Rumors are starting as reports are saying Rod Marinelli may be the Seahawks new defensive coordinator. Marinelli was the defensive line coach for the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl year. He coached Warren Sapp, Greg Spires and Simeon Rice. He helped the Buccaneers pick up more sacks then any other franchise in their tenure. He would help bolster our line and could help Brandon Mebane evolve into the player he appears he has the potential to.

Marinelli knows Ruskell from their days in Tampa Bay and is being sought out by Chicago and could wind up back in Tampa to fulfill Monte Kiffin’s position. He will make a decision by end of the week according to sources.

Mora will meet with the coaching staff, Monday and we should know who is staying and whose not. It appears though quite obvious that John Marshall is on his way out of Seattle.

Now as promised here is the thoughts on those players that were signed to future contracts by the Seahawks this week:

Marques Floyd CB- Could be used if Jennings is let go. It appears that Jennings isn’t the guy they thought he would be when they took him in the first round out of Miami. He was a star for the AFL’s San Jose SaberCats and could be kept on the practice squad for another year. Don’t expect him to be a full-time starter or Pro Bowler.

Kevin Brown DT- Brown could be an interesting guy to watch. With Bernard a free agent and no true player emerging out then Brandon Mebane and Bryant when healthy he may earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Howard Green also is a free agent and is more likely to return then Bernard. Brown showed some skills at UCLA and may spend some time on the practice squad, but could be in the starting line sometime soon in his career.

John Tereshinski TE- It appears likely that Tereshinski is being brought in more to server Newton’s spot on the practice squad. I still find it likely that Newton takes over Will Heller’s spot on the 53-man roster and will back-up Carlson. Seahawks in the past have carried three tight ends, but I would believe Heller would be kept and Newton will make the roster over John. I think he will develop on the practice squad, but could also just be brought in for a body to keep Carlson healthy. Don’t expect too much from him.

Joe Newton TE- Newton as mentioned earlier I think he may make the 53-man roster. I could see him taking over for Will Heller behind Carlson on the depth chart. Newton is a big body too at 6’7 and would give a good target to the quarterback in the red zone. He could also be used as a blocking tight end like Heller, but all he will do for the Seahawks is back-up Carlson.

Michael Bumpus WR- Bumpus most likely won’t be called on again like he was this year at least for sometime. He showed he has some potential, but with the Seahawks holding a fourth pick in the draft it’s possible that Bumpus will be kept on the practice squad just in case another year happens like we had in 2008. I think Bumpus was the more promising of the receivers we saw, but they seem high on Courtney Taylor. Ben Obomanu is a restricted free agent and could be let go in favor of Bumpus possibly.

Ryan Senser LS- This is a more intriguing future contract signing of them all. I think this might be the sign that Tyler Schmitt isn’t as healthy as we would like to have thought after drafting him as a long-snapper in the 2008 draft. Jeff Robinson I thought filled in nicely for Schmitt, but he’s 38 and came out of retirement for the Seahawks after Schmitt’s injury. So I could see him leaving and with uncertainty with Schmitt Senser maybe the starting long snapper come opening day. He will definitely have a chance to earn the job out of all the guys signed to future contracts.

Home: Arizona, San Francisco, St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Tennessee

Away: Arizona, San Francisco, St. Louis, Green Bay, Minnesota, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis

The schedule is not normally released until the week leading up to the NFL Draft.

Seattle Seahawks (4-11, Third Place) at Arizona Cardinals (8-7, First Place)

4 PM Fox

Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick

University of Phoenix Stadium

Last Meeting: Cardinals 26-20, Hasselbeck returned form an injury only to throw an interception to end the game.

Seneca Wallace will make another start for the Seahawks injured Matt Hasselbeck and look for Seneca to prove to the Seahawks and the NFL he is a reliable starter. Maurice Morris could be making his final start also as a Seahawk as his contract expires. Look for him to play for a contract on a defense that allowed over 40 points against the Patriots who the Seahawks held to just over 20 points. Deion Branch continues to be breaking out after his injury slowed him down and look for him to play a vital role in the passing game along with rookie tight end John Carlson. The Seahawks line could be a force as they play for their game. The line has play has improved week-in-week-out as their only inexperienced play came in the loss to the Patriots. Look for some of these guys to be playing for jobs next year and with a weak Cardinal team could the Seahawks power offense return to form?

