfield). some say if the Lions fire Schwartz that a quarterback friendly coach could help Stafford. As far as going to a quarterback guru in the offseason Stafford nixed the idea.

"Probably not," Stafford said. "It's not something that I feel would be my style or beneficial to me."

Throwing the ball to the other team isn't beneficial to his game either. I'm not suggesting he's a bust but he needs to get some help to keep him from making dreadful, game changing decisions.

Plenty of NFL quarterbacks -- including Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Nick Foles -- have worked with Clarkson or Whitfield, but Stafford said he's never looked into the possibility.

If the Lions are smart they will hire a head coach or coordinator that can help Stafford before he turns into another Jim Everett. Stafford also would be wise to seek out a little help and to work harder in the offseason.

Terrell Owens eyeing the Chicago Bears for a possible comeback

The last time we saw Terrell Owens he was trying to latch on with the Seattle Seahawks. He didn't make it but Owens has had lots of time to keep himself in shape with the hope of catching the eye of another NFL team.

A report by David Kaplan from CSNChicago.com says Owens has an eye on the Chicago Bears for a possible comeback. Owens is hoping that his past with Bears coach Marc Trestman will help him get a job in Chicago. Owens has been working out with former NFL linebacker and Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris.

Owens is reportedly in great shape despite not playing since 2011.

"I played my first early years in San Francisco with [Bears head coach Marc Trestman] and shortly after that, he left to do some things," he said. "I haven't talked to Marc in a long while. I know he's gone on and done some things, now he's back in the NFL. So, I never really thought about it until myself and Napoleon were talking about it earlier, but I would definitely welcome it if they would give it some serious consideration. To think about [Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall] on the other side and me on one side, that's really dangerous. I'm keeping myself in shape just for any opportunity that may come about."

Being in shape has never been a problem for Owens. In the past it's been his mouth and attitude. Nowdays it's his hands that are betraying him.

"The guy was a great player and he is in tremendous physical shape," Harris said. "We worked out this morning and after we ran five miles, he did sprints and lifted and he looks great. The Bears would be smart to give him an opportunity. He is motivated and ready to play."

Even though Owens played in Trestman's system when both were with the San Francisco 49ers, there's no guarantee that Owens will get a call from the Bears coach.

Owens is doing his best to sell himself to the Bears but with Alshon Jeffery looking like he might be ready to come into his own I doubt the Bears will give Owens a chance to prove he has something left to give.

Seahawks sign former basketball player

Seattle Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider have never been afraid to take a gamble. Carroll did it when he named Russell Wilson his starting quarterback over Matt Flynn whom they gave a hefty contract to and Schneider cosigns some unconventional moves by the team.

With former basketball players turned tight ends, Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates, and Tony Gonzalez having success in the NFL, Carroll and the Seahawks jumped on the hoops to gridiron bandwagon. The Seahawks have signed international basketball player Darren Fells to a three year deal. Fells is the brother of NFL tigh end Daniel Fells.

Darren, who is 6-7 and 280 pounds, went to visit the Seahawks on Tuesday and left with a contract. He planned to hold a pro day in hopes of impressing a NFL team. Apparently the Seahawks were impressed enough to make an offer.

Fells spent his last year playing for the Libertad Sunchales basketball team in Argentina. He's also played on the hard court in Finland, Belgium, Mexico, and France. He was an all-state tight end in high school at Fullerton High in Fullerton, Ca., but chose to stick to basketball at UC Irvine.

Fells will turn 27 in April so you don't know where his ceiling is as a player. But if he catches on it'll be another bold move that will payoff for the Seahawks.

Mariners' Felix Hernandez rocking Seahawks gear

It's not uncommon for teams in one city to cheer one another on. Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez couldn't make the trek to Atlanta so he stayed home to cheer on the Seahawks. Here's Hernandez all decked out in Seahawks gear.

Atlanta Rapper Big Boi, says Falcons players need to avoid strip clubs to beat Seahawks

The Atlanta Falcons have experienced a few playoff failures in recent memory, most notably the demolition by the Green Bay Packers in 2010 and the lousy showing against the New York Giants last year. Once again the Falcons have home field advantage but face a more than capable Seattle Seahawks team that has been red hot lately.

One key is for quarterback Matt Ryan to play lights out. But Atlanta rapper Big Boi, from Outkast fame has another idea on how the Falcons can be successful in their Sunday showdown with the Seahawks. Stay out of the strip clubs.

Big Boi aka Antwan Patton appeared on ESPN's First Take to give his opinion on how the Falcons can emerge victorious.

"As long as everybody stays out of Magic City and Diamonds of Atlanta, we are going to be good," Big Boi said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "Wait until Monday to go. Everybody stay home and make it a Blockbuster night."

He even went as far to suggest that the clubs promote "Seahawks night" Saturday. Big Boi must have had Eugene Robinson's shenanigans before Super Bowl 33 on his mind when he made that suggestion.

Pete Carroll and the Seahawks pass on Hard Knocks

Add the Seattle Seahawks to the list of teams that have turned down HBO's "Hard Knocks" series. The  Houston Texans,Washington Redskins,San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons have all reportedly turned down Hard Knocks.

