I cant remember if I posted my pick on Thursday as Ive been hella busy...So here is the full text...and I take the loss for the Bills-Jets game. 

The roller coaster of games has thrown me for a loop yet again. A 10 win week that could have should have been at least 13 wins. Though my lock came through again and Im grateful my Bengals hex took the week off, my sense of the upsets has seem to have deserted me. My faith in the Pats is being sorely tested, as instead of coming through with a primetime win they let Drew Brees bludgeon them for 5 scores in a game that could have been much worse. The weeks grow short and Im trying to find that rhythm that will lead into a strong finishing kick. As usual the week begins with a non-descript Thursday game in a foreign venue. No disrespect to Toronto (A very beautiful city that I have visited and recommend that you do as well.) but they could really care less about American football, especially after the CFL’s Grey Cup has already been handed out. Buffalo would be an interesting sight, a cold night game would be the perfect backdrop to start the season’s final month (Yeah, yeah I know that they are playing in January, call it Greater December and shaddup.) This weeks odds are provided by Sporting News Today and are for entertainment and comparison purposes. Don’t go robbing the Salvation Army kettle for cash if you follow these lines and lose, I have no qualms about helping the kettle people find you if you do. 

NFL SCHEDULE – WEEK 13 

Thursday, December 3 

NY Jets (5-6) @ Bills (4-7) 
Rogers Centre; Toronto, Ontario Canada 8:20 (NFLN) 
Favorite Jets by 3 
Fast Fact This is the 2nd of 5 years that the Bills will play a “home” game in Toronto, which is about a 90 minute drive from Buffalo 
The Jets played defensively last week and shut down Carolina. Mark Sanchez continues to struggle but the Jets have stayed in most of their games. (New England beatdown not withstanding) The Bills have seemed to have found new life under interim coach Perry Fewell and Terrell Owens has been the benefactor with a pair of monster games. Im interested in seeing CB Darrel Revis matchup with TO, which should be a fascinating chess match. (I have figured out how to see the game online) In a game that is really a coin flip, I’ll take a chance that the Bills offensive improvement is not a fluke and that with their defensive aggressiveness they can force Sanchez into costly errors and eke out a tight win. 
Pick-Buffalo (Upset of the Week) 

Sunday, December 6 

Broncos (7-4) @ Chiefs (3-8 ) 
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City 1:00 (CBS) 
Favorite Broncos by 4 
Fast Fact The Chiefs will be retiring #58 the jersey number of Chief great LB Derrick Thomas, who was killed in a car accident in 2000 at this game. 
Just when you thought it was safe to bury the Broncos, like the old horror movie monsters they rise from the seeming dead. Playing their best game in weeks, the Broncos blasted the G-Men to stay in the thick of the AFC playoff picture. They get a Chiefs team that got slammed last week in San Diego and are getting that “pack it in” look. Though Im nowhere near proclaiming the Broncos as back to full fledged contender status, I think I can trust them to get a win over an overmatched opponent. I hope to high heaven that I don’t regret this. 
Pick-Denver (Lock of the Week) 

Lions (2-9) @ Bengals (8-3) 
Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati 1:00 (FOX) 
Favorite Bengals by 13 
Fast Fact The Bengals have a 6 win streak vs the NFC North 
The Lions played their annual turkey of a game and look to be road kill for the Bengals who played a snooze fest filled win over the pathetic Browns but seemed to show no ill-effects of taking an inexcusable loss to the Raiders. Though the home team will have Cedric Benson back in the lineup, they should be able to throw at will and in the face of the Lions puny pass rush and pick on their weak secondary for big gains. The Lions have been playing competitive in most games, but they are still no good on the road. 
Pick-Cincinnati 

Texans (5-6) @ Jaguars (6-5) 
Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville 1:00 (CBS) 
Favorite Even 
Fast Fact The Texans have given up an average of 171 yards rushing in their past two games 
Both teams are coming off of bad losses. The Texans collapsed against the Colts while the Jags inconsistent offense just didn’t make the trip out to the West Coast last week. The Jags are on the fringes of the playoff race, while the Texans have swan dived to the AFC South cellar and are fading fast from playoff relevancy. The Jags play, win and lose ugly. Besides the redoubtable running of Maurice Jones-Drew they have a pretty weak offense, and the Texans have a dynamic young offense. The numbers say that the Texans are better on both sides of the ball. The problem is that they cant finish games and keep finding ways to lose games late. I see that happening again here. 
Pick-Jacksonville 

Patriots (7-4) @ Dolphins (5-6) 
Landshark Stadium, Miami 1:00 (CBS) 
Favorite Patriots by 6½ 
Fast Fact The Patriots four losses have all been to team that were (and in some case still are) unbeaten (NYJ 1-0, Denver 4-0, Ind 9-0, NO 11-0) 
The Pats got a serious beatdown in the Big Easy and look for someone to take it out on, the struggling Dolphins are just the type of punching bag the Pats need. The Dolphins running game which should be more dependable than what it is, is just way too inconsistent too keep up with the explosive Pats offense. 
Pick-New England 

Saints (11-0) @ Redskins (3-8 ) 
FedEx Field; Landover, MD 1:00 (FOX) 
Favorite Saints by 9 
Fast Fact The Saints are averaging 37 point a game, the Redskins have to score 30 point in any game this year 
This game screams upset potential. DC in December is not somewhere a dome team wants to be. The problem is the Redskins offense takes more off days than Congress, you can bank on the defense being stout but its not gonna take much point production by the Saints to have the Redskins playing catch up. Do all the screaming you want, an upset is not happening here. 
Pick-New Orleans 


Raiders (3-8 ) @ Steelers (6-5) 
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh 1:00 (CBS) 
Favorite Steelers by 14 
Fast Fact Last weeks loss to Baltimore was Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin’s first loss in 13 primetime games. 
Pride wounded and looking more vunerable than they have in recent memory, have lost their last three and are in serious danger of being on the wrong side of the playoff fence. The Raiders are just about the perfect tonic for the sliding Steelers. Though the Raiders have shown some growth and improvement are still nowhere near the level of the Steelers on either side of the ball. 
Pick-Pittsburgh 

Eagles (7-4) @ Falcons (6-5) 
Georgia Dome, Atlanta 1:00 (FOX) 
Favorite 
Fast Fact Donovan McNabb’s 143rd start last week broke Ron Jaworski’s team record for QB starts 
At one time this was a red letter day for the Falcons; former disgraced QB Michael Vick returning to his old stomping grounds. But Vick is a mere footnote to this game of two middle of the pack playoff contenders. And with Matt Ryan a likely no-go with a bum foot, it will likely be Chris Redman (wearing Vick’s old number) getting the start for the Falcons. The running game for the Falcons is greatly hampered with the absence of Michael Turner. Even without Brian Westbrook and likely DeSean Jackson, Im thinking the Eagles are the better team here even with the Falcons being very tough at home. 
Pick-Philadelphia 

Rams (1-10) @ Bears (4-7) 
Soldier Field, Chicago 1:00 (FOX) 
Favorite Bears by 8½ 
Fast Fact Rams RB Steven Jackson leads the NFC with 1120 yards and has rushed for 100 yards or more in six games 
The Bears are a hot mess, they just are a team that lacks any kind of consistency or continuity on either side of the ball. The Rams stay in games but lack that finishing kick. The Bears play much better at home and though this game has the makings of an upset, I don’t trust the Rams outdoors. Even with Steven Jackson able to grind out long drives, the Rams offense is just too scattershot. 
Pick-Chicago 

Buccaneers (1-10) @ Panthers (4-7) 
Bank Of America Stadium, Charlotte 1:00 (FOX) 
Favorite Panthers by 6½ 
Fast Fact The Bucs have not had a 100 yard rusher in 21 straight games, the NFL’s longest current drought.
A pair of bad teams square off here, the Panthers have turned to Matt Moore to sub for the injured QB Jake Delhomme and against a weak Bucs defense might have some easy sledding. The painful education of Josh Freeman continues and though he has shown some improvement he doesn’t have the complimentary tools to beat a better team. The Panthers are bad, but their running game will be able to carry the day 
Pick-Carolina 

