Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's happening today – Wednesday, Jan. 13 – for your Seattle Seahawks.
Pete Carroll Optimistic About Long-Term Outlook For 2020 Rookie Class
Throughout the 2020 season, the Seahawks relied on veteran stars to guide them to a 12-4 record and NFC West title. Russell Wilson, Tyler Lockett, Duane Brown, Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright and more often led the way as Seattle made the postseason for the eighth time in nine years.
But some of the team's unsung heroes were its youngest players. The Seahawks' 2020 rookie class, including Jordyn Brooks, Damien Lewis, Alton Robinson and Freddie Swain, fit right into the Seattle culture. Head coach Pete Carroll was impressed by his rookies this season and praised the group in his Monday appearance on 710 ESPN Seattle’s “Danny and Gallant.”
Carroll spoke glowingly about Brooks, Seattle's first-round pick, saying he played "really, really well" in his rookie campaign. Brooks finished the season with 53 total tackles in 14 games. He came on strong as the season progressed, totaling five or more tackles in four of the final six games.
Among the other standout rookies was Lewis, a third-round pick who played more snaps than any other Seattle draftee.
"Damien had a terrific season to play almost every snap of the year," Carroll said. "He played some center during the season. He's going to be a fantastic football player. And he's a championship kid, too. Tough as (heck) and really smart. You can truly count on the guy."
As for Robinson, a fifth-round pick, Carroll said he did a "terrific job" in his limited action. Robinson had four sacks and a forced fumble in 14 games despite only making one start.
One rookie we didn't get to see in 2020 was second-rounder Darrell Taylor. Taylor battled back from offseason surgery and began practicing during the final week of the regular season, but was unable to see any game action. Still, Carroll has loved what he's seen from Taylor.
"He's going to be a big factor, there's no doubt," Carroll said. "Physically and speed-wise and athletically, he's going to be a big factor. Unfortunately we just couldn't get him healthy earlier in the year … He might have played this next week, too. Unfortunately we don't get to see that, but that's how well he looked in practice."
Carroll is clearly optimistic about the future of these rookies. He finished with these parting thoughts about the class:
"The mentality of these guys, it was not too big for them, they could contribute early. They're going to be big factors, they're going to grow a ton," he said. "I think we hit it really well. We need to hit it with a handful of guys next year and keep moving forward."
Two Russell Wilson Passes Among Longest Connections Of Wild Card Weekend
Russell Wilson's deep ball was impressive all season and that showed again in the Seahawks' wild-card loss to the Rams.
He finished with just 11 completions, but two of them stood out. According to NextGen Stats, Wilson had two of the five longest connections by air-distance yards of Wild Card Weekend.
At No. 5 was Wilson's pass to Freddie Swain, which went for 42.8 air yards. Wilson appeared on the list again at No. 4 with his touchdown pass to DK Metcalf in the second quarter.
Here's a look at the full top five:
Social Post Of The Day
Seahawks President Chuck Arnold with a message about John Schneider after his contract extension was announced on Tuesday:
More From Around The Web
Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle with more on John Schneider’s contract extension, which will keep him in Seattle through the 2027 draft.
Also at Seahawks.com, Boyle on K.J. Wright’s impressive season and what could come next for the veteran linebacker.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times answered fan-submitted questions in his latest mailbag.
Brandon Gustafson of 710 ESPN Seattle on the position the Seahawks need to prioritize this offseason.
Joe Fann of NBC Sports Northwest listed seven Seahawks players fans should be excited to watch in 2021.
