Seattle, WA

Observations from Seattle Seahawks' practice at Lumen Field

Published

2 years ago

August 4, 2024

Press Room

Observations from Seattle Seahawks' practice at Lumen Field

There will be a lot of firsts for new Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald over the next month or so.

Macdonald optimistic Seahawks QB Geno Smith will return next week

The 36-year-old Macdonald just checked another one off the list, coaching the Seahawks inside their home stadium for the first time.

The Seahawks departed from their training camp headquarters at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center to hold their annual “Football Fest” practice Saturday at Lumen Field. It was a festive atmosphere on a sun-soaked afternoon, with music blaring throughout practice and the occasional roar of Blue Angels soaring overhead.

“What an atmosphere, man,” Macdonald said. “It’s just really surreal being in the stadium, and then we’ve got the jets flying overhead. It’s just tough to beat.”

The event served as a way for players and coaches to replicate a gameday routine. But as Macdonald noted, it also added some extra buzz to help break up the day-to-day grind of training camp.

“It kind of kicks it up a notch,” Macdonald said. “I wouldn’t say the lights are on, but they kind of are, so it amplifies the intensity, for sure.”

Here are some observations from Saturday’s practice:

• Defense wins the day: With starting quarterback Geno Smith still sidelined after hurting his knee and hip in Tuesday’s practice, backup Sam Howell continued to work as the first-team quarterback and P.J. Walker took the second-team reps. Perhaps understandably, the defense held the upper hand for most of the day.

During a 15-minute scrimmage session, the first-team offense went three-and-out on its first two possessions and then drove into the red zone on its third possession before stalling in the closing seconds. Facing a fourth-and-2 from the 18-yard line, Howell couldn’t connect on an end-zone pass to receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., who was covered by veteran cornerback Artie Burns. The second-team offense also went three-and-out on its first possession before Walker led the unit on a 60-yard TD march on its second drive.

The defense also had its way during a red-zone drill where the offense started on the 20-yard line. The first-team offense settled for a field goal after being set back by a holding penalty, while the second-team offense went three-and-out.

• Another Bobo highlight: The lone touchdown drive in the 15-minute scrimmage session was capped by another highlight-reel catch from second-year receiver Jake Bobo. The former undrafted free agent made a twisting, acrobatic 8-yard TD snag in the front corner of the end zone, using great body control to corral the pass inside the right boundary. It came after the 6-foot-4 Bobo made a spectacular diving TD catch in Tuesday’s practice.

“I don’t see him drop a lot of footballs,” Macdonald said. “It seems like he comes down with a bunch of them. I think he complements our receiving room well, and then we’re really excited in the (special) teams phase. I think he provides more than a normal receiver would provide in that phase too. It’ll be fun to see how he fits into the receiver room and how that thing all shakes out, because we’ve got a lot of talent.”

• Defensive highlights: On a day dominated by defense, Seattle’s talented pair of young cornerbacks came up with two of the most noteworthy plays. During the 15-minute scrimmage session, third-year cornerback Riq Woolen used his 6-foot-4 length to make a diving deflection over the middle on a third-down pass from Howell. And on the first-team offense’s ensuing possession, second-year corner Devon Witherspoon blitzed off the edge and deflected a first-down pass from Howell.

• Murphy continues to impress: Rookie defensive tackle and No. 16 overall pick Byron Murphy II, described by one draft analyst as a “muscular ball of explosiveness,” has the potential to be a big-time disruptor in the trenches. The 6-foot, 306-pound Murphy showed some of that horsepower on Saturday, as he appeared to get considerable push up front in pass-rush drills.

“Let’s not crown him yet, but he’s on the way,” Macdonald said. “He’s a force in there, and I think the guys see it. I’m just pleased with his effort. The guy brings it every day. … He’s a savvy football player. He knows what he’s doing out there. He’s not lost. He plays fast, plays rugged. So I think the future is bright for Mr. Murphy.”

• Kick return options: The Seahawks experimented with a handful of different returners while practicing kickoffs under the NFL’s new rules. Among the returners were Shenault, Dee Williams, Dee Eskridge, Tre Brown, Dareke Young and WSU Cougars product Eason Winston Jr. The Seahawks had two returners on the field for each kickoff, as teams across the league are widely expected to do with the new rules encouraging directional kicking.

“It’s eval phase,” Macdonald said. “When you see it in the preseason, hopefully we get a lot of reps of that and opportunities to see who can do something with the ball.”

• Things get chippy: As players battle for starting jobs and roster spots under the summer heat of training camp, there are times when tensions can boil over. That happened twice on Saturday. The first instance was a minor scuffle between an offensive lineman and edge rusher during one-on-one pass rush drills. The second came after Eskridge hauled in a reception over the middle and was taken to the ground hard by safety Marquise Blair. Other players quickly converged on the scene for a brief skirmish before things cooled down.

