The FacilityDate Built
July 19, 2002
Ownership (Management)
Washington State Public Stadium Authority (First & Goal, Inc.)
Surface
FieldTurf
Cost of Construction
$360 million
Stadium Financing
Extension of county issued bonds serviced by car rental and hotel tax to raise $75 million; 6 additional lottery games to raise $91 million; Paul Allen to provide $100 million.
Naming Rights
Telecommunications corporation Qwest $75 million over 15 years.
Former Names
Seahawks Stadium (2002-2004)
Stadium ArchitectEllerbe Becket and First and Goal, Inc.
General Contractors / Construction Managers
Turner Construction Company
Qwest Field is aesthetically nested in the heart of downtown Seattle. The Stadium is split down the center with massive covered seating decks to protect the fans from the Seattle rain. But although visually appealing, these decks are functional in nature as well. Like two gigantic Bose headphones on each side of the field, the covered decks are actually acoustically optimized to direct crowd noise onto the field below. During each defensive series, the hometown crowd takes full advantage of Qwest Field's unique construction as noise levels rise when the opposing offense takes the field. Like two tangible walls of sound, crowd noise infects the field below to disrupt opposing offenses. Qwest Field is easily among the loudest stadiums that I've been in as evidenced by their league leading 60 opponent false start penalties since 2005 (as of October 21, 2007). Their closest competitor in this category resides in the Minneapolis Metrodome where Viking fans have caused only 42. The other nice feature of the Qwest Field design is the view of the Seattle Skyline provided in the South Endzone as the stadium opens up at ground level. It is a very impressive design, a unique blend of steel and brick that provides some protection from the elements, but not enough to disrupt the experience of being in an outdoor stadium that is subject to the elements. The Stadium design is very open, very welcoming. As a fan you get the feeling of communing with the city of Seattle on gameday as skyscrapers rise up around you. The thriving bar scene around Quest Field also provides an excellent venue for gameday celebration or in the event of a loss to drown your sorrows surrounded by compatriots that feel your pain.
Michael George Holmgren (born June 15, 1948 in San Francisco, California) is the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. Prior to being named the sixth coach of the Seahawks in January, 1999, Holmgren coached football at the high school, collegiate, and professional level, most notably as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, whom he led to a championship when the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI. One of Holmgren's claims to fame is the success he has experienced molding quarterbacks such as Joe Montana, Steve Young and Brett Favre during his tenures in San Francisco and Green Bay. During that time the Green Bay Packers were a consistent winner and Holmgren became known as one of the best coaches in the NFL. Under Holmgren's leadership and play calling, the Seahawks have become an annual playoff team and went to the franchise's first Super Bowl in 2005.
A breif look at Seattles Beloved Coach
Seattle Seahawks 1999- Present
Mike Holmgren resigned from the Green Bay Packers after the 1998 season to accept an eight year head coach contract offered by the Seattle Seahawks. Originally, Holmgren was the Executive Vice President/General Manager and Head Coach of the Seahawks. Following the 2002 season, Holmgren relinquished his duties as general manager to focus exclusively on coaching. Holmgren took the Seahawks to their first postseason since 1988 during his first season with the club in 1999, breaking a 10-year playoff drought. Holmgren has posted a 72-56 (56.3%) regular-season record and a 3-4 (42.9%) postseason record, including an AFC West Division title (1999), one NFC Wildcard berth (2003), four consecutive NFC West Division titles (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007), an NFC championship (2005), and the Seahawks' first-ever berth in a Super Bowl. Holmgren's (and the Seahawks') best season to date was 2005. The team posted the best regular-season 13-3 (81.3%) record in franchise history, set a team record 11 consecutive wins, and won their first playoff game since 1984. Holmgren also molded former Green Bay backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck into a Pro Bowl and Super Bowl quarterback in the 2005 NFL season (much as he did with Favre in the 90s), and coached Shaun Alexander to the NFL's MVP, a 2005 rushing title, and an NFL record 28 touchdowns in a single season. With the 2005 NFC Championship win, Mike Holmgren became the fifth member of a small coaching fraternity that has taken two different NFL teams to the Super Bowl, joining Bill Parcells, Dan Reeves, Don Shula, and Dick Vermeil. Had the Seahawks won Super Bowl XL, he would have become the first head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl with two different teams, but Seattle fell short, losing 21-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On January 22, 2008, Mike Holmgren announced he would serve out the remaining year of his contract and end his tenure as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks at the end of the 2008 NFL season[1]. Jim L. Mora, the defensive backs coach, will succeed Holmgren upon his departure.
