Seahawks: Things are looking up

Even though last Sunday’s game ended in a loss for the Seahawks (3-3) things are looking up for Seattle.

News headlines have been focused on the Harvin trade, a slumping team or how the sky is falling and it’s all a pile of rubbish. Getting the most press is about trading Harvin to the Jets and what a big blow to the offense that will be.

What?

Strip the hype and what did Seattle actually trade? A lot of nothing. The guy made a couple great catches and a kick return past mid field against the Vikings last year in a game we would of won anyway. Take away the touchdown return during the Super Bowl means we only would of won 36-8. The only thing Harvin contributed to our offense was the “threat of Harvin” and the only team drinking the kool-aid on that one was Green Bay in this year’s first regular season game.

Now I can’t say we’ve seen nothing from Harvin this year. In fact we’ve seen a lot of everything except what we got him for in the first place, a deep threat wide receiver. The whole point was to use Harvin’s speed to stretch the field and give the quarterback options. Run it himself, throw the under pass or let Lynch rumble off yardage all because Harvin is drawing the double coverage down field.

It has been very frustrating as a fan this year watching the Seahawks line Harvin up as a half back or find an excuse to sweep. Since when are we a screen pass team? Where the hell is the run game? Pound their line with Lynch, pass under to Kearse, option with Turbin and throw the clutch pass to Baldwin. Rinse, repeat and see ya in the playoffs. How hard is that? Personally I am glad to see him go if for no other reason that the Seahawks can stop trying to bend it’s offense around him.

And about this slump we are supposed to be in. Really?

I don’t really care how you look at it. Seven receivers gaining 313 yards, four rushers gaining 171 and a defense that got the ball to make it happen isn’t slump.

Yes, this last weekend the Seahawks did lose to the Rams. A truck load of injuries for the Hawks is no excuse, “next man up”, but losing players to injury in the frigging pregame warm-ups is going to throw anyones scheme for a loop. And when the other guys can pull off some special team heroics like the Rams did then they deserve to win.

But only by 2 points.

This is still the Hawks we’re talking about after all. That 2 points was after a halftime score of 6-21, against a division rival, at St. Louis, while our quarterback became the first player in NFL history to pass for over 300 yards and rush for over 100 yards in one game.  

Even though we walked away with the loss, what a damn good game. If this is a slump I’ll take it. Then figure out a way to blame it all on the 49ers.

To end the Rams game a last minute fumble called wrong by the officials that could of let Seattle kick the winning field goal was the final nail in the coffin. And that fumble call I won’t really complain too much. We’ve had our share of bad calls this year go in our favor. Seriously though, are there any NFL fans this year NOT looking at the refs wondering what the hell is going on?

 

Seahawks (3-3)

 

@ Panthers

Raiders

Giants

@ Chiefs

Cardinals

@ 49ers

@ Eagles

49ers

@ Cardinals

Rams

 

 

Cardinals (5-1)

 

Eagles

@ Dallas

Rams

Lions

@ Seahawks

@ Falcons

Chiefs

@ Rams

Seahawks

@ 49ers

 

 

Rams (2-4)

 

@ Chiefs

@ 49ers

@ Cardinals

Broncos

@ Chargers

Raiders

@ Redskins

Cardinals

Giants

@ Seahawks

 

 

49ers (4-3)

 

– Bye Week 8 –

Rams

@ Saints

@ Giants

Redskins

Seahawks

@ Raiders

@ Seahawks

Chargers

Cardinals

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The West Report

 

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

NFL Week 14: Seahawks @ 49ers

Having already secured a wild card spot after beating down the Saints on Monday Night 7-34 the Seahawks are presented this week with a grand opportunity to secure the NFC West Division Title, a first round playoff bye and the 2nd seed with a win at 49ers.

An opportunity but not a necessity. The remaining Seahawks schedule:

Seahawks (11-1) week 12 Bye

 

@ 49ers 8-4

@ Giants 5-7

Cardinals @ 7-5

Rams @ 5-7

The 49ers (8-4) at best with a 4 game sweep can end the season (12-4) if they win at home vs Seahawks. The Saints (9-3) and Panthers (9-3) at best with a 4 game sweep can end the season (13-3). Since Seattle has the tie break victories this year against both this means Seattle only needs any two wins to secure the 1st place seed and home field advantage through the playoffs. If these teams lose 1 game during the last four then Seattle only needs any one victory.

So yes, a win this Sunday is a great opportunity for our Seahawks but not a necessity. I think that will go a long way to lifting some of the pressure and let Seattle relax and kick some niner butt.

