NFC West: Tim Castille
Mike Williams, Dexter McCluster won't play
Seattle receiver Mike Williams and Kansas City receiver Dexter McCluster worked out at Qwest Field, but their teams named them inactive. Williams has been Matt Hasselbeck's go-to target for most of the season. Seattle's offense changes quite a bit without him.
Ben Obomanu, Brandon Stokley, Deon Butler, Golden Tate and Ruvell Martin are active at receiver for Seattle. Obomanu and Stokley played particularly well against New Orleans last week. Tate played well against Oakland before suffering an ankle injury. This is his first game back.
Butler will start in Williams' place, the Seahawks said.
McCluster has missed the Chiefs' last four games.
Also inactive for Seattle: fullback Michael Robinson, guard Chester Pitts, defensive end Clifton Geathers, tackle Will Robinson, nose tackle Colin Cole and defensive tackle Amon Gordon. J.P. Losman is the third quarterback.
Also inactive for Kansas City: cornerback Brandon Flowers, safety Donald Washington, running back Tim Castille, safety Jon McGraw, linebacker Charlie Anderson, linebacker Justin Cole and defensive tackle Anthony Toribio.
Catching up with the Cardinals' cut list
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
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I've gone through the initial NFC West cut lists -- those players released at the 53-man deadline -- to see which ones have returned to their teams or caught on elsewhere.
The chart shows results for Arizona.
Veteran safety Aaron Francisco signed with the Colts. Receiver Onrea Jones signed with the Redskins' practice squad. Arizona re-signed four players to its practice squad.
Four others -- Wilrey Fontenot, Chris Vincent, Carlton Medder and Pago Togafau -- were injured when the Cardinals released them. All but Fontenot have reached injury settlements, leaving the roster. Fontenot remains on injured reserve. Update: Fontenot has also reached an injury settlement.
Some veterans on the list might have an easier time finding work after Week 1. Rules require teams to guarantee salaries to some veterans who are active for Week 1 and then released.
Observations from Cards' exhibition game
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Thoughts and observations from the Cardinals' exhibition game Thursday night against the Broncos:
- Fitzgerald cares. The Cardinals' first-team offense made little apparent progress following an "embarrassing" effort a week earlier, but receiver Larry Fitzgerald showed the unwavering focus and professionalism that help maximize his talents. He ran after the catch the way he would have in a Super Bowl. Receiver Steve Breaston, meanwhile, couldn't even get lined up properly, drawing two penalties for illegal formations. This is a recurring issue for Breaston and one that gets annoying if you watch enough Cardinals games. He committed three such penalties during the 2008 regular season. Details matter.
- Action for Toler. I was a little surprised to read coach Ken Whisenhunt's comments about how the Cardinals' rookie defensive backs, including cornerback Greg Toler, have a long ways to go. Toler competes. He battled hard against Broncos receiver Brandon Lloyd, closing hard on the ball to break up a sideline pass. Lloyd did beat Toler for a long completion to the Arizona 1-yard line, but Lloyd used his left arm to push Toler past the play. It was a veteran move and one that worked, but Toler was there all the way. Officials flagged him for illegal contact on a deep pass in the third quarter. The contact was came early in the route as an act of aggressiveness, not panic. Toler was there all the way and nearly picked off the pass.
- Updating Long. Receiver Lance Long didn't seem to make an emphatic statement in his quest to earn one of the final spots at receiver. Only Jerheme Urban played more than Long among Arizona receivers in the first half. Long finished the game with one reception for 9 yards. Officials flagged him for holding deep in Cardinals territory and it was a good call.
- Playing time. First-half snap counts for the Cardinals' skill players broke down this way: Urban 20, Long 14, Warner 12, Stephen Spach 10, Breaston 10, Fitzgerald 10, Jason Wright 9, Beanie Wells 9, Sean Morey 8, Anthony Becht 7, Dan Kreider 6, Tim Hightower 6, Matt Leinart 6, Tyler Palko 6, Ben Patrick 4, Onrea Jones 4, Reagan Maui'a 2 and Tim Castille 1.