Defensively the Seahawks will be tested with Pro Bowlers Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald. Marcus Trufant hasn’t been tested too much this year, but that will change today. Josh Wilson is coming off of a game that earned him Defensive Player of the Week and depending on how healthy Anquan Boldin is will have his first major test. The Seahawks front should get on Warner and imply pressure on him as they mix corner blitzes in the package also. Leroy Hill may not play, but DD Lewis might. If not Will Herring will make his second straight start and will have help from a healthier Lofa Tatupu and a Pro Bowl alternative Julian Peterson. Seattle’s defense has been applying more pressure and could be influenced by the possibility of John Marshall’s job. Seattle will have its hands full with a strong powerful offense in the Cardinals.

Prediction: Seahawks 24-20. The Cardinals appear to be on a skid and the Seahawks are playing for the Bossman Holmgren. Look for them to win another game and get on the right track for the 2009 season.

On the Year: 6-3

Connections:

-Seahawks Defensive assistant and secondary assistant Larry Marmie coached the Cardinals from 1996-2003.

-Offensive line coach Mike Solari coached the Cardinals back in their days in Phoenix in 1989.

-Arizona defensive backs coach Teryl Austin coached Seattle from 2003-06.

-Cardinals defensive end Chike Okeafor played in Seattle from 2003-04. He compiled 16.5 sacks in 32 games an interception.

-Jerheme Urban was a Seahawk receiver from 2003-05. He spent 2003 on practice squad and in his two years in Seattle has 13 receptions with a touchdown pass for 268 yards.

Seahawks News of the Week:

-The Seahawks presented Mike Holmgren with a going away gift of a brand new Screaming Eagle motorcycle at the end of practice, Friday.

-Josh Wilson was named Defensive Player of the Week for his two interceptions, five tackles and a sack in the win over the Jets. His second interception sealed the deal against the Jets.

-Maurice Morris, Josh Wilson and Owen Schmitt were awarded game-balls for their roles in Holmgren’s final win in Seattle last week.

Final Farewell?:

-Mike Holmgren will officially end his career as the Seahawks head coach, today in Arizona. He won his final game in Seattle with a 13-3 win over the New York Jets and will take at-least a year off.

-Morris is in the final year of his contract and could get some possible look as a starter. With Julius Jones signing a five-year deal last year is Morris out of the plan?

-Bobby Engram has mentioned that his time in Seattle is getting closer to ending. He will 36 at the start of next year, while also coming off of an injury in pre-season and a thyroid condition.

-Seahawks coaching staff will be judged now by Jim Mora and it will be interesting whose kept and who isn’t.

It was only fitting to send the mentor out with loss as was the case for the Mike Holmgren’s 13-3 win over Brett Favre, Sunday in what might turn out to be the last time the two go up against each other.

In what was Holmgren’s last game as Seahawks Head Coach the snowy atmosphere was a vivid recollection of Favre and Holmgren’s days together in Green Bay.

“It’s always in your mind,” Holmgren said. “The fact that we were playing the Jets, he was on the Jets, and it was snowing.”

After the touchdown pass from Seneca (9^th on the year) to John Carlson and two interceptions by Josh Wilson gave Holmgren the chance to thank the fans. As snow balls were tossed on the field Holmgren took his victory lap around the stadium.

“I think it was just right,” Holmgren said. “I hope it was just right. I hope they knew I was thanking them.”

Holmgren and the Seahawks have been through a lot in the past nine years. He came in as the Seahawks General Manager, Vice President of Operations and Head Coach. He walked out of Qwest as just the Head Coach. He won them five division titles (One in the AFC West), four play-off victories and most importantly an NFC Conference Title. He’s their all-time winning head coach and hard to believe he spent more time in Seattle then Green Bay where he won a Super Bowl title.

