By Jesse Geleynse
Herald Writer
SEATTLE — Speculation swirled during the week about how much offseason turnover will occur on the Seahawks’ roster.
Of course, some turnover is inevitable. However, with Seattle missing the postseason for the first time since 2011 and stumbling to a 9-7 record, many were left wondering if a more thorough transformation is coming.
“It’s not going to be the same look, there’s going to be new pieces, some guys we love here aren’t going to be here,” free safety Earl Thomas said “You never know.”
Thomas, who has one year left on his contract, was asked if he expects to be back next season.
“I have no clue,” he said. “But I know for sure I’m going to win in the end, regardless.”
Defensive end Michael Bennett also addressed what might be in store. Bennett signed an extension last season through the 2020 campaign.
“Whatever happens, I’ve loved being a Seahawk,” he said. “I’ve had a great career here with the Seahawks, but you just keep growing and keep playing the best you can. You love the organization, you love the players you played with. I’ve won a lot of games so if I’m not here, I would not have any hard feelings toward the organization. I love (coach) Pete Carroll, (general manager) John Schneider and just move forward. This is part of football, this is part of sports. You move forward.”
Up-and-down special teams
Seahawks kicker Blair Walsh’s 48-yard missed field goal with 37 seconds remaining was ultimately the most pivotal special-teams moment from Sunday’s loss.
“Simply, it didn’t go the direction that I wanted it to off my foot,” Walsh said. “I had some big games and some moments where I came up short. So it’s a tough year, it’s a weird year, but I’ve enjoyed every minute that I’ve been here.”
Walsh’s miss was just one of several special teams plays that factored largely into the game’s outcome.
Tyler Lockett returned his third career kick return for a touchdown — a 99-yarder that provided Seattle its only first-half points, and punter Jon Ryan’s off day twice offered the Cardinals great field position.
Ryan averaged 43.5 yards on his eight punts, but sent one 30 yards and another 32 yards.
Swoopes, Moore debut
Two Seahawks made their NFL debuts Sunday. Tight end Tyrone Swoopes and running back David Moore were both on the active roster. Swoopes was signed off the practice squad Saturday when the Seahawks placed defensive lineman Nazair Jones on season-ending injury reserve.
Moore had been on Seattle’s roster since November, but was inactive prior to Sunday.
Perkins raises 12th Man flag
Former Seattle Supersonics forward Sam Perkins raised the 12th Man flag prior to Sunday’s game. Perkins spent six seasons with the Sonics in the mid-1990s before concluding his 17-year NBA career with Indiana.
Wagner wins Steve Largent Award
Linebacker Bobby Wagner was given the Steve Largent Award prior to the game. The award, voted on by his Seattle teammates, recognizes Wagner for “best exemplifying the spirit, dedication and integrity” of Largent.
Notable
The Seahawks’ inactives Sunday included receiver Tanner McEvoy, running back Eddie Lacy, cornerback Mike Tyson, center Joey Hunt, linebacker D.J. Alexander, defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson and tight end Nick Vannett. … Wagner (hamstring), Luke Joeckel (foot) and Luke Willson (ankle) were active after being listed as questionable on the injury report. … Guard Ethan Pocic (knee) and linebacker Terence Garvin (concussion) each left the game in the first half.
Herald writers Nick Patterson and Andrew Lang contributed to this notebook.
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