- Wells catches naturally. The Cardinals' first-round choice made a reception out of the backfield for 12 yards, gathering the ball naturally and gaining several yards after the catch. It wasn't much to go on, but nothing about Wells seems to stand out as negative or limiting. We haven't seen enough to know for sure how he'll hold up in pass protection, a key variable for playing time.
- Losing Pope. Tight end Leonard Pope's long-term future with the team appears shaky. The team could keep an extra player at the position while Ben Patrick serves a four-game suspension to open the season. Even that might not be enough for Pope, who did not play in the first half. When Pope finally got a chance, he showed zero tenacity while missing a block against Broncos defensive end Jarvis Moss. The early third-quarter play allowed Moss to tackle running back Chris Vincent for a loss.
- Hobson shows. Cardinals linebacker Victor Hobson made a positive impression on a few plays. He was aggressive and put a big hit on the quarterback in the third quarter.
The Seahawks' decision to sign 31-year-old Edgerrin James and confer upon him "complementary" status behind "workhorse" Julius Jones showed what the team thought about its quality depth at running back: not a great deal.
The move upgraded the position, in my view, because James is better suited than was T.J. Duckett to step into the lineup on a full-time basis if needed.
But the Seahawks still might be chasing the rest of the NFC West at the position.
James' signing provides an opportunity to size up the position across the division.
I ranked each team's situation at running back in my mind before calling Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. to talk through each situation. He felt more strongly than I did about ranking the Rams' situation No. 1, ahead of the 49ers' situation. We agreed on ranking the Cardinals' running backs third, ahead of the Seahawks' backs.
Rankings and explanations follow:
1. St. Louis Rams
Current backs: Steven Jackson, Samkon Gado, Antonio Pittman, Kenneth Darby, Chris Ogbonnaya, Mike Karney (FB), Jerome Johnson (FB)
Williamson's take: "Adrian Peterson is the best back in the league and I would probably give the No. 2 honor to DeAngelo Williams right now, but then Steven Jackson is right there -- if healthy, of course. I think he'll get a ton of touches there. They are installing more of an Eagles-type offense. He'll be a bigger, badder version of Brian Westbrook and catch a lot of balls. He will also be the focus of every defense and there could be a greater chance of injury. Karney is a little more athletic than some of the pure straight-ahead hammer blockers. He has had injury problems, too."
My take: The 49ers' overall depth at running back appeals, but Jackson is unquestionably a special player athletically, more so than any back in the division. Special traits always appeal to the scout, which might explain why Williamson was quick to rank the Rams' running backs ahead of those in San Francisco. From my perspective, the Rams' situation at running back might be best in the division while it lasts. I question whether Jackson can hold up for a full season. The drop-off from Jackson to the next guy -- whoever it might be -- will be more dramatic than elsewhere in the division. That's another reason I'm a little nervous about ranking the Rams' running backs No. 1.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Current backs: Frank Gore, Glen Coffee, Michael Robinson, Kory Sheets, Moran Norris (FB), Bill Rentmeester (FB), Brit Miller (FB)
Williamson's take: "I like Gore as well. I would say he is more of the fifth- to 10th-best back in the league. I do not think his skills are as impressive as Jackson's skills. He is also going to be a jack-of-all-trades and get a ton of touches, but his job will be a little easier because I think their passing game will be more respectable than St. Louis' passing game. Of the fullbacks, I like Norris probably the best in the division. He will help Gore's cause. I don't think that is a determining factor one way or another, though."
My take: Gore has shown signs of wearing down late in seasons. He could be at additional risk as the team commits more fully to a run-oriented power scheme. But his toughness and running style earn him high marks. He's enjoying a sensational summer and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has said Gore will matter more than the quarterback. All signs point to Gore revisiting the production level he enjoyed during the 2006 season. And with Coffee breaking out in the preseason, the 49ers appear better protected than the Rams if their starter gets hurt.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Current backs: Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells, Jason Wright, LaRod Stephens-Howling, Chris Vincent, Dan Kreider (FB), Tim Castille (FB), Reagan Maui'a (FB)
Williamson's take: "James is more proven than Hightower, but Hightower is cheaper. I don't think he is a special player at all. He has had a better preseason than I expected, but he does not bring any special quality to the table. He is not an extremely powerful player, he is not going to wear down defense, his pass-catching skills are ordinary, he is not a make-you-miss guy and he is not a speed player. Wells has the most talent of any back in Arizona or Seattle."
