Good News for Expatriated Seahawks Fans

NFL Sunday Ticket allows folks like me thousands of miles from the bosom of the Pacific Northwest to watch Seattle's regular season games, but what about preseason? Great news I just caught by accident glancing at the "crawl" on NLFN... The following preseason games will be broadcast LIVE on NFL Network:

August 15 @ Chargers (7 pm pacific)
August 22 v Broncos (7:30 pacific)
September 3 v Raiders (7 pacific)

Pretty cool, huh?

2009 Seahawks Jersey Buying Guide

It's getting to be that time of year, when a lot of us consider buying a new jersey for the fall. Options range from $75 replicas, to the $125 semi-authentics all the way up to the $250 authentics.

I've always felt the only appropriate thing to wear on gameday is a Seahawks jersey, and I've also preferred a jersey as the best way to "represent" for the Hawks out here in the wilderness of the Midwest. I once had a HUGE collection of jerseys, but right now I'm down to a Hasselbeck home replica (my favorite active player) and a Kenny Easley semi-authentic throwback.

In my experience, the little Seahawks logos on the sleeves of the modern semi-authentics tend to fray easily, even if you take very good care of them. This isn't true for the semi-authentic throwback jerseys, however. They are more sturdy. Authentic jerseys are just out of my price range, so I tend to go for replica jerseys. Remember: NEVER put your jersey in the dryer. Hang it up and let it air dry and it will last a LOT longer. So what are your options?

1. Personalized jersey: To each his (or her) own, but I think the personalized jerseys are kinda stupid. You're not on the team, no matter how much you'd love to be. You know what looks even weirder? Someone who gets a personalized, #80 modern-style jersey and gets "Largent" put on the back. That just looks odd to me. However, if you really love Big Play Babs and get a custom Babineaux jersey made, I would bestow mad props upon you.

2. #12 jersey: At least for me, no #12 Fan jerseys... It's nice that the team retired the number 12, but wearing the jersey seems like a cop-out, i.e. you don't want to take the risk of buying a current player's jersey and/or you don't have a favorite old-school player.

3. Current players: If you're smart about your choice, this might be the way to go. Just remember to concentrate on players who are NOT about hit free agency... You don't want to be an idiot like me back in the spring of 2007 when I bought a Josh Brown jersey. Since I won't wear a player's jersey after he leaves the team, I had to sell that piece of crap on eBay for like $25. The only really significant player I'd stay away from based on this is Darryl Tapp, who will be a free agent after the upcoming season. The larger point? Do some research before plunking down $75 for a jersey.

I have a weird thing about wearing an injured player's jersey. I'm not a superstitious sort, but I feel like I'm bringing bad juju if I'm wearing a player's jersey while he's out. Thus, I shy away from players who have a history of injury problems. I'm not going to get rid of my Hass jersey; I just love the guy too much. But would I buy one now? Ehhhhhhh.. more on that later.

Finally, I'd be hesitant to buy a jersey for a rookie or a new free agent acquisition. What if they suck? Then you're wearing a big shroud of suck, aren't you?

With all these ideas in mind, here's my top 5 jersey-buying choices among active players: John Carlson, Marcus Trufant, Leroy Hill, Lofa Tatupu, and Hasselbeck (despite the injury thing I mentioned above.. I idolize that bald bastard, and I think he's going to have a huge year).

4. Throwback jerseys: There's so many great things about throwbacks... They look great, they'll never get traded or leave in free agency, and it shows that you know something about the team's history before 2005 (at least, you SHOULD know the team's history if you are wearing a throwback). Largent is a popular choice, but I've also seen plenty of people wearing Zorn, Green, Warner, and Easley throwbacks. I'm still waiting for that Dave Krieg throwback... Come on, Reebok!

I stay away from "fashion" jerseys, but that's just me. I also prefer the dark jerseys over the whites, because A) the white jerseys get dirty easier and B) the whites made my fat ass look like a beached whale. Also remember to NEVER tuck in your jersey, or wear it over a collared shirt. That just makes you look like a TOOL.

Ladies, I think the "girl cut" jerseys in the team colors are awesome. The pink stuff? Yuk. I have a daughter on the way this November, and my wife and I both agree: NO pink team apparel. That stuff just buries the needle on the lame-o-meter.

How about y'all? What are your jersey rules? What jerseys do you have? What are you gonna buy this summer?

DKSB Lifetime Pass: Paul Allen

Though I hate the inflammatory title (more on that down below), the PI has an interesting article today: "How many wins can Paul Allen's money buy?"

