Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's happening today – Tuesday, Jan. 5 – for your Seattle Seahawks.
Tyler Lockett Joins 710 ESPN Seattle's 'Wyman and Bob'
Since being drafted by the Seahawks in 2015, Tyler Lockett has had many memorable moments. There was his first punt return, which ended in a 57-yard touchdown. He had another 57-yard touchdown on a bomb from Russell Wilson in 2016. And who could forget the impossible catch in the back corner of the end zone last year?
All those highlights were great, but 2020 marked his best overall season. He finished with 100 receptions (most in franchise history) for 1,054 yards and 10 touchdowns. Lockett had three multi-touchdown games and five games with at least eight catches.
For Lockett's magical season to continue, he'll need to perform his best on Saturday against Los Angeles. Each of those three plays mentioned above came against the Rams, so he clearly has a knack for performing against this division rival.
Lockett joined 710 ESPN Seattle's "Wyman and Bob" on Monday for the Player Spotlight interview. Lockett talked with Dave Wyman and Bob Stelton about his record-setting season, if he called Doug Baldwin to trash talk after breaking his record and his subdued personality. They also discussed his footwork, how he seems to catch everything and if he misses being a returner.
You can listen to the full interview here and read some of the highlights below.
On if he ever thought about setting Seattle's single-season reception record:
"No, it's something that definitely started to snowball as the season went on. Honestly, I never even thought about it. I just tried to go out there and just play for my faith. Just the fact of seeing how everything took place -- yesterday was a sensational game in general with everything that took place with DK (Metcalf also setting a record) and Russ and David (Moore getting his bonus). Even the opportunity that I got and seeing how the Seahawks broke the record for most points (in a single season) and I think Russ moved into second place when it came to how many touchdowns he's thrown in nine seasons. It was just a blessing. For me, it was an opportunity to really see God at work, especially in a time where we can't see it with COVID and stuff going on. But yeah, as the season progressed it definitely had a snowball effect on me. Sometimes I was anxious and I was pressing because I was like 'Oh my gosh, I'm this close. Who knows if you'll ever be this close again?'"
On if his quiet personality has hindered his public recognition:
"My whole life has never really been (about) notoriety. I don't think I've ever really had the chance to get that -- and especially when I was at Kansas State. For me that's OK, I'm not really worried about that or tripping about that. I think as a human being is that something that we all want? Yeah, I think we all want acceptance, validation, fulfillment, we want to know that we matter. So there are times where I'm like 'Man, I don't get no love. People don't like to talk about me.' But at the end of the day, once you do start getting that notoriety then you're kind of like, 'Oh no, I don't need all this.' It's not a burden, you just realize the things that come with that notoriety. So for me it's just keep on playing, keep on plugging in and focus on what you're doing."
On if he misses being a kick and punt returner:
"Honestly I don't know. I did it for so long, I knew there was going to be a time where I was going to end up being done with it. I don't think I'm technically done with it, if they ever need me I'm available. I've done it from my freshman year of college literally all the way to my fifth or sixth year in the league. So that's nine or 10 years straight that I was able to do punt return, kickoff return and play receiver. So I knew at some point it was going to be 'Alright, we're going to have you just focus on playing receiver.' I wanted to make the best out of it that I could because I knew that the time might come."
Benson Mayowa Among Highest-Graded Players On Pro Football Focus For Week 17
Over the second half of the season, the Seahawks' defense has made a massive jump and is now looking like a strength. The acquisition of Carlos Dunlap II and return of Jamal Adams certainly played a factor, but Benson Mayowa has also played an important role.
Mayowa, an eight-year veteran, finished with six sacks and 24 total tackles on the year in just 13 games. More importantly, he's getting hot at the right time. He totaled four sacks in the final six games of the season, including two in the season finale on Sunday in addition to a forced fumble.
On Monday, Mayowa was revealed to be one of the highest-graded Pro Football Focus players of Week 17 with a 91.5 grade. He was the only Seahawk on Sunday to cross the 90 threshold and was among a select number of players across the league to receive the honor.
Social Post Of The Day
A beautiful addition was made to the sign at 12 Seahawks Way, and it came just in time for the upcoming playoff run:
More From Around The Web
Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle with injury updates and more Pete Carroll’s Monday appearance on 710 ESPN Seattle.
Bob Condotta and Adam Jude of the Seattle Times answered four playoff-centric questions in their weekly Four Downs column.
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic on how the Seahawks can win the NFC by being a complete team, even if they are imperfect.
Joe Fann of NBC Sports Northwest responded to fan overreactions and determined if they were, in fact, overreactions.