My take: Cutting James and adding Wells is like moving money from a savings account into something riskier. James was never going to pay off big at this stage of his career. Wells has the talent to complete an already productive offense, but it's tough to believe he'll be healthier in the NFL than he was in college. I know he didn't miss many games at Ohio State, but he's already missed a bunch of training camp. The burden of proof is on Wells at this point. Hightower has been more productive in the preseason because he has taken the opportunity seriously. He looks leaner and quicker than he was last season. The Cardinals can get more from this position by resisting the temptation to throw so frequently.
4. Seattle Seahawks
Current backs: Julius Jones, Edgerrin James, Justin Forsett, Devin Moore, Owen Schmitt (FB), Justin Griffith (FB), Dan Curran (FB), David Kirtman (FB)
Williamson's take: "I don't trust Jones to carry the load. I probably like him better than Hightower, though. I don't like him as a No. 1, but I don't know if either team has a No. 1 right now. Wells has the best chance. Jones is a complementary player, a gets-what-is-there kind of back. I don't think he is a great receiver or anything. He is not tremendously powerful or elusive. Justin Forsett is probably the most intriguing back between Arizona and Seattle. With Edgerrin James, I don't have a lot of faith in him. One thing people don't understand about his game, though, is that he is a great pass-protection back. He will be used more out of the backfield than he was the last couple years, especially with Seattle's offensive line being shaky. He can grind out some yards and could be good in the red zone."
My take: The Seahawks haven't targeted the position early in the draft recently and it shows. Paying Shaun Alexander all that money a few years ago set back the position. The team wasn't going to immediately invest as much in a replacement. Jones and James are both very good in pass protection, though, and I think that will help the offense more than the running stats will show. This looks like a pass-first team on paper. We'll find out whether the zone blocking scheme can manufacture production. Having the same five offensive linemen for more than a week or two would certainly help. Forsett has been the Seahawks' most impressive back this summer.
Numbers games: Cardinals roster in perspective
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Cardinals have gotten dramatically younger at running back this offseason. Edgerrin James and Terrelle Smith are gone, leaving Tim Hightower and Dan Kreider as the only current Cardinals running backs with starting experience.
The team kept three halfbacks and two fullbacks on its Week 1 roster last season. Nine other teams also kept more than one fullback for the opener.
Hightower, Chris Wells, Jason Wright, Kreider and Tim Castille entered camp as the likely choices for those spots, should the team keep five. LaRod Stephens-Howling would have to significantly liven up the return game to earn a spot, most likely.
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The chart provides a framework for how many players the Cardinals might keep at each position heading into the regular-season opener against the 49ers.
Here's a quick look at which Cardinals players I might keep on the cutdown to 53 players:
Around the NFC West: Laurinaitis pick pivotal?
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Tim Klutsarits of examiner.com says the Rams' 2009 draft could hinge on whether the team made the right move with linebacker James Laurinaitis in the second round. Klutsarits: "If I were Billy Devaney, I would have gone with [Rey] Maualuga or even done something more daring and selected Eben Britton the offensive tackle from Arizona or Ron Brace the defensive tackle from Boston College. I believe all three of those players might have made a bigger impact than Laurinaitis will make. Time will tell. I hope I am wrong but keep those three names in mind to see how things will shake out."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch detects a defensive flavor to the Rams' first draft under coach Steve Spagnuolo. General manager Billy Devaney joked that Spagnuolo took over the draft. Said a grinning Devaney: "It was kind of a stealth [move]. [Spagnuolo] never said it, but then all of a sudden the draft's going on, and I said, 'This thing's starting to get away from us. We've got to get some offensive guys.'" That type of joking between coach and general manager suggests they have a good working relationship.
Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch asked staffers which NFC West team fared best in the draft. The 49ers' and Seahawks' ability to land 2010 first-round choices set them apart, although not decisively. Bill Coats: "I think it was Arizona, and mainly because it landed RB Beanie Wells with the 31st pick. For a team desperately in need of a quality ballcarrier, that was a real coup."
Lisa Goodwin of 49ers.com says the team honored Tony Wragge after the guard finished his college degree this offseason. Goodwin: "During this offseason, Wragge also participated in the NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurship Program at the Harvard Business School where he took classes on various topics including finance, real estate investments, tax law and overall personal finance analysis, among others. In July, Wragge is taking part in the NFL's Broadcast Boot Camp program that helps prepares players for the spot in front of the camera after their career."
Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers are counting on Manny Lawson to improve as a pass rusher. Coach Mike Singletary: "It would be very easy just to go get a pass rusher or defensive end to appease someone, but I think it's very important for us to have someone who's going to actually upgrade what we already have. I feel very comfortable with Manny doing the things that he needs to do to get better. I think Manny is totally healed. I think he's been moving great. I think his confidence is going to be there."
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says NCAA rules will prevent the Cardinals' first-round choice, Chris Wells, from participating in minicamps until June. Also, five players rehabbing from surgeries will miss the post-draft camp: Kurt Warner, Gabe Watson, Tim Castille, Matt Ware and Stephen Spach. The Cardinals' draft moves put Ware and the other backup safeties on alert.
Revenge of the Birds' Hawkwind takes a closer look at the Cardinals' undrafted free-agent signings. On Memphis tackle Brandon Pearce: "Pearce is interesting only because he's an offensive tackle that played in a pass happy system and rarely gave up sacks. He's got good height but needs to add considerable bulk to his frame (6'6, 290), although some reports mentioned that he added 20 pounds of bulk before Memphis' pro day. Either way he'll have to get stronger as he's had very little experience as an in-line blocker."
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says Aaron Curry made a smashing first impression during his first news conference as a Seahawk.
John Morgan of Field Gulls reads between the lines in matching the Seahawks' pre-draft comments to their draft-day actions.
William P. Tomisser of Seahawk Addicts offers first impressions on Curry, Max Unger and the Seahawks' draft class. Tomisser: "Except for [general manager Tim] Ruskell's first year here when he only had a month to prepare for his first draft and to set up his draft board, every player from every draft made the team or practice squad in his rookie year (or was put on IR like longsnapper T. Schmitt). I think that once again, there's a very good chance of every pick being on the team come opening day."
Michael Steffes of Seahawk Addicts passes along a Detroit News tidbit about Michigan long-snapper Sean Griffin possibly signing with Seattle. Good eye, Mr. Steffes.
What Browns' Wright offers the Cardinals
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
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Former Browns running back Jason Wright could conceivably fill J.J. Arrington's former role on the Cardinals now that Arizona has agreed to contract terms with him. Though Wright is not a return specialist, his contributions on special teams also made him attractive to the Cardinals.
The agreement, announced by the team, would not appear to affect the Cardinals' draft plans at the position. The team could still use a starting-caliber halfback. Edgerrin James remains on the roster for now. His eventual release still appears likely.
James, Tim Hightower, Chris Vincent, Justin Green and Tim Castille are the Cardinals' current running backs. Castille is a fullback, as is unrestricted free agent Terrelle Smith.
The Scouts Inc. profile for Wright describes him this way:
While he certainly isn't flashy and doesn't have exceptional physical prowess, Wright is tough, determined and very reliable in all facets, including special teams -- where he shines. He doesn't get a lot of action, but is a change of pace to the bruising [Jamal] Lewis. He isn't particularly big, strong, nifty or fast, but he studies the game and gets the very most out of his abilities. He sees the hole and attacks it. He also shows good patience, balance and keeps his feet churning on contact. He has soft hands and consistently secures the ball away from his frame, dropping very few passes. He is very impressive in pass protection.
