Good morning, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Thursday, Sept. 24 - about your Seattle Seahawks:
How Will Kam Chancellor's Return Impact The Seattle Defense?
With yesterday's return of strong safety Kam Chancellor to the Seahawks, ESPN.com NFL Nation reporter Sheil Kapadia went to former NFL safety Matt Bowen for a Chancellor-related question and answer session. Below, check out a couple highlights from the pair's conversation, the full transcript of which you can find right here.
Earl Thomas said recently that he's an instinctive player, and Chancellor always helped him with the mental part of the game -- getting lined up, etc... What kind of effect can Chancellor's presence have on the performance of his teammates?
Bowen: Trust and communication are vital to the success of any secondary. That starts early in the week with film study as a group, reps in practice and knowing the opponent's' tendencies. On game day, the ability to communicate pre-snap and trust the guy next to you is at the core of playing top-tier football in the back end. Veteran groups -- like the Seahawks -- understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, know what to expect based on the personnel they match up against, and seamlessly play together. You lose that when a player like Chancellor is out of the lineup, especially with inexperienced replacements on the field. Having Chancellor back gives the Seahawks the ability to play more aggressively (within the scheme) because they can communicate and trust each other on the field. This is something we can't see on tape, but it is the key to playing winning football.
It's always risky to put too much stock into one player's impact, but with Chancellor's return, how optimistic are you that the Seahawks can rebound from the 0-2 start?
Bowen: Chancellor needs reps. There is no other way to say that, given the practice time and game time he has missed this season. He might not be Superman on Sunday versus the Bears (if he plays), but there is no doubt this team is stronger, tougher and more physical with his impact on the field. Maybe it takes a game or two for Chancellor to get back into elite playing shape (which only comes with live football reps), but once that happens, I expect this secondary to start rolling. Back in the conversation with the Jets as the top secondary in the NFL.
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" come from NFL Network, which shares a quote from NFL Media analyst LaVarr Arrington on Chancellor rejoining the Seahawks.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle says the Seahawks are welcoming back strong safety Kam Chancellor with "open arms" and says the Bennett brothers - Seattle's Michael Bennett and Chicago's Martellus Bennett - aren't too eager to square off against one another this Sunday at CenturyLink Field.
Here's three things we learned from Pete Carroll's Wednesday press conference, when the Seattle coach talked about Jimmy Graham's involvement in the Seahawks offense.
Marshawn Lynch, Tharold Simon, and Steven Terrell were the three Seahawks players who sat out Wednesday's practice.
Bears coach John Fox told Seattle-area media yesterday that quarterback Jay Cutler, who left Chicago's Week 2 game with a hamstring strain, will start this Sunday against the Seahawks if he's healthy. If not, Seattle will see backup Jimmy Clausen under center.
Here's a look at several new food options available to Seahawks fans on gamedays at CenturyLink Field.
Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell sheds light on Jimmy Graham's thought process after the tight end had one catch for 11 yards on two targets against the Green Bay Packers last week.
Robert Klemko at TheMMQB.com assesses the play of Seattle's offensive line after the team's Week 2 loss at Green Bay.
Seattle's Russell Wilson comes in at No. 8 on NFL.com's weekly quarterback index.
And Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times poses five questions to his counterpart at the Chicago Tribune ahead of Sunday's Seahawks-Bears tilt.
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on Twitter *