Titans (5-6) @ Colts (11-0) 
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis 1:00 (CBS) 
Favorite Colts by 7½ 
Fast Facts Chris Johnson has 3 85 yard TD runs this season; no other NFL player has that many TD runs of that length in their career. 
The Titans astonishing rise from the ashes is as eye popping as the startling play of a suddenly mature Vince Young. They are the first team to ever follow a six game losing streak with a five game win streak. 
The Colts are just dodging one near miss after another but have kept their record unblemished. The Colts have won 5 straight games when trailing at some point in the 4th quarter, an NFL record. 
The Titans have rode the redoubtable running of Chris Johnson to nearly evening their record. It’s too bad that this game is being played in Indy, the Titans got hammered in their first meeting in Nashville and the Colts are still trying to lock up the AFC’s #1 seed and though this game will be tight, the Colts should pull it out 
Pick-Indianapolis 


Chargers (8-3) @ Browns (1-10) 
Browns Stadium, Cleveland 4:05 (CBS) 
Favorite Chargers by 11½ 
Fast Fact Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson has scored multiple touchdowns in 35 games, only future hall of famer Emmitt Smith has done that more times (36) 
The Browns are already mailing it in, reverting back to their offensively challenged self as they just looked ragged in Cincy last week. The Chargers on the other hand are quietly building a path to a #2 seed and have been playing solid on both sides of the ball. Philip Rivers has been throwing the ball well and LaDainian Tomlinson has had a revival of sorts. This game though on the road should be no real problem for the Chargers. 
Pick-San Diego 

Cowboys (8-3) @ NY Giants (6-5) 
Giants Stadium; East Rutherford, NJ 4:15 (FOX) 
Favorite Even 
Fast Fact The Pokes are 29-49 in December since 1996, the year they won their last playoff game. 
The time has come for Tony Romo to prove that he can win a big game in December, and the Pokes have had a couple of lapses but have played pretty solid as of late. Marion Barber has made Romo’s job much easier with solid running. Last week in Denver, The G-Men looked like they played right after having a Thanksgiving meal in a lethargic loss. With a diminishing running game and the health of Eli Manning in question, the G-Men are coming apart fast. This isn’t the same match up from September, these teams are two ships passing in the night. The Pokes, dare I say are much better now than then and despite their well documented struggles in December should pull a tight win out here. 
Pick-Dallas 

49ers (5-6) @ Seahawks (4-7) 
Qwest Field, Seattle 4:15 (FOX) 
Favorite Even 
Fast Fact Niners TE Vernon Davis is tied for the NFL lead with 9 TD receptions 
The Niners have played decent at home, but on the road…they have one win. The Seahawks are good at home which bodes bad for the Niners. This is by all looks a real tossup game. Frank Gore has not been a real factor this season since he had that 207 yard rushing game against these same Seahawks in September. Im gonna roll the dice and take the home team and that QB Matt Hasselbeck may be able to pick on the weak Niners secondary. 
Pick-Seattle 

Vikings (10-1) @ Cardinals (7-4) 
University of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, AZ 8:20 (NBC) 
Favorite Vikings by 1½ 
Fast Fact Vikings WR Percy Harvin leads all NFL rookies with seven touchdowns 
Poor Princess Katie is torn between rooting for her Dad’s favorite team whom she openly roots for often, and her Mom’s sudden loyalty to the home Cards. Not to mention the scores of classmates who are Cardinals fans. This is quite the tough call as the Cards QB status is still up in the air. If Kurt Warner is ready after missing last week with a concussion there is a shootout in the making. If Matt Leinart is the starter, the Vikes may be the only one doing the shooting. Adrian Peterson will likely be the difference and the ability to punish a so-so Cards run defense. Sorry Katie, your classmates will not be too happy with you come Monday morning. 
Pick-Minnesota 


Monday, December 7 

Ravens (6-5) @ Packers (7-4) 
Lambeau Field, Green Bay 8:30 (ESPN) 
Favorite Packers by 2½ 
Fast Fact The Ravens have never won in Lambeau Field (0-2) 
The up and down Ravens have alternated wins and losses after their bye week. The Packers looked to be dead in the water after a humiliating loss to the Bucs. But they have quietly pushed back into the playoff hunt. Im still not real sold on the Pack’s offensive line keeping Aaron Rodgers upright against a withering Ravens pass rush. The Ravens offense while not overly flashy grinds out yards and points and I can see the Ravens pulling out a close win on the road. 
Pick-Baltimore 

Last Week: 10-6 (Lock Correct, Upset Incorrect) 
Overall: 124-52 (.705) does not include Thursday result 
Locks: 12-0 
Upsets: 7-5 (Lost 3) 

Cheers from the Cheap Seats where your humble scribe is celebrating Cincinnati's 2nd Big East Football title!!!

Defensive Tackle : Cortez Kennedy


This selection may seem ludicrous because Kennedy is bound for Canton soon. At the time of this publication, he has yet to be, so he makes this team easily.

He was Seattle's first round draft pick in 1990, and was the third player chosen overall. He was brought along slowly in his rookie year, starting in just two if the 16 games he played., and he recorded a career low one sack. It was the only season in which he did not start in every game that he played. Now a full time starter in 1991, he made his first Pro Bowl after getting 6.5 sacks and 73 tackles.

Kennedy had the best year of his career in 1992. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press after setting career high marks of 14 sacks and 92 tackles. He was named to the Pro Bowl as well as First Team All-Pro.

He was named First Team All-Pro over the following two years, as well as to the Pro Bowl, getting 10.5 sacks and 131 tackles over that time. He continued to be named to the Pro Bowl in 1995 and 1996, getting 14.5 sacks and 91 tackles total in those two years.

He was injured in 1997, and was able to play just eight games. He still had two sacks. They were the first games he had missed in his career, and it seemed to have an effect on him for the rest of his career.

Kennedy did return to the Pro Bowl in 1998 despite getting just two sacks and 30 tackles in the 15 games he played. He also took a fumble 39 yards for the only touchdown of his career. He rebounded strong the next year with 6.5 sacks, 61 tackles, and two interceptions. He was named to his last Pro Bowl as well.

Though he started in all 16 games during the 2000 season, he matched his career low of one sack and had just 32 tackles. He also snagged the last interception of his career and chugged for a career long 14 yards. After sitting out the 2001 season, he announced his retirement.

There has been no defensive tackle in Seahawks history than him. His eight Pro Bowls and three First Team All-Pro nods are both the second most in team history. His 58 sacks are the most by any defensive tackle in team history, and fourth best ever overall. His 568 career tackles also ranks fourth best in team history, and is the second most by any Seattle defensive lineman.

Cortez Kennedy is a member of the Seahawks Ring Of Honor, and is on the first team of the NFL 1990's All-Decade Team. Expect him to be one day a member of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame as well.





Defensive Tackle : Joe Nash


Nash was signed as an undrafted free agent rookie by the Seahawks before the 1982 season. He got one start that year, in the seven games that he played in the strike shortened season, and recorded a sack.

Seattle then had him start eight games the next year at nose tackle, splitting duties with Manu Tuiasosopo, and he had three sacks. Seattle won their first ever playoff game that year and eventually reached the AFC Championship before losing.

The Seahawks then decided to make him a full time starter. He responded with his only Pro Bowl season in 1984. He had seven sacks and a career best three fumble recoveries. One of the fumbles he recovered was taken in for a touchdown by him. He, along with cornerback Dave Brown and kicker Norm Johnson, made the Pro Bowl that year. It was just the third time in team history any player was given this honor.

Nash followed that up with nine sacks the next season, an excellent number for a nose tackle. He then had 10.5 sacks over the next three years, despite missing five games because on injuries.

Seattle ran their base 3-4 defense fot the last time in 1989. Nash had a stellar year, with eight sacks and a career best 92 tackles. The Seahawks then switched to the 4-3 defense in 1990 because they had just drafted defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy in the first round that year.

Now playing defensive tackle, Nash had just one sack. Seattle decided they wanted more of a pass rush the next year, so they moved defensive end Jeff Bryant into Nash's position and placed Tony Woods into Bryant's slot. It was the first year in Nash;'s career that he failed to record a sack. This experiment lasted just one year.

Defensive end Jacob Green left the team, so Bryant was inserted into his spot. Nash was starting again. He had 4.5 sacks that season. The 1993 season saw him record just half a sack, but he did intercept the only pass of his career and rumbled 13 yards for the last touchdown of his career.

