Good morning, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Friday, Sept. 11 - about your Seattle Seahawks ahead of the team's Week 1 game against the Rams in St. Louis. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. PT on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Edward Jones Dome with television coverage on FOX.
Seahawks at Rams Previews
Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman previews Sunday's game against the Rams, expressing excitement over starting the year against an NFC West foe, "Preseason is over. Got our roster set. It's go time. Playing the Rams in St. Louis this week. I always think it's good to start the season against a division rival because it sets the tone for the season. You are forced to get that extra edge from the very beginning which keeps you locked in longer. It's good cause if you win you already got one of the important games out of the way, even though every game in the NFL is important. If you lose, well then you are that much more motivated to go in next week and put things right."
Doug Farrar at SI.com thinks defensive lines will dominate Sunday's matchup in St. Louis, "Defensive lines are going to feast in this game. The Rams and Seahawks have two of the best defensive fronts and two of the least established offensive lines in the game today. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald looks like the league's next true defensive superstar, but the difference in this game could be Seattle's passing attack—not necessarily Jimmy Graham, who was limited to two catches for 25 yards when he last faced the Rams in 2013, but rookie Tyler Lockett, who provides demon speed as a receiver and returner."
NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal believes the Rams will top the Seahawks, "Perhaps this isn't that bold. The Seahawks have lost in St. Louis two of the last three years, and won an ugly game by five points in 2013 over a Kellen Clemens-led Rams team. The Rams' starting quarterback last season in the special-teams infused win was Austin Davis. Nick Foles might not be a huge upgrade, but he'll help."
ESPN NFL Nation beat writers Sheil Kapadia and Nick Wagoner are split in their picks for this weekend's game, but each side sees a tough matchup between the Seahawks and Rams.
Kapadia, who covers the Seahawks, sees a 17-13 win for Seattle, "The Seahawks' quest for a third straight trip to the Super Bowl begins in St. Louis, and all eyes will be on two offensive lines that enter the season with plenty of question marks. Russell Wilson has been sacked 25 times in six games against the Rams. Look for both defensive lines to dominate in an ugly Seahawks win."
Wagoner, who covers the Rams, sees a 13-10 win for St. Louis, "The Rams have given Seattle fits at home in recent years, including a trickery-induced win in 2014. Both teams enter with vulnerable offensive lines and points will probably be hard to come by. With Seattle safety Earl Thomas still rounding into shape and the absence of Seattle safety Kam Chancellor, the Rams find a way to steal it late."
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2015 Picks & Predictions
With the 2015 season officially underway after last night's game between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL media outlets have rolled out several picks and predictions for how the new year will unfold.
Bill Barnwell at Grantland.com pegs the Seahawks for another deep playoff run, "Once things jell, this will be a great football team again. The schedule seems far softer after the break, especially if the Cardinals take the sort of decline I'm projecting. It's hardly the most outlandish prediction, but expect the Seahawks to ride another long winning streak into the postseason again in 2015."
Three of four staffers at the Seattle Times pick the Seahawks to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Seven of eight media analysts at CBSSports.com predict the Seahawks to win the NFC West.
Three of 12 writers at SI.com have the Seahawks finding their way to a third consecutive Super Bowl.
Three of 13 media members at NFL.com pick the Seahawks to win Super Bowl 50.
And seven of 48 commentators at ESPN.com have the Seahawks winning it all in 2015.
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from head coach Pete Carroll, who wishes 12s a happy Blue Friday.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle previews the all-important special teams battle to take place this weekend between the Seahawks and Rams. Boyle also says free safety Earl Thomas expects to have "no limitations" this weekend following offseason surgery on his shoulder. Sunday will be Thomas' first game snaps since Super Bowl XLIX.
With the Seahawks opening the year with a new starter at center in Drew Nowak, quarterback Russell Wilson will take on more responsibility with pre-snap reads and adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
Running back Marshawn Lynch wore No. 31 at practice yesterday, the jersey number of Kam Chancellor, Seattle's strong safety who has yet to report.
In case you missed it on Wednesday, here's video from Seahawks Executive VP/General Manager John Schneider's appearance on *The League. *
Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready is hosting his second annual flag football tournament at CenturyLink Field this weekend benefiting the Northwest chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.
Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman thinks professional tennis player Serena Williams is the best athlete to come straight outta Compton.
Bob Condotta and Jayson Jenks at the Seattle Times produced a game-by-game guide for the Seahawks' 2015 season.
Doug Farrar at SI.com reviewed five of Doug Baldwin's plays from 2014 with the Seahawks wide receiver himself.
Danny O'Neil at 710Sports.com pegs Rams quarterback Nick Foles as a person of interest heading into Sunday's game.
And Nick Patterson at the Everett Herald says tight end Jimmy Graham should be a huge addition to the Seahawks offense.
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on Twitter *
