Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Tuesday, December 28 — about your Seattle Seahawks.
Robert Nkemdiche Joins 710 ESPN's 'Wyman & Bob'
At 5-10, the Seahawks will notch their first losing season since 2011, and first since Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll teamed up in 2012. Sunday's loss to the Bears eliminated the Hawks from playoff contention for just the second time in the Wilson-Carroll era, and first since 2017.
Still, some Seahawks players are finding ways to feel proud about the season so far, and remain optimistic for the remaining two weeks. One of those players is defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, whom the Seahawks signed in April in one of a string of moves meant to help bolster the defensive line. Nkemdiche recorded a season-high seven tackles in Week 2 against the Titans, but has played sparingly for most of the season since then. Nkemdiche assisted on two tackles on 18 snaps during Sunday's loss to the Bears.
On Monday, Nkemdiche joined 710 ESPN's "Wyman & Bob" to discuss his upbeat and optimistic perspective of the season, despite the Seahawks being in last place in the NFC West and set to miss the playoffs for just the second time in the last decade. Click here to listen to the full podcast episode, and check out some of the highlights below:
On staying upbeat during a down season and how he'd feel if the team were 10-5 rather than 5-10:
"The Seahawks are still going to attack this week and get ready to face the Detroit Lions next weekend. We're excited for the opportunity that we have in front of us. We have to make sure we attack it with focus and intensity and get ready to go out and try to get a win … Just stick around, and we'll make sure we get this thing right, man. We'll get it right. And if we were 10-5, I'd probably be speaking different languages. I'd be hyping us up in Japanese, I'd be hyping us up in Spanish, I'd learn new languages just to show my appreciation. I would love to be 10-5. We do this to win, and at the end of the day, that's the focus. That's the focal point. Hopefully I'll be here to see what happens."
On if players are still playing for pride even though they'll have a losing record:
"Yes, indeed. Especially being under the coaching staff we're under, that's kind of how they keep us — they keep us always searching to be better. And we just stick with that attitude, just keep pressing forward on top of that. Everybody's playing for just the love of the game and just to show what you've got. Show that, regardless of the situation, you've always got to make sure you don't sit back and just let bad situations happen to you. You've got to push through and find another way to win … Having pride about what you put on tape and how you present yourself on the field."
On if he has to "dial back" his big personality after losses:
"It's not so much dialing it back, it's more so … I want to make sure I put that energy, that dialback, towards what we could've done to win. I don't dial back necessarily, I just channel it and shift my focus somewhere else … I do have to be a 'Debbie Downer' when we lose, I definitely do. When we came in yesterday [Sunday] I was dancing, when we came in after the game I was like a sad puppy."
Listen To The Hawk Talk Podcast
Every week, Michael Bumpus and Nasser Kyobe release two podcasts analyzing the Seahawks previous game and previewing the next Seahawks opponent. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and wherever else you might get your podcasts.
Social Post Of The Day
Russell Wilson shows his support for Jason Myers after the Seahawks kicker tweeted his regret about missing a key field goal in Sunday's loss to the Bears.
More From Around The Web
At Seahawks.com, reporter John Boyle with news and notes from Pete Carroll’s Monday press conference.
Also at Seahawks.com, Boyle gives 12 numbers that help tell the story of Sunday’s loss to the Bears.
Boyle on the Seahawks adding L.J. Collier to the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Matt Calkins of the Seattle Times looks at 10 key plays that altered the course of the Seahawks’ 2021 season.
Frank T. Raines of SB Nation/Field Gulls looks at the Seahawks’ would-be 2022 first round draft pick that now belongs to the New York Jets.
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seattle Seahawks' 25-24 loss to the Chicago Bears on December 26, 2021 at Lumen Field. Eye On The Hawks is presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson runs onto the field during pregame introductions.
Fours hours before kickoff, the Lumen Field fields crew removes a tarp protecting the playing field from the snow that fell early Sunday morning.
Seahawks placekicker Jason Myers was on the field early getting prepared for the game.
Heavy machinery was used to remove snow from Lumen Field before the game.
12s braved snow, wind and cold to make their way to Lumen Field for the game between the Seahawks and the visiting Chicago Bears.
Lumen Field, Home of the 12s, was covered in wintery white for the Week 15 game between the Seahawks and the Bears.
Receivers Cody Thompson and Tyler Lockett head to the field.
Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas flashes a smile during pregame.
Seahawks mascot Blitz and receiver Penny Hart lead the team onto the field during pregame introductions.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf hauls in a long TD pass from Russell Wilson in the first quarter.
Seattle's DK Metcalf leaves Bears defensive back Thomas Graham, Jr. in the snow on his way to a 41-yard TD strike in the first quarter.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson celebratres with receivers Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf and Dee Eskridge after Seattle's first touchdown.
A member of the Lumen Field fields crew shoves snow off the sidelne during an extended timeout.
Seahawks linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner combine on a tackle.
Seahawks defensive captain Bobby Wagner appears to dance with Bears receiver Dazz Newsome but manages to make the tackle by grabbign Newsome's arm.
Seahwaks Bobby Wagner, Jordyn Brooks and Sidney Jones make a tacke as snow fell during the first half.
Seattle's Jordyn Brooks tackles Chicago's David Montgomery short of the line to gain for a first down.
Seattle's Dee Eskridge looks for a running lane as tight ends Gerald Everett and Colby Parkinson look for blocks.
Seattle's Carlos Dunlap celebrates a defensive stop in the first half.
Members of the Lumen Field fields crew wait with shovels to clear snow from yard lines during breaks in the action.
Seattle's Rasheem Green sacks Chicago quarterback Nick Foles.
A gang of Seahawks defenders including Bobby Wagner, Sidney Jones and Benson Mayowa combine on a tackle.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll celebrates a big play.
Seahawks defensive end Rasheem Green celebrates his second sack of the game.
Seahawks cornerback John Reid breaks up a pass intended for Bears receiver Darnell Mooney.
Seahawks cornerback John Reid celebrates a pass breakup.
Seattle's Carlos Dunlap causes Chicago's Nick Foles to fumble late in the game but the Bears recovered the ball.
Bears tight end Jimmy Graham makes a touchdown catch with Seahawks John Reid and Ryan Neal defending.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf greets a friend from the Bears' staff after the game.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner is greeted after the game in which he set a new single-season mark for most tackles, a record he previously held.
