Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's happening today – Wednesday, Oct. 13 – for your Seattle Seahawks.
Darrell Taylor Joins 710 ESPN Seattle's 'Wyman and Bob'
The Seahawks' defense hasn't been where it needs to be through five games, but there are still plenty of positives to take from it. The biggest of those, perhaps, is second-year defensive end Darrell Taylor.
Taylor missed his entire rookie season due to an injury dating back to college. Selected No. 48 overall out of Tennessee in 2020, he certainly had higher hopes for his first pro season. Now fully healthy, Taylor is showing exactly why John Schneider and Co. were thrilled to grab him with a second-round pick.
Through his first five career games, Taylor has 12 total tackles, five QB hits, four sacks and a forced fumble. He's been a constant disruptor despite never playing more than 50% of defensive snaps in a game. The only game Taylor didn't have a sack was against the Titans. In the early going, it's clear the Seahawks have found a long-term contributor at a crucial position.
On Monday, Taylor was interviewed on 710 ESPN Seattle's "Wyman and Bob." During the interview, Taylor discussed the biggest differences between college and the pros, if he's meeting his preseason goals and how the defense can turn it around. He also talked about his injury rehab last year, why he hasn't been surprised by anything in the NFL so far and much more.
You can listen to the full interview here and read some highlights below:
On the difference between playing in college vs. the NFL:
"I think there's a few differences between college and the NFL. The speed of the game, obviously we know that it's way faster than in college. You have to study way harder, just have to stay in the film room pretty often. And then just preparing your mind each week to go out there and perform at a high level. It starts with the preparation you go through each and every week from Monday through Saturday. That's the difference going from college to the pros. I think it's been really good for me."
On his expectations entering this season, and if he's meeting them:
"It's going exactly how I expected it to go. Not much of a surprise to me because I know I worked my butt off in the offseason to get to where I am now. So, it's not much of a surprise, it's more like I knew I could do it. I'm right on pace to get exactly what I want for this season to reach my goal and then probably surpass that.
"I keep my goals to myself, I don't need everybody to know that right now, but once the season is over that'll be known. Wherever I end up (in sacks at the end of the season), I know that I'm going to keep chopping and getting better each week."
On how the defense can address some of the challenges it's facing:
"The first thing we have to do as a defense is stop the run -- can't let anybody in this league run the ball, that won't ever work. Once we do that, I think we have a pass rush that's capable of getting after the quarterback and a secondary that can cover. I think once we stop the run, all 11 men working together to stop the run and create more negative plays, our defense will really get after it. We're working each week to get better and our coaches are coaching us up. We're just staying the course, that's it."
Listen To The Seahawks Stories Podcast
Hosted by the Voice of the Seahawks Steve Raible and Seahawks Legend Jim Zorn, Seahawks Stories features Seahawks Legends, and members of the Seahawks organization. The guys take you on a journey with your favorite players on their journey to the Seahawks, playing in the organization, transitioning to life after football and everything in between. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts.
Three Delta Community Captains Honored In Renton
The Seahawks and Delta Air Lines announced the latest batch of Community Captains, with three teachers from the Renton School District being honored. The Delta Community Captains program -- which you can learn more about here -- recognizes three individuals per quarter who are making a significant difference in their community.
For this quarter, the three captains were given distinct honors: the Service Award, the Excellence Award and the Equity Award. The Seahawks and Delta joined Renton School District Superintendent Dr. Damien Pattenaude for a surprise to the three staff members who were named captains, and all three were given a custom captain football, a Seahawks jersey and two roundtrip flight certificates from Delta to anywhere in the United States.
Connie Jourdan won the Service Award. Jourdan, a school bus driver, has been transporting students for 24 years. Her students have and continue to grow up with her in their lives, and they're always safe in her hands. She has an impressive safe driving record.
The Excellence Award went to Creed Nelson, an industrial technology teacher at Lindbergh High School in Renton. Nelson always instills knowledge, skills and confidence in his students. He even helps them explore life after high school by connecting local businesses and industry professionals with his students.
