 |
| "Fatality! Noob Saibot WINS..." |
Well, that wasn't pretty. In a game that featured more random penalties than big plays, the Seahawks were able to overcome numerous miscues to secure a win in the season finale. Still unbelieveable to think that this season is already over. I'm glad that I've enjoyed the ride because it was over in the blink of an eye. Now the focus will shift to the postseason, with a Sunday matchup with a Julius Jones bowl or DJ Hackett Bowl looming in the distance.
While this game with St. Louis wasn't the laugher many expected (myself included), it's important to point out that the Rams played a solid, tough game. It's not going to be fun having to play Jeff Fisher's boys twice a year in the future but we should be up for it. Hats off to Fisher and his coaching staff for preparing his team extremely well, putting a great gameplan in place, and attempting to outphysical the Hawks. They actually were for a while there.
After the madness that was the last 3 weeks, you almost had to know that a game like this was in the offing. It would be icredibly difficult for a team as young as the Seahawks to put together four consecutive blowouts. I'm ok with that. The fact that they gutted this one out despite clearly lacking the edge that they had the past 3 weeks was encouraging to see. Let's not forget, this team was built to win "street fights." They achieved what they set out to do.
Funny how the Regular Season sort of came full circle. The season started WAY back in September with a tough divisional game. The opposition attacked Russell Wilson and was able to consistently generate pressure. That was probably the most shocking thing about today's game, the Rams ability to consistently dominate the Seahawks at the Line of Scrimmage. The Cardinals were able to do that to Seattle in Glendale as well.
Unlike the season opener, when the Seahawks got the chance to punch the ball in the end zone late they got it done. I'm shocked that Russell Wilson's stats were what they were to end the game. He was getting abused all day long and kept coming back for more. He also tied Peyton Manning's Rookie Passing TD record with 26, became the first Rookie QB to go undefeated at home, and finishes the season with a 100.2 QB Rating, the highest in team history. Gotta love seeing Hass show Russ some love on twitter after the game. Classy. All in all, a great day for the new Seattle legend. Seriously, we love ya Russ!
The second most shocking item of the day had to be the Seahawks complete lack of pass rush. I think some of it might stem from the fact that Pete Carroll and Gus Bradley don't want to put anything new on film for their 1st Round opponent. We started seeing some blitzes late in the game and finally saw Bradford take some shots. Another part of it was the Rams O-Line having an excellent day. The Hawks rushed out of their Base 4 a lot in this game and were consistently dominated. Not the most encouraging sign in the word but I suspect we'll see a more creative gameplan next week.
It was incredibly fitting that the game would end on an interception by Richard Sherman. After the week he had, he deserves getting to enjoy this. That play was classic Sherm. He baited Sam Bradford and made an outstanding play on the ball. The dude is a natural, just so smooth out there!
Funny that Marshawn Lynch was a bit of a question mark in some minds of the 12th Man prior to the season. With the new contract and his offseason DUI, some were worried that it would be a down year for Beast. Guess not. There's not many things in this life that I enjoy more than watching Marshawn Lynch drag a pile or just run in general. One day I'll be showing my grandkids old highlight clips of Marshawn and what it was like watching a REAL running back play!
As I write this, the Skins are up 14-7 over the Cowboys in the 3rd Quarter. I embrace the challenge that either team presents and fully believe that the Seahawks will prevail. I am a diehard after all. If I had to pick the team I'd rather face it's probably Dallas. I just can't see that Cowboys team beating a team as tough and nasty as the 2012 Seahawks. Alfred Morris and Robert Griffin Tres present a tough task for Gus Bradley and Pete Carroll.
Whoever the Hawks end up playing next week, they'll have to do it on the road, and I'm okay with that. Can this team undertake the "Road Warrior" mentality and embrace it on their way to a possible Super Bowl? I don't see why not. After all, all of these guys are noted for their tremendous chip on their shoulder. This could be just what this team needs. More adversity.
Oh, and Browner's back! Can't wait for Sunday already! How are you all feeling, my fellow 12's?
Go Hawks!
No comments:
Post a Comment