“I think today’s an opportunity to say, hey, we wanna push the envelope, we want to be on the line, but we also want to be smart within the situation as well,” Macdonald said. “It is a balance. … Things are gonna happen. It’s training camp. Tempers are gonna flare. But hey, how do we respond to it? Cooler heads will prevail and let’s keep it moving.”

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• What Seattle Seahawks players are saying about Macdonald’s defense
• Will Seattle Seahawks’ Boye Mafe reap rewards in Macdonald’s defense?
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba among top candidates for second-year surge
• Is Seattle Seahawks LT Charles Cross poised to take next step?
• How concerning is Abraham Lucas’ status for Seattle Seahawks?

Follow @CameronVanTil

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Seattle, WA

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 34 things to know

Published

23 minutes ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 34 things to know

(Friday night, off Harbor Avenue; WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)

Happy Saturday! First, a transportation note:

WATER TAXI’S NEW SCHEDULE: The spring/summer schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi starts today, including extra weekend daytime runs, and later night runs on Saturdays (starting tonight) and Fridays (starting next Friday), as previewed here.

Now the other Saturday highlights, as usual mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar (if we’re missing something, text info ASAP to 206-293-6302):

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you’re invited to join the Saturday 8 am free group run – kicking off the second day of 16th-anniversary weekend (see below).

FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your weekend, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

SCHMITZ PARK IVY PULL: Join Schmitz Park Creek Restore, A Cleaner Alki, others to help save the park’s trees by pulling invasive ivy, 9:30-11:30 am. (56th SW and SW Spokane)

INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER CELEBRATES 16 YEARS: Second day of anniversary weekend, open 10 am to 5 pm – “discounts, raffle drawings, Hawthorne Chair massage, Lake Washington PT and Hidef PT on site at various times during the weekend. Call ahead for specific questions on scheduling: 206-938-0545.” (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor)

DONATION DRIVE FOR FARMWORKERS: Plant starts, tools, supplies needed for community garden – dropoff donation drive 10 am-1 pm today and tomorrow at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

WEST SEATTLE NURSERY OPEN HOUSE: Spring open house 10 am-2 pm at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor), featuring bees, books, and a new grower!

COMPOST GIVEAWAY: 10 am to 2 pm or while it lasts, bring your own bucket/shovel to Westcrest Park P-Patch (9000 8th SW) for free compost, as previewed here.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, new Saturday hours 10 am-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).

SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)

DAHLIA TUBER SALE: 10 am-3 pm, prolific gardener’s overflow for sale. (4557 51st Place SW)

SINGALONG BRUNCH SOLD OUT: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – today, Taylor Swift edition, and it’s sold out. Table Reservation for future dates includes a Brunch Buffet! (2306 California SW)

GAME ON FOR KIDS! NAT’L BOARD GAME DAY: Kids are invited to celebrate by playing games at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am-3:30 pm.

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group resumes today – details including location are in our calendar listing.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), for families with kids up to 5 years old.

ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Second one of the season! 11 am, leaving from the Log House Museum (61st SW and SW Stevens).

FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-3 pm, no appointment needed, with United Way and West Seattle Food Bank at WS Community Resource Center (6516 35th SW).

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN HAIRCUTS: 11 am-3 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), Little Shop of Hairdos is cutting hair for 50+ at whatever price they can pay, no appointment necessary, proceeds donated to the center.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

COMMUNITY NOTARY DAY: 1-3 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), no registration required.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), singer-songwriter John Shaw. Free, all ages.

‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: First weekend continues for ArtsWest‘s new play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)

MUSIC AT KENYON HALL Feral Songwriters in the Round at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm, all ages.

CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT: 7:30 pm at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW and SW Juneau), renowned guitarist Michael Partington will present music by Portland (OR) composer Bryan Johanson to celebrate his 75th year,

MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Pale People, Henry Mansfield, Cats with Bowties, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MUSIC AT TIM’S: Far Reaches, The Unsundered, Guilded Lilly at Tim’s in White Center, 8 pm, all ages. (16th SW & SW 98th)

REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)

SKATE PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Sing with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

Have a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar, where listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Seattle, WA

Seattle Mariners snap 5-game skid with 9-6 win over Astros

Published

13 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

Seattle Mariners snap 5-game skid with 9-6 win over Astros

SEATTLE (AP) — Randy Arozarena hit his first home run of the season and drove in three runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Houston Astros 9-6 on Friday night to snap a five-game losing streak.

Seattle Mariners 9, Houston Astros 6: Box Score

Houston, meanwhile, dropped its fifth straight game and sixth out of seven.

With the game tied 3-3 in the fifth inning, Arozarena turned on an elevated fastball from Houston reliever Ryan Weiss (0-1) and hit it to left field for a two-run shot. It traveled 426 feet, and was Arozarena’s first regular-season home run since Sept. 9.

