Century Links 8/21: Blair Walsh Showing his Grit

Seahawks kicker Blair Walsh finding he likes his new Seattle home | The Seattle Times
New Seahawks' kicker Blair Walsh brings a different look to the game than did his predecessor, Stephen Hauschka.

Schneider says Seahawks went “above and beyond” in vetting Tramaine Brock – ProFootballTalk
With cornerback Tramaine Brock cleared on domestic violence charges (but still facing, in theory, discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy), the Seahawks quickly hired him. But not too quickly. Via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, G.M.

Seahawks hope for quick start to 2017 season | KREM.com
The Seattle Seahawks have always prided themselves on finishing strong, but what about starting fast? That has been an issue recently. You have to go all the way back to 2013, the Super Bowl winning season, to really see this group dominate from the get-go.

Former Mizzou football player stands by teammate during anthem protest | The Kansas City Star
When Michael Bennett sat during the national anthem on Friday night, former Missouri star Justin Britt put his hand on Bennett’s shoulder. “Being from Missouri and seeing things happening around the world that aren’t right, I just felt like I wanted to take a stand and be with Mike,” Britt said.

Kicker karma? Blair Walsh and the Seahawks hope not
The list of what we learned from Seahawks' second practice game starts with potential karmic consequences for Seattle's new kicker Blair Walsh.

Blair Walsh's comeback bid with Seattle Seahawks is right on track - NFC West- ESPN
A meeting against his old Vikings team showed a Blair Walsh determined to prove himself and capitalize on his new opportunity with the Seahawks.

Seahawks agree to sign offensive lineman Tyrus Thompson in wake of injury to George Fant | The Seattle Times
The Seahawks on Sunday agreed to terms with free agent Tyrus Thompson as depth at left tackle in the wake of a season-ending injury to George Fant.

Gameday grades for Seattle Seahawks versus Minnesota Vikings.
Take a look at the Seahawks gameday grades against the Vikings. See how each position group fared in the second preseason game on Friday night.

Sean McVay experiments with assistant calling plays – ProFootballTalk
When you've been around the game as long as guys like Bruce Arians and Sean McVay, it's good to delegate a little play-calling responsibility. Oh, wait, that's only half right, since Arians was the head coach at Temple when McVay was born.

Report: Roger Goodell close to contract extension through 2024 – ProFootballTalk
If labor unrest in the NFL's future is a "virtual certainty," we know who's going to be presiding over it. According to Daniel Kaplan of Sports Business Daily, the league is close to a deal with commissioner Roger Goodell to extend his contract.

Jason Garrett on Jaylon Smith: It's just the start - NFL.com
Jaylon Smith's road from the 2016 Fiesta Bowl to Saturday night's preseason game has been an uncertain one. If you'd only heard his name after seeing him make his first pro tackle, you'd never know it.

Injuries: Shawn Williams (elbow) out 4 to 6 weeks - NFL.com
Cincinnati might not be in as bad of shape in its secondary as it appeared. Safety Shawn Williams' dislocated elbow isn't believed to be as severe as thought, at least initially, per the team.

Redskins activate TE Jordan Reed (toe) off PUP list - NFL.com
Washington is taking the bubble wrap off Jordan Reed. The star tight end has been activated from the PUP list, the team announced Sunday. Reed had been placed on the list due to a toe injury.

What we learned from Sunday's preseason games - NFL.com
Sunday's doubleheader began with Pittsburgh Steelers WR Justin Hunter diving into the end zone for a fourth-quarter touchdown to give the Steelers a 17-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field.

Veteran WR Anquan Boldin retires after 14 seasons - NFL.com
Anquan Boldin's stay with the Buffalo Bills lasted less than a fortnight. The receiver signed on August 7. After 13 days, he left the club and informed the team he's retiring, per the team.

Former teammates react to Anquan Boldin retiring - NFL.com
Veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin announced that he is retiring after 14 seasons with the league. His former teammates went on social media to wish him well.