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Friday practice report: OT Williams to start — and Vallos?

Post by Eric Williams on Oct. 16, 2009 at 1:57 pm with 60 Comments »
October 16, 2009 1:58 pm

Seahawks head coach Jim Mora wrapped up his regular Friday press conference about a half hour ago.

Mora said that recent addition Damion McIntosh is coming along in terms of learning Seattle’s offensive system, but that Kyle Williams will start at left tackle. And Steve Vallos, who’s been serving as the team’s backup center since Chris Spencer returned to the lineup, may start at left guard instead of Mansfield Wrotto, although Mora didn’t say for certain.

McIntosh will be active for the game on Sunday so Seattle has seven linemen available for the game

Wrotto injured his ankle last week against Jacksonville, with Vallos stepping in and playing solid in his place. Wrotto has been a full participant in practice and is ready to go, but Mora said he liked the communication between Williams and Vallos on the left side.

Mora also said Patrick Kerney (groin) will start, unless the team sees a look where they have to start a different package at the beginning of the game.

“He’s our starter,” Mora said. “But I can’t ever tell you who’s going to be the first ones in the game. It depends on what package they’re in and what package we’re in.”

Asked if cornerback Ken Lucas will start, Mora did not say for certain if that was the case, appearing to not want to speak for Lucas and wait see how he handle things after his father’s funeral service back in Mississippi today.

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh held court again on Friday, and as usual, Housh didn’t hold back when talking to reporters this week.

Asked why he was taking extra reps with the scout squad this week, Houshmandzadeh found a new way to ask for the ball, joking that he had a better chance of getting the ball thrown to him during squad squad reps.

“I’m just trying to get the ball, man,” Housh said. “So I think I can get the ball a little more on scout team.

“I’m trying to earn my money one way or the other, man. If they don’t want to make me earn it on Sunday, I’ll earn it during the week.”

Joking aside, pressed further on the scout squad reps, Housh talked about not liking what he saw when he watched tapes from earlier weeks of him running routes, and wanted to improve on that this week.

“I looked at the film, and my thought was if I was watching myself and I had to cover me, watching the film I would probably be like, “Yeah, I can cover this guy,” Housh said. “And I didn’t like the way I looked, so I actually feel pretty good now. I haven’t felt like this probably since the opening of training camp.”

Housh also had this to say about Rush Limbaugh being part of an ownership group seeking to by the St. Louis Rams in the National Football League. Limbaugh was recently dropped from the group pursuing a team in St. Louis.

“What would make him think like with the majority of the league being of African American players, that guys would like be cool with him owning a team,” Houshmandzadeh said. “Like I don’t know what would make him think that.

“But it’s America, and he can do what he’s wants to do. In America, when you’ve got the money that he has, he probably felt like it didn’t matter. But it’s obviously not going to happen now. But it was odd, to say the least.”

As far as the game balls, Ben Obomanu got one for special teams. He finished with three tackles last week, including a couple pretty good tackles as the gunner on punt.

Matt Hasselbeck got the game ball on offense, and Darryl Tapp got the game ball on defense.

Categories:
Notes from practice
Leave a comment Comments → 60
  1. Is Housh trying to be a prima donna receiver? He predicts he and Hass will have top 5 years, calls out the Bears for not pursuing him in free agency, and now he says he has to work with the scout team to get the passes he’s not getting on Sunday. Doesn’t he realize that, at best, he’s a good #2 and that he only got paid because no other established receivers were available at the time? Know your role Housh. You don’t have the talent to back up your mouth like a Moss, T.O., or Ocho…and besides, Burleson is our guy.

  2. Still glad Housh is on the team. It’s true that he’s got a little bit bigger mouth than I’d thought – but he’s a total pro on the field.

  3. Dukeshire says:

    Eric made a point of saying that “… all joking aside” he worked with the scout team to improve his route running. The all joking comment reflects the fact his prior comments about not getting the ball were tongue in cheek. TJ may bump his gums more that most Seahawks but the next time his effort on the field doesn’t match what he says, will be the first. He gives max effort on every play, from everything I see. I think he’s good for this team.

  4. Dukeshire says:

    Oh, and what’s lost in all this is that he is doing what is necessary to get better. Putting in extra work to improve. In an era and league where players look for any excuse to take practice off and rest, he’s doing more than required “to earn his money”.

  5. NickLicatasucks says:

    I have no beef with Housh. He makes mistakes which is human. I wish he didn’t fumble in the Chicago game. I can tell he’s giving a good effort. I’m glad to see him helping the team during the week too.

    Seriously though, if he’s scout team then he’s probably playing the role of Anquan or Fitzgerald. Who else could do that? Nobody like those guys on the Hawks, TJ is probably the most like him. This will help Wilson, Jennings, and the safeties.

    Interesting to see what happens on Sunday. You know the AZ receivers are likcing their chops. We need another game ball awarded to the defensive line.

  6. I also do not have a problem with Housh being vocal as long as he backs it up on Sunday. But as far as his work ethic – isn’t he the guy who had a sore back and couldn’t practice every Wed and Thurs in Cinci – and was doing some of that here a couple weeks back?

  7. NickLicatasucks says:

    I wonder if the Hawks are using Kerney selectively. Picking matchups where he’ll be more successful, and leaving him on the bench during games that are better fits for Tapp and Jackson. That way he can go balls out for the games he’s in for. The guy is a unique talent who’s walked the walk to where you don’t want to use up his best when you can get it from others… play him every other game for maximum effectiveness.

    Almost like the groin injury wasn’t very substantial, just a reason to give him a week away from contact.

  8. BobbyAyala says:

    Wow dek, I’ll avoid name calling, but that was pretty ignorant.

    Housh is a top line receiver in this league, and if he wasn’t on this team, none of the other receivers would be as open as they are.

    You don’t lead the league in receptions three straight seasons without being one of the best.

    Housh talks, but that’s what all great receivers do, learn to separate the tongue-in-cheek comments from his true feelings. I wonder if you believe everything that comes out of Matt’s mouth as well.

    Truly, that was a big, stinking pile of crap that just came off your fingertips.

  9. “I wonder if the Hawks are using Kerney selectively. Picking matchups where he’ll be more successful, and leaving him on the bench during games that are better fits for Tapp and Jackson. That way he can go balls out for the games he’s in for. The guy is a unique talent who’s walked the walk to where you don’t want to use up his best when you can get it from others… play him every other game for maximum effectiveness. ”

    I think injury or no, Kerney will lose some snaps this week to Tapp/Jackson/Reed – Tapp and Jackson have been solid all year, and Reed has earned some gametime with the way he played (even if it was in mop-up duty) against the Jags. Kerney was awesome for us two years ago – but last year, and so far this year, he hasn’t been the same kind of force. Still glad to have him available though, the more bodies at DE, the better.

  10. One bad thing about posting blogs on blogs or reading a quote is that you don’t know when people are always trying to be serious or funny. Like Duke said, EW wrote “joking aside.” I don’t mind the talk (and especially the joking), as long as he can walk it. He’s fine and I’m glad he’s on our side. I wouldn’t want too many guys like him on the team with respect to talking… but on a team like ours IMO it’s a welcome addition.

    I have been very (and pleasantly) surprised at Obo on ST. He’s almost a tackling machine. I like it.

  11. I don’t like Kerney starting. We get more pressure with the other ends in the game.

  12. Just because he’s going to start doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll play most of the game. Maybe he will, maybe he won’t. He missed last week so I’d assume his conditioning has slipped a bit which could lead the coaching staff to make some adjustments in player roles (at least for a week).

  13. Kerney’s value will increase as the season proceeds. He is not a fast starter, but as the other team begins to wear down, he will still be strong and relentless. As opposing offensive tackles get tired and dinged up, he will be more effective. As memory serves, he did little at first in previous seasons, also.

    He takes pride in his conditioning, and Mora seems to have brought that attitude to the team. I look to see the Seahawks taking advantage of that late in the year.

  14. Dukeshire says:

    Oldslow, haven’t seen you around much, welcome back.

  15. Housh is a “prima donna”? “at best, he’s a good #2″?

    Nonsense. I’m with those who think Housh has every right to talk. He backs it up. He is the best WR the Seahawks have had since Steve Largent, he knows it, and he is right to want the ball more often.

