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Wildcard Playoff: The Big Chill.

Wildcard Playoff: The Big Chill.

The Wilson-era Seahawks built on their illustrious history with a nail-biter victory over a tough, smart Vikings team who wanted a low scoring contest where they would have the final drive. Unfortunately for the Vikings, irony was abound and they got exactly as they wished. Field goal kicker Blair Walsh–who was the sole reason the Vikings had a chance to win at all–sent a chip shot wide left during the closing seconds of the game, dealing the Vikings a stomach churning loss.

Week Seventeen: End It Right.

Week Seventeen: End It Right.

The Seahawks closed out the regular season in a dominating fashion. Led by Tyler Lockett and the imploding Cardinals specials teams unit, Russell Wilson and Co found themselves within striking distance of the red zone on many drives. In fact, the field was so short that Wilson’s 3 touchdowns were accompanied by only 197 passing yards (only played 3 quarters). Meanwhile, the defense was feisty and opportunistic. With the pass rush able to put in some early hits on Carson Palmer, the potential NFL MVP began forcing his throws and lost his accuracy.

Week Sixteen: Only a Hiccup.

Week Sixteen: Only a Hiccup.

A few things that happened this Sunday–the Patriots, Steelers, Panthers and Packers all lost. Meanwhile, the Vikings–one of the worst offenses in the league–put up 49 points. Go figure. Yesterday was one of those weird Sundays that happen once or twice a season. About nothing makes sense (except for the Chargers blowing an overtime game–that made perfect sense). The Seahawks got caught in the same game the Patriots, Panthers and Steelers got caught in, the “trap” game against an inferior divisional opponent who played way above their heads to win.

Week Fifteen: Playoff Bound.

Week Fifteen: Playoff Bound.

The Seahawk’s offense answered the call yesterday with a rousing 30-13 romp over the Cleveland Browns, a team that intended to shock the world with their victory over the Seahawks, and outside of one drive in the first quarter, showed no ability to do so. By dispatching the Brown, the Seahawks have earned themselves a wildcard playoff spot at either the fifth or sixth seed in the NFC.

Week Fourteen: Wilson Rules.

Week Fourteen: Wilson Rules.

The Seahawks are firing on all cylinders as they toyed with a Ravens team on the brink of implosion. Sporting another five TD pass performance, Russell Wilson continued on a hot steak that began with his TD/INT ratio at 10:7 and now stands at 25:7. While some of his efficiency number came back down into our atmosphere, they are reserved for some of the top quarterbacks in the league. It isn’t the touchdowns or yards themselves, it’s the efficiency and precision. When the Hawks were at 2-4, it was reasonable to question the soul of this team, but Wilson has answered.

Week Twelve: The Breakthrough. (Yes, It’s Happening).

Week Twelve: The Breakthrough. (Yes, It’s Happening).

The Seahawks gained their biggest win of the season, and put themselves in the drivers seat for the playoffs, with an invigorating victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. For the first time this year, the offense came to play, and they were able to orchestra several long scoring drives, including a fourth quarter TD to ice the game. Meanwhile, the defense struggled–once again–against a talented passer who could decide where he was throwing on his pre-snap read. This was an exciting game that came right down to the finish and saw Seattle hold a fourth quarter lead to victory.

Week Eleven: Rawls Roars.

Week Eleven: Rawls Roars.

My buddy Jem Baslak defined the Seahawks to two words. “Disappointment. Potential.” I have to get on board with that assessment. They’re clearly the most talented 5-5 squadron in the pack of NFL mediocrity but will these changes be enough? The Seahawks have a tough schedule to close the season. Starting with the Steelers this week, followed by the Vikings, and closing the season with the Cardinals in Arizona, which one can already imagine with be either for the NFC West or for a wildcard spot. To get into the postseason, 9-7 may be stretching it. 10-6 is the way to feel safe.

Week Ten: Wilson’s Warming Up.

Week Ten: Wilson’s Warming Up.

After 9 weeks of silence, the media is finally coming out against Seattle’s offense. I think most people felt the Seahawk’s would figure it out sooner or later but you’re starting to hear things like, “The Seahawks are just now figuring out what they have in Jimmy Graham.” Translation: “They have no clue what they are doing with this guy.” (It’s not just if they use them, it’s how they use them–it’s weird). Or when Collinsworth said, “You know, it might be nice to see some timed passing routes once and a while.” Translation: “They have no clue on how convert first downs with the passing game.”

Week Eight: The Sherman Show.

Week Eight: The Sherman Show.

I don’t care if Dez Bryant was coming off an injury, Richard Sherman beat him to every attack point on every throw. He played at top speed. He played with instinct. He stayed with Dez on the right or left side. In a low scoring, ugly game where a field goal decided win or loss, Sherman ensured that the Cowboys would not beat the Seahawks by getting one in over the top.