Wednesday links: Bobby Wagner says Broncos ‘looked scared’

Earlier this offseason, Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner noted that, while the Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” secondary and their defensive line get a lot of the attention, the team’s linebackers should, and will, get more attention in 2014.

“I love the D-line, and the secondary gets a lot of talk, but you will talk about the linebackers this year,” Wagner said after a June session of organized team activities.

And apparently getting attention like the secondary involves engaging in a little playful smack talk like the Seahawks’ best known defensive back, Richard Sherman.

Wagner was a guest on ESPN’s First Take Tuesday, and when Stephen A. Smith, who co-hosts the show with Skip Bayless, said he saw a Broncos team that looked “petrified” in the Super Bowl, Wagner agreed with Smith.

“You’re not wrong,” Wagner said. “They looked scared out there. Nobody wanted to catch the ball. Nobody wanted to come up the middle.”

“If you look at the previous games, they got a lot of balls across the middle,” he said. “That first hit, Kam came across the middle and smacked him.”

Later Wagner was asked about Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, who agreed to a new contract Tuesday.

“If you want your contract, get it before you play us, that’s all I’m saying,” Wagner said. “…When you play us, it’s not going to be a pretty thing for you.”

Wagner was then asked what tight ends do impress him, and he struggled to come up with one, saying “nobody comes to mind.” On Vernon Davis, Wagner first said he respects the 49ers tight end, but then added, “When he plays us, he seems scared too.”

When Bayless later noted that being better in 2014 will be difficult because, “you will be the hunted now,” Wagner replied, “We’ve got bullets too.”

Here’s Wagner’s full interview:

And speaking of Wagner, Matt Hamilton of thefootballeducator.com came up with a stat called “impact tackles” and the Seahawks’ middle linebacker ranks among the league’s best defensive players by that measure.

Wagner wasn’t the only Seahawk on the national airwaves this week, with Russell Wilson making an appearance on the NFL Network.

If you missed yesterday’s All-Star game, the American League won in part thanks to the pitching of Felix Hernandez, who threw one scoreless inning to open the game, as well as a brief appearance (and arrow launch) from Fernando Rodney in the eighth. That means the Mariners will have home-field advantage in the World Series (you know, assuming they stay in playoff position and advance to the World Series. Otherwise some other American League team will have home-field advantage).

And finally, from today’s Herald, a look at the relationship between Sounders stars Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.