    Housh caught 445 passes over the past five seasons;
    90+ passes three seasons in a row.

    Darell Jackson caught 87 in his best season
    Koren Robinson caught 78 in his best season
    Steve Largent caught 79 in his best season

  16. I love our young DEs like Tapp and Jackson, but I’ll also be happy to see Kerney start and make an impact.

    Its funny how quicky fans start giving up on a guy. Maybe Kerney has had a couple quiet games while getting back in shape after his surgeries, but I think he’s still probably the best run defender we have at DE, and maybe can still get his pass rush on too. If not, we can expect to see Tapp start getting his reps, no problem.

  17. Dukeshire says:

    “I love our young DEs like Tapp and Jackson” Congratulations Stevo, that is not only a sentence, but a sentiment that has NEVER been uttered anywhere before. And you know what, a lot of people would agree with you right now. Tapp, who had many critics, was already solid heading into the season but appears to be really taking it to another level. And Jackson. His improvement is so dramatic he’s got people writing open letters of apology. There’s a long way to go in this season but the corp of this D, of which those two are very much a part, is very young and so talented. The future is very bright on that side of the ball. Add a genuinely competent safety and look the hell out.

  18. I like the optimism, Dukeshire. I was one of those who criticized Tapp for being too small, but he’s changing my mind about that game-by-game.

  19. I sure as hell criticized Jackson (and apologized). I never thought Tapp sucked, but I definitely had my doubts. I’m not ready to call him a Pro Bowler, but if he can be solid (which he has) I’ll be happy. I certainly think Redding and Jackson (always liked Jackson in the run game) are better at DE in run defense than Kerney. Never could quite figure out how we got so much better by signing Kerney and letting Wistrom go? Kerney is not good in the running game (and the year he had 14 sacks, I didn’t think he was above average in the running game either — and this is with watching the games over and over again). Wistrom was a GREAT run defensive end. Kerney could get the QB in the passing game and Grant wasn’t good. Granted, a DE needs to get pressure (which Kerney COULD do and Wistrom wasn’t very good at). No matter, it looks like we have a winning combination along the DL for now. As long as they can stay healthy. A big IF on this team.

  20. Housh can talk all he wants if he keeps scoring touchdowns, and Kerney stays healthy and help make our defense a relentless QB sack happy group. All this would make a super hopefully bowl season. Matt and the offense was clicking last week. The running game, has suffered along with our offensive linemen, a win this week and a bye. We should be a lot better off, team wise with linemen coming back.

  21. Off subject – but does anyone know of any way to get a good airline deal (LAST minute)??? Since my wife/kid are gone for the weekend, I am thinking about getting a ticket from a scalper at Qwest and coming out for the game… (I doubt it’ll happen, but if the deal is good enough… I’d like to consider it – and do it if it’s really good). Any travel secrets would be appreciated.

  22. I heard we might be going green again this weekend. Any truth to it Eric

  23. I want to be there for the GREEN!!!

  24. Dukeshire says:

    I can get you a free ticket if you can get here. Someone who lives in my building has a co-worker with season tickets and can’t go. They were offered to me today but I’m already going. If it’s cheaper to fly into Portland, you’re welcome to stay in the guest room and ride up with me Sunday morning. Make it happen, capt’n.

  25. Dukeshire says:

    Where have you heard this, Gabe. They are featuring a throw-back Largent jersey on the Seahawks pro shop web site, so my guess is the next alternate look will be retro. (I pray)

  26. I got a email saying there going green selling green uniforms. It’s from the team shop. I got a similar email last time

  27. I got swine flu and was hospitalized last week. I have tickets behind hawks bench 40 yard line row B. I was really worried I would be able to go. I’m doing much better now thank god. I just get alttle short winded. But I’m going. Driving to Seattle tomorrow night. I’m ready to go crazy

  28. The next alt. jersey should be retro… I like the lime (LOVE the lime) but it’s gimmick… the retro jerseys IMO are/were the best of ALL TIME… Actually, our current tops/helmets are fine as long as the ugly blue pants aren’t part of the equation… besides, we’re 0-1 with the lime jersey tops (Jim Mora knows who to blame for that one)…