The point? Only Jerry Jones spends more on his team than Paul Allen, and PA does it without all the plastic surgery and bugf*#k insanity. It's like having Marc Cuban for an owner, but not having to deal with all of Cube's self-aggrandizing antics. From Qwest Field to the VMAC to hiring people like Holmgren and Ruskell, Allen has shown a strong commitment to running a classy, competitive NFL franchise.

To me, that's great... But it's less important than the fact that Allen saved NFL football in Seattle, which led to the building of Qwest Field, and eventually to the birth of the town's newest sports darlings: Seattle Sounders FC. Just based on stepping in, ponying up the cash and rescuing the team from the Behring Dark Ages, Allen gets a lifetime pass in my book. There could be an accident at the Allen Institute for Brain Science that allowed genetically engineered, super-intelligent, radioactive waste-covered ants to wreak havoc on the land, and I'd still love the guy.

This can't be overstated: Without Paul Allen, the Seahawks would have skipped town in the mid-90s, and would now be some ungodly Southern Cal abomination (Probably the L.A. Stallions or something). Your kids would probably grow up 49ers or... guh... Raiders fans. Now, not only do we still have a team, we have one of the best-run organizations in sports AND, without a doubt, the best practice and game-day facilities in the NFL. Allen also allowed people like me to become season ticket holders... He made the upper deck end-zone seats in the Kingdome $10 before the 1997 season, and I snapped up a pair of season tickets (in the TOP ROW of the dome). Even though those seats are $37 a pop now, you'd have to pry them from my cold, dead hands.

So if you're fixin' to complain about the $5 transportation charge to attend Training Camp at the VMAC, I'd advise stepping back and looking at the big picture. There wouldn't even BE a VMAC if that glorious sci-fi loving nerd hadn't stepped up over a decade ago.

Back to the title of that PI article... You KNOW that if the Seahawks win the Super Bowl, some ass-tard will dig that piece up and say "The Seahawks are just like the Yankees! They bought a championship!" Never mind that the Yankees haven't won dick since 2000, despite outspending every other MLB team by a wide margin, or that you just can't compare the financial structures of MLB and the NFL... None of that logic or any of those facts matter... Some idiots will piss on our parade by whining that our billionaire owner bought us a Lombardi Trophy. Don't say I didn't warn y'all.

If you get a chance to go to Training Camp... Go!

The Seahawks have announced that Training Camp will be open to the public, but you need to register for a spot on Seahawks.com starting July 16 at 10 am pacific time. I don't know what things will be like at the VMAC in Renton... I don't know how close you'll be able to get to the players and coaches, but if the atmosphere is anything like it was in Cheney, you shouldn't think twice about trying to make it to one of these practices.

The VMAC is a football palace, but I'm already missing those training camps at EWU. Sure it was too hot and too remote, but it was amazing how close you could get to the players. The first time I went was in 1998, and when I saw Joey Galloway running towards me onto the field I brandished my Galloway jersey and word-barfed something like "Wooo! Joey! Yeah! Woooooo!" He actually saw me, noticed I was wearing his jersey and gave me the the "reverse nod + sup" move. THAT made my day.

I went again in 2006 with my little brother (all the pics are right here on flickr)... look how close we were able to get to the players:







Here's what I wrote back then (some of it looks pretty foolish in retrospect, of course)...

This is one of the only instances where there can be actual (albeit limited) interaction between players and fans, and thankfully no players acted like prima donna dickholes on Saturday.

As players passed by, I shouted to Walter Jones that he was the best player in the NFL and was headed to the Hall of Fame… I told Matt that this was HIS year to be NFL MVP, and I told Lofa Tatupu that he got robbed of the defensive rookie of the year award last year. I yelped at Jerramy Stevens that this was his year to be all-pro, and he gave me a big grin and said “that’s right.”

While I was jabbering away, my little brother James was getting autographs from players like Mack Strong, Lofa, Marcus Trufant and Julian Peterson. James had a blast… It was well worth the 4-hour round trip from the Tri-Cities and back.

Some cool moments:

-We got to hear Holmgren get pissed and yell at the team a couple of times.

-We saw up close that Ryan Plackemeier could be a dominant punter once he gains some consistency

-Cool plays: Kelly Herndon jumped a route to make a spectaclar interception, and D.J. Hackett made a Tecmo Bowl-esque leaping TD catch over two defenders. The best moment was during the 1st team scrimmage.. Without anyone to throw to, Hass ran for a TD. Of course, no one was going to touch him and risk injuring our most indispensable asset. The crowd let out a cheer, and Hass gave a wave and a couple of quick bows. It was a cute little moment from our bald spaz of a QB…

All in all it was a great time. If you are a Seahawks fan and have the means, you should get out to Cheney to enjoy the spectacle this month.

