Seattle Seahawks 2012 schedule is released!

By Kshell

The Seattle Seahawks 2012 NFL schedule has officially been released. This year the Seahawks will begin the season on the road against a divisional opponent like they did last year as they begin the year against the Arizona Cardinals. Their home opener will be the second week of the year as they take on the Dallas Cowboys. The Seahawks have two national T.V. primetime games as they take on the Green Bay Packers at home on Monday Night on week three. Then later on in week seven at San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night football. In this following post I'll give my two cents on each game while examing more games more deeply.

‎1 Sun, Sep 9  @ Arizona Cardinals (0-0) 1:15 pm PDT 

Previous meeting: Arizona Cardinals won 23-20 in 2011

These teams split the season series last year each winning on their homefield. The Seahawks last year went 7-9 while the Cardinals went 8-8. Both teams are hoping to return to the playoffs as Matt Flynn will be making his first start in a Seahawks uniform going up against Larry Fitzgerald and Cardinals offense.

2 Sun, Sep 16  vs Dallas Cowboys (0-0) 1:05 pm PDT

Previous meeting: Dallas Cowboys won 23-13 in 2011

This will be the Seahawks home opener as they take on the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have won the last three meetings against the Seahawks all down in Dallas. The last time the Cowboys played the Seahawks in Seattle was the memorable 2006 Wild Card playoff game. The Seahawks won that game 21-20 in a wild finish. That game is most memorable because the Cowboys were in position to win the game with a field goal. Instead holder and starting quarterback Tony Romo fumbled the ball and was tackled short of the goaline.  Romo's miscue still haunts him to this day as the following year with the #1 seed the Cowboys lost their first playoff game. Romo being called a choke artist started that night in Seattle. This will be Matt Flynn's first home start of his career for the Seahawks as well.

3 Mon, Sep 24 vs Green Bay Packers (0-0) 5:30 pm ESPN 

Previous meeting: Packers won 48-10 in 2009

This is an interesting matchup as Matt Flynn takes on his former team as the Seahawks take on reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have won three in a row against the Seahawks. Although last time these two teams played on Monday night it was in Seattle as the Seahawks won in the snow 34-24. The Seahawks have won five games in a row on Monday Night and have the best record in the NFL on monday night. This will be a special game as every game on Monday night is special.

4 Sun, Sep 30  @ St. Louis Rams (0-0) 10:00 am PDT

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 30-13 in 2011

The Seahawks have dominated this series losing just one time against the Rams since 2005 posting a 13-1 record against the Rams. This is a key divisional game as the Seahawks prepare for the Rams on the road. The Rams will be having a new head coach as Jeff Fisher takes over the Rams hoping to lead them to some wins as they have been horrible lately.

5 Sun, Oct 7 @ Carolina Panthers  (0-0) 1:05 pm PDT

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 31-14 in 2010

The Seahawks get their first taste of Cam Newton the electric quarterback. The Seahawks have never won a game at Carolina in franchise history as they are 0-2 all-time. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers to go to the Super Bowl in the 2005 NFC Championship game. That was then and this is now. The Seahawks will have a hard time containing Newton as most teams have.

6 Sun, Oct 14 vs New England Patriots (0-0) 1:05 pm PDT 

Previous Meeting: New England won 24-21 in 2008

The Seahawks host the defending AFC Champions New England Patriots as Tom Brady makes his first appearance at Century Link Field. Brady missed the meeting in 2008 as he was out for the season as the Patriots rallied to defeat the Seahawks during Mike Holmgren's last season. Brady however did defeat the Seahawks back in 2004 at home 30-20. This will be another fun game for Seahawks fans as the day before the USC Trojans who are expected to contend for a national title will be playing the Washington Huskies on the same field. For fans of Seattle the SODO area will be packed for that 48 hour run. This will also see the return of Deion Branch back to Seattle where he played with the Seahawks from 2006-2010 and was regarded as a bust. This will also be Pete Carroll's first game against his old team. He was the head coach of the Patriots from 1997-1999 before being fired for Bill Bellicheck. That worked out well for both as Bellicheck won three super bowls while Carroll became a legend at USC.

