Tatupu, Kerney, Jones receive All-Pro honors
Monday, 07 January 2008 18:00
KIRKLAND – The Seattle Seahawks often say they have a low profile with the national media, but Wednesday three players – middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, defensive end Patrick Kerney and tackle Walter Jones – were selected to The Associated Press All-Pro team.

Fifty media members who regularly cover the NFL conducted the voting. Kerney received 30 votes – the most among defensive ends – while Tatupu had 22 and Jones 18. Tatupu and Jones finished second at their positions.

Jones earned his third All-Pro selection, after getting chosen in 2001 and 2004. It was the first time Tatupu and Kerney made the team.

“It’s a great honor,” said Kerney, who was second in the NFL with 14.5 sacks. “It’s something that recognizes individuals, but it certainly wouldn’t happen without great play from my teammates here in Seattle. I think it says a lot about this team that we are able to fill it with three players.”

Whatever reputation the Seahawks have built, what first comes to mind probably isn’t defense. Defensive coordinator John Marshall said to place two defensive players on the team shows the quality of this season’s unit, which tied for sixth in fewest points allowed at 18.2 per game.

“(Tatupu and Kerney) would be the first to say those awards, in part, go to the rest of the defensive football team, too,” Marshall said. “I mean that sincerely because that’s the way they are and that’s the way the defense is.

“They are going to be proud of their accomplishments, but they know that other people have helped them with those accomplishments.”

Tatupu led the Seahawks with 109 tackles and finished fourth with four interceptions.

“I’m grateful for it and I’ve always tried to go out there and play my hardest. To be recognized for it is a tremendous honor,” he said.

Jones said being recognized as one of the best at his position never gets old. He said even though he’s played 11 seasons, he feels like there’s a lot left in him.

“It’s great because there are a lot of great tackles out there,” Jones said. “I’m still out there playing and I still love the game. I still do the things I’m doing and I don’t think I’m ready to give it up.”

‘No doubt’ he’ll play, Branch says

Deion Branch ran to the huddle, got the play and took up his familiar position at receiver. He ran his routes, carried out his assignments and showed no signs of being slowed by the calf injury that has sidelined him the past two games.

“There’s no doubt. I am playing this week,” Branch said.

Branch said the injury, suffered in the Dec. 23 game against Baltimore and then aggravated in practice the next week, probably is a slight pull. And as much as he wanted to play in last week’s first-round playoff game against Washington, it’s probably best that he didn’t.

“If I had tried to push through last week, I would not be in this position this week,” Branch said. “I think Coach made the right decision by not letting me play, but now I’m ready to go.

“There are no ifs, ands or buts – I have to play. Tell Coach (Mike) Holmgren I’m playing,” Branch said before coming up with a better idea. “Don’t even ask him. I’m playing. We don’t want any doubts in his mind.”

Brown’s way to warmth

Josh Brown didn’t understand what all the fuss was about regarding his plan to use heaters in his pants in Green Bay.

But the story, told during a local radio interview, made its way to ESPN.com and into a question posed to Holmgren during his Wednesday news conference.

“I don’t understand why it’s such a big story. I have battery-powered heaters that I use when I go hunting. So all I’m doing is throwing them in my pants,” he said.

Uh, which pants?

“Warm-up pants. Not my uniform. That would be crazy,” Brown said.

Brown said the heaters provide an all-over warmth you can’t get by sitting on a heated bench. He said he has also used them while riding his motorcycle.

Holmgren was surprised to learn his kicker had heaters in his warm-ups.

“I’ll tell you what, if my biggest challenge preparing this team is to get … batteries on Josh Brown, then we’ve got it knocked,” Holmgren said.

Extra points

Kerney missed a second day of practice with what was called a knee injury. Filling in for Kerney was Ellis Wyms. Three others – defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (groin), Jones (shoulder) and linebacker Niko Koutouvides (knee), also did not practice. Branch, receiver D.J. Hackett (ankle) and safety Mike Green (knee) were limited. … There must be a big game coming up: Two members of the national media, Chris Berman and Kenny Mayne of ESPN, were at Seahawks headquarters.

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