The Harder They Come

The week leading up to the Seahawks massive tilt with the division-leading Cardinals felt like it just flew by. Originally, my lady and I had hoped to make the trip out to Seattle together. It would have been her first time. We were going to stay at a friend's place in Oakland after the Cardinals game and check out the Thanksgiving game against the Niners before finally flying back home to the East Coast. The recurring theme of this season has been that things don't always go according to plan. This would be no different.

I was grateful for the job at the pickle stand, but it wasn't getting the job done. My inability to find a job that paid well enough to support my lifestyle, let alone the both of us, meant that my lady was making the ultimate sacrifice. She was going to stay behind while I got to go out West. All week while I worked, I thought that I didn't deserve this. I didn't deserve to go and have a good time while she missed out on all of the fun. Being the amazing woman that she is, she assured me that I needed to go, and that I couldn't get down. Things would be alright and there was always next year. That wasn't good enough for me.

As I made it to the airport on Sunday for my 6 AM flight from Newark to Detroit, I had come to terms with the fact that this might be the end of the glorious run that had started a year and a half earlier. I didn't care about making it to 30 games in a row. None of that stuff matters in life if you don't have anyone to share it with. Totally resigned to my fate, I was pleasantly surprised when my flight left 5 minutes early. I'd never been to Detroit before, and truth be told, I was only there for 48 minutes. I was cutting it close with a 48 minute layover, but it's all that I could afford.

In fact, I couldn't even afford it. The journey really should have ended earlier in the week. With two games in a four day span, it meant that I wasn't going to be able to make it back to NYC and work in between games like I normally do. I would have to stay out on the West Coast for the week. Flights around the holiday's aren't cheap. I was tapped out for cash, but yet again, I've been truly blessed to be surrounded by the amazing people that I call friends and loved ones. Especially you, babe.

All year long, I've gotten by on this journey through sheer luck, perseverance, and the generosity of those who I love. Laura, Glen, Cindy, Luis, Greg, Jazz, Juan, Margaret, Steve, Bart, Eli, Jordan, the Midwest Seahawkers... the list of those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty just to help me is extensive. Add three more names to the list. Mike, Darryl, and Matt. When they heard that I needed help, they reached out and gave me a lifeline. None of these selfless acts will ever be forgotten, they will all be repaid in many ways, and I've got a special place in my heart for all of them. It's amazing feeling when people join together as a collective to help you achieve a dream or goal that you're passionate about.

This wasn't the way I wanted any of this to go down. Last year was full of acts of generosity and kindness, which is why we came up with the phrase "Hawk it Forward." Still, I busted my tail at work and felt like I could look in the mirror at the end of the day and say to myself "earn everything" and truly believe it. This year, I looked in the mirror and I saw something else. I don't know what it was that I saw, but I didn't like it.

Perseverance is in my blood though. My parents have always been legendary fighters, battling life's many twists and turns and always making it through to the other side regardless of the odds. I've inherited that and there's no turning back now. The going had gotten tough with the Seahawks sitting at 6-4 after a tough loss in Kansas City, but the the grueling travel and devastating manner of defeat had taught me a lot about not only myself, but life. Everyone knows it's easy to be a part of something when things are going great but that the true test of character comes when things get tough. You hear that all the time, and you see people quoting cliche's like that all over the internet. It doesn't mean anything anymore, but it's still true. And you don't learn it until you learn it for yourself, first hand.

Granted, I had been through much worse in my life than a 6-4 season after winning a Super Bowl, but this was more about real life than the Seahawks. I had family in the hospital, loved ones I missed at home, life on the road was taking it's toll. In fact, I was very proud of the Seahawks 6-4 record despite all of the injuries, the brutal schedule, the miserably lopsided officiating in every game, the underperformance of key players and depth alike. They weren't dead yet, and that's all I could ask for. It made me think though. If they haven't given up, then why should I?

So, as I boarded that Delta plane from Detroit to Seattle, I thought instead about how fortunate I was. How lucky I was. Yeah, I'd be away from my loved ones on Thanksgiving, but I'd be learning the true meaning of Thanksgiving instead. A valuable life lesson that I'd never forget. When you've got nothing but the people around you, you start to realize what's really important in this life. Those same loved ones had afforded me the opportunity of a lifetime. They saw my vision and believed in my dream. I had to honor them by making the absolute most out of it.