7 Thu, Oct 18 @ San Francisco 49ers (0-0) 5:20 pm PDT

Previous meeting: San Francisco won 19-17

Last year the 49ers won swept the season series from the Seahawks. This will be the second primetime game for the Seahawks as they travel to play at the defending NFC West champions 49ers on a Thursday Night game. This will be a short turnaround for the Seahawks who are 1-1 on Thursday Night games in this recent format. If the Seahawks wish to compete for a division title they'll have to beat the 49ers. Jim Harbaugh dating back to his days at Stanford is 4-1 all-time against Pete Carroll including last years season sweep.

8 Sun, Oct 28 @ Detroit Lions  (0-0) 10:00 am PDT

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 32-20 in 2009

The Seahawks take on a Detriot Lions team fresh off of making their first postseason appearance since 1999. The Lions last time they played the Seahawks blew a 17-0 lead as then rookie Mathew Stafford threw five interceptions. Now Stafford is no longer a rookie in fact he is a pro bowler who has led his team to the playoffs. This game is on the road at Ford Field the site of Super Bowl XL the place that gave the Seahawks the most heart breaking loss in franchise history.

 9 Sun, Nov 4 vs Minnesota Vikings (0-0) 1:05 pm PST

Previous meeting: Vikings won 35-9 in 2009

The Seahawks will be hosting the electric Adrian Peterson who still remains as one of the leagues premiere backs. The Vikings are in a transition right now unlike the NFC championship game bound squad the Seahawks faced back in 2009. Tarvaris Jackson the Seahawks backup quarterback also played with the Vikings. This will also be a homecoming for John Carlson who just signed a five year 25 million dollar deal with the Vikings.

10 Sun, Nov 11 vs New York Jets (0-0) 1:05 pm PST

Previous meeting: Seahawks on 13-3 in 2008

Tim Tebow will be playing at Seattle for the first time as who knows if he'll be the starting quarterback by then. Mark Sanchez the quarterback the Seahawks passed on will be entering a make or break season as will his loud mouth head coach Rex Ryan. The Jets who went to back to back AFC championship games in 2009 and 2010 are hoping to get back there. This will be the teams first meeting since Mike Holmgren coached his last game in Seattle as the Seahawks defeated the Jets in the snow 13-3 back in 2008.

11 Bye

12 Sun, Nov 25 @ Miami Dolphins (0-0) 10:00 am PST 

Previous meeting: Dolphins won 21-19 in 2008

Matt Flynn will be taking on the team he passed on to go to Seattle. The Dolphins were very much in the Flynn sweepstakes before losing out. This will be a cross country flight for the Seahawks who in the past haven't done very well in 10 a.m. games on the east coast. The last time these two teams played the Dolphins were enjoying an AFC divisional championship debuting the Wildcat. They have fallen on hard times since then because they still have yet to replace Dan Marino at quarterback.


13 Sun, Dec 2 @ Chicago Bears (0-0) 10:00 am PST

Previous meeting: Seahawks won 38-14 in 2011

In what will be the fourth trip to Chicago for the Seahawks in the last three years. The Seahawks have owned the Bears in the regular season winning the last three matchups including twice in Chicago. In the playoffs though the Bears have ended the Seahawks season twice. Last year the Seahawks crushed the Bears in Chicago behind a strong defensive outing. The Bears were banged up without Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. The Bears are always a tough match up especially on the road in Chicago.

14 Sun, Dec 9 vs Arizona Cardinals  (0-0) 1:15 pm PST
This will be the second matchup of the season for the Seahawks. In a strange scheduling by the NFL this will actually be the Seahawks first home game against a divisional opponent. The Seahawks have defeated the Cardinals the last two years at home and hope to do so again.

15 Sun, Dec 16 @ Buffalo Bills (0-0) 1:05 pm PST

Previous meeting: Bills won 34-10 in 2008

This game will be played out of this country as the Seahawks will be actually playing in Toronto which spoils what should have been the return of Marshawn Lynch to his old team the Buffalo Bills. The Seahawks traded for Lynch during the 2010 season and so far have been very happy with that trade.  Lynch provided a memorable playoff run to defeat the bounty hunting New Orleans Saints in the 2010 Wild Card playoff round. Then last year Lynch ran for over 1,000 yards first time a Seahawk did that since MVP Shaun Alexander did it in 2005. Lynch also made the pro bowl last year as the Seahawks sent five guys to the pro bowl. The Bills are a hurting franchise having not made the playoffs since 1999 when the music city miracle happened. The Bills are a decent team but as a Seahawks fan I'm thankful this december game is in Toronto in a dome and not in the horrid temperatures that Buffalo can produce in late December. This will also be the Seahawks last road game of the season.