After two sacks the next year, he had one in 1995. He also did not start in five games. He played in just eight games as a reserve the next season, then retired.

Joe Nash was the first defensive lineman in Seahawks history to be named to the Pro Bowl. His 218 games played in Seattle is a team record, and his 47.5 career sacks still ranks sixth best in franchise history. His 743 career tackles is the second most in team history, and the most ever by any Seahawks defensive lineman.

There has been no nose tackle in Seahawks history better than him. He was durable, strong, and an stellar sack master. He has 37.5 of his sacks playing nose tackle over seven years, which is a superb rate for the position. There is a reason the man was a fan favorite and lasted 15 years with the team. It was because he was excellent.

Sam Adams, Rocky Bernard, and John Randle deserve mention.







Defensive End : Jacob Green


Green was a first round draft pick of the Seahawks in 1980, and he was the tenth player chosen overall. He started in 13 of the 14 games he played as a rookie, then in all 16 games the following year. He had 18.5 sacks total during that time.

The NFL began keeping quarterback sacks as a statistic in the strike shortened season of 1982, and Green had three in the nine games he played that year. He had perhaps his best season the next year when he had a career high 16 sacks. He also intercepted a pass and took it a career long 79 yards for a touchdown. The Seahawks won their first ever playoff game that year and reached the AFC Championship before losing to eventual NFL Champion Los Angeles Raiders.

Teamed with 1982 first round draft pick Jeff Bryant, the two were fast becoming one of the best defensive end tandems in the league. The two would be paired up until 1992.

Green had 13 sacks and career high four fumble recoveries in 1984, then had 13.5 sacks the next year. He also scored two touchdowns. One came off a 19 yard interception return, and the other came off a 79 yard fumble recovery return. Both the touchdown off interception and fumble recovery led the NFL that year, as did his 79 yards off of fumble recoveries.

He was finally named to his first Pro Bowl in 1986 after having 12 sacks. He repeated that honor in the strike shortened 1987 season after getting 9.5 sacks in 12 games played. It would be the last time he made the Pro Bowl in his career.

Green scored the last touchdown of his career the next year, and also had nine sacks. Fans began to wonder if he was slowing down in 1997 after he had just three sacks, but he rebounded the next season with 12.5 sacks. He then had six sacks and the last interception of his career in the 1991 season.

It was also his last year in Seattle. He joined the San Francisco 49ers for the 1992 season, but suited up for two games and did not record any statistics. It is the only season of his career in which he failed to record a sack. He retired afterwards.

His 97.5 official sacks are the most in Seattle history, and was the third most at the time of his retirement. It still ranks 25th all-time. If all of his 118 career sacks counted, he would rank 14th on the all-time sacks list.

He was the first defensive end in Seahawks history to make the Pro Bowl, and his two appearances rank second most by any defensive end in team history. He is the only defensive lineman in team history with two touchdowns off of interceptions, and is tied for fifth most by and defender in franchise history. His three interceptions is tied with Cortez Kennedy as the most by any Seahawk lineman ever. His two touchdowns off of fumbles is tied with Michael Sinclair as the most ever by a Seattle defensive lineman, and is also the second most in franchise history.

Jacob Green is most likely the best defensive end that ever wore a Seahawks uniform.






Defensive End : Michael Sinclair


Sinclair was a sixth round draft pick by Seattle in 1991, and was the 155th player chosen overall. He spent his rookie year riding the bench mostly, but he did have one sack.

The next year saw him play just nine games, as he was used as pass rush specialist and had eight sacks. He had 4.5 sacks the next year in a reserve role again.

Seattle then inserted him into the starting lineup for the 1995 season, and he had 5.5 sacks. Business picked up for him the next year when he had 13 sacks and was named to his first Pro Bowl. He went back to the Pro Bowl in 1997 after getting 12 sacks and scored a touchdown off a fumble recovery.

The best year of his career may have been in 1998. He had a career best 16.5 sacks that led the NFL. He also had a career high 42 tackles.. He was named to the last Pro Bowl of his career that year as well.

He stayed with Seattle for three more years and had 13 total sacks over that time. He scored the last touchdown of his career in 2000 when he took one of his career high four fumble recoveries for a score. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for 2002, but played just four games. It was the only season he failed to record a sack. He then retired.

Michael Sinclair's 73.5 sacks with Seattle is the second most in franchise history. His three Pro Bowl appearances are the most by any defensive end in the teams history. He is certainly one of the best defensive ends the Seahawks ever had.

Jeff Bryant and Tony Woods deserve mentioning.







Outside Linebacker : Chad Brown


Brown was drafted in the second round of the 1993 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was the 44th player chosen overall. Pittsburgh started him in nine of the 16 games he played as a rookie at inside linebacker in the Steelers 3-4 defense. He had 3 sacks.

He stayed there for the next two seasons, getting 14 sacks and an interception. Pittsburgh advanced to Super Bowl XXX after 1995, but lost. Brown had missed six games because of injury that year, but returned in time to help Pittsburgh capture the AFC crown.

Pittsburgh moved him to outside linebacker in 1996, and he responded with a Pro Bowl year with a career high 13 sacks in the 14 games he played. He also had two interceptions and was named First Team All-Pro.

He joined the Seahawks in 1997 and had 6.5 sacks. He also led the NFL with two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns. The 1998 season was the best of his career. Brown racked up a career best 117 tackles to go with 7.5 sacks and an interception. He was named to the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro.

His last year as a Pro Bowler was in 1999. He had 5.5 sacks. The next year saw him score the last touchdown of his career, off a fumble recovery, and have six sacks. After 8.5 sacks in 2001, he missed eight games because of injuries the next year. He still managed six sacks in the eight games that he did play. After seven sacks and the last interception of his career in 14 games 2003, he was only able to suit up for seven games the next year, due to injury, and have one sack.

Brown signed with the New England Patriots in 2004 and started in five games before losing his starters job. He spent the rest of the year on special teams. He rejoined the Steelers the next year and had the last sack of his career after nine games before being injured for the rest of the year. He then rejoined the Patriots for two games in 2007 before being released.

Though some may remember Brown's early years in the famed "Blitzburgh" defense the Steelers ran, he had his most productive seasons in the eight years he spent with Seattle. His three touchdowns off fumbles is the most in team history, and is tied for the third most in NFL history.

He is still ranked third in franchise history in tackles and fumble recoveries, and is fifth in sacks. His 48 sacks is the most by any linebacker in team history. His two Pro Bowl years are the most by any Seattle outside linebacker, if you do not count Rufus Porter's Pro Bowl years as a special teams contributor.

Through all the fine outside linebackers in Seahawks history, Chad Brown is probably the best ever.







Middle Linebacker : Fredd Young


Young was drafted in the third round of the 1984 draft by Seattle, and was the 78th player chosen overall. He spent his rookie year as a reserve, yet recorded a sack. He was a special teams star for the Seahawks, and became the first player in AFC history to be named to the Pro Bowl as a special teams contributor.

He was inserted into the starting line up in the third game of the next year, and responded with another Pro Bowl season. He also contributed three sacks. He played in 15 games in 1986 and had six sacks. He was also named to the Pro Bowl yet again.

The strike shortened 1987 season was his last as a Pro Bowler. He was also named First Team All-Pro. He suited up for 12 games and had a career high nine sacks. He also had the first interception of his career, which he returned 50 yards for the only touchdown of his career.

He joined the Indianapolis Colts in 1988, and stayed with them for three mostly injury plagued years that saw him miss seven games and three starts. He contributed two sacks and two interceptions, then retired after the 1990 season.

Many Seahawks fans recall Young for more than his four Pro Bowls in his four years with the team. He was a ferocious hitter whose hits are still shown on NFL Films. His three Pro Bowl appearances as a middle linebacker are tied as the most in team history with Lofa Tatupu, and tied with Julian Peterson and Tatupu as the most by any linebacker in team history.

If you count the year he made it on special teams as a linebacker, which the league does, it is the most ever in Seahawks history. His 19 sacks are the most by any middle linebacker in team history as well.

Seattle has had quite a few good middle linebackers in their history, but perhaps none are better than Fredd Young.

Keith Butler, Shelton Robinson, and Dave Wyman all deserve mention.







