Good morning, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Wednesday, Jan. 7 - about your Seattle Seahawks:
Can You Hear Me Now?
In anticipation of Saturday night's divisional-round playoff against the Seahawks, the Carolina Panthers are taking additional steps to prepare for some of the loudest fans in sports, ESPN.com's David Newton reports.
During the team's Tuesday practice at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium, all entrances to the field were closed and large speakers were placed on the sideline and behind both goalposts in an effort to emulate the sound of 12s at CenturyLink Field.
"The noise, it's very hard to duplicate," said Panthers defensive tackle Colin Cole, who played two seasons with the Seahawks (2009-11). "It's not something that is duplicable unless we have a dome and you're pumping noise in throughout the entire dome.
"The crowd noise we have is an opportunity to give guys a taste of what's going to come," Cole added, later noting Tuesday's practice wasn't quite on par with the noise level in Seattle. "But I've been there when they've been on 10 and you can't hear the person next to you talk."
The atmosphere has helped power Seattle to a 9-2 playoff record at home, including a streak of seven in a row. Since 2012, the Seahawks have gone 24-2 on their own turf.
Jordan Hill's Season Comes To A Close
Defensive tackle Jordan Hill was placed on injured reserve yesterday after suffering a calf injury while working out over the team's bye week.
Hill, who had 5.5 sacks in the regular season and came away with a game-changing interception in the team's Week 17 win over the St. Louis Rams, will be replaced in the lineup by Demarcus Dobbs, who's healthy again after missing the past three games with an ankle injury. Recently-signed defensive linemen David King and Landon Cohen will also compete for playing time at Hill's spot.
Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune notes Hill was the 17th Seahawk placed on IR this season. By comparison, the Pittsburgh Steelers - a fellow division winner - had three players placed on IR all year.
Tweet of the Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from @ESPNNFL, who reminds how well the Seahawks defense performed over the final six games of the regular season.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, Clare Farnsworth has his first look at the Panthers, details the Seahawks' league-leading ability to create explosive plays (passes of 16-plus yards and runs of 12-plus yards), and heads up his recap of Tuesday's events in Hawkville with the return of center Max Unger to the starting lineup.
Photos from the Seahawks' "Competition Wednesday" practice that took place on a Tuesday ahead of Seattle's Saturday divisional-round playoff game against the NFC South champion Carolina Panthers.
I provide 10 takeaways from head coach Pete Carroll's Tuesday press conference, noting the club is expecting Jermaine Kearse (hamstring) back for Saturday's game against the Panthers after the wideout missed the team's regular-season finale. I also share a story on Carolina running back and Washington state native Jonathan Stewart, who the Seattle defense will key in on this weekend.
Terry Blount reviews quarterback Russell Wilson's past performances against the Panthers.
Doug Farrar at SI.com ranks the offensive lines of the eight remaining playoff teams - the Seahawks come in at No. 6 and the Panthers come in at No. 8.
Don Banks at SI.com ranks the 16 potential Super Bowl matchups and the Seahawks are included in three of Banks' top four picks.
Jim Corbett at USA Today explains how the Seahawks got back on top after a midseason stumble.
John Boyle of the Everett Herald says Seahawks wide receivers are more productive than most give them credit for.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times gets to know the newest Seahawk Landon Cohen.
Tim Booth of the Associated Press highlights the business-like handshake Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch greets teammates with after each touchdown.
Brady Henderson at 710Sports.com says the Seahawks' Week 8 win over the Panthers marked a turning point in the season for the Seattle defense and notes Seahawks assistant coaches have turned their attention to Saturday's game against the Panthers after holding job interviews for head coaching positions around the League.
And MyNorthwest.com has the story of a family of Seahawks fans with the last name "Twelves" - the same name the Seattle faithful have adopted.
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on Twitter *
