Seahawks’ McCoy hopes drops are a thing of the past

By Bill Swartz

He’s heard the grumbling coming out of the seats at CenturyLink Field. Seahawks tight end Anthony McCoy is the first to admit he dropped too many passes last season.

“Honestly, you can probably count how many balls I dropped last year on two hands,” McCoy said after a practice this week. “I’ve improved a lot in training camp. Coach [Pete] Carroll has helped me out a lot on eyeball coordination. I feel a lot more confident than I was in years before.”

At 6 feet 5 and 260 pounds, McCoy is a versatile athlete who’s one of the better run-blockers on the team. Carroll should know, having coached McCoy at USC.

Seahawks tight end Anthony McCoy (85) has one drop and three catches for 39 yards in two preseason games. (AP)

“Anthony’s got a big basketball background, and he has really good hands,” Carroll said. “There was a time coming up to the NFL he hasn’t been able to keep the concentration you need to catch the football. He’s on it now.”

McCoy, a sixth-round pick in 2010, said he’s worked on mental focus and staying relaxed when the ball comes his way. He’s also become quicker through cross-fit training.

“It’s difficult. Everything is about time and rounds,” he said. “Once you get the hang of it you’re going to see improvements in your body.”

If McCoy can hang on to the rock, the Seahawks have the potential for one of the best tight end groups in the NFL.

“I’m real excited about this group,” McCoy said. “Kellen [Winslow] is a great addition to us. Zach [Miller], Cameron [Morrah] and the two rookies we brought in, we’re looking real good. The competition has been fierce.”

Both youngster, Sean McGrath and Cooper Helfet, have done some nice things in practice and the preseason games. Miller has been cleared from concussion symptoms which kept him out of the Denver game. He should get in for a few plays tonight against Kansas City.

It will be interesting to see how Miller, Winslow and the rest of the first-string offense fares with rookie quarterback Russell Wilson getting the start. Matt Flynn is expected to play in the second half despite watching two practices this week with what coaches described as a sore arm.

Carroll told me Sidney Rice will see some early action, his first of the preseason. Marshawn Lynch missed most of the the practices this week with back spasms. It’s doubtful he’ll carry the ball tonight.

Rookie J.R. Sweezy, a converted defensive lineman, gets the start at right guard. John Moffitt is recovering nicely from elbow surgery, and should return to practice next week.

Steve Raible and former Seahawks linebacker Dave Wyman handle the play-by-play starting at 5 tonight. Dori Monson anchors the pregame show starting at 3 p.m. on both 710 ESPN Seattle and 97.3 KIRO FM.