Outside Linebacker : Rufus Porter


Porter joined Seattle as an undrafted free agent rookie in 1988. He saw limited action on defense that year, but soon became a star on special teams. He was named to the AFC Pro Bowl Team as a special teams contributor.

Chuck Knox, the Seahawks coach, knew he had to get Porter on the field more often. Knox started him three times at linebacker in 1989, but mostly used him as a pass rushing specialist. Porter came through with a career best 10.5 sacks that year. He kept starring on special teams and was named to his second, and last, Pro Bowl. He was also named First Team All-NFL and First Team All-AFC by Pro Football Weekly.

Seattle named him a starter in 1990, but Porter missed four games because of injury. He was able to contribute five sacks and a career high four fumble recoveries. He missed one game the next year, but piled up ten sacks and had his first interception of his career.

The 1992 season was the only year of his career that he played a full season as a starting linebacker, and he had 9.5 sacks. He started in six of the seven games he played in an injury plagued 1991, getting one sack and interception. After an interception and 1.5 sacks in 15 games the next year, he joined the New Orleans Saints.

His two years with the Saints saw him miss five games and start in just 21 games. He had three sacks his first year in New Orleans and none the next year. He found himself on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1997, where he had half a sack in the 11 games he played. He then retired.

Rufus Porter's place in Seahawks is secure, and his 37.5 sacks with the team are the second most ever by any Seahawks linebacker.

Julian Peterson, Bruce Scholtz, Terry Wooden, and Anthony Simmons all deserve mentioning.






Strong Safety : Ken Easley


Easley was the first round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 1981, and was the fourth player chosen overall. Blessed with great speed and a 32-inch vertical jump, the Chicago Bulls drafted him in the tenth round of the 1981 NBA Draft as well.

Seattle started him immediately, and the move paid off handsomely. He started all 14 games he played, intercepting three passes for a career high 155 yards. One was returned for a career long 82 yard touchdown. He also recovered a career high four fumbles. United Press International named him AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The 1982 season in the NFL is most remembered for being shortened due to a players strike. It is also the first season Easley was named to the Pro Bowl, the second Seahawk to ever be named to a Pro Bowl in team history, after he had four interceptions and the first two sacks of his career. He would be named to the Pro Bowl for the next three seasons as well.

Not only was he awarded Pro Bowl honors over these three years, he was also named First Team All-Pro in each year. No other Seahawk defensive back has done this, and it ranks as the second most in franchise history still today. His four consecutive Pro Bowls was also a team record at the time.

The 1983 season saw Seattle hire Chuck Knox as their head coach. Easley intercepted the ball seven times and had a career best three sacks that season as the Seahawks made the playoffs for the first time ever.

The Seahawks won their first ever playoff game by walloping the Denver Broncos 31-7. Easley contributed a sack and helped stifle the Broncos all game. Seattle rode that momentum by reaching the AFC Championship before losing.

Easly had the best season of his career in 1984. He has a career high ten interceptions and two touchdowns, both of which led the NFL. Seattle also asked him to return punts that year, and he had a career high 18 returns for 194 yards. He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts.

The Seahawks won 12 games that year. It was the highest win total for them until their 2005 team won 13 and reached the Super Bowl. They got revenge on the Raiders in the first round of the playoffs by winning 13-7. Easley provided a key interception that was returned 26 yards to help the team. Seattle would lose the next week to the Dolphins.

He missed three games the next year, yet had two interceptions and two sacks. Though he missed six games in 1986 because of an ankle injury, he still managed two interceptions and a sack. However, the ankle injury would come back to haunt him later on in his career.

He returned to the Pro Bowl in 1987 after getting four interceptions. The ankle was still bothering him, and he missed four games. He was also held out of the starting lineup for a game for the first time since his first game in college. Seattle made the playoffs,but lost. It was the last game he ever played again.

Seattle then traded him to the Phoenix Cardinals for the rights to quarterback Kelly Stouffer. Stouffer had been the sixth player overall drafted the season before, but sat out the entire season because he and the Cardinals were unable to agree to terms of a contact.

When Easley arrived for his physical in Phoenix, the Cardinals doctors found that he had a kidney disease. It was later determined his disease stemmed from taking too many Advils when he was attempting to play on his injured ankle, which was what the Seahawks medical staff had been advising him to do over that time.

Easley was forced to retire as a player. He later settled with the team out of court over the Advil fiasco that robbed him of his kidney and playing career. He would undergo a successful kidney transplant in 1990. He was jogging within four months of the surgery, then won a golf tournament within six months.

His 32 interceptions are the fourth most in team history, and his 538 yards returned off interceptions is the third most. The three touchdowns he scored off of interceptions is the second most, and his 11 fumble recoveries is the fifth most by any Seahawks defender. No other defensive back in Seahawks history has gone to the Pro Bowl more than him, and only three other players in team history have more appearances.

Kenny Easley is a member of the Seahawks Ring Of Honor, and is a member of the NFL 1980's All-Decade First Team. He is the only member of the unit to yet be inducted into Canton.

Easley is the not only the best strong safety of the 1980's, but he is the best safety in that decade and in Seahawks history.

Robert Blackmon deserves mention.







Free Safety : John Harris


Harris was drafted in the seventh round by the Seahawks in 1978, and was the 178th player chosen overall.

He won the starting job right away and had four interceptions in his rookie year, His second season was plagued by injuries, as he was only able to start in six of the 14 games he played that year. He never missed a game or start again while he was in Seattle. He still managed two interceptions.

Following six interceptions in 1980, he had the best year of his career in 1981 while teamed with rookie Kenny Easley at safety. Harris set career highs with ten interceptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns. One interception was returned a career long 42 yards. He also recovered a career high three fumbles.

After four interceptions in 1982, he matched his career high mark of three fumble recoveries the next year, returning them for a career best 62 yards. He also had two interceptions. The Seahawks won their first ever playoff game that year and eventually reached the AFC Championship before losing

The 1984 season saw him have six interceptions and record the only quarterback sack of his career. Seattle won 12 games that year. It was the highest win total for them until their 2005 team won 13 and reached the Super Bowl. They won in the first round of the playoffs, then lost the next week.

After intercepting seven passes in 1985, he joined the Minnesota Vikings the next year. He had three interceptions but missed one start in the 16 games he played. It was the first time he had missed a start since 1979. He then started in all 12 games he played in the strike shortened 1987 season, yet he still had three interceptions.

Harris picked off three balls the next year, but missed his first three games since 1979. He also missed a start in one of those games. He retired at the conclusion of the season.

He had at least two interceptions in all of his 11 seasons in the league, and ended up with 50 in his career. His 41 interceptions in Seattle is the third most in franchise history.

John Harris teamed with Easley to give the Seahawks perhaps the best safety tandem in the league for many years, and he might be the best free safety to have ever played for the team.

Eugene Robinson and Darryl Williams also were excellent, and surely deserve mention.







Cornerback : Dave Brown



Brown was picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 1975 draft, and was the 26th player chosen overall.

He played sparingly at defensive back for the powerhouse Steelers at defensive back, but helped as a return specialist. He returned 22 punts for 217 yards, both are career highs, and returned the only six kickoffs of his career for 126 yards. Pittsburgh would go on to win Super Bowl X that season.

He was then picked in the 1976 Expansion Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Though he started right away at cornerback and intercepted four balls, he also returned the last 11 punts of his career for 74 yards. He also recorded the only safety of his career.

He had four more swipes the next season, including scoring the first touchdown of his career. After 14 interceptions over the next three years, he missed his first six games of his Seattle career in 1981 after getting two interceptions. They would be the only games he missed with the Seahawks.

His best season was in 1984, which happened to be his only Pro Bowl year. It was the first time a Seahawk cornerback had been named to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro. He, along with nose tackle Joe Nash and kicker Norm Johnson, made the Pro Bowl that year. It was just the third time in team history any player was given this honor.

He had a career highs with eight interceptions for 179 yards and an NFL leading two touchdowns that came in one game.

Brown tied an NFL record with two interceptions returned for touchdowns during their November 4th, 1984 victory over the Chiefs, including a career long return of 90 yards.