A lot of articles in the run-up for this game keep talking about injured players returning for the 49ers but what isn’t being mentioned is that Seattle has almost a full starting roster also. And the results of such were on display during MNF against the Saints. The same Saints that beat the 49ers two weeks ago 20-23. Harvin for Seattle is still doubtful but look for an improved run game this week as Lynch and Turbin will have the same offensive line to run behind for two weeks in a row now.

The Seattle secondary showed no sign of slowing down and the 49ers be warned. Maxwell stepped up in a big way breaking up two huge pass plays one of which would of been a Saints touchdown. Richard Sherman continues to lock down his position. Brees only threw his way twice during the game last week for no completions and a near interception. Boldin & Crabtree for the 49ers against the Legion of Boom is going to be a match-up to pay attention to. Last week I predicted a pick six return for Earl Thomas and was wrong. It was Michael Bennett that did that instead. This week I’ll be looking for a Sherman interception off a pass to Crabtree.

The key for Seattle to this game I think will be the same as the last time they faced San Francisco. Shut down Gore and force them to rely on the pass. Even with the return of Crabtree if the Seahawks can force the 49ers to play a one dimensional game they can secure this victory on the road.

Go Hawks!

Part 2 of the week 14 NFC West Double Header.

While Seattle travels to San Francisco the Rams (5-7) will take to the road and also visit their division rival at the Cardinals (7-5). For the Rams the seasons is all but over in four games barring the most wild mathematical projections but this is a team that plays a solid four quarters of ball no matter what.

The Cardinals can still make the playoffs with a win and some help down the stretch with some 49er losses and after dropping a loss to the Eagles last week they need this win more than ever. On the other hand the Rams failed to spoil the 49ers playoff hopes last week and might be looking to pick up the spare this week. Playing at home with the season almost over I think the advantage lies with Arizona. Go Cardinals!

Rest of the season for the NFC West:

Cardinals (7-5) week 9 Bye

 

Rams @ 5-7

@ Titans 5-7

@ Seahawks 11-1

49ers @ 8-4

 

 

Rams (5-7) week 11 Bye

 

@ Cardinals 7-5

Saints @ 9-3

Buccaneers @ 3-9

@ Seahawks 11-1

 

 

49ers (8-4) week 9 Bye

 

Seahawks @ 11-1

@ Buccaneers 3-9

Falcons @ 3-9

@ Cardinals 7-5

 

ESPN has a playoff calculator (Playoff Machine) where you can select your own picks and see how the playoffs will look for yourself.

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The West Report

 

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Week 13: Seahawks & NFC West

The Seahawks enjoyed a week 12 Bye so I’ll start with the rest of the NFC West heading into tonight’s Monday Night game that will see the 49ers @ Redskins.

Cardinals (7-4) week 9 Bye

 

@ Eagles 6-5

Rams @ 5-6

@ Titans 5-6

@ Seahawks 10-1

49ers @ 6-4*

I ended my week 11 post with a “Go Cardinals!” and this team didn’t disappoint. Arizona hosted the Colts (7-4) yesterday and stomped them 11-40 in a game that was never close. The win moves the Cardinals (7-4) up in the NFC Playoff picture to 6th seed and knocks San Francisco (6-4) down to 7th. Of course that could change after the Monday Night game but for now the Cardinals are in, 49ers are out, and they keep up the pressure on their NFC West playoff rivals.

The rest of the schedule for Arizona doesn’t get any easier and next week’s game @ Eagles will be a tough one. Philadelphia is tied with Dallas for the NFC East title and needs this win even more than the Cardinals do. With a wild card spot almost out of reach, the division’s top seed might be the Eagles only way into the post season. Facing teams in an all or nothing game can be dangerous and the Cardinals are 2-3 on the road with loses at Rams, Saints and 49ers.

Tough, but for this Arizona team, manageable. And if the 49ers lose tonight or week 13 Rams @, then the last game of the regular season becomes that much more important. Go Cardinals!

Rams (5-6) week 11 Bye

 

@ 49ers 6-4*

@ Cardinals 7-4

Saints @ 9-2

Buccaneers @ 3-8

@ Seahawks 10-1

Coming off their bye week the Rams (5-6) picked up where they left off smacking around the Bears (6-5) 21-42. Though it may be a long shot, with upcoming games against division rivals 49ers and Cardinals, the last spot in the playoffs still isn’t out of reach. A very, very long reach. Going 4 of 5 with a loss to Seattle and finishing (9-7) just might be enough considering how bad the rest of the NFC divisions are playing though I doubt the Cardinals will finish below (10-6).