Most common folk dont get to see Qwest field they way a player usually get to see Qwest field. So I thought I would take it upon myself to give everyone a quick tour.
In this picture Rex gets a great veiw of the Seattle Skyline while on his back.
Julian Peterson gives a guided tour for Alex Smith of the 49ers. Alex was actually looking to purchase a #8 hasselbeck jersey.
Curt Warner apparently was in a restricted area and dealt with quickly.
In this photo Patrick "THE BEAST" Kerney is about to give a personal tour of the turf to Mr Warner.
Marc Bulger was so in ahhh of the veiw of Qwest field that he took a moment to rest his eyes. He also noted that it sounds ARTIFICALLY loud here at Qwest Field.
Rex was told that the best view of the 12th Man flag was to be seated directly on the turf. Rex spent most of that day on turf gazing up at the flag pole.
Tom Ashworth helps a packer player pick up his souvenir Seahawks Football from the turf.
And is this last photo, this is what happens to unruley players that step out of line.
I hope you've all enjoyed the tour from a Opponentsperspective.
1976: Tragedy strikes the Seahawks before they even play their first game when Lloyd W. Nordstrom the expansion team's owner dies from a heart attack on January 20th while vacationing in Mexico. Nordstrom had been instrumental in landing an NFL team in the Pacific Northwest, and hiring the front office, but he never had a chance to see his team take the field. The Seahawks coached by Jack Patera finally play their first game on September 12th before a sold out Kingdome the expansion Seahawks played a solid game but had their desperation final pass intercepted in the endzone during a 30-24 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Seahawks would go on to lose their first 5 game before they beat the Buccaneers their brothers in expansion 13-10 in Tampa on October 17th. Three weeks later the Seahawks would earn their first home victory by beating the Atlanta Falcons 30-13 behind the 12-yard effort of RB Sherman Smith. These 2 wins would be the only on the season as the first year team completed a typical expansion-like record of 2-12.
1977: In one of the dumbest moves in franchise history the Seahawks trade their top pick in the draft to the Dallas Cowboys for 3 2nd round picks. The Cowboys would use the pick to select RB Tony Dorsett who would have a Hall of Fame career. In their 2nd season the Seahawks shifted from the NFC West to the AFC West, as they lost 5 of their first 6 games. On October 30th the Seahawks would earn their 2nd win of the season when QB Jim Zorn returned from an injury and threw 4 TD passes in a 56-17 win over the Buffalo Bills at the Kingdome. Two weeks later the Seahawks would get their first shutout over the Jets 17-0 in New York. The Seahawks would go on to finish with a 5-9 record, winning their final 2 games in the process. 1978: After splitting their first 12 games the Seahawks stun the Raiders 17-16 in Oakland beating them for the 2nd time in the season. It was the first time any opponent had beaten the Raiders twice in the same season in 13 years. The Seahawks would go on to finish with a 9-7 record, as WR Steve Largent has a breakout season with 1,168 receiving yards. 1979: The Seahawks stumble out of the gate losing 4 of their first 5 games. The Seahawks would recover in time to score a 31-28 comeback win over the Falcons in Atlanta in their first Monday Night Appearance. However a week later they would suffer their most humiliating loss at the Kingdome where they put up negative yardage in a 24-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks would bounce back to win 5 of their final 6 to finish with a 9-7 record for the 2nd year in a row.