 16 Sun, Dec 23 vs San Francisco 49ers (0-0) 1:15 p.m PST

This game has a chance to be very huge as the Seahawks take on the 49ers for the second time. Like year during the Christmas week the Seahawks will be hosting the 49ers in which will be pivotal game in the division title race. The Seahawks also might be developing a rivalry with the 49ers. There is no secret Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh don't like each other. I actually like that our head coach doesn't like another coach in our division. I always hate how Steve Sarkisian is so nice to every coach after getting his butt handed to him it's refreshing to see. With the addition of Flynn the Seahawks are hoping to take over this division. Beating the 49ers would be a nice start to doing just that.

17 Sun, Dec 30 vs St. Louis Rams (0-0) 1:15 pm EST

Two years ago these two teams played on the last game of the regular season and it came down to the division title which the Seahawks won the game 16-6. Can the Seahawks repeat history by clinching the division title on the last week of the NFL season? We'll sure find out. The Seahawks have won seven in a row at home against the Rams as they hope to continue this domination of the Rams. I like that the Seahawks have all three divisional games late in the year at home. If the division race is close you have to like the Seahawks.

Patton's 2011 NFL Mock Draft

By Patton Richard

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn.

People will argue whether this is the right pick, all I can say is we don't know enough about him. If he LOVES football like Tebow or Locker does, then he can succeed. If he's more worried about establishing a brand, I'm not so sure. If Carolina picks him they've done their homework. It's not like they're passing on Ndamukong Suh for him.

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama.

This pick seems fairly certain at this point. Marcell Dareus isn't nearly as good as Suh, infact I'd have him ranked below Gerald Mccoy (who went 3rd last year) too. This pick is for sale (Arizona is who would want to trade up here as they want to jump Buffalo as they both have the same needs).

3. Buffalo Bills: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

My #2 rated player in this draft behind the guy who goes #4. I like Peterson, I think he's an elite playmaker. I ranked him above Joe Haden (the #1 CB last year).

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia.

Cincinnati really needs a wide receiver. Although, don't be surprised if it's Julio Jones here. All I'm hearing about A.J. is that he's a superstar waiting to breakout, whereas Julio Jones is a football playing proffessional, who will run perfect routes and od the dirty things and not complain. We'll see who Cincinnatti takes.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

Von Miller and Patrick Peterson are the two guys they want most. It looks like they'll get one of them.

6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

I was told Julio Jones is the best blocking WR of the last 15 years. He's going to show up, and do everything you want him to do.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Jake Locker, QB, Washington.

I'm just going off what I believe to be true here. Jake Locker is a better fit for Harbaugh's system then Gabbert is. Also, Locker isn't guaranteed to make it past Tennessee, Washington, Minnesota or Miami so trading down makes it difficult. Robert Quinn could easily be the guy here too.

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn.

Tennessee needs defensive linemen and they just hired the DL coach from Auburn in Tracy Rocker.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, T, USC.

I've been hearing it's him or one of the two corner backs.

10. Washington Redskins: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

I don't think they're actually happy about this at all. They wanted Locker or Juloi Jones and they're both gone.

11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

It's tough here between Quinn and the CB needs. I think they'll address CB by Free Agency or trade up for Peterson if he drops.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida

I've been hearing this for over a month now.

13. Detroit Lions: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

I think Detroit goes CB here, but I'm not sure which one. I like Smith more and I keep hearing his off the field troubles aren't so troubling at all.

14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois.

Liuget has huge upside, I'd love for him to drop to Seattle.

15. Miami Dolphins: Da'Quan Bowers DE, Clemson

Top 5 talent drops due to scary medical. Miami needs a passrusher.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Best player available, I guess. I'm not a huge Prince fan.

17. New England Patriots (from OAK): JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin.

I keep hearing they want to trade up, but knowing them they probably want to trade down or out of the first round.

18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California.

Scheme fit. People thought Cameron Jordan fight be a top 5 guy after his Senior Bowl. His stock is falling but not that far, he could certainly go before this.

19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

I think he's the 2nd best OT in the draft, and he's gotta go at some point.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

They want a pass rush, Kerrigan is a high floor low ceiling type player

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor.