They travel to San Francisco who will be coming off a Monday Night game and have an excellent chance to improve their post season chances. Or, if anything, have an excellent chance to spoil a playoff spot for their rival 49ers. Go Rams!

49ers (6-4) week 9 Bye

 

@ Redskins 3-7

Rams @ 5-6

Seahawks @ 10-1

@ Buccaneers 3-8

Falcons @ 2-9

@ Cardinals 7-4

Is it just me or did all the crazy crap in the NFL start in week 6 with the Rams beating down the Texans 38-13. Since then the Buccaneers are on a 3 game win streak, Giants 4, Panthers 7, and even the Jaguars have won 2. I only bring this up because in the NFL this year the coin toss keeps coming up heads against the odds and hopefully it’s Washington’s turn. Meaning of course that they pulled off the Monday Night win and San Francisco drops to 6-5.

Even if they didn’t and the 49ers (7-4) slip back up into the NFC Playoff 6th seed spot the rest of the season will still be a battle. After traveling all the way across town to D.C. they will host the Rams in a divisional game that the 49ers need to win. With the Cardinals breathing down their neck and a schedule favoring the Bears or Packers for their wild card spot the 49ers grip on the post season still isn’t secure. Go Redskins!

Seahawks (10-1) week 12 Bye

 

Saints @ 9-2

@ 49ers 6-4*

@ Giants 4-7

Cardinals @ 7-4

Rams @ 5-6

The bye weeks are over and the final 5 week stretch has begun. All teams now have an 11 game win/loss record* and the Seahawks start the stretch sitting atop the entire NFL at (10-1). Does it really get any better than this? The answer is yes, it can, with a win at home this next Monday Night against the Saints.

The injury report has Browner out, possibly for the rest of the season. Add to that his replacement, Thurmond, is starting a 4 game suspension now rather than contest and miss more games. He won’t be back until the last game of the regular season when we host the Rams. Other than that though things are looking up.

We have a starting offensive line again and Lynch has had time to rest up. Harvin will have 2 weeks of practice after an NFL start and Kearse will be back at WR after missing the Vikings game. And if we really start to struggle at cornerback then Russel Wilson could just play this game on both sides of the ball while filling in for Browner on defense.

Ok, so the Wilson thing probably won’t happen but this will hopefully give Sherman something to do. The last few games has got to have the guy chomping at the bit now that NFL quarterbacks no longer throw the ball his way. Playing his position while helping cover a depleted corner position should see Sherman doing something more than running laps for four quarters. Richard Sherman is the best cornerback in the NFL right now and the lack of highlights from a position he has totally shut down really speaks louder than bold headlines. Hopefully being under the radar lately will tempt Brees to throw his way.

Back in week 6 I already picked Seattle to win at home with the #1 spot in the NFC on the line and nothing has changed my outlook. Traveling to the Pacific Northwest and facing the 12th Man is the dread of the entire NFL. I love when announcers have to yell over the crowd noise to be heard through their booth mics and you can bet the volume will be turned up to 12 this Monday. Even with a loss Seattle can still get top seed and home field but it will be so much more easier if they stomp all over the Saints.

Here’s me cheering on a 100 yard game for Lynch and the offensive line to go with an Earl Thomas pick six. Go Seahawks!

* notes monday night 49ers @ Redskins game

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The West Report

 

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Week 11: Seahawks & NFC West

After a win in Atlanta the Seahawks (9-1) return home to host the Vikings (2-7) this Sunday in a tale of two tired teams.

For the Vikings, this will be the third away game in a stretch of six played since their week 5 Bye. Last week was a short one for them following a win during Thursday Night and the current ten day break couldn’t have come at a better time. Heading into Seattle to face the 12th Man is the dread of the entire NFC right now even without a depleted roster.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ponder starting as QB for the Vikings after dislocating his non-throwing shoulder last week against the Redskins. It’s a safe bet that this Sunday @ Seattle the arm will still be sore even if he does start. However at (2-7) and with two other eligible QBs I wonder if Minnesota will want to.

The Vikings still have 7 games left to play without a break left in the regular season. Even if Minnesota is sticking with Ponder, who has been out-thrown in pass yardage by opponents during every game this year, they only need look at their previous opponents the Redskins and Griffin III for reason not to start an injured QB too soon. They have nine days to prepare both Freeman and Cassel for a one game start with your starter still there in case things get real ugly.

