I lived in Seattle when it wasn't chic to do so. It was the biggest city with a small town atmosphere I've ever lived in back then. Now they are the Northwest version of Silicon Valley with both the Niner and Hawk fans being cut from the same cloth (big money tends to do that). I used to go to their games and they were "my team" back then as my beloved Rams were in St. Louis. I followed the Rams as best I could but back then coverage was poor at best.
I have no problem with them especially if they keep the Niners and Cards below them. You can't argue with success they have had. Especially during reloading years. I enjoy the Ram / Seahawks games and very happy that the Rams generally can handle one of the best QB's in the game.
I guess it's a divisional pride thing. I have confidence that the Rams will reload and return to "glory" as all good teams including the hated Pats have their down years. But with the Rams out of contention due largely to their own doing, I would like to see the Hawks do well in the playoffs. I think they have little chance this week being down to their 4th string RB. But I want people to see and understand just how good the NFCW is. That way when the Rams win the division this coming season it means something. Unlike the hated Aints who clean house and build a reputation as a "good" team beating up their very weak division, only to get their butts kicked when they face better teams in the playoffs.
I don't like the Niners but I don't hate them either. I'd rather see one of the NFCW teams in the SB than some other team. Again how does the old saying go? "One is measured by their enemies" applies to the NFCW and the Rams. IMO the NFCW is the best division in the NFL but continues to be overlooked by the national media.
Their really are only two teams I really dislike, the Belicheats and the Aints. Why? Because they cheat and play unethically. I especially hate the Aint fans as perhaps the biggest cry babies in the NFL. You have no idea how I loved watching the Vikes knock them out.
All that said I'm okay with last season despite the frustrations. Why? Because I see the overall talent this team has. I can see where they want to go. I also see how close they are. Too many young players, making crucial mistakes that young guys make. Now if they had gone 7-9 I'd be concerned, but this team should have ended up 11-5 if not for those mistakes, which was about what I and perhaps most on this board would have expected early on.
McVay needed to have these growing pains as he experiences his own professional growth. It's why I expect this team to be a totally different animal next year. A lot will be riding upon what coaches are brought in or promoted. It will give us a better indication of what to expect.
Our team is on the rise and the SB window is far from being closed. Unlike the Pats and Aints who are watching their key QB's playout the end of their careers. Those teams look like teams with closing windows, not the Rams.