Trusting a source here, saying Romeo Crennel wants a nose tackle. But lets be honest, KC now runs the same way NE does, so who knows.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Rarely does Bill Polian come out and say exactly what it is they need, so I trust they'll go OT here.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

This is a tough pick to narrow down, I know they'd love a CB here. I feel like it could be Danny Watkins here too.

24. New Orleans Saints: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin.

There right side was bad, and Carimi is a fantastic run blocker. I think he fits the system well here.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

This is a weird spot, and I think Seattle would trade down. When writing this spot I wrote down these names: Mark Ingram, Danny Watkins, Marvin Austin, Muhammad Wilkerson, Stephen Paea, Kyle Rudolph, Jonathan Baldwin, Titus Young, Jerrell Jennigan, Aaron Williams, and Colin Kaepernick. This is why we need to trade out of the first round, I decided to go with Mark Ingram for a few reasons. Yes, I think this is a luxury pick. I know RB is not our biggest need. His 10 yard burst at the combine was fantastic, so ignore his 40 time. Secondly, he runs angry like he's going to hurt someone. Third, everyone hated Lynch and our RBs until the Saints game, but he wasn't great, or even good, last year. I think Ingram can be a probowler right away, and we need talent everywhere. I'm surprised this pick came this way.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)

This seems like somewhat of a reach, but Ozzie Newsome is the best drafting GM in the league. They always look towards what they're going to need, and they're going to need more corner backs now and later.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

This is the perfect fit, but somewhat of a luxury pick. They would love a WR here too. I don't know which one they'd prefer.

28. New England Patriots: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor.

Probowl caliber olinemen goes to a team where he can start right away and everyone will ask "Why didn't we take him earlier?"

29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

They need oline help badly.

30. New York Jets: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina.

They need Dlinmen badly, it's either him Wilkerson or Paea.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

He's tough, feels like a Pittsburgh pick.

32. Green Bay Packers: Muhammed Wilkerson, DE, Temple

They're going to go after a passrusher, maybe Brooks Reed here?


Round 2

33. New England Patriots (from CAR): Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

They need a runningback, I think they might take Ingram at #17.

34. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

In order to be a QB you have to have a STRONG arm. Mallett has that, although I keep hearing he might slip out of the 2nd ala Colt McCoy.

35. Cincinnati Bengals: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

I'm told Jay Gruden loves Dalton and thinks he's a good fit for the WCO.

36. Denver Broncos: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

They are taking Defense throughout the entire draft. He's the best one on the board

37. Cleveland Browns: Brooks Reed, OLB/DE, Arizona

I think he's the hybrid type that will work for Cleveland.

38. Arizona Cardinals: Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy

I love Jernigan, and I think Arizona needs more targets.

39. Tennessee Titans: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

I think the Titans would prefer getting Dalton over Ponder, but we'll see.

40. Dallas Cowboys: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

Dallas would love to take another CB, that's why I'm hearing it could be Jimmy Smith or Prince in the first, I think they'll settly with Dowling here.

41. Washington Redskins: Rodney Hudson, OG, Florida State

Fits the scheme well.

42. Houston Texans: Aaron Williams, CB/S, Texas.

He might be a CB, but I think he'd be a safety.

43. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

Big wide receiver to replace Sidney Rice if he walks this year.

44. Detroit Lions: Mason Foster, LB, Washington

I think they go DE or LB here. Foster, Martez Willson and Bruce Carter are my highest 3 left.

45. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

I feel like Paea is a Harbaugh type of player.

46. Denver Broncos (from MIA): Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

It's all defense.

47. St. Louis Rams: Titus Young, WR, Boise State

Tough to place him over Torrey Smith, but I think Young fits Mcdaniels better.

48. Oakland Raiders: Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State

Everyone has been saying this is Oakland's target, but Torrey Smith sure does run fast...

49. Jacksonville Jaguars: Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada

Just a hunch here.

50. San Diego Chargers: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Wide Receiver here I guess, I mean San Diego had the #1 Offense and #1 Defense last year.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA

This seems to be a good fit for Moore and for Tampa.

52. New York Giants: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

A lot of people have Leshoure has the #1 RB in this draft, and he falls this far.

53. Indianapolis Colts: Ben Ijalana, OT, Villanova

They're going to take olinemen at every chance they get.

