Tag: Sunday Night Football

Former Seahawks punter Jon Ryan to raise 12th Man Flag

Former Seahawks punter Jon Ryan to raise 12th Man Flag

The most hallowed pregame tradition in the NFL is the raising of the 12th Man Flag in the south end zone at Lumen Field. Seattle sports legends, celebrities and hometown heroes have all shared in this distinct honor, but on Sunday night, the responsibility now falls to former Seahawks punter Jon Ryan.

From 2008-2017, Jon Ryan became a Seattle cult classic as one of the best punters in the NFL. However, there is one reason above all else why Ryan gets the honors tonight against the Packers: it was his trick touchdown pass in the 2014 NFC Championship that helped fuel the Seahawks’ unlikely comeback.

The Seahawks were trailing 16-0 late in the third quarter. The already slim hopes at clawing their way back into the game were fading quickly as Russell Wilson’s pass on third down fell incomplete. Seattle lined up for a field goal just to get on the board, when in fact it was Ryan who found rookie tackle Garry Gilliam for the touchdown.

Ryan’s touchdown fueled the unlikely comeback, as Seattle prevailed 28-22 in overtime to return to the Super Bowl. I know for a fact the 12th Man has not forgotten Ryan’s heroics.

The stars could be aligning a bit for the Seahawks. They are home against the Packers, in their first prime time Sunday night game in front of a crowd since 2019, and they have Jon Ryan lifting the 12th Man Flag on the 40th anniversary of No. 12 being retired.

Folks all over the Pacific Northwest better hear the roar of the 12’s tonight.

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Seahawks Week 15 inactives: Ken Walker officially OUT vs Packers

Seahawks Week 15 inactives: Ken Walker officially OUT vs Packers

The Seattle Seahawks are a little more than an hour away from kicking off against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. Unfortunately, Seattle’s top running back, Kenneth Walker III, will be watching from the sidelines. The Seahawks officially announced their inactives list for Week 15, and as expected, Walker was on it.

Walker was listed as QUESTIONABLE going into the weekend. Additionally, with the news of elevating rookie running back George Holani from the practice squad was practically writing on the wall for Walker’s availability. The NFL is a next man up league, and the responsibilities fall to Zach Charbonnet.

The full inactives list for both teams can be seen below.

Seahawks Inactives:

  • RB Kenneth Walker III
  • CB Tre Brown
  • TE Brady Russell
  • LB Trevis Gipson
  • WR Cody White
  • QB Jaren Hall
  • CB Artie Burns

Packers Inactives:

  • WR Malik Heath
  • S Javon Bullard
  • CB Jaire Alexander
  • OL Jacob Monk

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter during the game for live updates, analysis and highlights during the game!

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On this day in history: Seahawks retire No. 12 for the fans 40 years ago

On this day in history: Seahawks retire No. 12 for the fans 40 years ago

Tonight, the Seattle Seahawks will take on the Green Bay Packers under the lights of prime time. It will be the first time they’ve had the true Sunday Night Football treatment on an actual Sunday night (they were on NBC on Thanksgiving last year) since the 2020 season.

Actually, since 2020 was the infamous COVID year, this will be the first time the 12th Man will experience a home SNF game since Week 17 of the 2019 season. It is only fitting SNF returns to Seattle on this day, for the 12th Man, because it is ultimately a day in their honor.

On this day in 1984, the Seahawks officially retired the No. 12 jersey in honor of the best fans in the National Football League. Seattle became the first, and to this day only, team to retire a jersey for their fans.

In the 40 years since, the 12th Man of Seattle has become one of the best nicknames in all of sports, and it has been well-earned. The reputation of the 12th Man has made Seattle a place incredibly hostile to visiting teams, as their roar makes it all but impossible to hear the quarterback’s cadence.

This year, the 12’s have taken a bit of a hit reputationally. Opposing fans have invaded Lumen Field, negating some of Seattle’s legendary home field advantage. It won’t get any easier tonight, as the Packers and their loyal fan base are coming to town. If there was ever a time to show up and prove the 12’s still have it, tonight is the night. After all, it is their night.

Let the world hear your roar once more, 12’s!

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Seahawks elevate RB George Holani from practice squad

Seahawks elevate RB George Holani from practice squad

For the second-straight week, the Seattle Seahawks are elevating undrafted rookie running back George Holani from the practice squad. Sunday night will mark the third game of the season the former Boise State Bronco will be a member of the active 53-man roster.

This news comes on the heels of starter Kenneth Walker III being listed as DOUBTFUL. Last week, Walker was downgraded to OUT on Saturday, prompting Holani’s elevation. The fact Holani is already being elevated does not bode well for Walker’s availability (or lack thereof) for the Week 15 showdown against the Packers.