Who knows? Along with players getting healthy and returning to the line, starting a backup QB that the Seahawks haven’t been preparing for might give the visiting Vikings a much needed edge.

For the Seahawks, week 11 will only be their third home game dating back to September 22nd. As a fan it really seems much longer than that. It will also be their 11th regular season game in a row on a schedule that has already seen Monday, Thursday and Sunday night games. With another Monday night against the Saints December 2nd still to go. Needless to say the upcoming week 12 – Bye is going to be a much welcomed break.

The trouble currently facing Seattle is the need to go through the Vikings to get there. The remaining Seahawks schedule;

Vikings @ 2-7

– Bye – week 12

Saints @ 7-2

@ 49ers 6-3

@ Giants 3-6

Cardinals @ 5-4

Rams @ 4-6

An injury list that now includes Browner is still too long for the Seahawks but Okung, Giacomini, Unger, Bryant, Harvin and Lynch are all expected to practice this week.

With Lynch, himself coming off an injury (hip) and listed during week 10 with another (knee), I kind of hope to see more of Turbin and Michael if Seattle has the game in hand. Keeping Lynch rested and healthy once the guy finally has a stable line blocking and opening lanes I believe is key. Even if our injured starters miss Vikings @ this Sunday I can’t wait to see Beastmode unleashed against the Saints on Monday Night after practicing for 3 weeks behind roughly the same line.

And about Harvin, who hasn’t played a single game this year and the Seahawks being (9-1). With a Bye week approaching and two additional weeks of practice before the Monday Night Saints, why start him now? See above about starting injured players too soon. And against his previous team? Just one more unneeded distraction for a player many in Seattle have big expectations of. I say increase his practice time and debut him on Monday Night.

But hey, that decision is in Carroll’s more than capable hands. If this season has shown anything about the coach it has been his mastery of the depth chart. The fact that the Seahawks rush offense is ranked 2nd in the NFL behind an O-line playing musical injury chairs is nothing short of remarkable.

If we all really need a human interest story, rather than Harvin how about prior Seahawk John Carlson? You know, the Viking who led his team last week with seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins? Personally I hope he has a great game @ Seattle, just not a winning one of course.

The rest of the NFC West;

Cardinals (5-4) week 9 Bye

@ Jaguars 1-8

Colts @ 6-3

@ Eagles 5-5

Rams @ 4-6

@ Titans 4-5

@ Seahawks 9-1

49ers @ 6-3

Arizona is down but not out. Playing this week @ Jaguars (1-8) the Cardinals have an excellent chance to put the pressure on their divisional rivals with a win. The NFC West right now is the best division in the conference and wild-card spots for the playoffs are still up in the air. A win this Sunday not only moves the Cardinals two games above the Rams (4-6), but with a loss by the 49ers would tie the two rivals at (6-4) with a possible tie breaker to end the season with 49ers @ Cardinals.

Rams (4-6) week 11 Bye

– Bye – week 11

Bears @ 5-4

@ 49ers 6-3

@ Cardinals 5-4

Saints @ 7-2

Buccaneers @ 1-8

@ Seahawks 9-1

Following a victory @ Colts, that was stunning to everyone but the Seahawks, the Rams head into a much deserved week off. Two weeks of practice for their new starting QB following a win on the road might just be what this team needed. Considering my Seahawks have a 5 game lead in the NFC West along with the Bye I’ll be cheering on the Rams during week 12 when they host Chicago.

49ers (6-3) week 9 bye

@ Saints 7-2

@ Redskins 3-6

Rams @ 4-6

Seahawks @ 9-1

@ Buccaneers 1-8

Falcons @ 2-7

@ Cardinals 5-4

I find myself torn as the 49ers travel to the Saints for their week 11 game.

On one hand I would like to see the 49ers win @ Saints. This would create a possible 3-way tie for second best record in the NFC with the 49ers, Saints and Lions all at (7-3) while the Seahawks sit atop at (10-1) following a victory at home.

On the other hand a loss by the 49ers drops them into a possible tie for 2nd place in the NFC West with the Cardinals at (6-4). For reasons I won’t bother listing to explain that just makes me start laughing every time I think about it. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Since hoping both teams rack up injuries against each other before ending the game in a tie isn’t really an option then it comes down to playoff considerations for my Seahawks. From that point of view week 11 will see me cheering on the Saints of all teams and placing my hopes on the Panthers and Rams to slow New Orleans down instead. The enemy of my enemy and all that.

Go Cardinals!