Once I sat down, I saw how lucky I really was. That middle seat didn't seem so bad anymore. The woman next to me tells me about how she was scheduled to fly out the day before, but the airport was closed due to icy conditions. Luckily, with no time to spare at all, things cleared up in a 24 hour span. There were no delays, and within minutes, we were off to my home away from home.

Making the most of the opportunity meant staying true to myself and to tradition. I hadn't written about the Week 11 game at Kansas City, so I used the entire flight out West to write that and make sure that it was posted before game time. I truly believe that if I hadn't, and if I had just given up on it, that things would have turned out quite differently on this trip. The Seahawks still win, but would I have enjoyed it as much knowing that I wasn't able to deliver? We'll never know.

We'll never know because I did finish writing. The first thing I did when I landed at Sea-Tac was post the writeup. Then, I made my way downtown on the Light Rail. Once downtown, I can see that there's a different buzz in the air. It's not really different, in fact it's that familiar feeling that seemed to have left everybody. That playoff-type atmosphere that was so prevalent atevery game last season. A rush of confidence comes over me, as I start to imagine visions of Drew Stanton running for his life, making horrible decisions, and getting pounded into the turf by a Seahawks defense that promised to be hungrier than ever.

I get to Temple and I'm greeted by the usual suspects. I'm talking with Steve and his son's friend Tim, who I met in Arizona before the Cardinals game last year, when Matt shows up with two beers in his hand. He hands one to me and says hello. I'd be sitting with Matt in his seats on this odd, rainy yet sunny day. He didn't ask for a dime for that ticket, although he could have. He could have asked for many dimes. However, he had told me before Training Camp that he wanted to take me to a game, and he followed through with his word. An increasingly rare trait now a days, so to say that I was grateful is a bit of an understatement.

Todd, Dom, Jordan, Eli, they're all there. The topic of conversation shifts towards the game at hand. Such a huge game that could define the Seahawks season. We had all read the quotes heading into the game. Bruce Arians talking about how his team, while 9-1, hadn't accomplished anything yet. Seattle was the team that was defending Super Bowl champs. Then, you had Pete Carroll talking about how cool the opportunity at hand was. I love the way Pete speaks to the media. He's optimistic, positive, and upbeat and he treats the media with respect. Even if they don't deserve it most of the time.

With both coaches talking up the opposition, and with so much at stake, you knew that both teams were going to bring their A game. Matt and I brought ourselves to finally leave Temple and head to the game. We're waiting in line to get through security as the clock clicks ever closer towards game time. It's taking longer than usual, and as I turn away for a second to talk to another Seahawks fan, a man cuts me in line. I don't even notice, but Matt does. He stands up for me in the most diplomatic way possible, and eventually, the line cutter sees his point of view, apologizes, and there is peace in the air. It was pretty amazing, actually. Already knew that Matthew had excellent character, but this just further solidified that.

Hey Paulie, do you think we could get a few more security/bag checkers down by the North End Zone? Thanks. Once inside the CLink, the raucous atmosphere is music to our ears. We run to our seats, stopping at each lookout on every level on the way up to watch the upcoming play. Hauschka's kickoff is foolishly taken out of the end zone by Arizona, only to be blown up inside the 15 yard line. The crowd gets even crazier. Once the defense takes the field, it's apparent that these guys are locked in. The sort of defensive performance that was lacking for most of, if not all, season. The intensity, the fire, the passion, it's all on display on this opening defensive stand. The Cardinals are forced to punt, and you can see the defense feeding off the crowd's vibrant energy.

The offense takes the field and quickly gets to work, as pleasant surprise pickup Tony Moeaki is on the receiving end of a 17 yard pass from Hustle Wilson. Shortly after, Beast gets the train rolling with a 9 yard gain. The Cards Defensive Line showed it's mettle with a stuff on 2nd and short, but a third carry in a row for 'Shawn netted the Seahawks 4 yards and that was good for another Seahawks, first down! The drive would stall out at the Arizona 9 yard line though, as Beast couldn't quite get the extra yard, as he usually so often does, on 3rd down and 7. Seattle settles for a little bit of Hausch Money, as Steven bangs home the chippy from 27 yards out. Seattle 3, Arizona 0.

