Good morning, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Tuesday, May 19- about your Seattle Seahawks:
Reaction To Jesse Williams' Cancer Diagnosis
The Seahawks announced Monday that defensive tackle Jesse Williams will undergo kidney surgery after being diagnosed with Papillary Type 2 cancer.
"Although disappointing, I am a fighter and will handle this," Williams said in a statement. "I am going to focus on my health and fighting this battle with a return to football as my ultimate goal. Thank you for your thoughts and support. Go Hawks!"
The 24-year-old Williams was selected by Seattle in the fifth round of the 2013 draft. He has yet to play in an NFL game after knee injuries kept him sidelined through his first two seasons.
Following the announcement from the team, Williams shared two photos on his Instagram account with the following captions:
"Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men. Appreciate the Support From all Over the World! Ready for What's Coming, Recovery is up next..#MonstarStrong"
"I Ask Not for a Lighter Burden, but for Broader Shoulders. #FOE #MonstarStrong Don't Count me out, I Didn't Come This Far and Push Myself to a Come back from Previous Injuries to Let This a Stop Me. I'll Be Right Back."
News of Williams' diagnosis brought about several social media reactions from his Seahawks teammates and those in tune with the NFL world:
https://twitter.com/JustinBritt68/status/600508276590055424
https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/status/600508513098420224
Russell Wilson Among NFL's Top 10 Quarterbacks
NFL Media Analysts Elliot Harrison, Dave Dameshek, and Bucky Brooks rank Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson on their lists of the Top 10 quarterbacks in the League.
Harrison ranks Wilson at No. 7, writing, "He just keeps improving. His best quality is his intuitive ability to know when to stay in the pocket, when to chuck the ball into the stands and when to tuck tail and run. This is something fellow 2012 draftee Robert Griffin III -- along with more experienced quarterbacks -- still struggles with. The fact that Wilson led the NFL in rushing on third down last season is a testament to this trait. Here's another tidbit from the did-you-know department: Wilson is the only quarterback in NFL history to post a passer rating of 100 or better in each of his first two seasons. That said, despite what league observers say about his wide receivers, Wilson has the best supporting cast in pro football -- in the form of a defense that held opponents to 15 points per game in 2014. The Seahawks' D was the first in more than 40 years to allow the fewest points per game three years in a row."
Dameshek, meanwhile, has Wilson ranked at No. 5, "Yeah, he's got a great D and running game. He's also been to the Super Bowl the last two years and (despite that throw on 2nd-and-goal) has been as clutch as it gets."
And Brooks has Wilson ranked at No. 4, stating, "Some will argue against Wilson's high placement on this list, based solely on his pass production, but keen observers recognize his value as one of the most efficient dual-threat playmakers at the position. The three-year vet nearly posted a 3,500/1,000 season (3,475 passing yards and 849 rushing yards) as the director of the Seahawks' diverse offensive attack in 2014. People mistakenly see him as a 'game manager' for a team that is overly reliant on a dominant defense and a strong running game. But it's hard to dispute his record (36-12) and history of success since entering the NFL. Considering Wilson's clutch production (15 game-winning drives, including 10 fourth-quarter comebacks over his career) and the addition of a dominant 'MOF' (middle of the field) target in new tight end Jimmy Graham, the two-time Pro Bowler might secure his spot as an elite quarterback in 2015."
More From Around The Web
Seahawks offensive lineman Lemuel Jeanpierre celebrates his 28th birthday today.
And in NFC West-related news, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro/Pro Bowl defensive tackle Justin Smith announced his retirement from the NFL yesterday.
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on Twitter *
