Tag: Seattle Seahawks

Former Seahawks DT Brandon Mebane assigns blame to Super Bowl XLIX interception

Former Seahawks DT Brandon Mebane assigns blame to Super Bowl XLIX interception

It is Super Bowl Sunday, which unfortunately, means Seattle Seahawks fans are forever condemned to relive one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history… which is simultaneously the single most painful memory in the entire history of Seattle sports: Russell Wilson throwing an interception at the goal line to Malcolm Butler to lose Super Bowl XLIX.

A decade later, this play still haunts the Pacific Northwest, and forever will. Yet with each passing year, we learn more and more about that fateful moment. Former Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, who was on the sideline when the incident-in-question occurred, recently spoke about it to KIRO’s own Gee Scott on his radio program.

Mebane recalls seeing former Seahawks backup Tavaris Jackson reacting to the play call.

“So Tarvaris Jackson — I’m kind of not near him, but I can see him — has an earpiece in his ear, and they call the play. Tavaris Jackson says, ‘Nooo! Don’t run that play.’ He turns his back and walks up the sideline away from the play. And I’m like, ‘Where is he going, and why did he say don’t run that play?’ But he said don’t run that play. He walks back, and then they ran the play. And you know what happened after that.”

Initial reaction would certainly suggest blame lies at the hands of offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who called the play. This is the position running back Marshawn Lynch certainly has.

However, Mebane appears to be offering a new explanation. While Bevell may have made the play call, clearly, there were audibles quarterback Russell Wilson was empowered to make at the line. This is what Mebane is alleging in his recent interview, that Wilson himself made the ultimate decision to throw the ball at the goal line.

“Russell pops up and said, ‘Man, they was in goal line (formation), that’s why I threw the ball.'” Mebane declared. “I said, ‘Oh, OK,’ and then I walked off. So, pretty much, Russell changed the play. It was one play. Russell changed the play to that play and then what happened happened.”

The play will live on in infamy, a memory the 12th Man will forever be cursed to relive (in some capacity) each February. As far as I can remember, this is the first time I recall a former teammate directly calling out Wilson with sole-ownership of the interception.

In the end, we may never know who is truly to blame, or if there even is one singular reason why it happened. What we do know is it ended the championship aspirations of the Legion of Boom, as the Seahawks have still yet to return to even the NFC Championship game… let alone the Super Bowl.

“I think about how close we were to winning the second one,” Mebane reminisces. “And I think we could have went to three. I think we could have gone to one in 2012 if (OLB) Chris Clemens didn’t get hurt. I think we’d have had a great opportunity to play in that Super Bowl.”

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Seahawks like to approach Geno Smith’s contract this offseason

Seahawks like to approach Geno Smith’s contract this offseason

The Seattle Seahawks need to figure out what they are going to do with quarterback Geno Smith, who is entering the final year of his current contract. Head coach Mike Macdonald has been repeatedly on the record – including recently – that he wants Geno Smith back in Seattle for the 2025 season. As it stands, it appears the team will be making this a priority this offseason.

NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero are reporting the Seahawks will likely address Smith’s contract this offseason. As it stands, Smith will be headed into the final year of his current contract.

Rapoport and Pelissero wrote:

The Seahawks have said nothing to dissuade the impression they’re all-in on Geno Smith, who is entering a contract year at age 34 and is set to have his third offensive coordinator in three seasons. Seattle likely will address his deal, which is set to pay him $25 million in 2025, putting him at the lower end of the veteran starter pay scale.

I understand fully the frustrations some fans have with Smith, specifically his interceptions… notably in the red zone. However, Smith is still a clear-cut starting caliber quarterback in the NFL. If you believe the Seahawks can do better than him for 2025, I would merely ask this:

Who is out there that is both better than Geno Smith, and available to obtain?

It seems Seattle has asked both of these questions, and the answers they are finding keep leading them back to Smith.

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NFC West Watch: 49ers WR Deebo Samuel requests trade

NFC West Watch: 49ers WR Deebo Samuel requests trade

In one of the more shocking Super Bowl Sunday news drops, the Seattle Seahawks’ primary rivals – the San Francisco 49ers – are going to be without one of their top stars in 2025. The 49ers, coming off an abysmal NFC Championship defense season with a record of 6-11, learned wide receiver Deebo Samuel has requested a trade. San Francisco has given Samuel and his agent to explore searching for a trade partner, as the franchise seems inclined to grant his request.

Samuel has been one of the biggest cogs in the 49ers machine these last few years. However, the relationship between the team and the all-purpose star has been rocky at times. During the 2022 offseason, Samuel requested his first trade from San Francisco, before being granted a three-year extension worth up to $73.5 million dollars. This time, it does not seem like either side is willing to find a way to keep this relationship going.

Samuel has reportedly grown frustrated with his usage in the Niners’ offense. Last year, Samuel only had 670 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 15 games played. It was the second time in the last three years his receiving total has been only in the 600 yard range, and has not eclipsed 1,000+ since the 2021 season.

