This year the team opens on the road in Buffalo which is always a better place to go in September than December. Other non-conference road games are New York, Tampa Bay, Miami, and Dallas for Thanksgiving Day. These are all earlier in the season though so weather should not be as big a factor as it was in Green Bay in the playoffs last year. Finishing out the season, the Patriots will be coming to Seattle followed by Seattle going to St Louis before returning home to face the Jets. Then the Hawks get to close the season in Arizona by sending the Cardinals back to the golf course.
I still believe that the time is now for the Seattle Seahawks. The last time we lost the West was in 2003 when we went 10-6 but finished second to a Rams team’s last hurrah of 12-4. There are still issues, but let’s be honest, every team has them. The key is for the Seahawks to be the most aggressive team on the field offensively, defensively, and on special teams. Looking around the league, there is not a team out there that I don’t think Seattle can beat, but they have to be aggressive, especially on the road. That and a few of the lucky bounces that all teams need will have the Hawks in the Super Bowl again.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Nice analysis. And with Holmgren no doubt hungry to go out with a ring, I like our chances this year for that little sumptin sumptin to get the foul taste of getting robbed at our last SuperBowl out of our mouths. Go Hawks!
-Glen
2 - nicolas
1. you may want to check out the other kicker they signed, OLINDO Mare.
2. how would having shockey have been any more trouble than jerramy stevens? and shockey's a much better player.
3. what does holmgren's last year have to do with playbook changes?
you told a lot, but the team you described doesn't really look a ton better than another 9-7 year
3 - Douglas Mays
they looked good last night in pre-season. really good. I am not too worried about them. this team could go all the way.
WOW. if their new practice facility (best in the league they say) is an inspiration, good!
anyway, we'll see....
4 - Russ Evenhuis
Thanks for the comments! I look forward to a very fun year. As a fan, we'll be riding this wave as long as it goes.
Nicolas, sorry for the spelling, my mistake entirely. Good catch!
To answer your other questions:
2. Stevens isn't with the team anymore and the reason is exactly the same. In the past the Hawks have put up with problem players that produced but since Ruskell took over for Whitsett (I am sure I spelled that name wrong), they have worked hard to get rid of the problem players. Getting Shockey just tells the other players that all that talk and work is meaningless.
3. I think it has quite a bit to do with it actually. Holmgren doesn't have to worry about a contract, not that they would fire him for running the statue of liberty play anyway, but I think that he's going to be looser and more creative with the play calling. Onside kick to start the second half? Why not. Now, he's not going to completely change his stripes but I feel he'll be just a little more relaxed and also more competitive at the same time to go out with another Super Bowl ring.
9-7? Really? How do you figure that? There are some tough games on their schedule for sure, but there is not one of them they can't win. Even the Patriots game because it will be in Seattle is winnable. Remember, the Seahawks almost beat the Patriots a couple of years ago on the road with an arguably weaker team that was the better team on the field that day.
Despite being a homer, I realistically put their record this year at around 12-4 or 11-5. Yes, I really honestly think they are that good.
5 - Andy Marsh
Hey - as a Superbowl Champion NY Giants fan, I have to make a complaint.
How can you call this a football preview and then talk about the Shehawks? Isn't that an oxymoron???
6 - Douglas Mays
9-7? Well, with an attitude like that, you are right.
That sort of attitude with this years Hawks would get you booted OFF the team.
Why not? 11-5 is more realistic of a record. Well, let's hope they don't pull a Mariners out of nowhere. Pre-season darlings sucking deep in the regular season.
Naw, not with Holmgren at the wheel...
I should get my SuperBowl tix today!!!