All of that comes to an end after the Arizona game this Sunday, but the uncertainty of the Seahawks isn’t as cloudy as Holmgren’s. Seattle knows Jim Mora will be it’s head coach next year. They know the 14 players, five offensive starters on opening day will all be healthy again as well as a healthy Matt Hasselbeck. They know that the 12^th Man will be back supporting them as well as the organization, but the questions arise as to will Hasselbeck be the quarterback he was before this year or will the back and age catch up? If he isn’t it appears that Seneca Wallace can manage a team and give them the best chance to win games. He won’t pile up numbers like Hasselbeck did or make Pro Bowl appearances, but he is smart with the ball (only one interception all year- longest current streak in NFL with attempts between interceptions and in Seahawk history).

Bobby Engram may have played his last game as a Seahawk in Seattle just like Holmgren did too.

“I didn’t really have a feeling one way or the other,” he said. “But I’m realistic in the fact that it might be. So, I didn’t want to let it pass me by without taking some time to take it all in. I did that the whole entire day, from the time I woke up, all the way to the stadium, until now.”

If he should the Seahawks appear to be set with receivers. Deion Branch proves when he’s healthy he has the potential of living up to the talent that Seattle saw when they shipped a first-round draft pick to New England. Nate Burelson will return from his torn ACL, Logan Payne will be healthy as well as Ben Obomanu also. Jordan Kent, Michael Bumpus and Courtney Taylor have the experience now also to fill in the hole Engram could present if he should leave.

Mora won’t have as many holes to fill as Holmgren did when he took over after Dennis Erickson was fired. It won’t be too hard for him to get top name free agents and coaches to assemble the best staff for the future. The Seahawks defense will be healthy again as well, but the only serious question is will Leroy Hill be around at linebacker? The free agent might be franchised tagged or signed to a long-term deal, but it appears he will be back at least for another year.

Holmgren on the other hand will take his sabbatical he promised Kathy. Then the questions and speculation of him returning as head coach or GM somewhere else are sure to start up again. Possible destinations will arise, but one thing is for sure he has made Seattle a winner and contenders year in and year out.

Now it’s only Jim Mora’s job to build on that.

QB Jeff Rowe- No need with him as Hasselbeck is emergency QB.

K Brandon Coutu- Remains inactive for 16th game of year.

QB Matt Hasselbeck (3rd)- Emergency QB only will play if Wallace and Frye go down.

SS Jordan Babineaux- Surprised he is inactive as well as Jamar.

SS Jamar Adams- Hasn’t played in either trip he’s had on the regular season roster.

LB Leroy Hill- Will miss his third straight game.

LB D.D. Lewis- Appears that Lance Laury or Will Herring will get the start in place of Lewis and Hill.

DT Red Bryant- Might just be saving him up for next year with the ankle sprain.

Jets: K Mike Nugent, QB Brett Ratliff (3rd), CB Drew Coleman, DB J.R. Reed, CB David Barrett, DB James Ihedigbo, LB Cody Spencer, WR Chansi Stuckey.

New York Jets (9-5, First place AFC East) at Seattle Seahawks (3-11, Third place NFC West)

Qwest Stadium

4 PM CBS

Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker

Last Meeting: Jets 19-9 in the 1999 season, but first week of 2000. The Seahawks and Jets have a little history in the fact that 1998 the Vinny Testaverde “touchdown” was the critical part that brought instant replay back to the NFL.

Who would have figured that Holmgren’s last game in Seattle would square up against Brett Favre? Seneca Wallace will have a challenge as the Jets will send in quite the blitz package with the inexperienced line the Seahawks will have. Deion Branch is starting to be healthy again and in the past two games has shown his true potential. Now if he can just keep it up. John Carlson set the Seahawks record for receptions and yards a tight end, while he is only the third tight end rookie to lead his team in receptions and yards (if it pans out that way). One of the three a Hall of Famer by the name Mike Ditka. Despite the inexperienced line Wallace’s feet will keep him out of trouble and allow the receivers time to break from the coverage. Julius Jones has an extra drive in him as he plays his brother Thomas, but in all reality this is Mike Holmgren’s day to shine.