What was true in '06 is still true now. I just hope the move to the VMAC doesn't suck all the organic fun out of the experience.

Any of you have memories of going to past training camps to share?

Top 10 Seahawks Plays of the Decade

Not much explanation needed here: The 10 best plays of the decade.

10. Shaun Alexander's 88-yard Gallop (2001 v. Raiders)

SA ran for 266 yard that night on SNF, and 88 of them came on this go-ahead, game-sealing touchdown jaunt. Unfortunately I can't find a clip, but I vividly remember SA glancing up at the Husky Stadium jumbotron for a little help avoiding the Oakland Raiders who were in hot pursuit.

9. Nasty Nate's Punt Return (2006 v. Rams)



The Seahawks hadn't scored since before halftime, were trailing 16-14 and were playing like Night of the Living Dead-type zombies. After Nate Burleson's electrifying 90 yard punt return, the Hawks took the lead and started playing like 28 Days Later-type zombies... Rage Virus! Grrrrr!

8. Hass to Hackett in OT (2005 v. NYG)

After Feely's 3rd miss, the Seahawks STILL hadn't gotten anything going on offense for what seemed like half the game... The Hawks finally shifted the game's momentum and struck into Giants territory when Beck threw a perfect downfield strike to DJ Hackett. My favorite part of this play? In the NFL Films footage, you can see Ruskell on the sideline jumping up and down like he just won the Showcase Showdown on The Price is Right.

7. Josh Brown's 54-yard game winner (2006 at STL)



Man, I love the reaction of the Rams fans in that clip... The Seahawk fans celebrating though? Dude... DON'T tuck in your jersey. Massive fail there. Everyone else? Buy some team apparel... yeesh.

As I've said before in this space... The Hawks came back from a 21-7 halftime deficit, overcame a back-breakingly spectacular TD catch by Torry Holt, won on that 54 yard FG at the gun, and made Scott Linehan look like a jabbering idiot.

6. Hass hits K-Rob (2003 at SF)

Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Hawks spotted SF a 14-0 lead before clawing back into the lead in the 3rd quarter. Matt Hasselbeck made a gorgeous, "drop it in the bucket" throw to a tightly covered Koren Robinson, who, despite his reputation, made a brilliant catch. The Hawks would never trail after than play, and would make the playoffs for only the 2nd time since 1988.

5. Marcus Trufant Pick-6 (2007 Wild Card v. DC)



The Hawks were trying to hold a 21-14 lead in the 2007 playoffs v. DC, and Marcus Trufant made this astounding play to seal the win. Well, that's actually not accurate.. Trufant, assisted by a series of crushing downfield blocks, sealed the win. The only time I've ever heard Qwest louder than that moment was during the 2005 NFC title game...

4. Big Play Babs Intercepts Bledsoe, Sets up JB for the win (2005 v. Dallas)

Josh Brown deservedly gets credit for the game winning FG, but on the previous play Jordan Babineaux stepped in front of a REALLY bad decision by Drew Bledsoe. Not only did he pick it off, but he streaked down the sideline and into field goal range. Not only did he advance the ball into field goal range, but he had the presence of mind to step out of bounds with time remaining on the clock.

3. Romo Drops the Ball, Big Play Babs Brings Him Down (2006 Wild Card Playoff v. Dallas)



Every time I watch that, I'm amazed at the play Babs makes... He leaps over guys, he fights off Gramatica's "block" and tackles Romo INCHES short of a game-clinching first down. Yes, Romo's bobbled snap is what everyone remembers, but if not for BPB, Romo probably picks up that botched snap and scores the game winning TD. How humiliating would THAT have been?

2. Mack Strong Runs Wild (2005 NFC Divisional Playoff v. Washington)

The Seahawks hadn't won a playoff game in 21 seasons, and DC put up enough of a fight to make things tense for all 60 minutes. The Hawks faced a 3rd down in the 4th quarter nursing a 17-10 lead, and Mack Strong tore off 38 yards on a draw play to set up Josh Brown's game-icing FG.

1. Hass to Seneca (2005 NFC Championship Game v. Carolina)

I was at the game, and the eruption of noise after Seneca Wallace hauled in Hasselbeck's perfect pass was among the loudest I've ever heard at Qwest. Coming from the mind of usually conservative coach Mike Holmgren, the deep pass to our back-up QB said "I am holding nothing back to get this team to the mother f@*kin' Super Bowl." It doesn't hurt that Wallace made a sensational over-the-shoulder grab to beat former Hawk Ken Lucas. In the biggest NFL game ever played in Seattle, the Hawks dominated from this moment on.

New Banner... So Good or No Good?

