RENTON — A new competition between Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas and quarterback Russell Wilson has started.
Each has become known for maniacal film study. Thomas is trying to further understand his role. Wilson, entering just his third year, is still dissecting what the league does and why.
These were autonomous efforts for each last season, not necessarily linked to the other. At the start of training camp, the duo is forming a new bond that stretches beyond Thomas’ pre-practice heckling of Wilson (“Don’t throw it my way today, Russ!”).
“We’re trying to make sure we hang out off the field, always talk about football, always talk about life, talk about just trying to be legendary in some way, and so that’s kind of what we talk about all the time,” Wilson said.
Wilson asked Thomas before practice today how much film he had watched. They continually battle to be the last one to leave the practice facility.
Thomas, who strives to be the “alpha male” in a league filled with them, did give Wilson one critique, saying he thinks the third-year quarterback is holding the ball too long at times. But, he also said Wilson is doing a better job of looking him off early in camp.
It’s an interesting new duo for a team that continues to try and evolve.
Harvin gets day off
Wide receiver Percy Harvin did not practice Saturday. He did run on his own and jog around the field as the team moved from spot to spot. Every indication is that Harvin, who missed almost all of last year because of hip surgery, was just receiving a day off as the Seahawks manage his time on the field.
Rookie wide receiver Kevin Norwood did not practice because of an undisclosed injury. Right tackle Michael Bowie was also out after injuring his shoulder Friday.
All of the players who had surgery — strong safety Kam Chancellor (hip), linebacker Malcolm Smith (ankle), linebacker Bruce Irvin (hip) and tackle Russell Okung (foot) — did not practice for the second consecutive day. Linebacker Korey Toomer (hamstring) also remained out.
Defensive tackle Jesse Williams approached trainers early in practice then did not return to the field. Williams missed last season because of knee problems, though this appeared to be an upper body issue.
Going deep
Saturday’s practice was filled with quarterbacks throwing deep. Wilson often connected. On one play, it appeared he had a completion to wide receiver Jermaine Kearse against cornerback Richard Sherman. The ball came back when referees working practice called offensive pass interference, much to Sherman’s delight.
Wide reciver Ricardo Lockette was open for a deep throw from Terrelle Pryor, but dropped it in the end zone. Wilson was able to hook up with Kearse and Doug Baldwin on a couple of go routes.
Extra points
Running back Robert Turbin acknowledged he had offseason knee surgery, though he said it was “minor.” … Wide receiver Bryan Walters had a nice catch up the sideline. He’s fighting to make the team. … Wilson said he “definitely” thinks the team is better than last year.
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