A big issue in this game was the officiating, and that was evident from the early going. On 2nd and 5 from the Arizona 28, Drew Stanton heaves up a prayer downfield to scintillating rookie sensation John Brown. The throw is a duck, and Byron Maxwell times his leap and defends the play cleanly. Or so it seemed. A flag comes flying in, and B Max gets tagged with a 39 yard pass interference penalty. The crowd is absolutely livid and more than a few obscenities can be heard echoing throughout the mob. It was an absolutely brutal call, and it gives the Cardinals excellent field position. Even Pete Carroll is giving the officials the business, even chasing down the sideline and giving the official a real piece of his mind.

Sometimes, the ball doesn't lie though. After the Seahawks defense continued to prove too stout for the Cardinal ground game and Drew Stanton, Chandler Catanzaro pushes a 49 yarder wide right, and the Seahawks remain on top 3-0. The crowd's salty mood from the horrid call just minutes earlier already a memory of the not-so-distant past. The ensuing Seahawks possession goes absolutely nowhere however, and after 2 of the 3 plays ran go for negative yardage, John Ryan comes in and gets off an absolute beauty of a punt. It's a 58 yarder that pins the Cardinals deep inside their own territory at the 10 yard line.
 
Once again, the Seahawks defense proved to ultimately be overwhelming for their weary visitors from the desert. The drive is highlighted by a sack by Jordan Hill, who uses Drew Stanton's jock strap to help take him down on a key 3rd down stop to force a punt. With my friends and I's annual Turkey Bowl on the horizon, I don't know how such a play would go over with my friends. There's been complaints after shirt grabbing and shirt neck stretching before, I highly doubt that everyone would be cool with a getting taken down by the jock. I must admit, I had never seen that before, and I actually didn't even notice that it happened when it happened live. 

Hustle Wilson wastes no time on the following Seahawks drive, hurling a 48 yarder on a broken coverage to Ricardo Lockette who was completely unguarded on the right side of the field. Hustle pulls the no-look pass, looking deep left before throwing it right to wide open Ricardo at the last possible second. In what was a recurring theme for the afternoon, Hustle takes a shot after releasing the ball, but he showed impressive toughness by standing in there and taking the hit while still keeping his eyes downfield. The quarter draws to a close with the good guys in front 3-0.

Arizona's defense continued to live up to it's lofty billing. 2 sacks in the red zone immediately after the teams switched sides putting a halt to the Seahawks hopes of finally punching it into the end zone. After the game in Kansas City, this appeared to be a consistent problem. Credit goes out to the Arizona defensive front though, their scheme and execution impressive from the view in 336. Hauschka drills another one from short range, this time from 32 yards out, as the 'Hawks push their lead to 6-0. Still, the crowd groans in frustration and laments the missed opportunities on offense already. Arizona's defense wasn't about to roll over and let the Seahawks into the end zone, and Seattle would need something special in order to create some distance on the scoreboard. The last thing you wanted was for the Cardinals to hang around and pull out a close one because the Seahawks couldn't close it out when they had the chance.

Thankfully, the Seahawks defense was intent on ruining Drew Stanton's day. Byron Maxwell is the lucky recipient of an interception donor from the Cardinal backup, and the Seahawks have absolutely fantastic field position to start their next drive. Matt and I, along with the rest of 336, jump and high five, yelling to the heavens like it was 2013. The fans in this section were great. They were in the game and making noise the entire game. However, besides a nice pitch and catch from Hustle to Kearse for 19, the Seahawks offense continues to be unable to contain the Arizona pass rush. The constant harassment of Mr. Wilson leads to the 'Hawks having to settle for another field goal, despite having started the drive at the Cardinal 48. Hausch Money continues to be as reliable as they come, his 52 yard boot officially making it a two possession game.

Although Matt and I breathe a sigh of relief, we're still concerned with the Seahawks lack of movement on offense. Hopefully it doesn't come back to haunt us. Not on the defense's watch, no. Not today. Yet another Cardinals drive is virtually non-existent and they are forced to punt, a 35 yarder from Drew Butler not being quite the result they were looking for. Once again, the Seahawks start at the 48, and once again they fail to move the ball down the field. Marshawn Lynch is being stymied by Calais Campbell and his wrecking crew up front, and the sacks continue in the passing game. A combination of poor design, late releases, and poor blocking conspiring to stall the Seahawks offense yet again. Only this time, Steven Hauschka's 49 yard attempt is blocked. It appears that momentum has shifted over to the visitor's sideline, as they celebrate a big play that helps keep the score 9-0.