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The West Report

 

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

 

Week 7: Seahawks @ Cardinals

While sports talk is putting the Seahawks as favored to win heading into the Thursday Night game, one group isn’t taking the Cardinals so lightly. Namely, the Seahawks.

In 2011 Seattle split home wins with Arizona who only lost by 3 in the game @ Seahawks. During the 2012 season opener despite finishing 5-11 Arizona still managed to win at home against them also.

Arguably all that separates the Cardinals from sharing 5-1 in the NFC West with Seattle right now is a fumble and a couple incompletes. Now, normally, I would say those kinds of plays ARE the difference between a 3-3 and 5-1 team. However after all the weird crap during the Titans @ Seattle game and the Rams smacking around the Texans last weekend I’m not disregarding anything.

Thrown into the mix, Arizona has already lost @ 49ers and @ Rams this season. With the Seahawks almost unbeatable at home they are going to be hungry for a win .vs their division rival. A rival they know how to win at the University of Phoenix Stadium against.

After the Thursday Night game Arizona gets a week and a half rest before facing the 1-4 Falcons at home then enter their bye week at the season mid-point. I’ve read a few articles hinting at this being a must win for the Cardinals and it is kind of hard to discount it. The last half of the season is going to be a battle for them:

Seahawks @ 5-1

Falcons @ 1-4

– Bye – week 9

Texans @ 2-4

@ Jaguars 0-6

Colts @ 4-2

@ Eagles 3-3

Rams @ 3-3

@ Titans 3-3

@ Seahawks

49ers @ 4-2

Of the 10 regular seasons games still facing the Seahawks, 5 of them are against the NFC West. For Seattle, who already has a win at home against the 49ers, Thursday Night presents a grand opportunity to deliver a solid body blow against their divisional rivals.

Ending the season at home vs the Cardinals and Rams, considering their current 11 game at home win streak, you can bet the Seahawks are going to be just as hungry for a win on the road.

Both teams played a hard game Sunday so the short week only slightly favors the Cardinals. A lot has been said this season about how good the Seahawks depth chart is and this game is the time to prove it. Being able to spell our starters and play four solid quarters of Seahawks football I believe will be the key to this game.

How the rest of the season looks for the Seahawks:

@ Cardinals 3-3

@ Rams 3-3

Buccaneers @ 0-5

@ Falcons 1-4

Vikings @ 1-4

– Bye – week 12

Saints @ 5-1

@ 49ers 4-2

@ Giants 0-6

Cardinals @

Rams @

If I were a betting man, which I’m not, a long look at this game for an upset bet on the Cardinals might be deserved.

As a Seahawks fan I think Arizona’s chance of winning is about the same as the game being delayed for yet another lightning storm.

 

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The West Report

 

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.

Still looking good for the Seahawks

Playing at home against the 12th Man is the dread of the NFL right now and looking at Sunday’s match-up following the season’s only Seahawk loss just one thought comes to mind, “Glad I’m not the Titans.”

While last weekend’s game was a disappointment I don’t see it as anything to worry about yet. Seattle at the start of the season was predicted to be 2-3 right now with losses to the Panthers, 49ers and Texans. Instead we are 4-1 with a very bright future on the schedule horizon.

Seattle will head into back to back road games against division rivals Cardinals and Rams after this weekend. We also face them again at home for the last two games of the season. Ending the series 4-0 isn’t exactly long odds seeing how our rivals are currently playing.

Then again the Cardinals at home have surprised us before, but enough of that.

The Giants, Falcons, Vikings and Buccaneers at the moment have a combined win/loss total of 2-16 so I don’t really see much trouble there.

Titans @ 3-2

@ Cardinals 3-2 

@ Rams 2-3

Buccaneers @ 0-4 

@ Falcons 1-4

Vikings @ 1-3

Saints @ 5-0

@ 49ers 3-2

@ Giants 0-5

Cardinals @

Rams @

If we were playing the Saints at New Orleans I would be very troubled, but at home? With the #1 slot for the NFC possibly on the line at that point in the season? No, got to go with the Seahawks on this one.

@ the 49ers is going to be a very good game. I won’t be surprised if we lose but got to cheer on the home team for this. When the season started I was looking forward to the Giants game but at this point @ 49ers is the one to wait for.

However it plays out I would say that if the Seahawks can shake off last weeks loss to the Colts and send the Titans home with a loss then ending the season sitting atop the NFC is their’s for the taking.

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The West Report

 

The opinions expressed in The West Report are the author’s own. Feel free to repost or share, we just ask you credit or link to this article as a source.