Seahawks pass receivers an unsung group

RENTON, Wash. – There is a certain humility that must come with choosing to be a pass catcher for the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle’s offensive structure leaves so few opportunities for its wide receivers and tight ends to stand out that they often get panned for not bringing a dynamic element to the Seahawks’ passing game.

But give them the opportunity to shine – as they did in Seattle’s 31-17 win over Carolina in the NFC divisional playoff game on Saturday – and that group of Seahawks can be on par with other receiving units around the league.

“The makeup of the guy, the attitude that he brings, the toughness that he brings, and the grit that the guy brings, that has a lot to do with the guys that we like,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said. “We’ve got a very feisty, competitive bunch of guys and they complement one another but they’re all unique in their ways.”

Seattle’s receivers stood out in the win over the Panthers. Jermaine Kearse had a career day with 129 yards receiving and a 63-yard touchdown. Doug Baldwin caught his first touchdown since Week 14. Tight end Luke Willson led Seattle with four catches, two of them coming on a decisive drive in the fourth quarter that Willson capped with a 25-yard TD catch.

The likelihood is that Seattle’s receivers will get overshadowed again this week given the proficiency of Green Bay’s passing offense and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Unger, Maxwell hopeful

The Seahawks expect center Max Unger and cornerback Byron Maxwell to be fine for Sunday’s NFC championship game.

Coach Pete Carroll said Monday that Unger appeared to be fine after having the back of his legs rolled up on in the fourth quarter of the Seahawks’ win over Carolina on Saturday. The concern was that Unger had re-aggravated a high-ankle sprain.

Maxwell was ill last week and limited to just four snaps on special teams. Carroll said it seems like Maxwell has recovered.