In Walker’s absence last week, Zach Charbonnet had himself a whale of game. He rushed 22 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Behind him will be former seventh round pick out of Georgia Kenny McIntosh.

Charbonnet and McIntosh will likely get the majority of snaps, leaving Holani for special teams. However, Holani is still a strong runner. It remains to be seen if he will get a snap or two to show what he can bring to the table.

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Seahawks injury report: Ken Walker DOUTBFUL, 5 others ruled OUT for Week 15

Seahawks injury report: Ken Walker DOUTBFUL, 5 others ruled OUT for Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks have announced their game designations for Week 15’s NFC showdown with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. Unfortunately, it looks as if the Seahawks could be without their starting running back once more.

Kenneth Walker III has been listed as DOUBTFUL for prime time. If he does in fact miss this game, back up Zach Charbonnet will once more be in line to get the start like he did last week against the Arizona Cardinals. In replacement of Walker, Charbonnet rumbled his way to 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, rookie running back George Holani will likely be apart of the active 53-man roster like he was last week.

Seattle has also ruled out five total players, one of which is safety K’Von Wallace who returned to practice this week from being recently activated off the injured reserve list.

The full injury report can be seen below.

Ruled OUT:

  • CB Tre Brown – Hamstring
  • S Jerrick Reed II – Quad
  • TE Brady Russell – Foot
  • T Stone Forsythe – Hand
  • S K’Von Wallace – Ankle

Doubtful:

  • RB Kenneth Walker III – Calf
  • CB Artie Burns – Toe

Questionable:

  • No players carry this designation as of Friday

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Rams keep pressure on Seahawks, defeat 49ers 12-6 on TNF

Rams keep pressure on Seahawks, defeat 49ers 12-6 on TNF

The pressure remains high for the Seattle Seahawks, who are defending a narrow lead over the Los Angeles Rams for first place in the NFC West. Seattle, at 8-5, is in first. Unfortunately, the Rams remain hot on their tail as they improved to 8-6 with their ugly 12-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

Los Angeles upset the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 with a thrilling 44-42 game, and they kept the momentum going in Santa Clara. It was an ugly, defensive battle by the Bay as both the Niners and Rams exchanged field goals. LA’s defense shut down San Francisco’s offense – as they were held to only 191 yards of offense and three points in the second half.

For years, the 12th Man (and myself) have been screaming to anyone who will listen that Brock Purdy is not a good quarter. In a cruel twist of fate, he proved all of us right in a moment when we desperately wanted to be wrong. Purdy was atrocious, completing 14-of-31 passes for 142 yards, no touchdowns and a horrendous interception late that sealed the deal for a Rams victory. On the final play of the game, Purdy also took a sack.

Once more, “Mr. Irrelevant” looked every bit of his nickname without the likes of running back Christian McCaffrey or left tackle Trent Williams.

Sadly, the 12’s were (with disgust) certainly rooting for the 49ers out of necessity. Had San Francisco won, it would have given the Seahawks a little cushion for their impending Sunday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers. Instead, the Seahawks are yet again in a situation where they must win in order to remain in first place. If Seattle loses, the Rams will move into the top spot due to their head-to-head win and a better divisional record.

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Seahawks to wear Action Green alternates for Sunday Night Football

Seahawks to wear Action Green alternates for Sunday Night Football

The most important news of the week has arrived: what uniforms will the Seattle Seahawks wear this weekend!? The 12th Man better bring out their shades to Lumen Field on Sunday night, because the Seahawks will be glowing under the lights of prime time in their all-Action Green alternates.

The Seahawks announced on Wednesday via their Twitter account, in a rather creative way, the Action Green’s would be making their 2024 debut.

Sunday night will be somewhat of a role-reversal. The Seahawks are hosting the Green Bay Packers, who are likely going to be wearing their “White Cheddar” alternates on the road. Instead, it will be Seattle who will be the team decked out in all-green against Green Bay.

The Seahawks have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success in the Action Green’s. Overall, Seattle is 8-3 when wearing the green jerseys, and 5-2 in the all-Action look. This combo has divided fans, some seem to love it while others think they are a bit too gaudy.

You can firmly mark me down in the “love” category, as I for one cannot wait to see the team take the field in them.

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Seahawks seek revenge against the Packers on Sunday Night Football

Seahawks seek revenge against the Packers on Sunday Night Football

The Seattle Seahawks are hosting the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football this weekend in what is essentially a playoff preview. We have discussed what is at stake for both teams in prime time – Seattle needs to prevent the Rams from gaining ground, and Green Bay can’t risk losing more to Minnesota and Detroit, or even in the Wild Card standings. However, there is one more thing the Seahawks are playing for…

…a chance at revenge.

