No TV for season’s biggest game

  • Scott M. Johnson / Herald Writer
  • Thursday, January 3, 2002 9:00pm
  • Sports

By Scott M. Johnson

Herald Writer

KIRKLAND – Six Seattle Seahawks home games had already been blacked out this season, so why should the biggest game of the season be any different?

Sunday’s home game against Kansas City didn’t come close to selling out by the Thursday afternoon deadline, so local television coverage won’t be available. About 12,000 tickets still remained at the deadline, and the league opted against granting the team a 24-hour extension.

As a result, the game – which could propel the Seahawks into the playoffs – will only be available on radio in the Puget Sound area.

The only way for fans to see the game without leaving the area is from the stands at Husky Stadium. Coach Mike Holmgren and several players made a plea to the public this week to fill it up and create a “playoff atmosphere.”

The only home game that was televised this season was a Sept. 23 game with Philadelphia. That weekend, the league lifted its blackouts nationwide because it was the first week back following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Since Holmgren arrived in 1999, only nine of 23 Seattle home games have been sold out.

Tickets, ranging from $15 to $68, are available at Ticketmaster outlets and at www.seahawks.com.

James who?: The Seahawks unleashed a secret weapon last week that left many of the San Diego Chargers scratching their heads.

Wide receiver James Williams, who entered the game with just 13 career receptions for 186 yards over two seasons, lit up San Diego for 101 yards and a touchdown.

“I know some of the guys were like, ‘Who is (No.) 88? Where’d he come from?’” Williams said. “Hopefully, now my name’s out there a little bit.”

For those less informed, Williams is a second-year player out of Marshall – otherwise known as the alma mater of Randy Moss. In fact, Williams replaced Moss in the starting lineup and had so much success early in his first season that a Thundering Herd fan came to one game sporting a sign that read: “Randy who?”

Williams’ NFL career didn’t have nearly as much splash. While fellow 2000 draft choice Darrell Jackson went on to lead all rookie receivers with 53 receptions last season, Williams played in just 10 games while battling a myriad of injuries.

On Sunday, Williams replaced Koren Robinson in the starting lineup because Robinson was late for a team meeting. Williams found out last Wednesday that he would make his first start, as receivers coach Nolan Cromwell handed him a videotape, said, “You’re starting,” and walked away.

Williams made the most of his opportunity.

“He’s had some unfortunate injuries that set him back. I feel bad for anybody like that who doesn’t get a chance to compete,” Jackson said. “But luckily, they kept him around. You saw Sunday what he’s capable of.”

Holmgren has not announced whether Williams or Robinson will start this week.

Plastic bottles banned: The Seahawks have banned plastic bottles for Sunday’s game, meaning fans won’t even be allowed to bring them inside the stadium.

Other security measures will also remain in place, most notably a ban on coolers, backpacks and large bags.

Quick slants: The Seahawks placed offensive lineman Chris McIntosh on injured reserve Thursday to clear a roster spot for cornerback Shawn Springs. McIntosh has played in just 10 games this season, mostly on special teams, with a neck stinger. Springs is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game because of a hamstring injury, and he practiced on a limited basis Thursday. … Fullback Mack Strong was named this year’s recipient of the Steve Largent Award, which is given to the player who “best exemplifies the spirit, dedication and integrity of the Seahawks.” … Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck practiced with the scout team Thursday, but he is still listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with a slight separation in his left shoulder. … Wide receiver Darrell Jackson has a chance to become just the second Seahawks receiver to post six 100-yard games in a single season. Steve Largent did it in 1979. … Regardless of Sunday’s outcome, the Seahawks will finish with between seven and nine wins for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.

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