[Seahawks] Seahawks Slant

[DJRamFan]

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER STAFF


WHAT'S NEWS

What are the playoffs really all about? Just look at the smile on Jerry Rice's face when the topic comes up.

Rice, the NFL's all-time leading receiver who was acquired by the Seahawks in October, has played in 28 postseason games in his 20-year career. That's nine more than the combined total of the other 10 starters on offense for Saturday's first-round game against the St. Louis Rams at Qwest Field.

"It's a whole different level," Rice said yesterday. "For the regular season, the pace is fast. It gets faster (in the playoffs). And it's exciting. ... You know, it's do or die. There's no tomorrow."

To beat St. Louis for the first time in three tries, the Seahawks receivers will have to make plays to help the offense keep pace with the Rams' passing game.

"We've got to rise to the occasion," Rice said. "It's prime time now."


ON THE FIELD

That's where Grant Wistrom wants to be Saturday, when the Seahawks host his former team. But it doesn't appear the veteran defensive end will get the opportunity because of the sprained left knee that sidelined him for the final three regular-season games. He is listed as doubtful, which means there is a 25 percent chance of playing.

Also, linebacker Tracy White was placed on injured reserve because of the pulled hamstring that caused him to miss six of the past seven games, and rookie punter Donnie Jones was re-signed to the practice squad. Cornerback Michael Harden was released to clear a spot for Jones, but Harden or another practice squad player is expected to be added to the 53-man roster to fill White's spot.




TICK, TICK, TICKETS

Approximately 6,000 tickets remain for Saturday's game, with the league-imposed blackout deadline today at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 206-622-4295 or online at www.seahawks.com.


INJURY REPORT

In addition to Wistrom, seven other injured players also sat out practice: DT Marcus Tubbs (sprained ankle) and WR Jerheme Urban (sore foot), who are out; MLB Niko Koutouvides (bruised knee) and TE Itula Mili (bruised thigh), who are listed as questionable; and WR Darrell Jackson (sore hamstring), CB Marcus Trufant (sore thigh) and OG Jerry Wunsch (illness), who are probable.

Veteran CB Bobby Taylor, who has missed the past seven games with a sore knee, worked in all phases of practice. He is listed as questionable.

There was no injury report for the Rams because coach Mike Martz gave his players Monday and yesterday off.

-- Clare Farnsworth

[UtterBlitz]

No Wistrom and a slew of other Seahawks that have injuries. Koren Robinson may not be allowed to play, and the SeaHawk fans may be blacked out.

The weather does seem a bit gloomy over in Seattle.

[RamDez]

Bloody hell, 6000 tickets still for sale .......... thats incredible, Whats the heck are their fans thinking.

[DJRamFan]

They've only ever hosted 3 playoff games and this is their first in the new stadium, it is quite pathetic that it hasn't sold out sooner. It has sold out though and will be televised. The injuries definitely could be costly to the 'hawks.

[theodus69]

I kinda think those fans may have the feeling that their team stinks and Jerry Rice smiling..........Why is he gonna catch a pass or get shut out like the slow punk he has become? Oh Jerry, curtain call was ..oh about 4 yrs ago! :tongue:

[DJRamFan]

Rice has definitely hung on a little too long.