Over the next two years, he had 11 interceptions and score a touchdown in each year. He was also named All-Pro in 1985. He then opted to sign with the Green Bay Packers in 1987. He missed his first four games that year for the first time since 1981, but still managed three interceptions. After three more the next year, he had six interceptions in 1989. He then retired.

Brown is seventh all-time in NFL history with 62 career interceptions. His 50 INTs as a Seahawk still stands as the team record. His five career touchdowns are the most ever by any Seattle defender.

In 1992, Brown was inducted into the Seattle's Ring of Honor.

Dave Brown may never get inducted into Canton, but his stats are certainly worthy of induction. He was solid and steady. I consider him more spectacular than flashy, even though he did score five touchdowns and have an amazing total of 62 interceptions. He always got the job done.






Cornerback : Keith Simpson


Simpson was the Seahawks first draft pick in 1978, and he was the ninth player chosen overall. Seattle used him as an extra defensive back for 13 games in his rookie year, yet he was able to intercept two balls. One was returned 40 yards for a touchdown.

He was put at strong safety the next year, and ended up staring in 11 of the 15 games he played. He swiped a career best four balls that year. His 1980 season saw him play 16 games the only time in his career, and he picked off three more passes.

Seattle was looking to upgrade their secondary and decided to move Simpson to cornerback and draft Ken Easley to play strong safety. The move was a good one for the team, and Simpson had two picks that year.

After no turnovers in the strike shortened season of 1982, Simpson had four interceptions in 1983 despite being injured much of year. He missed two games, and started just six. Seattle would go on to play the AFC Championship Game, but lose.

His best season was in 1984. He matched his career high of four interceptions, and had a career best 138 yards gained from the interceptions. He led the NFL with two touchdowns scored off of interceptions, including a career long return of 76 yards.

He lost his starting job to Terry Taylor, who was a first round draft pick in 1984, so he played as an extra defender. He failed to accrue a turnover for just the second time in his career, but he did contribute a career high three quarterback sacks. When the season was over, he retired.

Keith Simpson's 19 career interceptions still rank seventh best in Seahawk history, and his six sacks are the most recorded by any cornerback who has played in Seattle. His three touchdowns off of interceptions are the second most in team history.

His versatility and big play ability has him remembered as one of the best Seahawks defensive backs ever.

Patrick Hunter, Willie Williams, Terry Taylor, Dwayne Harper, and Shawn Springs deserve mention.







Punter : Rick Tuten


Tuten was signed as a free agent rookie by the Philadelphia Eagles for two games in the 1989 season. The Eagles used four different players that year as a punter. Tuten punted the ball seven times that year, and averaged a career low 36.6 yards per attempt. He was then released by Philadelphia.

He was signed by the Buffalo Bills two games into the season the next year. The Bills had drafted John Nies in the sixth round that year, but were unhappy with his production. They carried Tuten on the roster for a few more weeks before deciding to cut Nies. Tuten then was the punter the rest of the year, and averaged 39.8 yards on 53 attempts. Buffalo would go on to play in Super Bowl XXV that year, but would lose to the New York Giants 20-19.

Chris Mohr would replace Tuten on the Bills next year, and spend ten seasons with the team. Now a free agent again, Tuten waited for a team to give him a shot. The Seahawks 1991 season saw them already use two punters in six games, and head coach Chuck Knox was not pleased with either. Seattle then signed Tuten for the rest of the year. He averaged 43 yards on 49 punt attempts.

The Seahawks then used him a lot in 1992. He punted the ball an NFL leading 108 times, which is the fourth most in NFL history. His 4,760 yards also led the NFL, and is still the third most punting yards in a single season in NFL history.

He led the NFL in punting yards again in 1993 with 4007 yards on 90 punts. He also had the first punt of his career blocked that season.

Tuten made his only Pro Bowl squad in 1994 after punting 91 times for 3,905 yards. Tuten also scored on a two point conversion that year. He is the only punter in Seahawks history to be given a Pro Bowl honor.

He followed it up with perhaps the best season of his career in 1995. He led the NFL with a career high 45 yards per punt on 83 attempts. He also led the NFL with a career long 73 yard punt.

After having the last punt blocked of his career in 1996, Tuten was injured after 11 games the next season. The Seahawks then signed veteran Jeff Feagles during the offseason, and released Tuten. He then signed with the Saint Louis Rams for the 1998 season and punted the ball 95 times for the 4-12 Rams.

Saint Louis had a dramatic rebound in 1999, winning 16 games. Tuten was injured in the eighth game, and spent the rest of the year on injured reserve. The Rams went on to win Super Bowl XXXIV, thus giving Tuten a ring for being a member of the team. He then retired after the season.

His 554 punts for 24,266 yards are the best in Seahawks history, as is his 73 yard punt. His Seahawks career average of 43.8 yards per punt is the second best in franchise history by anyone with two or more punts. His career of 43.4 is the 27th best in NFL history, his 741 punts is the 42nd most ever, and his 32,190 punting yards is the 41st most in professional football history.

Rick "Bootin" Tuten is easily the greatest punter in Seahawks history.

Jeff Feagles, Herman Weaver, and Jeff West deserve mention.






Kick Returner : Steve Broussard


Not to be confused with the punter Steve Broussard who had three punts blocked in the four games he played for the 1975 Green Bay Packers.

This Broussard was a first round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 1990. He started a career high ten times in the 13 games he played as a rookie, but split carries with Mike Rozier. He set career best marks of 126 carries for 454 yards that season.

He started just six games over the next three injury plagued seasons with Atlanta, where he missed 11 games over that time. Atlanta released him after 1990, and he was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals for the 1991 season. After catching a career high 34 passes and scoring the only two point conversion of his career that year, he joined the Seahawks for the 1992 season.

Seattle installed Broussard as their kick returner, despite the fact he returned just ten kickoffs in the five years he has previously played. He responded by averaging 24.7 yards on 43 returns. He had 43 returns the next year as well, despite missing four games. One return went for 86 yards.

The best year of his career was in 1997. He set career bext marks of 50 kickoff returns for 1,076 yards. He also scored a career high six touchdowns as a third string running back behind Chris Warren and Lemar Smith.

He followed that up the next year by scoring on a 90 yard touchdown off of a kickoff return. He also averaged a career high 26.9 on 29 returns. After the 1998 season ended, he retired.

His 3,900 kickoff return yards for the Seahawks is the most in franchise history.

Charlie Rogers deserves mention, and is probably the best all around return specialist in Seahawks history.

If you want to see the offense, look in the Gab archives a few days ago.

Hey Gabber’s! For those of you that are playing Rapid Draft you’re aware there are two separate standings, one that is titled "YouGab" and the other is "You Gab Sports".  You may have noticed that the second one, "You Gab Sports" is not visible, we aren’t exactly sure what is going on with that and I’ve been working with Rapid Draft to see if we can fix the problem.  The difference between the two leader boards is that the first one, "Yougab", lists all the participants that signed up using the link from Yougabsports.com, the second is the combined list of those who signed up via Yougabsports.com and those who joined up via Rapid Draft using the “Join Leagues” search on their site.

We are continuing our attempts to fix the issue but in the meantime I have been able to get RD to retrieve the "You Gab Sports" overall leader board and below are the standings as they are today.  

The scores you’ll see are a combination of your overall average based on the first 11 weeks of the season and points received from this past weekend’s games. An example; if you had an average of 150 points from the eleven weeks of the regular season, and this weekend you scored 165, your score would be 315. Your rank is based on this combined score in the bracket you placed in on your regular season finish.

Keep in mind also, you might not have had the best overall score during the regular season, but you still could have an exceptional score in the playoffs and move much further ahead in the standings. Currently the team that was the overall leader the past 7 weeks is now 200 overall, even with the high average score, he had a bad first week in the playoffs and his rank reflects it. So don’t give up on this, be sure to have an active roster each week, who knows, you might end up in the money!!! Good Luck the rest of the way!

Just five games remain in the NFL regular season, and yet we stand here today with two teams still undefeated, a feat that has never before been accomplished in the NFL. Throw the arguments about parity in the NFL out the window for a minute and ask yourself this question:

“How amazing would it be for both the Colts and the Saints to join New England as the only teams to finish a regular season at 16-0?!”

Better yet, ask yourself how cool it would be for both teams to come into the Super Bowl undefeated, knowing one will carry the glory and one will fall short, just as those same Patriots did.

