Seattle, WA

Johnathan Hankins Makes Bold Proclamation About Seattle Seahawks Defensive Potential

Published

2 years ago

July 28, 2024

Johnathan Hankins Makes Bold Proclamation About Seattle Seahawks Defensive Potential

RENTON, Wash. – Though he played the past two seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins kept close tabs on the Baltimore Ravens from afar, marveling at then-coordinator Mike Macdonald’s scheme and how he deployed his defensive line.

Once Macdonald accepted the Seahawks head coaching job in February and quickly tabbed former Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde as his defensive coordinator, Hankins knew where he wanted to continue his career with both young masterminds teaming up. Once free agency opened, the 6-3, 325-pound defender jumped at the opportunity to come to the Pacific Northwest and signed a one-year contract, filling a massive void figuratively and literally as the team’s new nose tackle.

Now in the midst of his first training camp in Seattle, Hankins isn’t aiming low when it comes to setting the bar for his new team. After starting for a top-five scoring defense in Dallas a year ago, he already has seen enough to believe Macdonald’s defense can be equally as disruptive out of the gate, starting with the defensive line he’s now happily part of.

“I think we could be just as good,” Hankins proclaimed before Saturday’s fourth training camp practice. “I think we can be probably one of the best inside in the NFL with defensive tackles such as Jarran Reed, big [Byron] Murphy, Leonard Williams, Dre’Mont Jones. We’ve got such a different combination of guys and skill set and size wise that can attack guys, I think it’s gonna benefit us a whole lot.”

Before signing his contract four months ago, like many defenders around the NFL over the past two years, Hankins had taken great interest in Macdonald’s scheme from afar. Growing to appreciate how he deployed his defensive linemen moving players around as he built the No. 1 scoring defense with the Ravens as coordinator, his presence factored as many as anything into the veteran’s decision to join the Seahawks this spring.

Hankins may have considered coming to Seattle on the merit of playing for Macdonald alone, but the allure of working with Durde again sweetened the pot. After being released by Las Vegas midway through the 2022 season, the former Ohio State star enjoyed a career resurgence with Dallas over the past two years teaming up with the energetic coach, whose ability to motivate players with sharp wit and a thick British accent coupled with a strong football IQ made him easy to grind for.

Starting 14 games for the Cowboys last season, Hankins tallied 27 tackles and three sacks, his highest total since 2016 when he was still a member of the NFC East rival Giants. With Durde bringing “joy to the room,” the veteran rediscovered his love for the game and became an integral part of one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.

“He brings the fun and excitement,” Hankins said of Durde. “When we’re out there on the field and doing drills, he’s such an energizer guy, coach, and just the way his British slang, or talk that he gives out, it kind of throws you off. But after a while you kind of get used to it, you embrace it. And then for some reason, people tend to start to try to talk like him and it never really works out, comes out like it’s suppose too. But all in all, he’s a fantastic coach, great motivator. And a lot of dudes just love to play for him and with him.”

Putting a cherry on top of the sundae with Macdonald and Durde on board, the Seahawks provided Hankins with an opportunity to go from one elite defensive line group to another, boasting a deep, talented stable of players ready to wreak havoc. Among his new potential teammates, joining forces with a former division foe in Williams as well as Reed and Jones proved too good to pass up, and the unit became even better when Murphy fell into the team’s lap for the 16th overall pick in April’s draft.

So far, the group has lived up to Hankins’ expectations and then some. As he has spent the majority of his time at the nose tackle spot covering the center or shading the A gap, players such as Williams, Jones, Reed, Murphy, and second-year defensive end Mike Morris have moved up and down the line of scrimmage as chess pieces for Macdonald and Durde in the trenches, playing everywhere from 3-tech defensive tackle to standup outside linebacker.

As he witnessed in Baltimore, Hankins has been impressed by how Macdonald and the new staff have mixed and matched Seattle’s flexible personnel up front, even introducing the “Durango” front with Wililams and Reed moving outside in a two-point stance off the edge and a combination of Hankins and Murphy/Morris playing inside. He also has relished being able to stay on the field for a more extended period of time, giving him more of a chance to contribute as an interior rusher.

“For big guys as myself, he does allow them to stay out there on the field for more than just one or two downs depending on the situation depending on whatever he’s calling,” Hankins explained. “There’s a lot of opportunity for guys like me inside to be out there even though we got a lot of pass rushers on this defense and guys that can rush at 3-technique, shade end, standing up, but just giving us more opportunities to go out there and make plays and just impact the game.”

With just four practices down, Hankins expects more creativity and innovation in how the group is unleashed as camp progresses and the regular season draws closer. As the Seahawks continue to install new formations and packages, he plans to serve as a resource for younger players such as Murphy and Morris, providing tips and answering questions any time he can in a mentor role.

As for his lofty team goals, Hankins sees Macdonald and Durde as the mad scientists necessary to bring everything together and help Seattle perform to its full potential on defense. Armed with a blend of proven veterans and high-upside youngsters, the defensive line should be the anchor for a revamped unit, and he’s eager to see how the new staff maximizes the depth up front in a scheme that should cater well to the group’s strengths, particularly when it comes to positional flexibility.

“It’s been quite interesting. For the past I’d say two or three years when he was in Baltimore, I was always fascinated about their defense and how dominant they were. And to come to find out he’s become the head coach here and A.D. [Aden Durde] came here and was gonna be able to embrace both defensive terminologies, I was excited. He brings so much to the defensive side, it’s kind of hard to explain because it’s pretty complex, but at the same time, it’s very exciting. He’s gonna put us in a lot of good situations where we can make plays and attack offenses in all different angles, so I’m thrilled and I’m excited for it.”

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Seattle, WA

Seahawks trade rumor reveals Seattle’s interest in acquiring Giants’ $31 million first-round pick

Published

9 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Press Room

Seahawks trade rumor reveals Seattle’s interest in acquiring Giants’ million first-round pick

Seahawks trade rumor reveals Seattle’s interest in acquiring Giants’ $31 million first-round pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It appears that Cleveland Browns star Defensive end Myles Garrett isn’t the only defender the Seattle Seahawks are interested in acquiring this offseason.

Seahawks Forever’s Dan Veins also reported that the 2026 Super Bowl winners have their sights set on the New York Giants’ 2022 first-round pick (No. 5 overall pick).

“I don’t know who John (Harbaugh) spoke with in the Giants front office, but (Kayvon) Thibodeaux is a serious trade target,” Veins noted Friday.

With trade chatter surrounding Thibodeaux intensifying lately, the Seahawks’ rumored interest in the Oregon product could have come at a better time.

Thibodeaux has struggled mightily to terrorize opposing quarterbacks the past two seasons, with the 25-year-old reaching a new low with the Giants in 2025-26 (he ended the year with 13 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 2.5 sacks, zero forced fumbles, and an unimpressive 66 overall PFF grade.

Although the Giants don’t seem to be in a rush to wash their hands of Thibodeaux, the South Los Angeles, California native’s inability to remain healthy and rush the passer adequately could motivate the franchise to accelerate the trade process.

Of course, Garrett is undoubtedly a more captivating prize for a Seahawks squad looking to defend their Super Bowl title in 2026-27. However, Thibodeaux wouldn’t be the worst alternative, as he’s played elite-level football in the past and is capable of being a high-impact defender on a regular basis.

For that reason, it isn’t preposterous for Seattle to pursue him as their offseason continues to take shape.

More NFL: Seahawks interested in trading for Browns’ historic $160 million two-time DPOY, per report

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Seattle, WA

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 34 things to know

Published

21 hours 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

1 day 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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