Good morning, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Thursday, Oct. 8 - about your Seattle Seahawks:
NFL's Top 10 Matchup Nightmares
Former NFL defensive backs Matt Bowen and Louis Riddick, who now work as analysts for ESPN, break down the League's Top 10 biggest matchup nightmares (Insider), and Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham earns a mention at No. 10.
Below, check out what each NFL expert had to say about Graham, who has 18 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns for Seattle this season.
Bowen: Graham is 6-foot-7 and weighs 265 pounds. Who can match up with that? It's like trying to cover a small forward on the football field -- Graham makes catching a fade route look as simple as grabbing a rebound on the low block. He's a natural at catching the ball at its highest point, which is a troubling proposition for much smaller defensive backs who have to play the ball on the way down. Graham isn't the most physical player on the field, but that doesn't matter when he is in a one-on-one situation. Throw it up and let him go get it.
Riddick: Graham catches defenders off guard with his fluid running style and ability to make things look so easy. He's especially a headache for DBs in the red zone, where he can use his height to outjump smaller defenders. While I don't always respect his effort and body language, I do recognize the fact that I wouldn't want to find myself isolated against in a one-on-one situation without help. Graham has proven to be hard to contain when you make it a point to target him throughout the course of a game.
Add it up: Since 2012, Graham leads the league with 28 red zone touchdowns. In fact, 43 percent of his targets inside the 20 have gone for scores over that span.
In front of Graham on Bowen and Riddick's list are Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown (No. 1), Atlanta Falcons wideout Julio Jones (No. 2), Dallas Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant (No. 3), New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (No. 4), New York Giants wideout Odell Beckham Jr. (No. 5), Denver Broncos wideout Demaryius Thomas (No. 6), Cincinnati Bengals wideout A.J. Green (No. 7), Green Bay Packers wideout Jordy Nelson (No. 8), and Indianapolis Colts wideout T.Y. Hilton (No. 9).
Tyler Lockett Featured on Quarter-Season All-Pro Team
With the first four weeks of the 2015 regular season in the books, NFL.com *Around the League *writer Chris Wesseling has put together a quarter-season All-Pro team and Seahawks rookie wide receiver Tyler Lockett earns a mention for his play as a return specialist. Lockett, who Seattle traded up to select in the third round of the draft, has returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns through the Seahawks' first four games.
On Lockett, Wesseling writes, "We wondered last week if Lockett would start getting the Devin Hester treatment after returning a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in his first three NFL games. The Lions employed that strategy on kickoffs Monday night, squibbing one kick and pooching another in a game of keep-away."
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from the Seattle Mariners, with the team sharing behind-the-scenes video of Nelson Cruz raising the 12 Flag prior to the Seahawks' Monday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions earlier this week.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle revisits cornerback Richard Sherman's first NFL start that came in a 2011 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, who Seattle faces on the road this Sunday. Boyle also hands out honors for the Seahawks through the first four games of the regular season and wishes left tackle Russell Okung a happy 27th birthday.
Pete Carroll provided several injury updates at his Wednesday press conference and shared thoughts on the recent play of the Seahawks' offensive line.
Here's a look at Wednesday's practice report for the Seahawks and Bengals.
Sheil Kapadia at ESPN.com explains the ins and outs of the 'step-kick' technique employed by Seahawks cornerbacks. Kapadia also shares five thoughts after reviewing the Seahawks' film from Monday's win over the Lions.
Gregg Rosenthal at NFL.com puts Seattle's Russell Wilson at No. 8 on his quarter-season QB Index.
Danny O'Neil at 710Sports.com says the Seahawks can't continue to rely on quarterback Russell Wilson's improvisation.
Eric Mandel at 710Sports.com recaps a recent radio conversation with Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin.
Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times recaps what assistant head coach/offensive line coach Tom Cable had to say about the state of Seattle's O-line.
And Jim Owczarski at Cincinnati.com explains how Sunday's game in Cincinnati represents a unique homecoming for Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on Twitter *