Should he finally leave the 49ers, it will be a blessing to the Seahawks secondary. In his career versus Seattle, Samuel has 766 receiving yards on 47 receptions, seven of which went for touchdowns in eight total games against the Hawks. In Seattle’s 36-24 loss to San Francisco on Thursday Night Football last year, Samuel had five receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown.

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Rams hiring former Seahawks OL coach to replace Nick Caley as TEs coach

The Rams have found their replacement for Nick Caley, hiring Scott Huff to be their new TEs coach

The Los Angeles Rams lost Nick Caley this offseason when he was hired as the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator but it didn’t take them long to find his replacement. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Rams are hiring former Seahawks offensive line coach Scott Huff as their new tight ends coach.

Huff spent last year coaching Seattle’s offensive linemen after stints at both the University of Washington and Boise State. He originally joined Washington’s coaching staff as the offensive line coach in 2017 and spent seven years there until he joined the Seahawks in 2024.

Before Washington, he coached the offensive line, tight ends and was even a special teams coordinator at Boise State.

In addition to coaching the Rams’ tight ends, Caley was also the pass game coordinator. It remains to be seen if Los Angeles will hire someone to assume that role, as well.

Mike Macdonald expects Geno Smith to be Seahawks starting QB in 2025

Mike Macdonald expects Geno Smith to be Seahawks starting QB in 2025

The Seattle Seahawks once again enter an offseason with questions about what to do at quarterback. Specifically, what to do with their starter, Geno Smith. Well, apparently these are questions to everyone in the world but head coach Mike Macdonald.

In a clip from an upcoming interview with Aaron Levine this weekend, Macdonald was unwavering in his support of Smith. Macdonald even went as far as to emphatically say he believes the Seahawks can win a championship with Smith at the helm.

Macdonald’s full comments on Smith can be seen in the clip below. They echo his words from the end of the season. There can be no doubt as to what he truly feels about his quarterback.

In his three seasons as the Seahawks starter, Smith has set the single season passing yard record twice and has kept Seattle competitive. Unfortunately, the Hawks were eliminated one week earlier in 2024, but they still earned 10 wins for the first time since 2020. Smith’s interceptions – especially in the red zone – were a considerable issue, but perhaps working with a more established offensive coordinator in Klint Kubiak and focusing on a more consistent ground attack can help mitigate some of those turnovers.

We are still a football lifetime away from the 2025 season kicking off. A lot can happen between now and then. But for right now, it sure looks as if Geno Smith is going to be taking the field in the neon and navy of Seattle this September.

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Could the Seahawks play in Ireland next season?

Could the Seahawks play in Ireland next season?

The NFL is perpetually on a mission to expand their brand overseas. For years, the league has held games in London, England, but in recent seasons they have expanded further. They have been to Mexico, Germany, even São Paulo, Brazil! Now, the NFL is adding a new country to their list: Ireland.

On Friday, the league announced the Pittsburgh Steelers will play in the first ever NFL game held in Ireland, and they will be the designated “home” team.

How does this impact the Seattle Seahawks? Well, Seattle is slated to play the Steelers as one of their away opponents in 2025, so that means the Hawks will be on the road to take them on. But… no one ever specified where this game will take place.

Due to the oddities a 17-game schedule presents, the Seahawks will have nine road games in 2025. This presents a rather unique opportunity for the team to perhaps spend one of those games back in Europe.

Seattle has set international precedent before, of course. Back in 2022 they were part of the first ever game played in Germany, as they took on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Back then, the Seahawks were also the designated “road” team.

Could the Hawks be going from the Emerald City to the Emerald Isle? Only time will tell. For now, we will have to wait for at least the official schedule reveal later this offseason.

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Former Seahawks HC Mike Holmgren snubbed for Hall of Fame

Former Seahawks HC Mike Holmgren snubbed for Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame’s 2025 class was announced on Thursday evening at the NFL Honors. The class includes wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, defensive end Jared Allen, cornerback Eric Allen and tight end Antonio Gates. But there was one name not on the list that absolutely should have been: former Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren.

In his first year as a Hall of Fame finalist, Holmgren was not voted into Canton. Holmgren was also the only player/coach/contributor with any connection to the Seahawks in the finalist stage, as fellow former Seattle head coach Chuck Knox and former safety Earl Thomas – in his his first year of eligibility – did not make it past the semifinalist stage.

Holmgren’s accomplishments as a head coach have been overlooked for far too long. He is one of only seven head coaches to take two separate franchises to the Super Bowl, and was the first coach in league history to win at least 75 games with two teams. Holmgren also delivered a Lombardi to Green Bay for the first time since literally the first two Super Bowls, and took the Seahawks to their first appearance in franchise history.

But Holmgren’s impact was not limited to simply winning football games. Where Holmgren also had a massive impact was developing other head coaches and executives. In total, eleven of his former assistants went on to become head coaches themselves, which include:

  • Andy Reid
  • Jon Gruden
  • Steve Mariucci
  • Ray Rhodes

We don’t need a lesson on how many assistants of both Reid and Gruden have gone on to become a head coach themselves. But to name a few… Doug Pederson, Ron Rivera, Jay Gruden, and Matt LaFleur. All of their careers can eventually be traced back to one man: Mike Holmgren.

