Cyber surfing: Sunday

[News Bot]

Good morning, on the day of the home opener. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, Set. 25:
Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times writes what everyone is thinking – that the Seahawks could use some of their home-field magic in this afternoon’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Offers O’Neil: “Now, any thought that the playoff run last season would be the springboard for Seattle’s return to the league’s elite has been squelched by an 0-2 start that has the Seahawks being listed among the league’s worst teams.”
He’s also got his three keys to the game, and No. 1 is no surprise: Protect the passer. Says O’Neil: “Only Chicago has allowed more sacks than Seattle after two games, and while Arizona has recorded a very mediocre five sacks so far this season, defensive coordinator Ray Horton came from Pittsburgh. Expect the Cardinals to dial up the blitzes and try, and Seattle must be able to keep Tarvaris Jackson upright without keeping six and seven players in to block every play.”
Eric Williams of the News Tribune writes that this isn’t the Seahawks’ first fling with an opponent that runs a 3-4 defense, because of Horton. Says Williams: “Arizona defensive coordinator and Tacoma native Ray Horton cut his teeth under the tutelage of legendary Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, working seven years as the team’s secondary coach. The Seahawks will basically be encountering the same defense they faced in Pittsburgh last week when they take on the Cardinals at CenturyLink Field in the team’s home opener.”
Dave Boling of the News Tribune writes that the Seahawks’ current problems on the offensive line also are familiar. Says Boling: “That season, (Ray) Roberts was not just tossed into deep water, as he said, every Sunday was like “Shark Week,” having to block the likes of Derrick Thomas, Leslie O’Neal, Andre Tippett and Simon Fletcher. All were eager to teach the rookie lessons in NFL 101. ‘The first time I went against Leslie O’Neal (a six-time Pro Bowl player for the Chargers), he just slapped my hands away as I reached for him; I’d never seen anybody do that,’ Roberts said. ‘I didn’t even touch him.’ ”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald writes about the added importance of this home opener. Says Boyle: “The Seahawks know their home opener against Arizona isn’t just another game on the schedule. Pete Carroll and his players know no one will buy the every-game-is-equally-important cliche. Not when Seattle has looked so bad to start the season. And not when this home game against the Cardinals looms as one of the few winnable ones on a brutal early-season schedule.”
Christian Caple at PI.com has five things to watch. No. 1 is the Seahawks running game: “Here’s an obvious statement for you: The Seahawks haven’t run the ball very well this season. Here’s another obvious statement: They’re not going to beat Arizona without improving.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we’ve also got a look at the opener that comes with an extra ingredient. Says Carroll: “There’s a real sense of urgency,”
We’ve also got the game previewed in words and video. The matchup microscope is on: “Seahawks CB Brandon Browner vs. Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald: This isn’t all on Browner, of course, but the Seahawks did sign the 6-foot-4 corner with the idea of being able to matchup better against the bigger receivers in the league, and especially the division. The 6-3 Fitzgerald has given the Seahawks, well, fits in the past. He has had two games with double-digit catches and four with triple-digit yardage. He’s also got an off-the-charts catch radius and hands that clamp the ball like a vice grip. Browner plays a physical game – too physical, at times. So this is a big-on-big game within in the game that will go a long way to deciding just who wins.”

Source: Seahawks.com