1980: The Seahawks would get off to another solid start winning 4 of their first 7 games. However, defensive struggles would catch up with team as they lost their final 9 games to finish with a 4-12 record. The Seahawks defense was torched for 408 points on the season as they lost several games by a TD or less. 1981: The Seahawks get off to a terrible start losing 6 of their first 7 games, on the way to a 6-10 season. Despite the struggles Steve Largent would have another stellar season with 1,224 receiving yards. 1982: The Seahawks stumble out of the gate losing their first 2 games before a 2-month player strike. When play resumed the Seahawks took the field with a new coach after Jack Patera was fired. Under the leadership of Interim Coach Mike McCormick the Seahawks would go 4-3 to finish with a 4-5 record. Following the season McCormick returned to the front office as Chuck Knox was hired as the new coach. 1983: Through the first 12 games the Seahawks play up and down football, sweeping the Los Angeles Raiders while being swept by the San Diego Chargers on the way to forming a 6-6 record. With their playoff hopes dwindling, the Seahawks beat the Kansas City Chiefs 51-48 in a overtime shootout at the Kingdome. The win would boost the Seahawks to win 3 of their last 4 games to finish with a 9-7 record, good enough for a playoff berth. In the Wild Card game the Seahawks would use a balanced offensive attack to bet the Denver Broncos 31-7 at the Kingdome. A week later the Seahawks drive 66 yards in 5 plays late in the 4th quarter to capture divisional playoff win over the Dolphins 27-20 in Miami. However, a week later in the AFC Championship Game the Seahawks season would end with a 30-14 loss to the Raiders in Los Angeles. 1984: The Seahawks seize the momentum form the previous season by winning 12 of their first 14 games. Along the way the Seahawks defense posts 3 shutouts, including a game at the Kingdome on November 4th in which they beat the Kansas City Chiefs 45-0 in a game highlighted by 4 touchdowns off interceptions returns including 2 by Dave Brown. However the Chiefs would get revenge with a 34-7 win in the next to last game of the season, which set up a showdown for the AFC West in the final game of the season at the Kingdome against the Denver Broncos. The Seahawks would fall by a score of 31-14 to finish with a 12-4 record, but the loss forced them to settle for the Wild Card. In the Wild Card Game the Seahawks defense for 3 turnovers and 6 sacks in a 13-7 win over the Los Angeles Raiders at the Kingdome. However a week later their season would end with a 31-10 loss to the Dolphins in Miami. 1985: The Seahawks play mediocre football all season while posting a disappointing 8-8 record. During the season the Seahawks would win 2 straight only to lose their next 2, a pattern that repeated it self 4 times. Among the highlights was QB Dave Krieg who passes 3,602 yards on the season, highlighted by 405-yard passing game in a comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons at the Kingdome on October 13th. 1986: The Seahawks get off to a solid start winning 5 of their first 7 games including a 17-12 win over the New York Giants at the Kingdome on October 19th. However, the Seahawks would lose their next 4 games, which crippled the Seahawks playoff hopes. The Seahawks would go on to win their last 5 games to finish with a 10-6 record, but they would miss the playoff via a tiebreaker. Among the highlights of the season were Steve Largent who set a career record with consecutive games with a reception, and RB Curt Warner who had a career year rushing for 1,481 yards. 1987: Prior to the start of the season the Seahawks win a lottery for the right to pick LB Brian Bosworth in the supplemental draft. After the regulars split their first 2 games the Seahawks scabs play decent football winning 2 of 3. When the regulars returned the Seahawks played solid football winning 4 of their first 5 games to sit in strong playoff position with a 7-3 record. However the Seahawks would struggle down the stretch winning just 2 of their final 3 games. Non the less their 9-6 record was still good enough for a Wild Card berth, as WR Steve Largent made history again by breaking the record of career receptions. In the Wild Card Game the Seahawks would battle the Oilers back and forth all day before falling in overtime 23-20 in Houston. 1988: Steve Largent continues to make history as he sets the career record in receiving yards, as the Seahawks with their first 2 games. However in the 3rd game QB Dave Krieg suffers a shoulder separation and misses nearly 2 months as the Seahawks barely keep their head above water at 5-5. When Krieg returned the Seahawks would catch fire winning 3 of their final 4 games to capture their first AFC West title with a 9-7 record. However, the Seahawks would fall 21-13 in the Divisional Playoffs to the Bengals at Cincinnati. 1989: Playing in his final season WR Steve Largent suffers an elbow injury in a season opening loss to the Eagles in Philadelphia. In the game Largent caught a TD pass brining him to with 1 of the NFL record. Largent would return to tie and break the record, but the Seahawks struggled al year finishing with a 6-10 record. Prior to the season finale at the Kingdome the Seahawks honored Largent the last original Seahawk by retiring his number, and putting him in the ring of honor. Largent would retire holding career records in catches, yards, and Touchdowns. Although all of his records would fall within a few years, he would always be remembered as one of the best receivers of all time. 1990: The Seahawks stumble out of the gate losing their first 3 games. The Seahawks would slowly climb their way out of the hole finally reaching the .500 mark after the 12th game of the season. During the Seahawks rise back to .500 they had many thrilling comeback victories including on November 11th in Kansas City when QB Dave Krieg shook off a single game record of 7 sacks from Derrick Thomas to beat the Chiefs on 25-yards pass to Paul Skansi on the game's final play 17-16. The Seahawks would win 3 of their last 4 games to finish with a 9-7 record. However, they missed the playoff via tiebreaker. 1991: Viewed as the quarterback of the future the Seahawks use their first round pick to select Dan McGwire, the brother of baseball all-star Mark McGwire. McGwire would have to wait for his chance as he stood on the sidelines most of the season, as the Seahawks played mediocre football all season on the way to a 7-9 record. Following the season Coach Chuck Knox resigned to return to the Los Angeles Rams, 2-time Super Bowl winning coach Tom Flores would eventually replace him. 1992: With the departure of QB Dave Krieg, most expected to see Dan McGwire given the nod, but he struggled in the preseason and lost out to Stan Gelbaugh. However in the regular season Gelbaugh struggled as well as Kelly Stoufer too over. Stoufer would not fair much better, and McGwire looked lost every time he was on the field as the Seahawks scored just 140 points in the midst of a franchise worst 2-14 season. Despite the misery on offense, Cortez Kennedy shined on Defense winning Defensive player of the Year honors.