Both the Colts and the Saints have survived tough tests and scares against both the best and worst the NFL has to offer, another trait they hold in common with the 2007 Patriots. Still, both of these teams are hitting their strides, and have a realistic chance of finishing the regular season unblemished. Let’s take a look at the remaining Schedule for both squads going into the final weeks and see who has the more realistic chance.

Indianapolis Colts

As you can see from the table above, the Colts have two major hurdles to overcome in their quest to stay undefeated. Most notable among their remaining opponents are the resurgent Titans, who the Colts play next week, and the Broncos come to town the following week, with both games being played in Indy. The Titans have won five in a row after making a change at Quarterback from Kerry Collins to Vince Young, but in all likelihood, don’t have the kind of defense to shut down the Colts offense. The Broncos have the defense to get the job done, and they play the type of offense that could control the clock and keep the Indy offense off the field, which gives them as much a chance as any team to make it happen. After that, match-ups with the Jags, Jets, and Bills don’t appear to offer much of a challenge for Indianapolis.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints have a much easier road to glory to travel, as their remaining opponents exhibit a combined winning percentage of .400. Still, like the Colts, they have two real tests ahead of them in a week 14 match-up with the Falcons and a game at home against the Cowboys the following week. The Atlanta game is a real head-scratcher though, as they are a completely different team with Matt Ryan on the bench. He’s only supposed to miss one week, which means he should be on the field for the New Orleans game, but how effective he will be is to be decided. Then we have the Cowboys. Dallas is a team that could hang with the Saints offensively, and also give them fits with constant pressure on Brees. However, they are also a team that could not show up at all and get blown off the scoreboard. Aside from those two, there is the possibility of a trap game against Carolina, who could grind out the clock on the Saints using their tandom running backs. However, as evidenced this past week, Carolina also lacks leadership at quarterback and is prone to turnovers.

So in the end, both teams have a fairly open road to travel if they want to finish the regular season undefeated. In comparison, the Saints have the easier one to navigate although the Colts remaining schedule is misconstrued by a couple of teams who had early season success only to fall back. Five games for each with five chances. The only question left is who has enough left in the tank to get them there.

Quarterback : Dave Krieg



Kreig was an undrafted free agent rookie the Seahawks signed in 1980. He is the second and last player in the NFL to play college football at the now defunct Milton college. The first player was defensive end Dave Kraayeveld, who played with Seattle for 12 games in 1978.

Krieg spent the first four years of his career as a reserve, though he began to get more starts in 1983 when he started half of the season. He led the NFL with a touchdowns percentage of 7.4. With him at the helm, Seattle reached the AFC Championship after winning the first two playoff games ever in franchise history.

He was named the full time starter the next season, and he responded with his first Pro Bowl season. He tossed a career best 3,671 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also led the NFL with a career high 24 interceptions. Seattle won 12 games that year, a franchise record that stood until 2005.

Seattle won just eight games in 1985, and Krieg was sacked 52 times. The 455 yards he lost off of those sacks led the NFL. It was an NFL record then, and is still the fourth most yards lost ever.

He led the NFL in touchdowns percentage in 1987 and 1988. Though he missed seven games in 1988, he was named to the Pro Bowl. He would attain that Pro Bowl honor for the final time of his career in 1989.

Krieg threw more interceptions than touchdowns over the next two years, though he did lead the NFL with a career best 65.6 completion percentage. In 1990, he was sacked by Hall Of Famer Derrick Thomas a record seven times in one game. Seattle decided not to renew Krieg's contract when it expired at the end of the 1991 season.

He joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 1992, and started the whole season. He led the Chiefs to ten wins, but they lost in the first round of the playoffs. The Chiefs then brought n Hall Of Fame quarterback Joe Montana for the 1993 season, relegating Krieg to backup status. Montana was injured often that year, and Krieg started six games. He also had to come off the bench in each playoff game that Kansas City played, throwing a touchdown each time.

Krieg then joined the Detroit Lions for one year in 1994. He started in the last seven games of the year, and set Lions franchise records with a quarterback rating of 101.7, which was a career best, and throwing just three interceptions all year. He led the team to a playoff birth, but they lost in the first round.

Detroit would not commit to his being named starter, so Krieg joined the Arizona Cardinals for the 1995 season. The team struggled to only four wins, and Krieg led the NFL with 53 sacks for minus 380 yards. He left Arizona at the end of the year, then joined the Chicago Bears for the 1996 season. He started 12 games for the Bears, winning six.

He then joined the Tennessee Oilers to back up Steve McNair in 1997. He did not play much that year, attempting two passes. He attempted just 21 the next season, but did lead the Oilers to a comeback win after McNair was hurt in one game. He retired after the year was completed.

Dave Kreig is not only all over the Seahawks record books, he is all over the NFL record books. He ranks 12th all-time in NFL history in passing attempts, completions, and passing yards. He is tenth all-time is passing touchdowns.

He also has the most yards lost from sacks in NFL history, and was sacked the second most ever in league history. Krieg is also third all-time with the most fumbles ever, and second in fumble recoveries.

No other Seahawk quarterback has thrown for more yards, touchdowns, interceptions, or won more games than Dave Krieg, though Matt Hasselbeck may soon to surpass the passing yardage mark.

Jim Zorn deserves mention






Fullback : John L. Williams



Williams was a first round draft pick of the Seahawks in 1986, and was the 15th player chosen overall. Though the Seattle offense featured Pro Bowl running back Curt Warner, Williams offered them a versatile dimension the team was lacking.

He was starting right away, running for 538 yards and catching 33 passes in his rookie year. It was the only season of his career that he failed to score. He piled up 500 yards the next year, despite missing four games due to injury. He had career longs on a 48 yard run and 75 yards reception.

The 1988 season may have been his best. He gained a career high 877 yards rushing at a 4.6 yards per carry average, and had 651 yards on 58 receptions. His 1,528 yards from scrimmage that year was a career high total, as was the seven touchdowns he scored that year.

He scored seven times again the next year, and he also a career high 76 receptions. He had 71 catches the next year, gaining a career high 699 yards. He also rushed for 714 yards, and was given his first Pro Bowl nod.

The 1991 season was his second and last Pro Bowl season. He gained 741 yards and had 61 receptions. He was never the same running threat again after that year, but maintained his excellence in the passing attack.

After 132 receptions and six touchdowns over the next two years, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 1994 season. He was used mainly as a pass receiver by the Steelers in his two years, catching 51 balls his first year with the team. He showed signs of slowing down in 1995, having career lows of 24 receptions and 110 rushing yards.

The Steelers made it to Super Bowl XXX that year. Williams had scored on a run in their first round playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills. Pittsburgh lost in the Super Bowl, and Williams retired at the conclusion of the game.

He leads all Seahawks running backs with 471 receptions for 4,151 yards receptions and also 123 games played. His 76 catches in 1989 is the most ever by a Seattle running back, and he owns the top three slots for receiving years by a running back. His six touchdown reception in 1989 is the most ever by a Seahawks running back.

He currently ranks third on the franchise list in receptions, fourth in rushing yards, and sixth in receiving yards.

John L. Williams is not only the best pass catching back in Seahawks history, he may be the most complete running back who ever played for them. He easily is the best fullback they ever had.

Mack Strong, Dan Doornink and David Sims all deserve mention.





Halfback : Shaun Alexander




Alexander was the Seahawks first round draft pick in 2000, and he was the 19th player chosen overall. He sat on the bench most of his rookie year, gaining 313 rushing yards.

He was eventually anointed the starter the next year, and he led the NFL with 14 rushing touchdowns. He also ran for 1,318 yards and caught 44 balls. One run went for a career long 88 yards. He scored 18 times total the next year, including having a career high 59 receptions for 460 yards.

He was awarded his first Pro Bowl honor in 2003 after gaining 1,435 rushing yards and scoring 16 times. He went back to the Pro Bowl the next year after running for 1,696 yards and leading the NFL with 20 total touchdowns.

The best year of his career was in 2005. He led the NFL with a career high 370 carries for 1,880 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns. His 28 total touchdowns led the league, and did his 117.5 rushing yards per game. He also averaged a career best 5.1 yards per carry.

He led the Seahawks into Super Bowl XL by running for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the NFC Championship Game against the Carolina Panthers. Seattle lost in the Super Bowl, even though Alexander gained 95 yards on 20 carries.

He was named Most Valuable Player of the NFL that year, and he is the only Seahawk to have ever won the award.

Seattle then signed him to the biggest contract in team history before the 2006 season. He was guaranteed $15.1 million on a eight year contract worth $62 million.He was injured that year and missed six games. He was still able to gain 896 yards in that short time. He was injured the next year again, and missed three games. Seattle, sensing he was done, then released him.

He signed with the Washington Redskins for four games in 2008, and ran for a career low 24 yards on 11 carries. Washington then cut him. Though Alexander has not officially retired, in hopes of latching on with another team, his football career appears over.

He is the franchise leader with 9,429 rushing yards, 2,176 carries, 100 rushing scores, longest run from scrimmage, rushing yards per game, total touchdowns in a career and season, rushing touchdowns in a season, rushing attempts in a season, and rushing yards in a season.

Shaun Alexander is perhaps the best running back the Seahawks ever employed.

Curt Warner, Chris Warren, Sherman Smith, and Ricky Watters deserve mention.






Wide Receiver : Brian Blades




Blades was second round draft pick by Seattle in 1988, and he was the 49th player chosen overall. He started seven games that year, but did catch a career best eight touchdowns on 40 receptions. He averaged a career high 17.1 yards per reception as well.

He started all but two games the next year, and caught 77 balls for 1,063 yards and five scores. He was given his only Pro Bowl nod that year as well.

After catching 119 balls over the next two years, he was injured in 1992 and was only able to play six games. He rebounded in 1993 by setting a then-team record of 80 receptions. He broke that record the next year with 81, as well as gaining a career best 1,086 yards. After getting 77 balls for 1,001 yards in 1995, his production began to drop off.

His next two years were bereft with injuries, and he missed five games in each year. He caught 73 balls over that time. One reception went for a career long 80 yards. He then caught a career low 15 passes the next year. It was also the only year he failed to reach the end zone. Seattle then cut him before the start of the 1999 season.

The 581 receptions for 7,620 yards that he had with Seattle is the second most ever in franchise history. His 34 receiving touchdowns ranks fifth best.

Brian Blades was a terrific possession receiver that several Seattle quarterbacks relied on yearly. After Hall Of Famer Steve Largent, he is the best receiver in Seahawks history.







Wide Receiver : Darrell Jackson




Jackson was drafted in the third round of the 2000 draft by Seattle, and was the 80th player picked overall. He ended up starting ten games that season, and caught 53 balls and six touchdowns.

Now firmly entrenched in the starting lineup, he caught 70 balls for 1,081 yards and eight scores. He had 62 catches the next year, then snagged 68 balls for 1,137 yards and nine scores in 2003. He also averaged a career best 16.7 yards per catch that year, which included a career long 80 yard catch.

His best season was in 2004. He set a team record with 87 receptions, which has now been surpassed, for a career best 1,199 yards. He also scored seven times. Jackson then got hurt in 2005, and was never quite the same again.

He caught 38 balls in the six games he played, helping Seattle reach Super Bowl XL. He tied a Super Bowl record with five receptions in the first quarter, but most Seahawks fans recall a suspect pass interference call on him in the end zone in the quarter that negated a score.

He missed three games the next year, but managed to catch a career high ten touchdown passed on 63 receptions. Seatle then traded him to the San Francisco 49ers for the 2007 season. He had 46 receptions for the 49ers that year, then was released. He signed on with the Denver Broncos 2008 season, and had a career low 12 receptions. He was released after the season, and is currently a free agent.

His 441 receptions as a Seahawk is the fourth most in team history. His 6,445 receiving yards is the third most, and his 47 touchdown receptions are the second most.

Though Seattle has had quite a few excellent receivers in their history, no one can dismiss Darrell Jackson's very productive seven years with the team. He is surely one of the best receivers to have played in Seattle.

Sam McCullum, Daryl Turner, Koren Robinson, Joey Galloway, and Bobby Engram deserve mention. Alex Bannister made the Pro Bowl as a special teams star in 2003.






Tight End : Itula Mili




Mili was drafted in the seventh round by Seattle in 1997, and he was the 174th player chosen overall. He played just seven games that year, but did manage a 20 yard reception.

Over the next three years, he was primarily a reserve. He had 41 receptions and six touchdowns over that time. He became more of a starter in 2002, when he started 12 games and had 43 receptions for a career best 508 yards. He started 12 games again the next year, and had a career best 46 receptions and four touchdowns.

He went back to being a reserve in 2004, but did start four games and have 23 receptions. He was hurt the next year, and recorded no statistics for the only time in his career. After playing ten games in 2006, catching ten balls, he was released by Seattle.

Mili's 1,743 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns are the most by any tight end in Seattle history. His 164 receptions is just two behind Christian Fauria as the most ever by a Seahawk tight end. His 46 receptions in 2003 was a team record for tight ends until it was surpassed by John Carlson in the 2008 season by nine. His four touchdown receptions in 2003 equaled a team record for tight ends set by Mike Tice in 1991 until it was surpassed by Jerramy Stephens five in 2005.

The Seahawks have mostly used the tight end as just a blocker in their 33 years of play, but no one has yet to surpass the numbers that Itula Mili put up for them.

Charle Young, Jerramy Stevens, Mike Tice, and Christian Fauria deserve mention.







Tackle : Steve August




August was the Seahawks first round draft pick in 1977, and he was the 14th player chosen overall. He spent his rookie year on the bench, seeing action in just six games.

He was named the teams starting right tackle in 1978, an honor he would hold onto the rest of his Seahawks career. He was responsible for protecting left handed quarterback Jim Zorn's blind side until 1981, and for most of 1982 and 1983.

One of the highlights of his career occurred in 1981. He caught a tipped pass and rambled nine yards before being tackles. Another highlight for him was the 1983 season, where he missed one game. The Seahawks won their first ever playoff game that year and reached the AFC Championship before losing to eventual NFL Champion Los Angeles Raiders.

After starting the first six games of 1984 for Seattle, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started one of the five games he suited up for the team. He then retired from the game.

Offensive linemen often get overlooked by fans, but their contributions are the primary reason offenses are successful. Seattle had an offense led by star running back Curt Warner and Hall Of Fame wide receiver Steve Largent, but it was because of men like Steve August that they were successful.








Tackle : Ron Essink



Essink was drafted in the tenth round of the 1980 draft, the 265th player chosen overall. He had went to college at Grand Valley State, where he was the first player from the school to be drafted and to play in the NFL.

He spent his rookie year primarily as a reserve, but he did start three times. He also caught a three yard pass for a touchdown on a tackle eligible play.

He was named a starter at left tackle the next year, and he would start in every game he played until he retired. During his time with Seattle, he helped the team win their first three playoff games. He was also an integral part of their 1984 team that won 12 games, which was the most wins in team history until they won 13 in 2005.

He was responsible for protecting right handed quarterback Dave Kreig's blindside for parts of 1980 to 1983, and in Kreig's Pro Bowl year in 1984. Essink played 12 games in 1985, but then got hurt and missed the rest of the year. He then retired from the game.

Ron Essink may be the second best left tackle in Seahawks history behind future Hall Of Famer Walter Jones.

Howard Ballard deserves mention.








Guard : Edwin Bailey



Bailey was a fifth round draft pick of the Seahawks in 1981, and he was the 114th player chosen overall. He earned a starting job right away with the team and held it until the 1983 season.

That year saw newly hired Seattle head coach Chuck Knox bring in Reggie McKenzie with him. McKenzie, a famed member of the Buffalo Bills "Electric Company", had played five years under Knox in Buffalo up until 1982.

McKenzie took over Bailey's left guard spot in 1983, but Edwin did start two games that year. Seattle ended up winning their first ever playoff games before losing in the AFC Championship to eventual NFL Champion Los Angeles Raiders.

Bailey played 12 games the next year, and started in eight. Seattle won 12 games that year, a franchise record until 2005, and won a playoff game before their season ended. McKenzie retired after that year, so Bailey was back in the starting lineup for good.