And wouldn't you know it, the Cardinals finally start moving the ball after the block. Luckily they've got red zone issues of their own, or catching issues more specifically, as rookie wideout Jaron "I'm not John" Brown drops an easy touchdown pass without a defender near him to contest the throw. We'll take it though, especially against a division rival. Especially against a division rival as a matter of fact! Catanzaro comes on and drains a chip shot of his own. The rookie's 23 yarder makes it 9-3 with the end of the first half quickly approaching. Despite allowing the points, it feels like a win for the Seahawks D after getting away with the dropped touchdown. It took the Cardinals 15 plays to get within scoring range, and only coming away with 3 had to be disappointing, despite having made it a one score game again.

It's halftime and I'm on my way back to our seats from the restroom when I see a woman being removed by security. "You can't kick me out!", she yells, as stadium security clearly disobeys her wishes. She is kicking and flailing, as 3 or 4 guards are assigned to restrain her. The man she is with is not too far behind her, an army of security and police there to escort him to the rampway as he shouts "1,000 dollars down the drain because of you!" at the woman as the two are jettisoned to parts unknown. I reminisce for a minute about last season's Cardinals game, when it was one of my own friends that was the one getting tossed. That was a really weird day. I'll never forget it. Everything was off, from the play on the field to the vibe up in the stands. It didn't surprise me that the Seahawks lost on that day, it was perfectly fitting.

With that behind me, quite literally, I make it back just in time for the start of the second half. The teams trade punts to start the third quarter, however, it's quite the unfair trade as the Cardinals punt attempt is blocked by the other 'Shawn, DeShawn Shead! The only thing that could top this play that sends the CLink into a state of euphoria is the tackle that Cooper Helfet puts on the sorry Cardinals special teamer who picks up the block and tries to advance it down field. It's something in between a German Suplex and a Razor's Edge from my vantage point in 336, the little kid who loved wrestling in me brimming with excitement after a gargantuan slam. The ball flies out and Seattle takes over at the Arizona 24. Surely, this must be the chance to put this game away.

"Not so fast", says the Arizona defense. Once again, they proved too much for the Seahawks offense to handle up front. After a few meager gains, sandwiched around another false start penalty at home, Hausch trots back on for his 5th attempt of the day. Steven wasn't about to miss another one, or have it blocked, and he slots the 40 yard attempt through the uprights. It's 12-3, once again a two possession game, but once again a stalled drive from the offense when it would have been nice to seal the deal after a huge momentum shifting play on the blocked punt.

Still, there was no need to fear, because the Seahawks defense combined with the Cards not having Palmer or Fitz, meant no more points for Arizona. Drew Stanton continued to look inept, and after another Drew Butler punt, the Seahawks offense would finally engineer their first touchdown drive of the game.

The tight ends for Seattle were the standouts of the drive, and of the game, I thought. Russell was incredibly efficient, despite ultimately finishing the game having taken 7 sacks, but the tight end position showed incredible improvement. Moeaki showed that he's still a smooth receiver who has the ability to block in-line like he was in KC before the injuries began to mount, Willson threw some key blocks on some big plays while once again catching everything thrown his way, and Helfet, well Helfet might have had the best game out of all them. Not only did he have the monster tackle on special teams after the blocked punt just a bit earlier, but he would also be on the receiving end of a nifty 20 yard touchdown from Hustle Wilson. Textbook Seahawks football, play action, Wilson rolls right and finds an open Helfet who then follows the lead block of "Itula 2.0", Tony Moeaki right on in for six. His dive to cross the pylon a nice exclamation point to a sweet play.

The game wasn't in much doubt after that. Drew Stanton just wasn't inspiring any fear in anyone, and the Seahawks were playing with way too much confidence and desire. The return of Bobby Wagner and his immediate impact on the game and the middle of the Seahawks defense in particular can not be overstated. B Wagz negated the loss of Brandon Mebane, at least for a day, and Travian Robertson played well in Mebane's place in the snaps that I made sure to watch him closely. It was impressive to see Seattle's run defense recover so quickly having been gashed repeatedly by Jamaal Charles and company. Sure, Andre Ellington and the Cardinals OLine aren't adept at running between the tackles, but it was still a boost of confidence that Pete Carroll and Dan Quinn will gladly embrace. Hats off to Wagner for being sharp upon his return.