Wright will not run away from anyone at this level and doesn't have the girth or power to carry the load for an extended period of time. He isn't real abrupt in his cuts and lacks the explosiveness you look for from this position. As a special teams player, he shows grit and enthusiasm. He is also a good tackler and a core contributor in all facets. His best role would be as a No. 3 running back, rather than a No. 2, and a valuable contributor on special teams.
Karney likes Cardinals but will visit Rams
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Mike Karney has something in common with quite a few Cardinals fans: He would like to play for the team. Unlike most fans, Karney has a chance, at least in theory.
The veteran fullback is a free agent after the Saints released him. Cardinals fullback Terrelle Smith is an unrestricted free agent. Another fullback, Tim Castille, remains on the roster.
Arizona hasn't made fullback a priority this offseason, for good reason. The team has had a few more pressing matters on its radar, such as re-signing its quarterback.
Karney played at Arizona State. He lives in Arizona. He's on the record saying he wants to play for the Cardinals. The Rams and Seahawks appear more active in considering options at the position. Karney is scheduled to visit the Rams on Tuesday.
Inactive list shows Cardinals are healthy
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Cardinals have named running back J.J. Arrington active despite his knee injury. They also found a spot on the active roster for rookie receiver Early Doucet.
Injuries affected the Cardinals' game-day thinking in previous weeks. Travis LaBoy, Leonard Pope and Anquan Boldin missed games. They are back.
The players Arizona named inactive -- Eric Green, Tim Castille, Victor Hobson, Elliot Vallejo, Brandon Keith, Alan Branch and Jerame Tuman -- have generally not been significant contributors. Castille filled in as a tight end against the Panthers in Week 8, right before the Cardinals signed Stephen Spach, who is now on injured reserve.
Having Doucet active gives the Cardinals additional insurance if Boldin's hamstring becomes a problem. Arrington has mostly contributed in four-receiver packages and as a kick returner. The Cardinals haven't gone with four receivers nearly as much during the playoffs, in part because they have been leading those games much of the way.
Inactive rule diminishes Super Bowl experience
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
TAMPA, Fla. -- The NFL prohibits teams from keeping more than 45 players active on game days. The system is designed to help teams with numerous injuries compete more evenly against healthier opponents.
I'm not sure the benefit outweighs the excruciating decisions coaches must make in the playoffs and Super Bowl. Eric Green, Tim Castille, Victor Hobson, Elliot Vallejo, Brandon Keith, Alan Branch and Jerame Tuman presumably enjoyed the Cardinals' Super Bowl experience this week. None is eligible to suit up for the game, however, thanks to the 45-man limit.
That doesn't seem right, especially in a Super Bowl.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Cardinals' addressed their injury situation at tight end by signing Stephen Spach at the expense of veteran safety Oliver Celestin.
Fullback Tim Castille played tight end during the Cardinals' 27-23 defeat at Carolina in Week 8. The arrangement helped Arizona get through the game, but Castille wasn't going to provide any favorable matchups in the passing game. That made the Cardinals easier to defend, at least in theory.
Spach opened the season with New England. He played 13 games with the Eagles, starting one, in 2005. He signed with the Patriots last season after going to camp with Minnesota.
Castille and Jerame Tuman were the only healthy tight ends for the Cardinals in Week 8. Starter Leonard Pope and regular contributor Ben Patrick continue to recover from injuries. The Cardinals ran 10 plays from traditional double-tight end sets, averaging 1.0 yard per carry on three rushes while gaining only one first down on seven pass attempts.
The Cardinals also released receiver Onrea Jones from the practice squad. That makes sense now that Anquan Boldin is back from injury and ready to practice full time.
Cardinals finding way to get job done
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Cardinals have managed to build a 10-3 lead over the Panthers thanks to one big play on defense, a few timely pass plays and a 30-yard rushing play from Anquan Boldin.
We'll break it all down when the game ends. In the meantime, feel free to take a look at my first-half personnel breakdown for the Cardinals. They are using Tim Castille as a second tight end. They are also using three and four receivers quite a bit. Download the file here.
Cards' second-rounder Branch inactive again
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Gabe Watson's return from injury has let 2007 second-round choice Alan Branch know where he stands with the Cardinals.
