Eye on the Hawks: Seahawks at Saints
Team photographer Rod Mar shares exclusive behind-the-scenes images from the Seahawks' Week 8 game against the Saints in New Orleans.
The Seahawks departed Seattle on Friday afternoon aboard their Delta charter on the way to New Orleans for the NFC contest with the Saints.
Upon arrival in New Orleans late Friday evening, players head to buses that would take them to the team hotel.
On Saturday, players including George Fant and Russell Wilson exited the hotel through a back entrance to board buses for the afternoon walk thru.
Quarterbacks coach Carl Smith and quarterback Russell Wilson review strategy on the sidelines during walk thru while the special teams unit took the field.
When it was the offense's turn to take the field, Russell Wilson commanded the huddle.
The team buses passed between two above-ground cemeteries, common sights in New Orleans.
After walk thru, the Seahawks paid a brief visit to the Superdome, site of the next day's contest with the Saints. Quarterback Trevone Boykin recorded the visit for posterity.
On game day, offensive lineman Robert Myers descended an elevator in the team hotel down to the team buses for the trip to the Superdome.
Fans waiting to watch the team depart the hotel on game day were dressed in attire that reflected both the Seahawks and the local Mardi Gras-inspired flavor of the Big Easy.
Once at the stadium, quarterback Russell Wilson toyed with a football as he listened to music on his Bose headphones.
An hour before kickoff, the Seahawks defensive backs including DeAndre Elliott, Jeremy Lane and Kam Chancellor and receivers coach Dave Canales prepared to take the field for pregame warmups.
With 22 minutes until kickoff, special teams assistants Nick Sorensen and Chad Morton reviewed last-minute strategy. Behind them are receivers coach Dave Canales and assistant receivers coach Nate Carroll.
Linebacker K.J. Wright sits at his locker, ready to take the field.
Defensive tackle Jarran Reed found a quiet moment to himself in the final moments before the team gathered to take the field.
The team gathered for their traditional pregame prayer at 11:45 A.M., Central time.
Cornerback Richard Sherman had final words for his teammates just before the team left the locker room for pregame introductions.
At midfield, Seahawks game captains DeShawn Shead, Brandon Williams, Kelcie McCray, Jon Ryan and Russell Wilson watch the coin toss. Among the Saints players are quarterback Drew Brees and former Seahawk Max Unger (60).
Seattle's defense scored first when safety Earl Thomas recovered a fumble and headed to the end zone led by blocking linebacker K.J. Wright.
Safety Earl Thomas celebrates as he crosses the goal line with the game's opening touchdown. In the stands, a sea of 12s can be seen cheering as many Seahawks fans made the trip to New Orleans.
Seattle's second touchdown was set up due to a trick play where running back C.J. Prosise caught a pass thrown by receiver Tanner McEvoy.
Running back Christine Michael tumbles into the end zone with Seattle's second touchdown of the game.
Seattle's defense was once again fierce, with linebackers K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner tackling Saints' running back Daniel Lasco.
On the Seahawks sideline, safety Kam Chancellor uses a Microsoft Surface tablet to review with defensive backs DeShawn Shead, Kelcie McCray and Richard Sherman.
Rookie running back C.J. Prosise saw his first significant action of the season after returning from an injury.
Seattle's defense was again stout at the goal line, with Frank Clark, Jarran Reed, Kelcie McCray and Richard Sherman stopping New Orleans running back Tim Hightower.
Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham escapes for a 15-yard gain on a reception against his former team.
Pacific Northwest basketball products and current NBA players Spencer Hawes (wearing a Marshawn Lynch jersey) and Marvin Williams (wearing a Trevone Boykin jersey) took advantage of an off day and made the trip from Charlotte, N.C. to watch their favorite NFL team. Both are currently teammates on the Charlotte Hornets.
Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril comes up with a key sack of Saints quarterback Drew Brees in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks safety Kelcie McCray hauls New Orleans running back Tim Hightower out-of-bounds hoping to stop the clock on the Saints' final drive. However, officials ruled Hightower inbounds and the Seahawks were forced to use their final timeout.
Head coach Pete Carroll questions an official about a penalty called against the Seahawks.
Seattle receiver Doug Baldwin breaks a tackle and heads upfield on the final drive as the Seahawks sought to come-from-behind in the final minutes.
On the game's final play with the game clock at 0:00, Seahawks receiver Jermaine Kearse leaps high to corral a pass from quarterback Russell Wilson in the corner of the end zone, but could not stay inbounds on the play.
Seahawks receiver Jermaine Kearse looks on a an official rules him out-of-bounds on the game's final play as Saints players and fans celebrate a hard-fought 25-20 victory.
As the hometown fans cheer the Saints victory, Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham shares a moment in the tunnel with his former teammate Roman Harper before heading to the locker room.
A Seahawks fan wearing a Jimmy Graham jersey reacts after the loss to the Saints.
At the airport, head coach Pete Carroll took a moment to thanks a member of the airline ground crew.
Seahawks players cast long shadows in the late October sun as they walk to the airplane for the flight back to Seattle.
The Seahawks arrived back at Seatac airport to a downpour and made their way across the wet tarmac to waiting buses.
