Here’s the highlights from Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll’s Monday morning radio show on 710 ESPN:
– Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson was sensational in Sunday’s 27-17 victory over the New York Jets, despite carrying a sprained right ankle and sprained left knee. Before the game the television crew said Wilson didn’t look good while warming up. Carroll disputed that, saying the knee wasn’t a factor and that the ankle was better. Carroll thinks Wilson will be close to 100 percent following next week’s bye. Carroll also was perplexed that there were some in the media who said before the game that Wilson can’t throw from the pocket, especially considering what Wilson accomplished from the pocket during the second half of last season.
– Carroll bristled when asked if Seattle was no longer a run-first team, saying he’s always said the Seahawks were a balanced team on offense. He said that balance allows Seattle to adjust to whatever the game conditions or situations may be.
– Carroll had praise for the performance of the offensive line, pointing out that through four games last season the team gave up 18 sacks, and that through four games this season the number is nine. He said rookie first-round draft pick Germain Ifedi, making his debut after missing the first three games because of an ankle sprain, did a good job and will only improve.
– Tight end Jimmy Graham had his second straight big game. There was some consternation last season when it seemed the Seahawks were having difficulty incorporating Graham into the offense. Carroll said that it needed time for Graham to be worked into the offense in the right way, and now there’s been enough time for that to happen effectively.
– Carroll had all kinds of praise for cornerback Richard Sherman in his one-on-one battle with Brandon Marshall. This was the first time this season Sherman was given the assignment of covering a specific receiver instead of playing on the left side, and he came up with two interceptions. Carroll said that after watching video of the game that Sherman could have won every one-on-one battle, and that it was only the fact Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is good at throwing the back-shoulder ball that Marshall was able to find any success. Carroll wasn’t saying whether Sherman would draw the assignment of covering Julio Jones when the Seahawks face the Atlanta Falcons in two weeks.
– Carroll said the defense continues to play great. He said that every player has been disciplined about being where they need to be on the field, and that the discipline has been consistent. That’s why Seattle’s defense has been so successful, especially at stopping the run.
– On the injury front, Seattle came out of Sunday’s game with no new injuries. With the bye week here, Carroll expects the team to be in good shape when it resumes play in two weeks against Atlanta. Receiver Tyler Lockett (knee) has been limited, but should be able to use the time off to recover. Running back C.J. Prosise (wrist) should be ready in two weeks, though the signing of C.J. Spiller means the Seahawks don’t have to rush him back. Tight end Nick Vannett (ankle) and defensive tackle Jarran Reed (hip) should be ready. The only player who will still be out for certain is running back Thomas Rawls (fibula), who will need a couple more weeks following the bye.
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