What do y'all think? That's my amateur stab at it. I welcome anyone's attempt to make a more "professional" looking version... If it looks better, I'll use it and give you mad props in this space.

Somebody (Not Me) Needs to Do This...

If you're a fan of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (and if you aren't, why not?), you know about the legend of Greenman. Charlie basically dresses up in this bright green spandex bodysuit and goes f@*king apeshit (occasionally, he drops acid before donning the suit). With our franchise's inexorable momentum towards embracing the bright neon green, we need a heroic 12th Man to step up and don the Greenman suit at Qwest Field this fall.

I'd do it, but I'm too old, too fat and too far away to do the whole enterprise justice. You can get the costume here...

What are you waiting for?

We'll always love you, JJ (plus, we never gave you a staph infection... ewww)

Former Seahawk Joe Jurevicius is suing the hell out of the Cleveland Browns, claiming that a staph infection he caught at the Browns' facility contributed to the premature end of his career.

SEVEN Browns have caught staph infections since 2003. Gross... Ick. My antipathy towards the Browns and their organization is well documented, but this whole thing pushes them even further into Bush-league dirtbag status.

Another thing I love about Cleveland fans? They insist that you pretend they aren't a ten-year-old expansion team, and that the Ravens weren't at one time the original Cleveland Browns. It's like they were married to a woman named, oh, let's say... Bernice. Then Bernice left them and moved to Baltimore, where she got gastric bypass, a makeover, a great job and a better husband. Then THEY married Bernice's identical twin sister and INSISTED on calling her Bernice and pretending as if that nasty divorce business never happened. Pathetic.

Anyway, back to Joe J... He'll always have a special place in Seahawks history, even though he was only in Seattle for a single season. But what a season! JJ had career highs in receptions and touchdowns, and was a key contributor in the 2005 Super Bowl run. His two best games for Seattle helped lead to two of the biggest regular season wins in team history. He played in XXXV, XXXVII and XL, and won a ring with the 2002 Bucs.

Not to kick a guy when he's down, but if he had taken the generous offer from Ruskell to stay in Seattle back in 2006, he might still be playing... OUR facility isn't festooned with disgusting, infectious bacteria.

Rampant Idiocy/Ignorance over on Pro Football Talk

I've slammed PFT in this space before, but today's blather from Florio and his commenters reached a new level of Frito-in-Idiocracy stupidity.

I'm not going to link to him anymore, but he RIPPED T.J. Houshmandzadeh for saying this:

“I just want to let everyone know that Matt Hasselbeck and I will be leading the Seahawks to the playoffs this season,” Houshmandzadeh proclaims. “And we’ll be going to the Pro Bowl as a tandem. We’re both going to have top five seasons: He’ll have a top five quarterback season, and I’ll have a top five receiving season. I’ll put up stats I’ve never had before yardswise because they’re allowing me to be a complete receiver.”

Florio laughs this off as the ramblings of a mental patient. I get the distinct feeling that if T.J.'s uniform was any color but gun-metal blue, it wouldn't seem quite as impossible to PFT's grand poopbah. Check the stats:

First, TJ... Over the last three years, he's been 6th, 1st and 7th on the NFL receptions leaderboard. Yeah, totally implausible that he could be in the top five, or in the Pro Bowl like he was in 2007.

What about Hass? As recently as 2007, he was

-In the Pro Bowl
-8th in passing yards
-8th in passer rating
-6th in passing TDs

Florio presents the idea of Hass-to-Housh being a top five passing combo as blatantly ludicrous. Given these numbers, he's the one who clearly has a tenuous grip on reality. I firmly believe that if you blindly gave these numbers to him, without telling him the players in question were Seahawks, he'd reach a different conclusion.

If you want your blood really angried up, go over there and wade through the manure they call the comments section. Yeesh.

Jeebus, guys... Is it that f@*king hard to hire a driver? Or call a cab? You're rich.

Owen Schmitt is lucky he didn't join Leonard Little or Donte Stallworth among the NFL's ranks of drunk manslaughtering killers Saturday night. According to Danny O'Neil over at The Seattle Times, Schmitt was pulled over for speeding and then blew .151 and .161 on two breathalyzer tests. That's twice Washington's legal limit for those scoring at home.

This time, this clip is unfortunately for one of our own:



In addition to the recklessness of his actions, Schmitt did this IMMEDIATELY after Roger Goodell suspended Stallworth indefinitely for his DUI-related snuffing of another human life. In addition, Goodell sent a message of warning to all NFL players about DUI. Cripes, Owen. On top of everything else, bad timing, dude.

Expect a substantial suspension, if Schmitt is still in the league this fall.

Personally, I say cut his ass and give Justin Griffith his snaps.

Dumbass.