Seahawks’ Brandon Mebane listed as probable
Oct 5, 2012, 2:38 PM | Updated: 2:39 pm
By Bill Swartz
The Seahawks’ health improved a bit with word from coach Pete Carroll that both defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and cornerback Marcus Trufant made it through Friday’s practice.
Mebane is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against Carolina with a calf injury, while Trufant’s ailing back makes him questionable and a potential game-time decision, according to Carroll.
Right guard John Moffitt (knee) and defensive lineman Jaye Howard (foot) have both been ruled out.
To improve third-down efficiency, Carroll said he used more of the number one offense against the first-team defense. The team also pumped in crowd noise to make the players concentrate on catching passes and avoiding false start penalties.
Carroll believes his defense is ready for the multi-faceted Carolina offense led by quarterback Cam Newton. Linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright faced the read-option offense in college and seem more prepared than older teammates.
Carroll, when asked to assess the play of his team through the first quarter of the season, said he thought there would be more progress in four games. He also said the Seahawks are well ahead of this time last season in their style of play, execution and physical nature.
The Seahawks will leave a day early to adjust to the time change. Carroll hopes the later kickoff (1 p.m. PST) will allow his players to wake up later and be ready for a tough road game.