54. Philadelphia Eagles: Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois

Good LB that fits a need.

55. Kansas City Chiefs: Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina

Fits the system.

56. New Orleans Saints: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

He's a big big boy.

57. Seattle Seahawks: James Carpenter, OT, Alabama

Again I wrote down 5 names: James Carpenter (OT, Alabama), Edmund Gates (WR, Abilene Christian), Greg Little (WR, North Carolina), Christian Ballard (DE, Iowa), Jurrell Casey (DT, USC). I wanted to place Greg Little here so badly, but wussed out. I think Carpenter is the best OL left.

58. Baltimore Ravens: Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa

Good DE. I'm not quite sure on the scheme fit, but I like him.

59. Atlanta Falcons: Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

A playmaker for the offense that wants/needs them. He's like Mccluster and will probably go way earlier than this.

60. New England Patriots: Jabaal Sheard, LB, Pittsburgh

New England is just taking the highest rated player that falls.

61. San Diego Chargers (from NYJ): Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville

I really don't know what to do with San Diego.

62. Chicago Bears: Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson

Chicago needs to replace Tommie Harris badly.

63. Pittsburgh Steelers: Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah State

They would love to get a CB earlier, but Curtis Marsh is a physical player.

64. Green Bay Packers: Jurrell Casey, DT, USC

I think he should go before this. Green Bay won the superbowl with lots of players on IR, they draft depth everywhere and Casey will play in the NFL for a long time.

Seahawks win NFC West Championship over Rams 16-6!

By Kshell

The Seattle Seahawks(7-9) set history when they defeated the St.Louis Rams(7-9) to win the NFC West Division title. The Seahawks are the first team ever in a 16 game schedule to reach the playoffs with a losing record. To make matters worse the Seahawks will also host a playoff game against the New Orleans Saints who won four more games and defeated the Seahawks. The Seahawks didn't make up the rules they are just playing by them and the Seahawks with backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst defeated the Rams 16-6. With Whitehurst smart passing and a great defense Pete Carroll won a division title in his first year back in the NFL in over a decade.



In a big game with a backup quarterback many figured the Seahawks would come out featuring the run. Instead the Seahawks came out throwing with Whitehurst in shotgun hit Justin Forsett for a gain of 13 yards. On the next play Whitehurst found a wide open Ruvell Martin for a gain of 61 yards. Whitehurst still throwing hit Forsett for a gain of four yards. Facing a third down the Rams committed a crucial holding penalty giving the Seahawks first and goal from the seven. After completing a pass to Golden Tate, Whitehurst hit Mike Williams for a touchdown from four yards out to give the Seahawks a 7-0 lead.

The Seahawks defense would stuff the Rams the first three series of the game holding the Rams to just 23 yards on 10 plays. The Rams would then go on a 13 play 83 yard drive which resulted in a Josh Brown 32 yard field goal. The Seahawks defense did a good job of holding the Rams to just three points. Seahawks defense would three and out the Rams on the next two series. The Seahawks would head into halftime up 7-3. Whitehurst was 15 of 20 passing for 145 yards and a touchdown in the first half.

In the second half as the Seahawks were at their own 28 when Whitehurst completed a pass to Marshawn Lynch who then fumbled the ball. The Rams trailing 7-3 had the ball on the Seahawks 21. The Rams then had first and goal from the six yard line but after a costly penalty had to settle for a Josh Brown 27 yard field goal. The Rams did cut the lead to 7-6.



The Seahawks feeling momentum slipping away had a key scoring drive. The drive began when Lynch ran for 24 yards. After a penalty and facing a second and 17, Forsett then ran for 21 yards. Facing a third and four Whitehurst hit Mike Williams for a gain of six then shortly after that hit Leon Washington for a gain of 10 yards. The Seahawks had the ball on the Rams 15 yard line but would settle for an Olindo Mare field goal 31 yard field goal to give the Seahawks a 10-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter the Seahawks would extend their lead when Whitehurst would hit Ben Obomanu for a gain of 13 yards to the Rams 35 yard line. Lynch would rush for another 13 yard run to the Rams 22. The Seahawks would have to settle for a Mare 38 yard field goal to extend the Seahawks lead 13-6 over the Rams with over 10 minutes to go in the game.



