Good afternoon, 12s. Here's a look at what's going on out there and any news you might have missed, about your Seattle Seahawks this week.
Preparing For Vikings
Seahawks senior reporter John Boyle breaks down five things to watch in the Seahawks matchup against the Vikings for their last regular season home game. Here are two of those storylines to watch.
Can the Seahawks play better at home, to give themselves a better shot at playing another home game?
While the Seahawks have been outstanding on the road this season, winning five of six away from Seattle, they have struggled at Lumen Field since winning their first two home games of the season, losing five of their last six at home. Seahawks fans still bring plenty of passion to gameday, so the team would like to reward them with a win in the final regular-season home game of the year, helping increase their odds of hosing another game or two in the postseason if they can win the NFC West.
"What we can do is go out there and be the best team at home," Smith said. "Give our fans something to cheer about. Give them something to want to pack the stadium and be a part of it. Like I said, they been that since I've been here, before I got here, and I think that will be long after I'm gone. You know, this fan base is one of the best. Like I said, I mean, the more we win the atmosphere gets crazier and crazier. That's something we're building and working towards."
Which team's highly productive receiving duo shines brighter?
As mentioned above, the Vikings have a dangerous receiving duo in Jefferson, a three-time Pro-Bowler who has over 1,000 in each of his first five seasons, and Addison, who is chasing his first 1,000-yard season after finishing his rookie season with 911 yards and 10 scores. Jefferson and Addison's combined 2,014 receiving yards is the second most by an NFL receiving duo this season trailing only Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who have combined for 2,082 yards.
Not far behind those two pairings are Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf, who have combined for 1,834 yards despite Metcalf missing two games due to injury. While Smith-Njigba, who is just six yards away from his first 1,000-yard season, has thrived of late, leading the team in receiving yards in seven straight games, the Seahawks are trying to find ways to get Metcalf the ball a bit more, despite the considerable attention defenses dedicated to slowing him down. Yes, the attention Metcalf gets from opposing defenses help Smith-Njigba and others find room to make plays, but the Seahawks still want to get the ball in his hands more often.
"It's a weekly balance," offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said. "DK's a weapon no matter what. We're lucky he has such a positive demeanor, he's just a stud. Just the way he goes about it, when he gets that much attention, it frees u other people to get the football. But at the same time, we're always working to get DK the football. Last week, this was probably the first time after the game, the next day, where I talked to him—it bothered me, it pissed me off that I couldn't get him the ball more. A guy like that, you've got to find ways to get him the football."
With Jefferson and Addison leading the way, the Vikings have 55 receptions of 20 or more yards this season, the most in the NFL, meaning Seattle's secondary will need to be on its game.
Spreading Holiday Cheer in the Community
A handful of Seahawks players spent the last week giving back to the community in different ways. Quarterback Geno Smith said giving back as an athlete, "it just warms your heart. The more you can go out there and do those things and be a part of the community, uplift people, it's what it's all about."
Pharaoh Brown and his foundation, The Pharaoh Brown Foundation, kicked off the week by partnering with Pay Away The Layaway to pay off layaway balances for families at a local Burlington Coat Factory.
Then the rookies went on their annual visit to a Safeway and surprised shoppers by paying for their groceries.
Uchenna Nwosu and his foundation, the Uchenna Nwosu Foundation, hosted their second annual coat drive at Treehouse Seattle where they collected coats and spent the afternoon meeting fans.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Geno Smith both spent their afternoons at hospitals.
Smith-Njigba visited Harborview Medical Center's burn unit. Smith-Njigba's father is a firefighter and has visited the burn unit before.
Smith spent some time at a children's hospital in Seattle to visit children, hand out gifts and uplift the children who have to spend their holiday's in the hospital.
"That was awesome," Smith said on the "You know, right after the injury I was able to go out there and kind of see the kids for about an hour. I wanted to be there for two hours but obviously had to get back to recovery. I felt like it was healing me just being around all those smiling faces and being able to kind of spread some Christmas cheer, holiday cheer."
Other Seahawks Related News
Hawks Huddle Business of the Week
The **Hawks Huddle** business of this week is Baynes + Baker
Baynes and Baker creates completely custom suits, designed and tailored specifically to each client's unique needs. The company was founded by owner Ravi Punn in 2016 with the goal of disrupting the custom suit market- making dressing well more accessible and user-friendly. They have implemented a measurement scanning technology that allows for quick and easy style consultations worldwide instead of limiting them to their New York base. Baynes and Baker is heavily involved in the community, partnering with colleges and other small businesses to create social impact.
More From Around The Web
Michael-Shawn Dugar: Whether it’s Geno Smith or Sam Howell, the Seahawks must support their QB better.
Michael-Shawn Dugar: Can DK Metcalf, JSN outshine Vikings’ star WR duo? Seahawks’ hopes might depend on it.
Zac Hereth of Seattle Sports: Brock: How Seahawks should attack blitz-happy Vikings.
Zac Hereth of Seattle Sports: Bump: A matchup Seahawks can exploit in huge game vs Packers.
Cameron Van Til of Seattle Sports: Bump: Why Seahawks’ deep passing game could open up.
Zac Hereth of Seattle Sports: Unexpected Impact: 4 Seahawks key to surge back atop NFC West.
Tim Booth of The Seattle Times: Tyrice Knight had long journey to be overnight success as Seahawks linebacker.
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times: Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett keeps focus on present despite unclear future.
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times: Are Seahawks better than last year? Here’s what numbers show | Analysis.
Connor Benintendi of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks Preparing For Vikings Offense Brimming With Playmakers.
Corbin K. Smith of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks Face Major Challenge in 'Well-Coached' Vikings Defense.
Corbin K. Smith of Sports Illustrated: Mike Macdonald Not Discouraged By Seahawks Red Zone Troubles.
John Boyle of Seahawks.com: After A Tumultuous Few Months, Ernest Jones IV Has Found A Home With Seahawks And Is 'Enjoying every bit of it'.
John Boyle of Seahawks.com: The Opposing View: An Insider's Look At The Seahawks' Week 16 Opponent, The Minnesota Vikings.
Ari Horton of Seahawks.com: Seahawks Leonard Williams Named A Finalist For 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
Social Post Of The Week
Win a signed Leonard Williams football.
The Seahawks practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 in preparation for their upcoming Week 16 matchup vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Brittain Brown (34) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety AJ Finley (30) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Sataoa Laumea (63) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jaren Hall (15) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jaren Hall (15) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Jaren Hall (15) at practice on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Jaren Hall (15) at practice on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Jaren Hall (15) at practice on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (1) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Artie Burns (23) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jaren Hall (15) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (1) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle McClendon Curtis (66) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Jason Peters (73) at practice on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) and center Jalen Sundell (61) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) at practice on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Brittain Brown (34) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (1) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Sataoa Laumea (63) and center Jalen Sundell (61) practiced on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