Seattle increased its advantage with a four-run seventh inning, which included a run-scoring double by Dominic Canzone and an RBI single by J.P. Crawford. It was the first run Crawford drove in this season after starting the year injured.

The Mariners took their first lead of the game in the opening inning as Astros starter Tatsuya Imai struggled to find the strike zone. Imai, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract this offseason after spending eight seasons with the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions, made it through just one-third of an inning against Seattle.

Houston had two big innings against Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (2-1) and the rest of Seattle’s bullpen. Astros catcher Christian Vázquez, who slotted into the No. 9 hole in the lineup, hit a two-out, bases-loaded double off Hancock that scored three runs. Left fielder Yordan Alvarez added a three-run home run in the eighth inning off right-hander Cole Wilcox.

Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz walked two hitters and allowed the tying run to come to the plate, but induced a game-ending groundout by Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña to secure his first save of the season.

Up next

Mariners RHP Luis Castillo (0-0, 2.79 ERA) faces Astros RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0, 3.27) on Saturday in the second game of the four-game series.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Seattle Mariners prospect Anderson dazzles again in 2nd pro start
• Salk: Two things about struggling Mariners are true at once
• Three encouraging things MLB insiders said about the Seattle Mariners
• Ex-Mariners OF called up by Astros before series in Seattle
• Brendan Donovan working through ‘growing pains’ at 3B

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Seattle, WA

New Music You Shouldn’t Miss – The Stranger

Published

1 day ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

New Music You Shouldn’t Miss – The Stranger

Lucha Luna
Brilla Brilla
(Self-Released)

One of Seattle’s most interesting new groups, Lucha Luna consists of vocalist Eva Vazquez and percussionist/synth manipulator Thomas Arndt. You may know Arndt as percussionist for exceptional eclecticists Day Soul Exquisite and Vazquez for her time in Toxic Tears and Savi. On their debut album, Brilla Brilla, they team up for a tantalizing fusion of reggaeton, punk, cumbia, and EDM.

In a 2024 Slog post on Day Soul Exquisite, Arndt revealed their immersion in Brazilian music, and the intro to opening track “Ritmo Eternal” appears to contain an arresting riff on berimbau, a single-stringed Afro-Brazilian instrument that produces a wonderfully warped twang. Eventually, a beautifully eerie keyboard melody sparkles over a menacing yet celebratory rhythm and synth bass, as Vazquez sings in Spanish with steely resolve. Throughout these seven songs, she’s a commanding presence on the mic, ranging from punkish agitation to heart-fluttering featheriness. “Manzana Prohibida” is as exhilaratingly tense as PiL circa Metal Box, as Vazquez sings with a gripping urgency. On “Camino por la Noche,” unusual, metallic percussion timbres and ill Roland 303 blurges cohere into a vibrantly dirge-y cumbia white-knuckler. With its superb dynamics and arrangements, interesting array of instruments, and extranjero percussive timbres, “Camino por la Noche” exemplifies Lucha Luna’s specialness.

A lot of Latin-diaspora music sounds cloyingly cheerful (I know, it’s a me problem), but Lucha Luna add a welcome degree of edginess and distortion to these styles. They excel at threading post-punk darkness with Latin American rhythmic sabor. There just isn’t much in Seattle that sounds like Lucha Luna. ¡Respeto!

Black Viiolet
Dark Blue
(Adrenalin Fix)

Nicole Laurenne plays organ and sings with the Darts, a femme-powered Seattle quartet who kick garage rock into vibrant new life with fishnet-stocking-clad legs, as evidenced by their new album, Halloween Love Songs. But moonlighting as Black Viiolet, the multi-instrumentalist/songwriter goes off on a radical tangent into torch-song trip-hop.

Like an American Amy Whitehouse fronting a jazz-loving Morcheeba, Black Viiolet traipses into familiar territory, but she imbues Dark Blue’s songs with alluring mystique and lyrics informed by the ache of being away from your new lover while you’re doing something you love, i.e., touring. Laurenne wrote these 13 tracks in the Darts’ van while on the road, and you can feel the longing in them. Absence makes the words burn brighter.

Laurenne’s nuanced singing—which would make the late David Lynch stub out his cigarette with gusto and pay close attention—dominates, but her deft keyboard playing and beatmaking elevate the music to the top 10 percent of this overcrowded field. Drummer Gregg Ziemba, double bassist Evan Strauss, trombonist Basile Conand, trumpeter Jean-Gatien Pasquier, and saxophonist Paul Cadier fill out the noir-ish portraits with restrained, impressionist daubs and a soupçon of funk. The result makes any listener feel way more sophisticated and rich than they have a right to. Even Dwarves’ notorious hell-raiser Blag Dahlia appears on vocals and arrangement on a remix of the elegantly lubricious “One” and can’t break the enchanting spell.

Seattle-area musicians can send music to NewSeattleMusic@TheStranger.com for possible coverage.

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