Seahawks Dominant, Ichiro Impressive. Daily Links

by Mike Salk

Seahawks

Lots to like about Sunday’s game as the Seahawks were the better team and it showed. I tried to break things down into “Good” and “Bad,” but the good things just kept on coming! Our Hawks reporter Matt Pitman gives a great look back at yesterday’s game, complete with audio interviews with Coloin Cole, Ray Willis and others.

His defense was great but Jim Mora is showing less emotion than in the past. Lawrence Jackson’s production on Sunday is as encouraging as anything in that game. I seriously can’t believe that was the same guy I watched in the pre-season. He was a difference maker. John Carlson picked up where he left off last season and is emerging as a top young tight end.

Aaron Curry delivered his energy and aggressiveness yesterday. Art Thiel writes that Curry got under the Rams’ skin from the start. Nate Burleson is back after missing nearly all of last season. Loved his play yesterday (other than bthe fumble).

After a dominating win in week 1, John Morgan is already asking for Jon Ryan to be replaced. I need to see more than one game before I replace a punter.

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo takes responsibility for having 12 men on the field.

The new zone blocking scheme was as effective as advertised and finished with 167 yards on the ground. The stretch play is going to be an integral part of Seattle’s offense this season.

Both Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill sustained injuries during the game that appear minor. I hope so, because those guys are pretty important!

The offensive line. Darryl Tapp, and most importantly the 12th man receive game balls from Seahawk Addicts. Brian McIntyre offers a Monday Morning Quarterback focused on the Seahawks. Peter King’s focuses on the whole league.

Mariners

Shannon Drayer writes about Ichiro’s historic day in Texas. It kind of got lost this weekend, but Ichiro’s feet is an incredible display of consistency that should not be overlooked. He has put his name amongst the greatest that have ever played. After last night’s game Ichiro was met with a celebration and a beer shower.

Franklin Gutierrez has a chance to be better; that would make him an all-star talent. Adam Moore is excited to be with the Mariners even if his first day was filled with a rain delay. Bryan LaHair had his chance in the majors last year, and although he was the Rainiers’ MVP it’s unlikely he’ll get another one. Jim Street answers a Mariners mail bag that answers questions about Felix Hernandez’s future and Kenji Johjima.

Huskies

Steve Sarkisian is getting ready to play his former team on Saturday. UW knows that the USC game is big, but it means even more to RB Chris Polk. After two games, Jake Locker seems to be very comfortable in Sarkisian’s offense.

The running game has been better this year but Todd Milles would like to see more of a rotation at RB.

Matt Barkley, USC’s true freshman starting QB, bruised his shoulder against Ohio St. and might not play against the Huskies.

Misc

Another tough one for the Cougers, this time at Qwest. They are 118th out 120 teams in total defense.\

The Sounders got a huge road win against rival D.C. United to help their playoff chances.