Kristin Parrott received the Equity Award for her work as a special education teacher at Sierra Heights Elementary School in Renton. Her thoughtful and gentle manner helps calmly guide her students in the classroom. She often provides her students with opportunities and experiences necessary to become capable and self-reliant learners, going above and beyond in her role.
Here's more information about the earlier Delta Community Captains from August.
The Seahawks and Delta Air Lines announced the latest batch of Community Captains, with three teachers from the Renton School District being honored. The Delta Community Captains program -- which you can learn more about here -- recognizes three individuals per quarter who are making a significant difference in their community. For this quarter, the three captains were given distinct honors: the Service Award, the Excellence Award and the Equity Award.
Kristin Parrott received the Equity Award for her work as a special education teacher at Sierra Heights Elementary School in Renton.
Kristin Parrott received the Equity Award for her work as a special education teacher at Sierra Heights Elementary School in Renton.
Kristin Parrott received the Equity Award for her work as a special education teacher at Sierra Heights Elementary School in Renton.
Kristin Parrott received the Equity Award for her work as a special education teacher at Sierra Heights Elementary School in Renton.
Connie Jourdan won the Service Award. Jourdan, a school bus driver, has been transporting students for 24 years.
Connie Jourdan won the Service Award. Jourdan, a school bus driver, has been transporting students for 24 years.
Connie Jourdan won the Service Award. Jourdan, a school bus driver, has been transporting students for 24 years.
Connie Jourdan won the Service Award. Jourdan, a school bus driver, has been transporting students for 24 years.
Connie Jourdan won the Service Award. Jourdan, a school bus driver, has been transporting students for 24 years.
Creed Nelson, an industrial technology teacher at Lindbergh High School in Renton, won the Excellence Award.
Creed Nelson, an industrial technology teacher at Lindbergh High School in Renton, won the Excellence Award.
Creed Nelson, an industrial technology teacher at Lindbergh High School in Renton, won the Excellence Award.
Creed Nelson, an industrial technology teacher at Lindbergh High School in Renton, won the Excellence Award.
Creed Nelson, an industrial technology teacher at Lindbergh High School in Renton, won the Excellence Award.
Creed Nelson, an industrial technology teacher at Lindbergh High School in Renton, won the Excellence Award.
Creed Nelson, an industrial technology teacher at Lindbergh High School in Renton, won the Excellence Award.
Social Post Of The Day
The Seattle Kraken, the NHL's newest franchise, played their first game last night. Here's a fun look at what some Seahawks players would look like if they took the ice for the Kraken:
More From Around The Web
Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle answered your questions in his latest Seahawks Mailbag.
Also at Seahawks.com, Scott Engel with Week 6 fantasy football waiver targets, lineup tips and more.
Adam Jude of the Seattle Times with three things to know about the Pittsburgh Steelers, who host the Seahawks in Week 6.
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic gives his take on how the Seahawks’ defense must change and improve.
Corbin Smith of Sports Illustrated grades the offense through the first quarter of the 2021 season.
Fantasy Insider Scott Engel identifies players to target on the waiver wire in the lead up to Week 6 of the 2021 season.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) makes a catch and is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive back Deon Bush (26) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Chicago. The Bears won 24-14. (Aaron Doster via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up prior to playing the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) throws the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) plays against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston, left, tries to outrun Washington Football Team linebacker Cole Holcomb in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the ball during an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London, England, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) rushes for a 4-yard touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) runs against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) plays an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) warms up before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Geno Smith passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, in Seattle. Smith came in while starting quarterback Russell Wilson had a hand injury evaluated. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Parris Campbell (1) catches a pass in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Anthony Averett (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) cuts back against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 44-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs' Darrel Williams in action durning an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Callaway scores a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) runs upfield during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 31-25 in overtime. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) catches a touchdown pass against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