The Seahawks weren't officially offered to do the show, but they were approached and turned down HBO.

Head coach Pete Carroll doesn't dislike the show, he just doesn't want his team on it and says it's "not their style".

“That’s just not going to suit what we’re trying to get done here,” Carroll said. “I think it’s a great show. I love watching it. I loved Rex [Ryan], and when the Bengals — I love those kinds of shows. I look forward to seeing it. But I just don’t want to put that in the middle of our process. We’re trying to win football games and hopefully we can entertain that way, not on the show. That’s not our style.”


Translation: We're in the business of getting the team ready to win football games not put on a show for the cameras.

The NFL show comes on every Sunday complete with mics and cameras. The only edits are when some one drops an F-bomb or any of those words. I agree with the Seahawks' decision to not do the show. Who needs the distraction or the media attention.

Lynch's Skittles Shoes Cost Him $10,000

The NFL's uniform police has a problem with Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. Earlier this year Lynch was fined $5,000 large for wearing lime green socks against the St. Louis Rams.

Now the league is going after the shoes. After catching America's fancy by eating Skittles on the sidelines during the same Monday night game against the Rams, Lynch donned some Nike cleats with a Skittles candy pattern against San Francisco last week. Lynch will be fined $10,000 for violating the league's uniform policy a second time.

I know the NFL likes to keep everything in lockstep, but come on. The Seahawks have some of the worse uniforms in the league. I can't fault Lynch for trying to jazz them up a bit. Lighten up and focus on the bigger issues of the game like bad officiating and how to reduce concussions without taking the macho element of the game. It's not like hardcore fans look to see what uniform accessories players are wearing. I know I'm and I can care less what they wear out there.

I know what some say, it's a uniform and the rules should be followed. Sorry but I like a little showmanship. It's entertainment and a little individualism entertains me. Call me what you want but in a game like football there has to be some individualism as long as it isn't detrimental to the team and Lynch's shoes weren't detrimental to the team.    

Party Of One

When Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy held his pro day workout, he probably didn't anticipate that there would be a low turnout.

McElroy didn't throw at the NFL combine or Alabama's initial pro day because he broke a bone in his throwing hand during the Senior Bowl. He did have a productive career for the Tide and won a national championship there. Still he had to think he had better NFL prospects than what turned out to view him.  

The Seattle Seahawks were the only team that showed up to his pro day workout. Personally that would be a bummer. You work hard to get yourself in position for a shot at the NFL and only one team shows up to see you workout.

That team was the Seattle Seahawks, who sent southeast scout Derrick Jensen and quarterbacks coach Carl Smith. Heck, at least St. Pete (Pete Carroll) could've shown his face.

Here's the video below.

Quick Playoff Predictions

The Divisional round of the playoffs has some good matchups this weekend. Here's my personal predictions on this weekend's action.

Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh- I have to take the Steelers in this one solely because of home field. Pittsburgh always seems to pull one big play out of their backside than the Ravens can. Steelers 17-13.

Green Bay vs. Atlanta- I'm having flashbacks to a playoff game from 1980 that also involved the Falcons. When they played Dallas at home and lost a 30-27 thriller in which they led most of the game. I see the same thing happening today with the Falcons losing a heartbreaker to the Packers. Packers 31-27.

New York vs. New England- The Jets need to ramp up their offensive game if their going to beat New England. The Jets do a lot of tough talking but right now their hurting and the Patriots seem primed to take advantage. For some odd reason I feel a blowout coming on. The Jets defense can only take them so far.
Patriots 30-13.

Seattle vs. Chicago- The Seahawks have somewhat become America's darling in the past few weeks. This could be a blowout or a tough defensive battle. However I do see the Bears coming out on top since they are at home and there is sure to be bad weather. Bears 20-10.

The Seahawks Showed The Experts

This wasn't supposed to happen. There was no way the Seattle Seahawks were supposed to be able to come within two scores of the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. You can put that all to rest. The Seahawks pulled the shocker of the playoffs (so far) beating the Saints 41-36.

Everyone complained and lampooned the Seahawks for winning the NFC West with a losing record. I said in a previous post, that you can hate them all you want but they won their division fair and square. They did what they had to do to get a home playoff game. They took care of business and it paid off for them. Now it's off to the divisional round to play Green Bay or Chicago. They could possibly get another home game out of this.

The NFL playoff system might not be the perfect setup, but it gives evryone a fair chance within the system. I don't necessarily agree with a team with a losing record getting a home game, but it is what it is. Like I said, they won the division which gets you a home game. That's all you have to do. Take care of business in the division and get rewarded for it. Unless you're the Raiders.      

Quote Of The Week: Mike Williams

Something never seen in his Detroit days

Here's former Detroit Lions bust, receiver Mike Williams on how he's enjoying his time in Seattle.

"The football culture is new to me. I'm not used to fans who care about football so much".

Strange Mike, didn't you play here in Detroit. The fans here care a lot. You must've been too busy at the local KFC to realize that.