Defensively John Marshall knows Brett Favre and it seems that Brett never does anything too special against his mentor Holmgren, but has seemed to come out victorious when it matters. They are on the west coast and with the emotions running high look for the Seahawks to focus on stopping Thomas early and forcing Brett to pass. If they can do that look for strong play by Marcus Trufant and Deon Grant to control the passing game. With the healthy play of Lofa coming back look for him to have a serious impact in the game. Without Leroy Hill, Julian Peterson and Lofa will lead the team to victory in honor of the man himself. This is one of those games in which emotions, feelings and spirit will carry the team itself to victory.

Prediction: There is no way the 12^th Man sends out Holmy without a win. This will be a huge game with Kathy (Mike’s wife) raising the flag, pre-game ceremony and a post game march around the stadium. It will be like the NFC Conference game all-over with a Seahawk win 27-21

On the Year: 5-3

Connections:

-Seahawks Offensive Tackle Na’Shan Goddard was a member of the Jets Practice Squad in 2006.

-Jets Punter Reggie Hodges was let go earlier in the year for roster cut-downs.

-Jets offensive tackle Wayne Hunter was drafted in the third round by Seattle in 2003 out of Hawaii and left in 2005 after playing in just two games with the Seahawks.

Seahawks News of the Week:

-Walter Jones surpassed Cortez Kennedy with his ninth Pro Bowl selection, Tuesday. Jones is out of the year after knee surgery, but is now the All-Time Seahawk in Pro Bowl selections. He is also the only starter on the team that was named to the team.

-Leonard Weaver and Julian Peterson were named as alternatives for the Pro Bowl. If someone can’t go at their position then they will go in their place.

-Placed Sean Locklear on the IR bringing the total of 14 placed on the season ending list. Six opening day starters and the sixth starting offensive lineman. Seahawks signed Jamar Adams off of the Practice Squad to fill his spot on the roster.

-Mike Holmgren was named the 18^th recipient of the Steve Largent award. The first non-player to win the award in his final season as Seahawks head coach.

-Seneca Wallace, Olindo Mare and Marcus Trufant were handed Game Balls for their role in the win over St. Louis last week.

Meet the New ‘Hawks:

-Jamar Adams was signed off of the Practice Squad. He was an un-drafted free agent out of Michigan.

-Kyle Williams will make his first NFL start at left tackle in place of Locklear whose season was ended, Saturday. Williams was signed off of the practice squad back in November. He was an un-drafted free agent signing out of USC. His uncle Eric played in the NFL and was a member of the Washington Redskins the year they won it all. His grandfather Roy also played in the NFL with the 49ers.

Brotherly Love:

Jets running back Thomas Jones is the older brother of Seahawks running back Julius Jones. Thomas was named to his first ever Pro Bowl, Tuesday. The two have met a total of three times including this match-up and Julius has won all of the meetings.

Isn’t it fitting that some of the greats like Joe Montana, Steve Young and Brett Favre all have more then just legend status in common. Yes they all won Super Bowls, yes the all were quarterbacks and yes they were all taught by one of the greatest coaches of all-time Mike Holmgren.

Holmgren learned the West Coast Offense terminology by Bill Walsh himself the inventor of the complicated offense in the football. He took Steve Young and turned a short quarterback that wasn’t good enough to start for his high school football team into a Super Bowl winner and Hall of Famer. He took a partier type guy in Brett Favre into a Super Bowl winner, three time MVP and a future Hall of Famer himself. In all reality Holmgren changed the world of quarterbacks. Some wonder how quarterbacks will handle the West Coast Offense and it seems Holmgren drives them into succeeding.

Favre was on his way into turning into the laughing stock of the Atlanta Falcons. He was Jerry Glanville’s “toy” calling him names like “Hill-Billy or “Pretty Boy” and had just admitted he had a problem with alcohol and pain killers. So where else to send him, but Green Bay. The Packers were long gone from their days under Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr. They were now in the middle of nowhere in the United States and considered the tundra of the NFL. How fitting trade him to a rookie NFL Coach who contemplated giving up coaching after his high school career started off with him losing 26 straight games. Oh the memories for Holmgren. The two of them would bring Green Bay back to playoff play for the first time since the Lombardi era and in four years they would win their first Super Bowl together.