With under nine minutes to go in the game the Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford finally made a rookie mistake. Trailing by seven points with the ball on the Seahawks 46 yard line Bradford threw a costly interception to Seahawks linebacker Will Herring. The Seahawks then went on a 13 play 47 yard drive eating up over seven minutes in time which ended with another field goal by Mare to go up 16-6. The Seahawks offense didn't do much but did just enough to get the win.



The Seahawks defense which has been getting crushed lately stepped up. The Seahawks defense held Steven Jackson to just 45 yards rushing. The defense also pressured Sam Bradford as Bradford completed 19 of 36 passing for 155 yards with an interception. The defense sacked Bradford three times with Raheem Brock getting 2.5 sacks on Bradford. The Seahawks defense allowed the offense to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns.



This year hasn't been pretty but the Seahawks are back in the playoffs. The Seahawks winning their fifth division title in the last seven years get to raise up another division championship banner. Pete Carroll and Charlie Whitehurst seen to the right hugging who would have thought that a year ago when the team had quit under floundering head coach Jim Mora. The Seahawks are in the playoffs and despite what people say the Seahawks have earned it. You play to win the division and Carroll was brought in here to win games. Carroll won just enough games this year and the Seahawks will host a playoff game this Saturday. It will be nice seeing playoff football at Qwest field once again.

Observations:


- Charlie Whitehurst finally took advantage of his opportunity and now we have a quarterback controversy. Whitehurst finished the game completing 22 of 36 passes for 192 yards passing with a touchdown for a quarterback rating of 84.5. Whitehurst also ran for 30 yards extending a couple of drives.

Whitehurst most importantly didn't turn the ball over which has been a problem for Matt Hasselbeck. On the year Whitehurst was 57 of 99(57.6%) for 507 yards(5.1 YA) with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has a rushing touchdown. His quarterback rating is 65.5.

Hasselbeck was 266 of 444(59.9%) for 3,001 yards(6.8 YA) for 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Hasselbeck has three rushing touchdowns with a quarterback rating of 73.2. So who Carroll chooses to start should be an interesting decision.

I'll break it down in a few days who I think should start at quarterback. Whitehurst was the player of the game though given the circumstances. The season was on the line and he took the opening drive for a touchdown then played smart the rest of the game.

- Leon Washington had a nice all around game. I'm glad he is being used more on the offense. Washington had three kickoff returns for 62 yards, six punt returns for 25 yards, caught three passes for 24 yards and also ran for four yards. Washington is a nice spark plug and how the Seahawks used him was perfect. If it wasn't for Devin Hester, Washington would be going to the pro bowl this year.



- The Seahawks ran the ball effectively especially in the second half. Marshawn Lynch carried the ball 20 times for 75 yards rushing and Justin Forsett added 28 yards on just three carries. Both backs were effective catching passes out of the backfield.

Forsett had 22 yards receiving on three catches and Leon Washington added 24 yards receiving on three catches. Marshawn Lynch also caught a pass. The Seahawks offensive line has been a work in progress all year long but when Lynch does have some holes to run through he has been taking advantage of those.

With the Seahawks Lynch finished with 573 yards rushing on 165 carries(3.5 YPC) with six touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 138 yards. Forsett finished with 523 yards on 118 carries(4.4 YPC) with two touchdowns. He also caught 33 passes for 252 yards. This is the first time in a while I like the Seahawks running backs just give them a line to run behind and the running game should be fine.



- Pete Carroll fled USC for a team who was 9-23 the last two years. He now has the Seahawks in the playoffs in his first year similar to what Mike Holmgren did when he first took over in 1999.

Carroll made plenty of risky moves in the offseason by releasing T.J.Housmandzadeh, trading Deion Branch midseason, trading for Whitehurst, trading for Chris Clemons who he is hugging on the picture to the right, etc. Carroll despite a roster that has bandaids over broken bones got more than enough out of this roster. This was a team many including myself figured would be drafting in the top three. The Seahawks will now take on the New Orleans Saints at home in the playoffs. The Seahawks are 4-1 all-time at Qwest Field.

Carroll and Schneider had a great first draft give them another year or two of that kind of drafting should be fun. Tim Ruskell really killed the Seahawks look up his drafts in the past which Carroll and Schneider are trying to recover. Carroll is a great motivator and hopefully this team can build on this win.

