Coffee and Cigarettes: Seahawks Links for Thursday

Boy, this week is just flying by.

Flynn shows accuracy, touch working with first unit | Seahawks Insider
A day after Tarvaris Jackson showed off his fastball with the first unit, Matt Flynn put on a clinic on how to throw guys open with impressive anticipation.

Seahawks.com Blog | Wednesday in Hawkville: An ‘overwhelming’ experience for Banks "
"I don’t think we look at it like we’re going against each other," said Flynn, who was signed in free agency after serving as Aaron Rodgers’ backup in Green Bay the past four seasons. "We’re trying to help each other out. If they made a good throw, I’m the first one there telling them good job. So it’s not like any bad blood coming out here – where we’re on the field and I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m going against you.’ "It’s not like that. Everybody’s trying to compete. Everybody’s trying to get better. And everybody’s trying to make the team better. I think that’s really the overall goal."

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2011 Play-Action, Offense
Continuing our look into the many, many tables to be completely revealed in Football Outsiders Almanac 2012, today we'll look at play-action passes. Our game charting project tirelessly catalogs the plays that are run over the course of an entire season, marking (among other things) play-action looks. A massive thanks to those involved, from someone who has been working for the project since the 2007 season: your effort really helps to further the statistical revolution in football.

Winslow catching on
Despite playing on a right knee that will cause his practice reps to be monitored, Kellen Winslow already is showing the skills that prompted the Seahawks to acquire him in a trade with the Buccaneers.

Role call: Winston Guy, rookie safety | Seahawks Blog | The Seattle Times
"I really like this player," Carroll said. "I think he brings more than we had hoped at this early time. His speed is very good, instincts are excellent, he's got a lot to learn to not make the boneheaded mistakes and things, but he's going to play for us and be a part of what we're doing."

Rice hopes to be ready for regular season | Seahawks Blog | The Seattle Times
"They're supposed to be brand-new shoulders," receiver Sidney Rice said. That's good because the Seahawks are hoping he can carry a heck of a load in his second season with the team.

St. Louis Rams Minicamp: Isaiah Pead Picking Things Up Quickly - Turf Show Times
St. Louis Rams running back Isaiah Pead is getting plenty of praise for his early work with the team.

Greg Roman Discusses Nuances Of Actually Having, You Know, An Offseason - Niners Nation
We take a look at some of 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman's comments to the media about the positives of having a full offseason to work with the offense.

Vic Fangio Discusses The 49ers Defensive Preparations - Niners Nation
We break down some comments from 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio before Wednesday practice.

What can you do with 5 stud Tight Ends? - Mocking The Draft
That is one question I would like to ask Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots coaching staff. Today the New England Patriots claimed Jake Ballard the former Super Bowl winning Tight End of the New York Giants. Ballard will likely start the season on the PUP list, after having ACL reconstruction and micro fracture surgery earlier this year. The tight ends from the Patriots are something special; but could we see a 5 Tight End Set?

One player from each round in 2011 that will make an impact in 2012 - Mocking The Draft
As we look back at the 2011 NFL Draft, it was probably one of the more productive drafts in the history of the NFL. Five of the top 35 picks were Pro-Bowl candidates to include four of the top 5 picks. With guys like JJ Watt, Marcell Dareus and Julio Jones all having break out seasons as well. You will need to keep an eye on these 7 players from the 2011 NFL Draft who I think will have a huge impact in the 2012 NFL season for their respectful teams.

Chancellor-Hosts-Event-For-Community-In-Virginia-Hometown / News - NFLPlayers.com
Kam Chancellor, Pro Bowl safety of the Seattle Seahawks, hosted more than 500 people from the community of Hampton Roads, Va., affectionately known as the "7 cities," for the 3rd "7 Cities Family and Friends Memorial Day Cookout."

The starting QB jobs that are up for grabs and offseason stories that matter - Grantland
Which starting quarterback jobs are up for grabs? Plus, determining which offseason news actually matters.

Cosell Talks: Chargers Philip Rivers is NFL’s Toughest Pocket Passer : NFL Films Blog
I’ve written many times about the attributes it takes to play quarterback consistently well in the NFL. Not many possess those traits as completely as Philip Rivers.

Pass rusher Carter just one vet coming off injury who may be a steal - NFL - CBSSports.com
After months of rehab, Andre Carter vows to be ready for training camp. Now he needs a team. Jason La Canfora says the veteran pass rusher is one of three proven vets coming off injury who could be a great bargain buy.

Peyton quickly working off the rust as Broncos kick off their minicamp - NFL - CBSSports.com
How will Peyton Manning look after a serious neck injury and a one-year layoff? Pete Prisco says so far, so good as the same zip is on display at Broncos minicamp where the 36-year-old tries to find his rhythm of old.

After decade lost, Banks relishing second chance to make first impression - NFL - CBSSports.com
Brian Banks lost nearly 10 years of his life because of one false charge. Now free, Banks has enlisted agents Bruce and Ryan Tollner to help him pursue his NFL dream. Jason La Canfora says all three are dead-set on not wasting this second chance.

Where can Michigan QB Denard Robinson play in the NFL? | National Football Post
Is he a QB, RB or WR?

5 things rookies should know about dealing with the Media | National Football Post
With thousands of websites, radio shows and multiple TV outlets, there is great competition amongst the media for content.

Jim Harbaugh: My doubters live in 'diabolical world' - NFL.com
Niners coach Jim Harbaugh hit back at critics who suggested he was insincere about the team's interest in signing Peyton Manning, saying they live in a "diabolical world."

Character assassination in diabolical world - NFC West Blog - ESPN
In Jim Harbaugh's world, Alex Smith is the smartest quarterback he's ever seen, Michael Crabtree has the surest hands he's ever seen and, just to be clear, the San Francisco 49ers evaluated Peyton Manning without pursuing him. Got it?

Bill Belichick on Jake Ballard claim: No unwritten rules - NFL.com
Giants coach Tom Coughlin was disappointed that his team lost TE Jake Ballard to the Patriots. But Bill Belichick was unapologetic, saying he didn't break any unwritten rule about waivers.

Versatility is Leon Washington's middle name - Blog - MyNorthwest.com
It's no secret that the more things you can do well, the more valuable you become to your employer. Leon Washington is the Seattle Seahawks' "Mr. Versatility," something that's always been in his nature. The 29-year-old Washington told me after minicamp practice this week that he's always tried to sample new things. Growing up in Jacksonville, Fla., he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball before football became his career path.

Observations from Cardinals' early practice - NFC West Blog - ESPN
What I learned from watching the Arizona Cardinals' walk-through practice at team headquarters Wednesday:

Chris Clemons is hurting himself and the Seahawks - Blog - MyNorthwest.com
Chris Clemons is not helping himself or his team. John Clayton referenced the 60,000 reasons he should be at the Seahawks' mandatory minicamp this week, but I've got one: honor your contract. Pete Carroll's system and the LEO position have enabled Clemons to flourish with 22 sacks the last two years, or two more than the eight-year veteran had in his first six seasons in the league combined. Clemons will turn 31 in October and undoubtedly is looking for the last major payday of his career.

Pete Carroll, Tarvaris Jackson on the first day of Seahawks minicamp |
Other than defensive end Chris Clemons’ conspicuous absence, the focus of the first day of the Seahawks minicamp Tuesday was the three-way quarterback competition among Matt Flynn, Tarvaris Jackson and Russell Wilson.

What's at stake for Clemons, Seahawks - NFC West Blog - ESPN
A few thoughts on Chris Clemons' holdout from the Seattle Seahawks' mandatory minicamp: