Hawk Talk highlights: Wilson’s eyebrows, scrambling

By 710Sports.com staff

Among the subjects covered in the latest edition of “Hawk Talk” with Danny O’Neil were the Seahawks’ Week 1 win over the Panthers, Sunday’s primetime showdown with the 49ers and the bet between Seattle’s Russell Wilson and San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick that could cost one of the quarterbacks an eyebrow.

The full transcript can be found here. Highlights are below.

Brian thinks some of pressure Wilson faced against Carolina was a product of him holding onto the ball.

Danny O’Neil. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that’s by design, though. The team wants to be the “best scrambling” team in the league. That means they want Wilson holding the ball and scrambling to extend the play.

The Funky Headhunter asked why rookie running back Christine Michael didn’t play against Carolina. Michael was active but did not see the field.

Danny O’Neil: Marshawn Lynch carried the ball 17 times, not enough to need to be spelled. No guarantee Michael gets any more time.

Joe asked whether linebacker K.J. Wright or strong safety Kam Chancellor will spend more time covering 49ers tight end Vernon Davis on Sunday. Davis, arguably the fastest tight end in the NFL, had six receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the opener.

Danny O’Neil: There are going to be times that K.J. is going to have to match up with him. And that’s a matchup the 49ers are certainly going to try to exploit.

Mike asked whether the eyebrow bet between Wilson and 49ers counterpart Colin Kaepernick is real. In a recent ad for the “Madden” video game, the two agree that the loser of Sunday’s game must shave off an eyebrow.

Danny O’Neil: I think there is a bet on the eyebrow. I would doubt it’s one of those guys physically shaving an eyebrow off. I’m betting – given it’s a video-game promotion – that we’ll see a pixelated Russell Wilson or pixelated Colin Kaepernick sans eyebrow on Monday.

Tory shared his observation that kicker Steven Hauschka seems to be benefiting from a stronger leg this season. Hauschka was 3 of 4 on attempts of 50 yards or longer during the preseason, and his only miss was a 61-yard attempt that bounced off the crossbar. None of his four kickoffs Sunday were returned.

Danny O’Neil: He does, especially in terms of field-goal distance. Now, the ball was flying in Carolina on Sunday. Not sure if you’ll see that depth on kickoffs at CenturyLink on Sunday. But there’s no doubt.

Joe asked which defensive back – Earl Thomas or Richard Sherman – Danny would choose if re-signing one meant losing the other to free agency. Both of are under contract beyond the 2013 season, but each will be eligible for an extension in the offseason.

Danny O’Neil: Honestly: Earl Thomas, but that would be a brutal decision. My rationale: As good as Sherman is – and there’s no cornerback who played better last year – this team has found other cornerbacks who are starting caliber.

Tory asked whether wide receiver Percy Harvin has a shot at returning before November. Harvin, currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list after offseason hip surgery, isn’t eligible to play until Seattle’s Oct. 17 game against Arizona.

Danny O’Neil: He has a legitimate chance to be practicing before November. I would be shocked if he’s playing before then, though.