Holmgren started his coaching career off while teaching history at his alma mater Lincoln High School in San Francisco. He sure wasn’t the Winn ingest high school coach in history, but it earned him a role as offensive coordinator and coach of the quarterbacks at San Francisco State. From there on he went to Brigham Young University and coached their quarterbacks. That was where he first met Young and would work on turning him into the Hall of Fame quarterback he would turn into.

On to San Francisco again, but this time as a professional quarterback coach under another legend Bill Walsh. Walsh would take the young in and mentor him into an offensive coordinator of the complex West Coast Offense that haunts quarterbacks of the system and opposing defensive coordinators. He would help guide them to two Super Bowls including setting the record for most points scored in Super Bowl History. That all looked good on the resume when the Packers would call and ask to interview him. It was enough to get him the job and kick-off his career as the Winn ingest active coach in the NFL. Fast forward the Packers had won a Super Bowl under Holmgren and he even had his own road named after him. He was a legend in Green Bay, but like all winners wanted to tackle new responsibilities. Green Bay wasn’t offering it and a team in the middle of nowhere in the NFL World came calling.

Dennis Erickson had just been fired and the Seahawks were coming off of an 8-8 year. Paul Allen had just bought the Seahawks three years ago and was looking for his first coach he would ever hire. Mike Holmgren was presented a task- turn a team into a winner, while handling every duty off the field. He was to sign free agents, draft players and fill the stadium.

Like every winner does Holmgren tackled the opportunity presented to him and sent the Seahawks to their first playoff appearance since 1988 with a 9-7 record. That too was their first winning record since 1990. Holmgren would then do things no other coach in Seahawk history had done. Yes it took time, but the patience by Allen and the fans paid off.

Holmgren brought in a quarterback he was familiar with from his days in Green Bay, Matt Hasselbeck. At first it appeared he made a mistake in acquiring him, but with a little help from another Super Bowl winner Trent Dilfer the two masterminds turned Hasselbeck into a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro. After 29 years of waiting the city of Seattle was awarded with their first ever Super Bowl appearance. Despite a loss Holmgren had already secured himself as a Seahawk legend at head coach.

Then on December 9^th came along in 2007 in which Holmgren would reach the pinnacle of Seattle’s coaching tower. He would surpass the teams Winn ingest head coach in history with 81 career wins in Seattle. He already had done things no other Seahawk coach had done, but now he was the king of the kingdom.

Over the years Holmgren has paid off the fans with wins, while the fans have paid their dues back with cheers. He calls the shots in the loudest stadium in the NFL and has brought them memories that will never be forgotten. Now that a new coach has been named one thing is for sure- he’s no Mike Holmgren.

When Holmgren walks out of the tunnel for the final time as a Seahawk head coach many things are for sure. Tears will be a plenty, the fans will be thankful and a familiar face will be playing against him, but the Seahawks will go out just like Holmgren made them- winners.

Questions will always be asked about how Mora will do or could Holmgren go somewhere else to coach or even be a general manager for another team. One thing is for sure- Holmgren’s second home will always be Seattle.

His final round of the stadium maybe the final moment we as the 12^th Man get to say “Thanks for the memories and thanks for the wins.”

Mike Holmgren was named the Steve Largent Award winner today after practice. He is the first person to receive the award that’s not a player. The award is presented to the player/person that best exemplifies spirit, dedication and the integrity of the Seahawks.

Holmgren will coach his last home-game as the Seahawks Head Coach, Sunday against his former quarterback that won him a Super Bowl in Green Bay Brett Favre.

“It’s typically given to a player,” Engram said. “But when you’ve got a future Hall of Fame coach, and with everything he’s meant to the organization, he’s very deserving of that award for what it stands for.”

Engram, Mack Strong, Bobby Engram, Jacob Green and Cortez Kennedy all have won the award since it was first presented in 1989 to Steve Largent.

Game Balls for Win over St. Louis:

Seneca Wallace, Marcus Trufant and Olindo Mare were all presented the game balls. Wallace drove the Seahawks into field goal range to set-up Mare’s game-winning kick.

DD Lewis will start in place of Leroy Hill is his shin allows him to.

Wallace is expected to start in place of Hasselbeck again. Hasselbeck will be the emergency quarterback in Holmgren’s last game at Qwest as the Seahawks coach.