    Duke – I’ll check into it… I REALLY do want to come if the wife/kid are going to be gone anyways (and since we’re 2-3, it looks like the Hawks won’t host the NFC Championship Game… per my “deal” with her)…

  29. Dukeshire says:

    I just checked my email and see that I have the same thing. Dear god no!!!! (the t-shirt is pretty cool though) I’m hoping it’s only a sales promotion and not a indication of what they’ll wear Sunday (or ever again). They have two shutouts at home in the blue… Let’s go ahead and stay with the routines that work… No Green!!!

  30. I have the email too. BUT you get a “GREEN” t-shirt if you buy a full priced green jersey!!!

    The thing that makes me the most mad… why the heck don’t they offer a Carlson jersey?!?!

    —checking on flights as we speak…

  31. Dukeshire says:

    Bobby – I’ve tried to send you two emails through out fantasy site, and they have both come back “undelivered”. I know you have my email, shoot me an email, i want to talk to you about Minn game. I’m out for the night.

    Gabe, glad you’re feeling better.

  32. RichmondHawk says:

    I found this Sando comment pretty interesting:

    ” Curry transforms the Seattle defense with his physical, borderline dirty play. ”

    http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest

    I don’t know if he’s trying to distance himself from Seattle fans but if he is, he’s doing a good job of it.

  33. nightwulf says:

    Duke, were you saying that you had TWO tix available? and that Bobby only needed one? If there’s one more available, I’d love to join the two of you for the game:) (never been to Quest…gotta fix that)

  34. I have a feeling that Warner will not even have the time to to breathe twice in the pocket come Sunday. The ship is turning.

  35. Gabe67 is a Cards fan. You can tell

  36. Regarding Housh, perhaps if you actually heard the interview, you wouldn’t misinterpret it…unless, of course, that was your intention in the first place. Lord knows, there have been any number of detractors and SOS-fans. However…here:

    http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=292&sid=225970

  37. BobbyK,

    Check Craigslist for airline tickets (and Hawks tickets). In fact, you can download software that will keep checking for you and notify you when there are new postings that match your search critieria. You can score some smokin’ deals on there when people have to dump tickets at the last minute. Ebay is another good source, but not nearly as good as CL.

    You’re welcomed to stay with us in San Diego when the hawks play here or in Phoenix (about a 5 hour drive and we have a convertible).

  38. nightwulf says:

    I get the distinct feeling that Housh was just having fun and mouthing off…He wasn’t calling anybody out, he backs it up on the field, so where’s the problem?

  39. Hawks31 I would rather die then be a cards fan. I have a big ass seahawks room over my garage. I spent 275 a ticket to see the hawks. I also have tickets to the 9ers game in December. I live in Idaho and drive to Seattle. I once told my wife don’t make me choose between you and the hawks.

  40. My best investment in my basement/Seahawks room; It’s spendy, but it truly is my nicest possession of anything I own (besides the autographed post card Kenny Easley sent me when I was a kid that even says “To Bob…”:
    http://proshop.seahawks.com/ProductDetail.aspx?CategoryID=2652&Page=1,1&ViewAll=False,True&ProductID=36460

  41. nightwulf says:

    Very cool, Bobby!
    And on a completely unrelated note, to all of you who were demanding that we get Albert Haynes this offseason, at the moment, he has 12 tackles, and 1 sack, as opposed to, say, Patrick Kearney, who has 12 tackles and 2 sacks. So I guess you were right, he’s well worth the richest contract ever payed a DT…

  42. bulldog80 says:

    I like TJ’s passion but I’m not a big fan of him always running his suck. Burly has been just as, if not more, solid than he and you don’t hear any of that periferal garbage.

    Gabe, where in Idaho you from?

  43. rramstad says:

    For last minute fares, definitely try Priceline, offer something like a typical 30 day advance fare for $$ and see what turns up.

    I very much like Kayak for a really broad flight search engine.

    Don’t overlook the airlines that don’t typically participate in these types of deals, like Southwest. You may be able to put together two Southwest round trips and essentially make your own one stop round trip to Seattle. Most of the flight search engines don’t include Southwest.

