Good afternoon, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Wednesday, Dec. 16 - about your Seattle Seahawks:
Ranking The NFL's Best Pass Rushers
In an Insider feature at ESPN.com, former NFL safety and current staff writer Matt Bowen put togetherĀ a list of the Top 10 pass rushers in the League, identifying players who "consistently impact protection schemes and put the quarterback on the ground."
Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril comes in at No. 10 on Bowen's list, behind the Houston Texans' J.J. Watt (No. 1), Denver Broncos' Von Miller (No. 2), Oakland Raiders' Khalil Mack (No. 3), Kansas City Chiefs' Justin Houston (No. 4), St. Louis Rams' Aaron Donald (No. 5), New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson (No. 6), Cincinnati Bengals' Geno Atkins (No. 7), New Orleans Saints' Cameron Jordan (No. 8), and Detroit Lions' Ezekiel Ansah (No. 9).
Here's what Bowen had to say about Avril, whose 7.5 sacks rank second to Michael Bennett's 8.5 on Seattle's defense, which as a whole ranksĀ No. 2 in the NFL, allowing 307.8 yards per game.
Avril must have one of the best 10-yard splits in the league based on his get-off. Like Miller, Avril can often blow past offensive tackles before they really even get into a pass set. At 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, Avril has the frame and athletic ability of a prototypical 4-3 rush end with the violent hands on contact to slap down and create a positive angle. That's why we see him attack the edge of blockers so often. Plus, he is a perfect fit for Seattle's defense, which wins with speed. You want to shut down Avril? Find an offensive tackle who can get back off the ball and a running back who isn't afraid to chip on the edge.
Signature Move:Ā The speed rush. Blockers know it's coming. And they still can't stop it.
Tweet Of The Day
https://twitter.com/si_nfl/status/677140972589998080
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes fromĀ Sports Illustrated, whichĀ teases a Q&A sessionĀ with Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett that's set to appear in the magazine's Dec. 21 issue.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle discusses quarterback Russell Wilson's MVP chances inĀ his latest Twitter Q&A with 12s, recapsĀ a series of Tuesday roster movesĀ that included the club officially placing running back Thomas RawlsĀ on injured reserve, and detailsĀ a statistic that head coach Pete Carroll is particularly proud of.
Here'sĀ five ways the Seahawks can clinch a spot in the postseasonĀ this Sunday.
Here's a look atĀ how the Seahawks' NFC West rivals fared in Week 14, when the Arizona Cardinals (11-2) clinched a playoff berth.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver Tyler LockettĀ are up for weekly honors at NFL.comĀ after their performances against the Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby WagnerĀ presented Lake StevensĀ senior quarterback Jacob Eason with the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year awardĀ on Tuesday.
Eighteen different SeahawksĀ helped spread the holiday spirit at two local hospitalsĀ last week.
Jayson Jenks at the Seattle Times saysĀ the Seahawks' improvement along the offensive line has been a key part of the team's recent surge.
Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times takes a look atĀ how the Seahawks' 2015 statistics compare to previous years.
Gregg Bell at the Tacoma News TribuneĀ catches up with Tacoma native, Wilson High graduate, and former Washington State Cougars standout defensive lineman Xavier Cooper, who will face his hometown team this Sunday as a member of the Cleveland Browns.
Danny O'Neil at 710Sports.com sharesĀ three things we learned and three things we're still trying to figure outĀ from Sunday's Seahawks win at Baltimore.
Eric Mandel at 710Sports.comĀ recaps a recent radio conversation with Seahawks veteran running backĀ Fred Jackson, who says he's ready for an increased workload with Thomas Rawls out for the year and Marshawn Lynch (abdomen) still on the mend.
SeattlePI.comĀ grades the Seahawks' Week 14 performance position-by-position.
Steve Rudman at SportsPressNW.com says Seattle's Russell Wilson isĀ playing quarterback about as well as it can be played.
ESPN NFL Insider Mike SandoĀ ranks the League's Top 10 defenses, and the Seahawks come in at No. 4.
Sheil Kapadia at ESPN.comĀ identifies five numbers that help explainĀ Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson's historic stretch and labelsĀ defensive back DeShawn Shead asĀ the team's best athlete.
Week 14 proved to be another successful business trip for the Seahawks and team photographer Rod Mar shares some of his favorite moments from the weekend, including Coach Carroll's viral photo atop of the team lockers postgame.Ā
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on TwitterĀ *