Favorite Memory:

I think over the next couple of days it would be nice to hear everyone’s favorite Holmy memory. I know mine was that Super Bowl post-comment. In which he said “I knew we would be playing the Steelers, but I was unaware we also were playing the referees.”

Over the years Mike has had his share of games in which the officials “played” a major role. In Baltimore, almost cost us that game against the Giants in 2005 and well I’ll add it cause the officials influenced the game of course Super Bowl XL.

So share the moments with us and what you will remember the most about the man that made winning a regular opportunity on Sundays!

“Fortunately, or unfortunately, when the game starts, I get into a little bit of a zone. I think I’ll be able to do that. I think I’ll get into my coaching mode and then after that we’ll see how it goes.” – Holmgren, when asked how he’ll handle his emotions on Sunday.

Seahawk Pro Bowler:
LT- Walter Jones- With this selection he has become the all-time Pro Bowl Selector in Seahawk history with nine. It’s his eighth straight, but him being placed on IR means he will not play in the Pro Bowl this year. He still is a force at his position and the knee injury was what effected him against the Cowboys. Prior to this year his rookie season 1997 was the last time he missed a game due to injury. Jones makes Hawaii his second home and will only use this as a resume for his Hall of Fame career.

Alternatives:

Leonard Weaver- Not at all surprised. I thought last year he could have earned himself a spot the way he filled in for Mack Strong after his retirement. He is an explosive fullback that is a threat when he has the ball. He knows how to lay a shoulder down or make a move for addition yardage. Will be a free agent after this year and look for him to be a priority.

Julian Peterson- His name might have picked him up a few votes. He definitely isn’t the top threat at linebacker. Leroy Hill had been making an impact until his stinger and Lofa leads the team in tackles. He is third on the team with tackles out of Hill and Tatupu, but leads them in sacks with five. Also tied for the lead on the team in that category. He has also forced four fumbles on defense.

Snubbed:

John Carlson- Understand his rookie status effected him, but he is third in the tight ends in the NFC in receptions and yards, while second in touchdowns. Leads the Seahawks in all of those categories, while making his presence felt on the field. Yes he has had the rookie games and mistakes that might have cost him, but this isn’t too much of a worry. He will get his ticket soon enough in his young and bright career.

With just two weeks left the debate starts as to who is Seahawks team MVP and some other awards to hand out. So here are some options and for the next two weeks I want to feedback. I will at the end hand out some awards.

MVP:

Seneca Wallace-

Despite not playing full 16 game season has filled in nicely for Hasselbeck.

Won two games as a starter compared to Hasselbeck’s just one.

Kept them in most of the games he’s played in.

Only one interception and that came in his first game as a starter (Tampa Bay).

Rallied them back to defeat the Rams and almost did so against the Patriots.

John Carlson-

Leads the team in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns.

Set Seahawk records for tight end in receptions and yards.

Took over starting job after week one’s loss in Buffalo from Jeb Putzier.

Josh Wilson-

Leads NFC in return average, kick returns in 20 or more yards and 40 or more yards.

Fourth on team in tackles.

Tied first with interceptions on the team.

Rookie of the Year:

John Carlson

Leads the team in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns.

Set Seahawk records for tight end in receptions and yards.

Took over starting job after week one’s loss in Buffalo from Jeb Putzier.

Lawrence Jackson

25 tackles at the end position, while filling in for Patrick Kerney.

2 sacks.

Comeback Player of the Year:
Koren Robinson

Been out of the NFL for a year and filled in after several receivers went down.

Third on team in receptions and yards.

Two touchdowns on the year.

Olindo Mare

Missed time last year due to groin injury.

Game winning kick against the Rams.

22-for-24 on the year in field goals.

26-for-26 on the year in extra points.

I will count all the votes and announce the winners Dec. 30^th. Friday or Saturday I am going to post a Mike Holmgren article. This is his last home game as the Seahawks head coach and it could be an emotional one. Get your TiVo’s ready and VHS Tapes I know I am!

Walter Jones has been named to his Ninth NFL Pro Bowl. He has already been placed on the IR ending his season, but this selection surpasses him from Cortez Kennedy as the all-time leader in Seahawk history for Pro Bowl Selections.