He started in every game that he played until he retired with Seattle. In 1986 he ran a ball for three yards. He ended up getting injured in 1990, and missed five games. After starting the first three games of 1991, he was injured again and missed the rest of the year. He then retired.

Edwin Bailey was a long time stalwart of the Seahawks for 11 seasons. He was a solid technician who helped lead running back Curt Warner have his best years. He is surely one of the best guards in the teams history.








Guard : Chris Gray



Gray was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 1993 draft by the Miami Dolphins. He was the 132nd player chosen overall.

He got on the field for just five games as a rookie, but started in two of the 16 games he played the next year. He earned the starting job at right guard, but missed 11 games over two years. He then joined the Chicago Bears in 1997 for eight games.

Seattle picked him up in 1998, and he started 34 games at center over the next three years. He was then moved to guard for the 2001 season, where he would stay until his retirement.

The Seahawks won a franchise record 13 games in 2005, and captured their only AFC title. Gray was a key member of an offensive line that paved the way to seeing running back Shaun Alexander won the MVP Award that season.

He suffered a back injury in 2007, and decided to retire just before the 2008 season started. He had started in every game but one for Seattle since the 2000 season.

Chris Gray was known for much more than his dependability. He was extremely versatile, and played every position on the offensive line in a Seahawks uniform. His streak of 121consecutive starts at guard/ center is a club record. He certainly is one of the best to have played in Seattle.

Bob Newton, Bryan Millard, and Pete Kendall all deserve mention.







Center : Robbie Tobeck




Tobeck joined the Atlanta Falcons in 1994 as an undrafted free agent rookie. He got on the field for five games that year.

Atlanta started him at guard the next year, a job he would hold the next three years. He did catch two passes in 1996, including one for a 14 yard touchdown. He was moved to center in 1998, where he stayed the rest of his career.

He joined the Seahawks in 2000, but got on the field for just four games. He was inserted into the starting lineup the next season, and remained there the rest of his career.

The best year of his career was in 2005, when he was named to the Pro Bowl. He is the only center in Seahawks history to have achieved this honor. Seattle won a club record 13 games that year, and reached their first Super Bowl game.

After starting the first eight games of the 2006 season, he was injured in the eight game and missed the rest of the year. He then retired as probably the best center in Seattle history.

Blair Bush and John Yarno deserve mention.





Kicker : Norm Johnson



Johnson was signed as a free agent rookie in 1982 by the Seahawks. Though he had just 43 points in the strike shortened season that was nine games long, he did complete the only pass of his career for 27 yards.

After scoring 103 the next season, he had one of the best years of his career in 1984. He scored 110 points and was named First Team All-Pro. He is still the only placekicker in Seahawks history to be named to the Pro Bowl. He, along with cornerback Dave Brown and nose tackle Joe Nash, made the Pro Bowl that year, which was just the third time in team history any player was given this honor.. His two field goals against the Los Angeles Raiders in the AFC Wildcard Game was the difference in Seattle's 13-7 victory. It was the first playoff win in the franchises history.

The 1986 season was his first that he did not miss an extra point attempt, for he had missed once in each of the four years. He also made a career best five field goals of 50 yards or longer that year on seven attempts, which led the NFL. It is also the third most by any player in NFL history.

Though the 1987 season was know for being a strike year for NFL players, Johnson sat out just two games. He then scored 177 points over the next two years, including 105 points scored in 1988.

The 1990 season was his last in Seattle, and the year he would miss an extra point attempt in his career. He made 301 consecutive extra point attempts over the next nine years, which is the third best streak in NFL history. It was also the fifth season he scored over 100 points in his nine years with the team.

He joined the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent in 1991. He scored 95 points, and ounted for the first time in his career with a 27 yard attempt. He had his last career punt attemp the next year, which went 37 yards. He also scored 93 points.

The 1993 year was his best as a Falcon, and it was the last time he would go to the Pro Bowl in his career. Johnson led the NFL in field goal percentage after missing just once in 27 attempts.After a solid 1994 year, he left the Falcons for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The timing of the signing could not have worked out better for Pittsburgh. Johnson led the NFL with 34 field goals on 41 attempts, both of which are career best totals. He also had a career high 141 points that season, which was second behind Dallas Cowboys Hall Of Famer Emmitt Smith's 150 points. His 141 points is ranked 27th as the most points scored in a season in NFL history.

Pittsburgh would go to play in Super Bowl XXX that year, as Johnson made seven field goals in the post-season. The Steelers would lose to the Dallas Cowboys 27-17 in the game.

Johnson missed just eleven field goal attempts over the next three years, making 71 of them. Pittsburgh decided to release Johnson after 1998, when they drafted Kris Brown. The Philadelphia Eagles then signed Johnson to a contract for the 1999 season.

He was the placekicking specialist that year, while second year pro David Akers was used as a kickoff specialist. Johnson played in 15 games that year, scoring 79 points, before relinquishing his duties to Akers. He then retired.

The 810 points that Norm Johnson scored with the Seahawks is the most in franchise history. Five of his seasons are amongst the top 18 greatest scoring years in Seattle history, and his 1984 season is still ninth best.

Johnson attempted 477 field goals in his career, which is the 12th most ever in NFL history. His 366 made field goals in the tenth most ever. His 638 extra point conversions are the sixth most ever, as is his 644 extra point attempts. He ranks 21st all-time in extra point percentage, and 48th all-time in field goal percentage. It is easy to see why he was dubbed "Mr. Automatic" by Seahawks fans.

His 1,736 points is still the eight most in NFL history, though John Kasay has a chance to pass his this year. Norm Johnson spent half of his 18 year career as a Seahawk, and is the best placekicker they ever had.

Todd Peterson and Josh Brown deserve mention.






Punt Returner : Joey Galloway



Galloway was the Seahawks first round draft pick in 1995, the eigth player chosen overall that year. They put him to work immediately that year. He caught 67 passes for 1,039 yards and seven touchdowns. He ran the ball 11 times for a career high 154 yards, including a career long 86 yard touchdown run. It was the longest of the 1995 NFL season. He also returned a career high 36 punt returns, including a career long 89 yard touchdown return. It also led the NFL that year.

He carried the ball a career high 15 times the next year, as well as catching 57 balls for seven touchdowns. Galloway also scored on a punt return of 88 yards on just 15 returns. . He did not return punts in 1997, but he found time to catch 72 passes for 1,049 yards and a career high 12 touchdowns.

He had 25 punt returns in 1998, and took two in for touchdowns. This led the league. He also caught 65 balls for 1,047 yards and ten scores. Galloway asked Seattle for a raise, but was refused. He decided to sit out the first eight games of 1999. When he joined the team, he started in just four of the remaining eight games.

Still unhappy with his contract, Galloway was traded to the Dallas Cowboys before the 2000 season for two first round draft picks. In his first game with Dallas, he blew his knee out in the fourth quarter after catching four passes and scoring once. He sat out the rest of the season.

Galloway returned to Dallas in 2001 and stayed with them until 2003. He led the NFL with a 19.8 yards per catch average in that 2003 season. Dallas then traded him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a disgruntled Keyshawn Johnson. The Buccaneers got the better end of the deal, because Galloway's career was revitalized by the trade.

Though he missed six games that year because of an injury, he did catch five touchdown passes and return the last punt for a touchdown in his career. He followed that up with a career best 83 receptions for 1,287 yards. He also scored ten times.After catching 119 passes for 13 touchdowns over the next two years, Galloway spent 2008 most injured. It was the first season in his career he failed to reach the end zone.

Tampa Bay released him after the season, and he was signed by the New England Patriots for the 2009 season. He played in two games and caught seven balls before the Patriots released him. Though he has yet to announce his retirement, it is unlikely the 39 year old Galloway will play again.

Of the 675 career passes he caught, 283 of them came with Seattle. It is the seventh most in team history. His 37 touchdown receptions are the third most in Seahawks history. His four touchdowns off of punt returns is the most in franchise history, and his two punt return touchdowns in 1998 is a team record. His 823 punt return yards with Seattle still ranks fifth best in team history.

Though Joey Galloway wore a Seattle jersey for just five years, there was perhaps no player more exciting than him over that time for the team.

Paul Johns, Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram, Charlie Rogers, and Bobby Joe Edmonds all deserve mention. Edmonds is the only All-Pro return specialist in Seahawks history.