Seahawks grabbag: Notes from Monday’s Super Bowl press conferences

CARROLL IN A COACHING STRATOSPHERE

Seattle coach Pete Carroll won two national championships at USC. Now he has a chance to win two Super Bowls if the Seahawks can defeat New England.

“There are a lot of similarities,” Carroll said. “It’s really difficult to get there the first time, and then if you’ve done it like you like to, you kind of pave the way for the next time.

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“The kind of issues — the distractions, the conversations, kind of the dialogue – is very similar in coming back around. As far as coming back and to compare how it feels and all that stuff, I’m thrilled about the opportunity.

“This is very difficult to get to this position, and, of course, we want to make the very most of it. We’re trying to take it in stride so we can do it well and handle it well. I think it’s a real statement that we had a bunch of guys that were determined to get this done.”

OPPOSITE SIDELINES FOR SUPER BOWL

Last year, Seattle cornerback Brandon Browner combined with Richard Sherman to help the Seahawks surge toward the Super Bowl. But he missed the Big Game after being suspended for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

Now Browner has another shot at the Super Bowl — but, this time around, he plays for New England.

“BB is like a brother to us,” strong safety Kam Chancellor said. “All I can say is, ‘God bless his heart.’

“His heart, it tells everything. The man upstairs knows, so bless his heart.”

SEAHAWKS OVERCOME INJURIES

In their NFC Championship victory over Green Bay, Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman (elbow) and free safety Earl Thomas (shoulder) played with injuries. Both vow to be ready for New England.

“They’re warriors,” Chancellor said. “That’s one thing you can say about this team. We love this team so much, and we love each other so much, we’ll do anything to get the ultimate goal, and that’s winning.

“Knocks? They happen in football. That’s a part of the game. You get them, you run with them, you get them off of their mind.”

STADIUM NOT AN ADVANTAGE

The Seahawks have been asked if playing at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday will be an advantage for them. Because Arizona is in the NFC West with them, the Seahawks play in suburban Glendale once a season.

“I don’t think it’s an advantage,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “It’s a lot better than playing in the blizzard last year being that cold (MetLife Stadium in New Jersey).

“I don’t expect it to be negative-something degrees. I’m looking forward to playing in the heat.”


Author John McClain has covered the NFL for the Houston Chronicle for more than 30 years. Visit seattlepi.com for more Seattle Seahawks news. Contact sports editor Nick Eaton at 206-448-8125, nickeaton@seattlepi.com or @njeaton.

John McClain