Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's happening today – Wednesday, Sept. 8 – for your Seattle Seahawks.
Jake Heaps: Jamal Adams Can Make 'Massive Leap' This Year
The 2020 season was a whirlwind for everyone in the NFL, dealing with an abbreviated offseason, limited interactions with coaches and teammates and empty stadiums across the league. To make things even more challenging, plenty of players were with brand new teams with unfamiliar coaches, teammates and cities.
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams, who was traded to Seattle last summer, dealt with all of that -- plus a groin injury that cost him four games and various other ailments that he played through (hyper-extended elbow, finger fractures, torn labrum). Through it all, Adams had a career year, setting the all-time record for sacks in a season by a defensive back (9.5). He was also named to the Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro despite playing 12 of 16 games.
Adams' hard work was rewarded this summer when he signed a four-year extension with the Seahawks. Now, having a long-term contract, fully healthy offseason and year to adjust to his new situation, Adams is ready to ball.
Jake Heaps, a former Seahawks practice squad QB and current 710 ESPN Seattle analyst, believes Adams has a big season ahead. On his radio show “Jake and Stacy,” Heaps explained why Adams gives him hope for the Seahawks' defense this year.
"It's Jamal Adams and it's not even close. Jamal Adams, I believe, can take a massive leap from Year 1 to Year 2. The thing that gives me the most hope with Jamal Adams is, as I've said repeatedly over the offseason, this is a player who can affect all three levels of your defense: your pass rush, your run game and your pass coverage. And where Jamal Adams can have the most impact and take the next step forward is in that passing game.
"... It's the command that he needs to have of that defense, the communication level that he has to have with the corners, with the linebackers, with (fellow safety) Quandre Diggs. They all need to be on the same page, that way they can be better when there's moving parts coming at them, they can better decipher the passing patterns coming at them that are being presented to them, and they can be a more effective defense. And Jamal Adams is going to have a huge impact on whether that defense can do that or not."
Seahawks Week 1 Kickoff Viewing Party Set For Sunday
The 2021 season begins against the Colts on the road in Indianapolis on Sunday, but you can watch the game at Lumen Field if you're eager to get to the stadium.
The Seahawks are hosting 12s for the Kickoff Viewing Party presented by Bud Light this Sunday (Sept. 12) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the game beginning at 10 a.m. PT. The event will be held in the Muckleshoot Plaza at Lumen Field, and there will be big screens, food trucks, yard games and more.
You'll also be able to take a selfie with the Super Bowl XLVIII Lombardi Trophy and Super Bowl Ring. Guests must be 21 to attend the event -- we'll have beer and mimosas! -- and tickets are $20 per person. Fans will also be treated to a live performance from Sol -- a Seattle based musician with four studio albums.
Social Post Of The Day
It's always a good time to go back and watch highlights from Kam Chancellor's storied career with the Seahawks:
More From Around The Web
Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle answered your questions in his latest Seahawks Mailbag.
Boyle also has roster updates on three players placed on IR and three players added to the 53-man roster.
Adam Jude of the Seattle Times with information about the Seahawks and Lumen Field requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for COVID-19 to attend games.
John Clayton of 710 ESPN Seattle on where the Seahawks stand entering Week 1 of the season.
Corbin Smith of Sports Illustrated with a full team preview for the 2021 Seahawks, including predictions, depth charts and more.
