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Seahawks Surprises: Tough 2014 Schedule, Sherman Honored, Wilson To Divorce

It may be baseball season, but Seahawks fans are already thinking about football this fall. That's because the 2014 NFL schedule came out this week, but that's not the only reason.

2014 Seahawks Schedule: Early Break, Tough End

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says the Seahawks are not happy with having a bye in the fourth week of the 2014 season.

"It comes way early in the calendar, and teams always prefer to have the bye later in the season so they can rest people and get recovered from injuries," he said.

And from the looks of the full Seahawks schedule, the team could really use a break in the back half of the season. 

"The last six games contain five in the division, including both against the dreaded rival San Francisco," Art said. "The first game is Thanksgiving night in San Francisco. And then they play them two weeks later. That's just  cramming all this drama into a very tight window."

Big Honor, Big Contract Extension Expected For Richard Sherman

Time Magazine named Richard Sherman one of the 100 most influential people in America.

"I thought that was quite remarkable for any athlete," Art said. "Richard has been outspoken in matters of race and culture. I think he deserves it because I think he's a very thoughtful, provocative guy. I don't always agree with him, but it's really interesting to see an athlete have the courage of his convictions in a public forum."

Sherman is said to be close to a contract extension with the Seahawks.

"It looks like he's lining up to be the most well compensated defensive back in the history of the NFL," Art said. "The number they're talking about is $13 million a year, and I think Richard richly deserves it."

A Quarterback — And Then Some

The Seahawks this week traded their seventh-round pick in the upcoming draft to the Oakland Raiders to acquire quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Art says Pryor might not play backup QB.

"Everyone is intrigued by this hire," he said. "Pryor was described by General Manager John Schneider as a tremendously explosive athlete — not quarterback; athlete. And he is that."

Art says this may solve the Seahawks wide receiver problem that was created when free agent Golden Tate went to the Detroit Lions.

"Putting Rice, Harvin and Pryor on the field would just cause defensive coordinators massive headaches," he said.

Russell Wilson Divorce

Russell Wilson had a surprise of his own this week. He announced through the team that he is divorcing from his wife, Ashton Meem. 

"That was a bit of a mind-blower," said Art. "What I think most of us can understand is that they married right out of college and right before the draft. And these last two years have been nothing but a whirlwind where he has become an international celebrity. And all I can say is that must put a lot of stress and a lot of pressure on anyone's marriage."

Marcus Trufant Retires A Seahawk

In what Art calls "a very cool gesture," the Seahawks signed Marcus Trufant for a one-day contract on Thursday so that he can retire as a Seahawk (see videoof Trufant announcing his retirement). 

"He was from Tacoma's Wilson's High School, a Washington State [University] graduate, a first-round draft choice in 2013 and played a big part in the Seahawks' first Super Bowl [trip]," said Art. "And he's a good dude that they did right by."

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You can find Art Thiel's work at Sportspress Northwest and Crosscut.com.

 

Kirsten Kendrick hosts Morning Edition on KNKX and the sports interview series "Going Deep," talking with folks tied to sports in our region about what drives them — as professionals and people.
Art Thiel is a co-founder and writer for the rising sports website Sportspress Northwest. In 2003 Thiel wrote the definitive book about the Seattle Mariners, “Out of Left Field,” which became a regional bestseller. In 2009, along with Steve Rudman and KJR 950 afternoon host Mike Gastineau, Thiel authored “The Great Book of Seattle Sports Lists,” a cross between historylink.org and Mad Magazine that has become mandatory reading for any sports fan who has an indoor bathroom.