Historically speaking, the Packers have found plenty of success against the Seahawks as they are 15-9 in the all-time series. But there was a time in the early days of the Legion of Boom era where it appeared the tide was turning in favor of Seattle. The Hawks won three-straight against the Pack from 2012-2014, including the extraordinary comeback in the NFC Championship Game.

Since then, it has been all Packers. Green Bay went on to win five of the next six meetings following the NFCCG, including the last two-straight, which were among the most painful in the series:

  • Jan 12th, 2020 – Packers outlast the Seahawks 28-23 in the Divisional Round at Lambeau Field. This was the last postseason to date where Seattle won a playoff game.
  • Nov. 14th, 2021 – Packers defeat the Seahawks 17-0 at Lambeau Field to give Seattle its first shutout loss since 2011.

From 2012-2021 these teams played each other nine times, including twice in the postseason. Seattle and Green Bay also played each other at least once a season from 2014-2019 (playoffs). But as you can see above, these squads have not faced off in nearly three years.

Sunday night will mark the first time in the recent meetings where Pete Carroll, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers will not be involved. Now, it is Geno Smith vs. Jordan Love. Mike Macdonald vs. Matt LaFleur. Green Bay’s explosive offense against Seattle’s suffocating defense.

Get out your popcorn, and winter coats, as it is going to be a chilly affair at Lumen Field. Although, I am reminded that revenge is best served at such temperatures.

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Seahawks vs Packers: Playoff Preview on Sunday Night Football

Seahawks vs Packers: Playoff Preview on Sunday Night Football

The Seattle Seahawks are playing their best football of the season, and it’s coming at the right time, as they are about to enter their toughest stretch of the year. First up will be a Sunday Night Football showdown against an old foe… the Green Bay Packers.

If the 2024 season were to end today (and I am well aware there is still plenty of football left to be played!) the Seahawks would own the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. As the No. 3 seed, they would host the No. 6 seed in Wild Card Weekend, which is currently occupied by the Packers. Sunday night at Lumen Field, in prime time, is going to feel like a playoff game… because this certainly could end up being one!

At 8-5, Seattle is in first place in the NFC West. Meanwhile, Green Bay is in third place. However, they are not like other third place squads. With their 9-4 record, the Packers would be in first in three other divisions this year. Unfortunately for them, they are trapped in the NFC North with the 12-1 Detroit Lions and the 11-2 Minnesota Vikings. The Packers have already been swept by Detroit, and lost once to Minnesota already. Their chances of winning the NFC North are already a longshot, and a loss in Seattle would likely sink them for good.

On the other side, the Seahawks are in first but they have the Los Angeles Rams hot on their tail. LA has an easier path moving forward than Seattle does, which means the margin for error for the Hawks is near zero. The Seahawks need a win on Sunday night to help keep the Rams at bay and remain in first place.

No, the stakes are not quite as high as “your season will be over if you lose” as a normal playoff game would be. But the Packers and Seahawks have plenty on the line nonetheless for prime time.

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Commanders-Falcons is one of 5 candidates for Saturday flex in Week 17

Washington’s Week 17 game vs. Atlanta could be moved to Saturday.

Could a Week 17 showdown between Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders against Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons be moved to prime time?

Week 17—Christmas week—has NFL games on four different days: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, and Monday. However, that’s the current schedule, as the league can flex multiple games to Saturday. The Commanders’ game against the Falcons is one of five games under consideration.

Washington has had two prime-time games this season: Week 3 against the Bengals on Monday Night Football and Week 11 against the Eagles on Thursday Night Football. Both games were on the road, with Washington going 1-1.

The NFL wanted to flex the Commanders’ Week 6 game against the Ravens to Sunday Night Football, but CBS blocked the move. That week’s Sunday night contest was the Bengals and Giants. Several around the NFL weren’t happy with CBS.

The Commanders did have one of their games flexed this season. In the Week 8 meeting with the Chicago Bears, the No. 1 overall pick (Caleb Williams) faced the No. 2 overall pick (Daniels), and the game was moved from 1 p.m. ET to the late afternoon 4:25 p.m. kickoff.

Here are the five games under consideration to be flexed in Week 17:

  • Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders
  • Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
  • Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals
  • Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants
  • Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots

The NFL has a tripleheader scheduled for Saturday, with three games on that day. Of the above games, Washington-Atlanta seems to have the most playoff implications. The Commanders hold the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture, while the Falcons are one game behind the Buccaneers in the NFC South.

The Cardinals-Rams is also a meeting with playoff implications for both teams, as they are locked in a battle with the Seahawks and 49ers to win the NFC West. The Chargers, Broncos and Colts are all in the playoff mix, while the Bengals are on the outside looking in. The Giants and Patriots are two of the NFL’s worst teams.

As it stands now, it looks like the Commanders and Falcons will meet on Saturday.