New Year’s greetings, OSN readers. After a few head-spinning weeks of holiday merriment, it’s nice to kick off the year with yet more (cyber) column-inches devoted to the Seattle Seahawks. I almost called them the surging Seahawks, but then the repressed memories from last Sunday came flooding back. But fortunately, Week 17 represented a return to form on both sides of the ball.
A number of commentators called this a meaningless game for the Hawks, inasmuch as it won’t change the fact that they will still play a road game next week as a 5th or 6th seed. But I don’t think Pete Carroll believes in “meaningless” games. To see #HappyPete hopping down the sidelines after DeShawn Shead’s marvelous pick in the 4th quarter, you’d have thought it was Week 1 … or Week 18.
What I found most exciting about this game, amid 227 different highlights, was the diversity as far as play-calling—and play-making. Show me someone from the Arizona defensive coaching staff who anticipated Russell Wilson’s pass to Will Tukuafu for the fullback’s first-ever touchdown catch. And on Tukuafu’s birthday, no less. On that same play, Wilson tied the franchise record for passing touchdowns, a record he went on to break just a few minutes later with a pass to tight end Chase Coffman. You’d be forgiven for Googling Coffman, as he’s only been with the team for a month. But he’s a good acquisition, given the Seahawks’ challenges keeping a stable of healthy TEs ready to go.
The special teams play against the Cardinals was … well, special. Mostly in a good way. Tyler Lockett continued his remarkable season with two highlight-reel-worthy punt returns of 42 and 66 yards. As a receiver he picked up another 36 yards on another big first-half reception. Jon Ryan didn’t punt until the 3rd quarter! The only potential concern was kicker Steven Hauschka, who missed an extra point try and a 40-yard field goal. Less of an issue in a 30-point blowout, but in a close game, past misses can haunt a brother. Need some ice, ice, baby in your veins.
Our post-game household debate was around which team we’d prefer to face in the playoffs, if we could control our fate. I would have preferred the Washington Redskins, since I think they’re a more one-dimensional team, and faced much softer competition in December. But I didn’t get my way (I usually don’t). So away we go to Minneapolis, for what should be an interesting rematch with the Vikings. Though we destroyed the Vikes 38-7 in week 13, no one expects this to be a walk in the 28-degree park. Obviously, there’s the whole revenge factor. The media isn’t giving the Vikings much of a chance (guilty as charged!), which always adds to a team’s motivation. I don’t think home-field advantage will be much of a thing, as the Legion of Boom reportedly likes to play on the road so they can communicate—when they play at home, the 12th Man is often so loud the LOB has occasional trouble hearing each other. #Squad.
I’ll be in Minneapolis next Sunday and would be more than happy to crash the after-party with fellow 12s! In the meantime, go Hawks and happy 2016!
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