Andy Reid even took time during Super Bowl media week to discuss his former boss, and expressed hope he would get in.

While I am sure Holmgren would have loved to get in, he still had plenty to say about his former receiver, Sterling Sharpe, who did.

Holmgren is a class act, and we can only hope eventually the voters see the light and enshrine him where he belongs… Canton.

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3 Guards the Seahawks could target at No. 18 overall in 2025 NFL Draft

3 Guards the Seahawks could target at No. 18 overall in 2025 NFL Draft

The Seattle Seahawks need to upgrade their offensive line this offseason, particularly across the interior. Veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson played poorly on an expiring contract and isn’t expected to return. Connor Williams abruptly retired midseason and sophomore blocker Olu Oluwatimi was unexpectedly inserted into the lineup at center. The right guard position was arguably worse of all, with three rookies and sophomores (Anthony Bradford, Sataoa Luamea, and Christian Haynes) all failing to maximize opportunities.

John Schneider must acquire a guard capable of playing high-level football right away this offseason. The Seahawks own the No. 18 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Guard should be their highest offseason priority. We’ve identified three interior blockers they could potentially target with that pick.

Will Campbell, LSU

Will Campbell played offensive tackle for the LSU Tigers, but many scouts and analysts are projecting him to play guard at the next level. The Seahawks are tasked with assessing his positional versatility throughout this process. If the conclusion is that Campbell is better positioned for success at the guard, the Seahawks should feel comfortable drafting him at 18.

Tyler Booker, Alabama

Tyler Booker may be the most natural first-round guard available. With no questions over his future position, Booker has been a highly effective phone-booth blocker for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He overwhelms opponents with raw power and strength. Considering power has been an issue for the Seahawks’ guards in pass protection, this would represent a welcomed change of pace.

Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Kelvin Banks Jr. is another first-round prospect facing positional questions. The Texas Longhorns tackle may be a better fit to block on the interior due to questionable foot speed and balance issues. If Banks Jr. plays guard, he’d represent a better option than current in-house candidates Bradford and Laumea.

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Former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

Former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner was outstanding for the Washington Commanders in 2024. The future Hall of Famer recorded 132 tackles en route to helping the Commanders shockingly qualify for the NFC Championship Game. Wagner is now scheduled to reach free agency for a fourth consecutive offseason.

Wagner played for the Seahawks from 2012 to 2021. He then joined the rival Los Angeles Rams for a season after being released from his contract in Seattle. Wagner reunited with the Seahawks in 2023 before joining the Commanders in 2024.

Pro Football Focus is projecting Wagner to rejoin the Rams via free agency. We’re not sure we can handle that again!

“The Rams are quite familiar with the mercenary linebacker, as they’ve seen him ball out for this defense in 2022, where Wagner earned an impressive 90.7 overall grade (at 32 years old),” Mason Cameron wrote. “Los Angeles finds itself in need of both help at linebacker – only have Omar Speights under contract next season – and veteran leadership to help develop this young and talented defense.”

The Rams could enter the market for a veteran off-ball linebacker after trading Ernest Jones IV to the Tennessee Titans last offseason. Of course, Jones eventually ended up in Seattle, where he’d help transform Mike Macdonald’s defense down the stretch. Jones and/or Wagner could be targets for the Rams via free agency. The Seahawks should attempt to prevent that from happening.

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OL guru believes former Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb mishandled Christian Haynes

OL guru believes former Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb mishandled Christian Haynes

The Seattle Seahawks drafted guard Christian Haynes with a third-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. General manager John Schneider knew he needed reinforcements to upgrade the interior of his offensive line. Despite that, Haynes had a disappointing impact as a rookie.

Veteran Laken Tomlinson was signed in free agency to play left guard. Haynes found himself in a competition with sophomore blocker Anthony Bradford at right guard. Bradford ultimately won the job, but played poorly enough for Haynes to receive the occasional opportunity.

Then-offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb never fully committed to Haynes, however. Tomlinson and Bradford played extremely poorly at guard. Seattle’s lackluster offensive line ended up being their Achilles heel throughout the season. Grubb has since been fired and replaced by head coach Mike Macdonald with Klint Kubiak.

The Athletic’s Michael Shawn-Dugar recently spoke with acclaimed offensive line guru Michael-Shawn Dugar for a fantastic piece about Seattle’s offensive line. Thorn offered his thoughts on Haynes’ rookie season. Interestingly enough, he feels Grubb mishandled Haynes’ play time.

“I saw him get walked back a couple times from bull rushes, but not anything out of the ordinary from anybody else — on that line especially, but just across the league,” Thorn told Dugar. “A rookie coming in where he was drafted, I thought there were some positives, too. It was a lot more even with some promise as opposed to, ‘We whiffed, and he shouldn’t have gotten drafted.’ I didn’t see that.”

The Seahawks are entering the offseason with a desperate need to upgrade the offensive line. In-house solutions would be helpful. Haynes should receive a fresh opportunity under Kubiak.

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