At the end of the day the Seattle Seahawks are the 2010 NFC West division champions. Nobody can take that away from this team. Despite having zero pro bowlers on the roster for the second straight year the Seahawks will be hosting a playoff game. Carroll won a division title with mostly castoffs that nobody wanted. The offensive line has been a work in progress all year, the quarterback play hasn't been good neither has the defense, the rushing game was historically awful yet the Seahawks are division champions. The 12th man will be loud and hungry for the playoffs and the Seahawks have nothing to lose. Regardless of what happens in the playoffs the Seahawks have already exceeded expectations this year.

Rams dominate Seahawks 20-3, end 10 game losing streak to Seahawks

By Kshell

The St.Louis Rams(2-2) defeated the Seattle Seahawks(2-2) 20-3 at the Edward Jones Dome for the first time since the 2004 NFC wild card playoffs. The Seahawks had beaten the Rams 10 consecutive games but the Rams showed the Seahawks this year would be a different story. Unlike years past when Seattle and especially Matt Hasselbeck could move the ball with ease the Rams defense was tough on the Seahawks.

The Rams are led by #1 draft pick overall quarterback Sam Bradford from Oklahoma. He played great in todays victory passing for two touchdowns for 289 yards passing. In the first quarter he would get the Rams on the board with a touchdown pass to Brandon Gibson for 15 yards on 3rd and long. The Seahawks would respond with a field goal cutting the lead to 7-3.

After a Matt Hasselbeck interception the Rams had the ball in the red zone. Bradford threw a pass to the back of the end zone when rookie safety Earl Thomas jumped it and picked hte ball off to keep the game at 7-3. That would be Thomas third interception in the last two games. The Rams would end up with a field goal to end the half and would lead 10-3.

The second half the Seahawks offense just couldn't get in a rhythm like they typically do when playing the Rams. The Rams offense made some adjustments to the Seahawks blitzing and attacking defense. The Rams called three screen passes on the scoring drive. On that drive Bradford hit Stephen Jackson who was doubtful to even play in the game on a 49 yard screen pass then later in the drive Bradford would hit Kenneth Darby for a 21 yard touchdown pass to make the game 17-3.

The Rams would tack on a field goal in the 4th quarter to make the game 20-3. The real story in the game was the Seahawks being held to 3 points vs the lowly Rams. Matt Hasselbeck for the third straight week found himself ineffective. He would pass 20 of 36 for just 191 yards and a pick for a quarterback rating of 58.9. The running game wasn't very good either as Justin Forsett had just 65 yards on 19 carries for a 3.4 YPC average. This was a far cry from last year when Forsett ran for a career high 130 yards. The Seahawks couldn't make any big plays on the return game and ultimately has lost 15 of its last 18 road games.

Observations:

- Matt Hasselbeck for the third straight week has a quarter back rating of under 80.0 in fact dating back to last year six of his last seven games he has had a quarterback rating of under 80.0. Hasselbeck in his last 24 games he has only 26 touchdown passes but 33 interceptions. After going four consecutive years(2002-2005) of having a quarterback rating of over 80 he has had a quarterback rating of over 80 just once since(2007).

- The Seahawks still can't run the ball. Since Shaun Alexander was released after the 2007 season the Seahawks have had just five games where a runner ran for over 100 yards. Alexander wasn't tearing up the league in 2007 as he was washed up and on his way out. The lack of a running game is going on four or even five years in a row strong.

- The Seahawks defense for the most part played well. They held Stephen Jackson to 70 yards on 22 carries(3.1 YPC). In fact the Seahawks this year appear to be tough against the run which is a nice updgrade from years past.

- The Seahawks have great play from their safety's. With Earl Thomas making picks and Lawyer Milloy making big hits and neither gets burned deep for any long passes its nice to see. For the first time in a while the Seahawks finally have good safety play.

- The Seahawks dating back to 2007 are now 6-20 on the road and just 3-15 since 2008. That simply won't get the job done. The Seahawks have 6 remaining road games on the schedule.

- At what point in the season do the Seahawks make a quarterback switch? This is a winnable division even though the Seahawks are 2-2. The Rams have a rookie quarterback, Arizona is a mess and has been blown out on the road twice now. The 49ers are 0-4. Hasselbeck dating back to last two seasons now has looked pretty bad. The question is does he still give the team the best chance to win? Charlie Whitehurst at times during the preseason looked terrific but also at times looked like he didn't belong in the NFL. This will be an awkward situation much like Griffey this past season in Seattle. The exception is Hasselbeck is a pro and won't be a cancer and turn the team against his coach.

