We've all heard of a Super Bowl hangover for the runner-up, but any playoff loss can have a lasting impact if it reveals weaknesses that might impact the team's confidence going forward.
I wonder if that is what we did to the Seahawks.
They entered the playoffs with a lot of confidence, having won four straight and six of their last seven games. They had the home field, and were facing a Rams team they had recently beaten, playing with a backup QB (or, as fate dictated, an injured starter).
But it didn't go as planned. The Rams dominated the game, and ended the Seahawks' season.
That's bad enough, but it was the way we beat them that seems to have had lasting effects. Their offense was completely ineffective, as we harassed Russell Wilson (5 sacks, 10 QB hits) into one of the worst performances of his career.
The backlash came quickly. Brian Shottenheimer was fired as OC (ironically replaced by a Rams assistant). D.K. Metcalf publicly declared that teams had figured out their offense. And, now, we hear Russell Wilson publicly complaining about the support he's received, potentially prompting trade talks.
Their defense may also have lost some confidence. The Rams were able to control the game, rushing for 164 yards and controlling the clock for over 33 minutes. Jared Goff, was able to be efficient and productive, despite being less than two weeks removed from thumb surgery. This outcome from a defense that was bolstered by a safety, Jamal Adams, who cost the Seahawks two first and a third round pick in the 2021-22 drafts.
Add to that the fact that the Seahawks have 8 starters set to be UFAs (Chris Carson, Mike Iupati, Ethan Pocic, Cedric Ogbuehi, Poona Ford, Bruce Irvin, Shaquill Griffin, Quinton Dunbar), and this could be a a tough offseason for the Seahawks.
What a difference a month makes. The Hawks are reeling, and we're starting to look like the team to beat in the West!
I wonder if that is what we did to the Seahawks.
They entered the playoffs with a lot of confidence, having won four straight and six of their last seven games. They had the home field, and were facing a Rams team they had recently beaten, playing with a backup QB (or, as fate dictated, an injured starter).
But it didn't go as planned. The Rams dominated the game, and ended the Seahawks' season.
That's bad enough, but it was the way we beat them that seems to have had lasting effects. Their offense was completely ineffective, as we harassed Russell Wilson (5 sacks, 10 QB hits) into one of the worst performances of his career.
The backlash came quickly. Brian Shottenheimer was fired as OC (ironically replaced by a Rams assistant). D.K. Metcalf publicly declared that teams had figured out their offense. And, now, we hear Russell Wilson publicly complaining about the support he's received, potentially prompting trade talks.
Their defense may also have lost some confidence. The Rams were able to control the game, rushing for 164 yards and controlling the clock for over 33 minutes. Jared Goff, was able to be efficient and productive, despite being less than two weeks removed from thumb surgery. This outcome from a defense that was bolstered by a safety, Jamal Adams, who cost the Seahawks two first and a third round pick in the 2021-22 drafts.
Add to that the fact that the Seahawks have 8 starters set to be UFAs (Chris Carson, Mike Iupati, Ethan Pocic, Cedric Ogbuehi, Poona Ford, Bruce Irvin, Shaquill Griffin, Quinton Dunbar), and this could be a a tough offseason for the Seahawks.
What a difference a month makes. The Hawks are reeling, and we're starting to look like the team to beat in the West!
