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True claw and scratch match up set for NFC title
By Joe Cronin and Ken Gimblin January 20, 2006 |
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The Seattle Seahawks open the door as hosts to visiting Carolina Panthers and that is as far as it will get as the Seahawks hope to shut down the Panthers for their first trip to the Super Bowl since the team's inception. The Seahawks are undefeated at home will have to be prepared for Panthers first and aggressive defense and offense. Steve Smith had a field day at wide receiver for the Panthers against the Chicago Bears last week. The Seahawks Shaun Alexander, the NFL's leading rusher says he is ready for battle. The Seahawks offensive lineman Sean Locklear says he is ready to play after he was arrested, and charged with assault on his girlfriend last Sunday. Locklear was released from King County Jail on Wednesday after spending two days there. The Panthers come into Qwest Field with the best road record in the NFL at 6-2. "Its very difficult to win on the road and teams that have figured out how to do that on a consistent basis visually will be very good." said Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren. The Panthers have their fair share of injuries DeShaun Foster out with a broken ankle and Julius Peppers is doubtful with a shoulder injury. The Panthers Nick Goings, who is a third string running back will get to start as Stephen Davis and Foster are out with injuries. "If you don't stop anybody's run game, it is going to be a long day for you. We'll pile up against the run and rally to that pass and make sure we know where 89 (Steve Smith) is at all times." said Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu. The Seattle injury squad is probable for Sunday's game at least most of them, questionable although Head Coach Mike Holmgren said he is optimistic that wide receivers Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram and Defensive Tackle Rocky Bernard will be in practice Friday and Saturday. Jackson is recovering from right knee surgery from October 13th, Jackson also is suffering from a bruised back from last Sunday's 20-10 victory over Washington. Engram has a sore back and Bernard has a left foot injury. Alexander is still hopeful to fully regain recovery from his concussion which forced him to leave last Sunday against visiting Washington. JC and Kenny G's NFC Championship notes: Julius Peppers who missed his second day of practice due to a shoulder injury says he can get back in and he should be practicing by Friday. "Oh he'll be back he is a gamer. You can afford at this point in time, to miss a couple of practices and still be fine for the game. You've played enough football that rust is not going to set in at this point." said Panther safety Mike Minter. Other Panthers: Questionable Kindal Moorehead defensive tackle missed Thursday's practice due to an ankle injury. Defensive tackle Jordan Cartens (illness), fullback Brad Hoover (ankle), Minter (wrist) and offensive linemen Jeff Mitchell (knee) and Tutan Reyes (toe) all practiced and were upgraded to probable. Kick off for Sunday at Qwest Field 3:30PM PST. Joe Cronin and Ken Gimblin co-host Sportstalk on 1430 KVVN San Jose and 1110 KLIB Sacramento and are covering the NFC Championship game. |
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