Arizona listed Branch among its inactive players for the second week in a row since Watson returned from a knee injury. Other Cardinals named inactive against the Cowboys in Week 6: safety Oliver Celestin, fullback Tim Castille, tackle Elliot Vallejo, tackle Brandon Keith, receiver Anquan Boldin and tight end Ben Patrick.
Boldin continues to recover from injuries suffered against the Jets in Week 4. Patrick's injury leaves the Cardinals light at tight end, another reason to expect more of the three- and four-receiver looks Arizona showed on 70 percent of snaps against Buffalo in Week 5.
Inactive for the Cowboys: safety Patrick Watkins, safety Roy Williams, cornerback Terence Newman, guard Kyle Kosier, guard Joe Berger, tackle Doug Free, receiver Isaiah Stanback.Around the NFC West: Cardinals rebound
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com explains how the Cardinals carried on without Anquan Boldin, who wasn't at the game. Also, Darnell Dockett predicts a "bloodbath" when the Cowboys visit the Cardinals in Week 6.
Also from Urban: Adrian Wilson didn't play much against the Bills, but he made a big difference, notably by knocking Buffalo's Trent Edwards from the game early. Gabe Watson, J.J. Arrington and Tim Castille also made significant contributions after missing time with injuries.
More from Urban: The Cardinals are tough to beat at home, where they have outscored opponents by a 72-27 count this season.
Michael Silver of Yahoo.com checks in with Brenda Warner, wife of Kurt, who says the quarterback felt like retiring after what happened against the Jets in Week 5.
Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic credits Warner for taking ball security seriously after a six-turnover showing against the Jets.
Also from Bickley: Arizona took control after the Bills jumped offside on a field-goal attempt. The penalty produced a first down. Arizona scored a touchdown for a 31-17 lead.
Richard Obert of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals weren't expecting Wilson to play. Cornerback Eric Green was surprised to see Wilson dressing for the game.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic assesses what Watson, Arrington and Early Doucet offered the Cardinals. Doucet, a rookie third-round choice, caught six passes. Three of his receptions turned third downs into first downs. Also, Dockett loved seeing Seattle lose.
Also from Somers: Give the Cardinals' offensive line credit for bouncing back after a rough outing against the Jets.
Mike Tulumello of the East Valley Tribune says the Cardinals are 8-2 at home under coach Ken Whisenhunt.
Scott Bordow of the East Valley Tribune says the Cardinals should do whatever it takes to avoid playing road games, even if they have to "refuse to fly on the grounds they're an eco-friendly franchise."
Also from Tulumello: Wilson, mindful of Boldin's injury last week, immediately called medical personnel to help Edwards after knocking the Bills' quarterback from the game.
Mark Heller of the East Valley Tribune assesses the Cardinals' depth at receiver. Steve Breaston has 16 catches for 199 yards over the last two games.
Cardinals rookie Hightower making mark
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
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| Hightower |
The Cardinals and Jets will field two of the older offensive backfields even beyond the quarterback position when the teams face off in Week 4.
Arizona's Edgerrin James and New York's Thomas Jones are 30. Jets fullback Tony Richardson is 36. Don't be surprised if Cardinals rookie running back Tim Hightower looks even faster than usual. He turned 22 in May and gives Arizona a more dynamic alternative to James' grind-it-out approach.
The fifth-round draft choice from Richmond is looking like the future starter, but the Cardinals aren't waiting to use him. Hightower rushed five times for 23 yards against the Redskins in Week 3. He also caught three passes for 38 yards. The Cardinals targeted Hightower as a runner or receiver on six of their 11 third-down plays, converting twice. Overall, the Cardinals handed off or threw toward Hightower 11 times in 56 plays, or 19.6 percent of the time.
James averaged better than 5 yards a carry against the Redskins, but the Cardinals are among only four teams without a running play of at least 20 yards this season (the Jets are another). James remains the established runner between the tackles. Hightower provides more big-play potential.
I've isolated each Week 3 play featuring Hightower, providing detailed notes on each in an effort to better understand how the Cardinals are using their promising rookie runner:
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