The Seahawks head into the bye week with a 2-2 record. Given that this division is still very winnable the Hawks have some good traits going forward. This team has plenty of flaws but they stop the run, have great special teams and have a great home field advantage. That might just be enough to win this division. The offense has weapons at receiver just needs to find something or someone who can get them the ball.

Seahawks take on the Rams for divisional battle

By Kshell

When the Seattle Seahawks(2-1) go on the road to take on the St.Louis Rams(1-2)this Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome in St.Louis, Missouri first place could be on the line in the NFC West. The Seahawks have dominated the Rams of late having won 10 consecutive games against the Rams including five in the Edward Jones Dome. The Seahawks are looking to end their road woes having won just three roads games in the last two seasons but two of those three wins were against these Rams. This rivalry has pulled a complete 180 in the last 5 years. The Rams had beat the division champion Seahawks all three games in the 2004 season including twice at Qwest field.

I was at that playoff game in the 2004 Wild Card rounds and having left that stadium that was the most depressing sports loss I had ever been a part of. When Bobby Engram couldn't haul in that touchdown pass the Rams had won 27-20. The Seahawks as a franchise seem to be doomed. The Seahawks after making the playoffs just once in a span from 1989-2002 had just lost back to back heartbreaking games in the Wild Card playoffs. The Seahawks had some big free agents as well with Walter Jones, Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander. Head Coach Mike Holmgren was on the hot seat as well and could be fired. The Rams had the Seahawks number that season, earlier in the year at Qwest field the Rams overcame a 17 point deficit to win the game in overtime.

In the following season the Seahawks brought back Matt Hasselbeck and Walter Jones to long term contracts and Mike Holmgren was brought back. Shaun Alexander however was just franchise tag. The Seahawks were heading back to their house of horrors and were just 2-2 on the season. To make matters worse the Seahawks were down their top two receivers in Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram. No need to fear Joe Jurevicius is here. He would have 132 yards receiving on the game. Shaun Alexander would add 116 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the day. When Shaun McDonald fumbled the punt with 2 minutes to go the Seahawks would win the game 37-31 after giving up the opening kickoff for a touchdown. The curse had been broken and the Seahawks finally had ended the Rams curse. Little did the Rams know that the Seahawks wouldn't lose to them again.

After the Seahawks made the Superbowl and swept the Rams the previous year in 2006 they had two nailbiting games vs the Rams. The first meeting again took place in St.Louis where Seattle found themselves without league MVP Shaun Alexander. The Seahawks(3-1) were trailing 21-7 at halftime to the Rams(4-1). Then newly acquired wide receiver Deion Branch had a big game catching two touchdown passes. Josh Brown having nailed two 49 yard field goal attempts hit a game winning 54 yard field goal as time expired and the Seahawks won 30-28. In the rematch at Qwest field the Seahawks found themselves without MVP Shaun Alexander or pro bowl Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The Seahawks led by Maurice Morris 124 yards rushing on the game won 24-22 again on a Josh Brown game winning field goal. Nate Burleson had a huge 90 yard punt return for a touchdown to give the Seahawks a lead late in the fourth. That would be the only competive game from the Rams at Qwest field from 2005-2009.

In 2007 down in St.Louis the Seahawks(6-4) taking on the 2-8 St.Louis Rams found themselves trailing 19-7 at halftime on the road. Branch would add a touchdown as would Josh Wilson on a kick off return touchdown. The Seahawks would win the game on a Leonard Weaver 5 yard touchdown run up the middle. With Seattle leading 24-19 the Rams had the ball on the goal line but fumbled the ball and Seattle had recovered and once again pulled out a huge win in St.Louis.

In 2008 Josh Brown had left the Seahawks for the Rams and again the Seahawks found themselves in a battle with the Rams in St.Louis. Seattle was trailing 20-13 at one point in the fourth quarter. Tied the game up on a T.J. Duckett touchdown run. Then Olindo Mare the kicker who had replaced Brown kicked the game winning field goal.

Typically in this series recently the Seahawks blow out the Rams at Qwest field but as I just pointed out at the Edward Jones Dome the game will most likely come down to the wire. Given how Seattle has played on the road in the past years this game should come down to the wire. Just remember it wasn't always that way.