  44. Is it going to be Raining in Seattle Tomorrow?
    Hope so, the warm weather, wet cold Tards will be hating it, along with a fired up Quest and the D’s gonna pressure Warner all day.
    Maybe we should start a Curry relief fund so he can play football how its supposed to be played, Violently.
    Idea we form a collection to pay his fines so he doesnt have to worry about letting off. haha yea with his millions the little fines are just a drop in the bucket.
    I’m heading over in a few to camp my camper in a parking lot tonight and tailgate before the game.
    Tequila Lime Cardinals on the menu
    Since they closed Tailgate City for the Construction, people hit the lots early. Used to get to the game 9 ish now no way.
    So with my 3 hr drive and bum knee I just spend the night.
    Black Truck Shadow Cruiser Camper right acrost the street from Qwest /Cnvention center come on bye, say hi, good to put some faces to the names here.

  45. I live in coeur d Alene Idaho. We are leaving fir Seattle in a few hours. I got the flags and decalls ready for the truck. I have 4 flags total 2 I use fir highway across the state and the other. 2 for when I’m in Seattle. I’m ready to go crazy. I don’t mind the rain last time I was at the game and it rained the beers seems to stay full.

  46. A bit off the subject but I just watched the Iowa/Wisc game and I really like the Iowa LT. He didn’t overpower or pancake the DE but he always directed him away from the QB and ball carrier. Good feet, balance, quick.

  47. Dukeshire says:

    I have family that live in Coeur d Alene. You don’t know Craig and Jan Leaf by chance?

  48. Duke. Sorry no I moved to CDA about 2 years ago from Sandpoint Idaho.

  49. Dukeshire says:

    It was worth a shot. If you spend any time at Capones you’ll run into them eventually.

  50. I know of the capones in Post Falls. But my wife just told me there is one in CDA as well

  51. I was just in CDA last summer for a wedding. Small world.

  52. I’m watching the Nebraska game and Suh just made another sack… but the thing that struck me was his closing burst on it. It’s not human for a DT to close that fast and quickly. I doubt we’ll get him, but if we did, we’d never have to worry about blitzing again.

  53. princeaden says:

    Hey Bobby, are you checking in on the Cal/ucla game? That Best kid from Cal is pretty awesome. He could be available. I know you like the idea of loading up on OL in the next draft. But, Best would be hard to pass on in my eyes. Provided Sims and Lock are healthy. They could get one OL and get a Stud RB to go with them.

  54. Dukeshire says:

    If Sims and Lock get / stay healthy the rest of the way, what in their career historys would indicate they will remain healthy the rest of their careers? Nothing. They each, along with Spencer have missed time each of the last several seasons. He might be fun to have AFTER more important positions are addressed.

  55. princeaden says:

    OK fine, partypooper.

  56. princeaden says:

    Hey Duke, where in the draft does Best fall approximately? 1st round 2nd round or what? What’s your guess?

  57. I have not seen the Best kid. A good buddy of mine loves the Gophers all of college football and he really likes him. He saw him a couple of weeks ago when Cal was at MN and really had good things to say about him.

    I gave up on getting a plane ticket and watched the Nebraska game today and not much else. Can you say “didn’t show up” with any intensity? I kept looking for John Marshall.

    I’m going to watch the ‘Bama – ‘Cocks game tonight. It’s fun to project who you want and the draft stuff even though we’re in the midst of saving the season.

  58. Dukeshire says:

    princeaden – You know how the combine effects a players position but I’ve got the think he’s a mid-late 1st rounder at worst. Probably much higher though. The only real knock I have is that he runs latterly a bit rather than north / south at times. He’s fast and strong as hell. And that Gopher game Bobby is talking about he had 4 tds. With 3 picks in the first 2 rounds an real needs at tackle, safety and RB it will be interesting to see how they approach the (gasp) offseason. But, there’s plenty of time later for that.

  59. If LT Bryan Bulaga comes out (he is a Jr) I think he is worth a look in the second round. He is from Iowa.

  60. nightwulf says:

    Ruskell’s not big on taking juniors…but there’s always a first time…

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