Seahawks roster shows more than a few causes to celebrate

CARSON, CA - AUGUST 18: Detrez Newsome #38 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball as he is chased by Poona Ford #97 of the Seattle Seahawks during a 24-14 presseason Charger win at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - AUGUST 18: Detrez Newsome #38 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball as he is chased by Poona Ford #97 of the Seattle Seahawks during a 24-14 presseason Charger win at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Seahawks took their sweet time to announce their 53 man roster. That was appropriate, as 12s got some pretty sweet gifts among the new roster.

It seems like Seattle is always the last team to officially announce their roster. Maybe they throw a big goodbye and good luck party for the guys they cut first. Regardless, the Seahawks got down to 53 players today. There aren’t many surprises, but more than a few early fan favorites made their mark with the coaches. You can find the complete roster here. For now lets focus on a few great stories.

No reason to wait for one of the biggest fan favorites. Undrafted rookie Poona Ford has been a big part of Seattle’s improved run defense in the preseason. Game after game, Ford was one of the team’s most consistent defenders. Now the 5’11” juggernaut will get the chance to grow into a fixture on the Seahawks defensive line for the next decade.

One major surprise – and a big boost to the Seahawks pass rush – was the activation of defensive end Dion Jordan. Jordan had been on the physically unable to perform list for what seemed like a decade. His injury cast some serious doubt on Seattle’s ability to get to the quarterback. His return couldn’t have been more timely.

Linebacker Austin Calitro was everywhere on the field for the Seahawks against the Raiders. If it wasn’t for the phenomenal performance of Shaquem Griffin, Calitro would be getting  a lot more buzz. I’m pretty sure the former Villanova linebacker is happy with his roster spot. The buzz will come soon enough.

Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks /

Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks offense has some favorites too

Happily wide receiver David Moore did make the 53 man roster. You’d think there was no way he wouldn’t make the team after his terrific preseason. Then you remember there was a guy last year named Kasen Williams. And you breathe a sigh of relief that this time, Seattle didn’t blow it.

In 2017 only one player not named Russell Wilson managed to score a rushing touchdown for Seattle. That player was J.D. McKissic, part time running back, occasional wide receiver, and full time football player.

There was already some doubt McKissic would make the roster as the Seahawks have a crowded backfield. And then he broke his foot, and was expected to miss as much as six weeks. Despite that timetable, Seattle opted to keep him on the active roster.

One major surprise – and a big boost to the Seahawks pass rush – was the activation of defensive end Dion Jordan. Jordan had been on the physically unable to perform list for what seemed like a decade. His injury cast some serious doubt on Seattle’s ability to get to the quarterback. His return couldn’t have been more timely.

These are just a few of the 12s favorites, of course. We didn’t mention a few guys you’re familiar with, like Doug Baldwin, Chris Carson and Frank Clark. You probably knew they’d make it. Here’s the entire 53 man roster. There’s a lot to like on this team. But don’t commit it to memory. With all the cuts around the league, there will likely be several more moves over the next couple of days. These (and those) Seahawks sure look ready for a great 2018.