The 4th quarter rolls around and by now, the Seahawks have cemented their dominance over their divisional foes. Matt and I continue to watch on as the Cardinals struggle to muster up anything closely resembling offensive production. The Seahawks ultimately seal the deal with an outstanding final drive to chew up the remaining 6 minutes and 53 seconds of clock. The game clock strikes zero's, and the Cardinals trot back to their locker room. Meanwhile, the crowd roars in appreciation of an outstanding performance from the home team. The players run to the locker room excitedly, and deservedly so, as General Manager John Schneider waits to congratulate his team once they walk through those locker room doors. The synergy, camaraderie, and togetherness that appeared to be just off this season look like they're making a comeback. Players are smiling and having fun. It's said that winning cures everything, this stands to be exhibit A.

Matt and I exit the stadium and walk past Blue Thunder giving the fans a final performance for the day. We head to Temple and meet with Jordan and his friends and the lot of us discuss an outstanding defensive performance and what it means for the team moving forward. Eventually, we head our separate ways, as I thank Matt for everything one last before he heads home on his own journey. I join Jordan and his buddies in their quest to Beacon Hill, as we grab a beer and munch on some popcorn. Things aren't perfect in Seahawks land, but the win against the Cardinals meant a lot for the team and it's fans moving forward. To not only beat your 9-1 division-leading rivals, but to smack the soul out of them in the process, that feels great!

We head back to Jordan's and call it a night. I've got my customary spot on the couch that I've occupied numerous times over the past year and a half, for which I'm deeply thankful for. The next day, we just chilled. It was nice being able to play some Madden, grab some excellent Mexican food, and watch an NFL game that I wasn't heavily invested in for a change. Watching Justin Forsett tear up the Saints was great to see, as I always had a soft-spot for that guy when he was with Seattle. Temple's empty for the game, but it's a nice spot to sit, relax, and reflect. I also purchase a bus ticket to San Francisco from Seattle while I'm there. It would be leaving the following morning and arriving in San Francisco the day after that. 25 hours in the Greyhound world, once again. It had become a recurring theme.

I woke up the next morning and walked from Beacon Hill to the Greyhound station near CenturyLink. It's raining, and the rain picks up it's intensity as I continue on my trek to be with the dregs of society. Who knows, maybe people thought I was one of those dregs when they see me riding the bus with them? It's a nice, early morning walk that only takes a half hour but has much more of a lasting effect on me, as I get to see the Seattle morning commute with my own eyes. I walk across a bridge that overlooks a Seattle highway, cars backed up and stuck in neutral, the morning traffic crunch seemingly in full swing.

I get to the Greyhound, pick up my ticket at will call, and make my way on to the bus. The TV's are littered with images of riots, destruction, and anarchy in Ferguson, Missouri. Despite the wild images, I try to keep my mind focused on the task at hand. I was in my own little world, on a mission that most don't understand or even care to understand. And I was okay with that. Understanding is one of the key virtues in life, even when we can't comprehend or disagree with something.

As our bus was set for departure, I thought about what was in the offing. Thanksgiving Day against the Niners in Santa Clara. You couldn't have scripted this any better if you were the NFL. Both teams standing at 7-4, a huge turning point game that could decide the bitter rivals' future. I figured there would be the usual hostility and bad blood between the fan bases, but I didn't want to let that influence me as a person or what I believe in. I wanted to reach out to Niners fans on Thanksgiving. Maybe even tailgate with them. We were enemies in the stadium and on the field, but that didn't meant that we couldn't respect one another as brothers and sisters of this world outside of it or off of it.

It was just a few moments later, as our bus stopped for a break in Portland, that a young man sitting towards the back of the bus with me asked if I was going to the game. "Of course!", I replied, to which he responded with a "yeah, me too" of his own. I asked if he was a Seahawks fan, to which he replied "screw the Seahawks, Niners baby! We're gonna beat you guys bad! I've been waiting for revenge for months!" I laugh and figure that this was the universe's way of teaching me to respect my brother, even if he's supposed to be my enemy. 


We continue chatting as we walk off the bus, another 22 hours of travel remaining for us to talk trash, life, and everything in between. I was excited for the ride down the West Coast, an excellent game on Thanksgiving, and whatever else I was sure to find in between. I missed my lady, my family, and my friends back home but it was their memory and their faces that kept me going and kept me inspired. No matter what happened next, I would always have them to love, and I was thankful for that. Life was great and hopefully just about to get better!