1993: The Seahawks all but give up on QB Dan McGwire by drafting Notre Dame golden boy Rick Mirer. Mirer, who drew comparisons to Joe Montana, is given the starting job right away. Under Mirer the Seahawks would lose their first 2 games, before bouncing back to win 4 of their next 5 to sit at 4-3. However, the Seahawks would do a noise dive lose 7 of their final 9 games to finish with a 6-10 record.
1994: Forced to play their first 3 home game at Husky Stadium on the campus of University of Washington after a concrete block fell at the Kingdome the Seahawks got off to a solid start winning 3 of their first 4 games. However, a 6-game losing streak, as they returned to the Kingdome. The Seahawks would go on to finish with a 6-10 record, despite a stellar 1,545-yard season from RB Chris Warren. Following the season Tom Flores would depart his coaching position to concentrate on his General Manager duties. To replace Flores on the sidelines the Seahawks hire Dennis Erickson from the University of Miami. 1995: The Dennis Erickson era gets off to a shaky start when the new coach is charged with drunk driving. Erickson would settle is legal troubles quietly, but the Seahawks on field struggles were hard to fix as QB Rick Mirer continued to struggle a 2-6 start. With John Friez replacing Mirer down the stretch the Seahawks would win 6 of their next 7 before finishing with an 8-8 record.
1996: With QB Rick Mirer's struggles continuing the Seahawks get off to a poor start again losing their first 3 games on the way to another season without the playoffs with a 7-9 record. Following a season in which he threw 12 interceptions to just 5 TDs Rick Mirer was released. 1997: After 9 seasons without a playoff berth the Seahawks began to become impatient, and it showed with the signing of aging QB Warren Moon. Moon would have an All-Pro season passing for 3,678 yards and 25 touchdowns. However, the 4-game losing streak near the end of the season doomed Seattle to another season without the playoffs with an 8-8 record. Changes appeared on the horizon as the team is sold to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Under Allen the Seahawks see a change in the front office as GM Tom Flores resigns.
1998: With a playoff or else ultimatum hanging over Coach Dennis Erickson's head the Seahawks get off to a solid start winning their first 3 games. However, Moon would be lost to injuries as the Seahawks struggled under John Kitna. Moon would return and the Seahawks would continue to play mediocre football to sit at 6-6 through 12 games. Facing the Jets in the Meadowlands the Seahawks would lose 32-31 when QB Vinny Testeverde lunge for the endzone was ruled a TD despite replays clearly showing only his bare hand crossed the endzone. That loss would be the backbreaker as the Seahawks went to finish with an 8-8 record missing the playoffs by just 1 game. Following the season coach Dennis Erickson is fired, and Mike Holmgren is hired away from the Green Bay Packers to fill the duel role of GM and coach. 1999: In their final season at The Kingdome the Seahawks get off to a terrific start wining 8 of their first 10 games, as QB John Kitna has a solid season passing for 3,346 yards. However, Kitna would struggle down the stretch as the Seahawks lost 4 0f their last 5 games. Fortunately for Seattle the good start was good enough for the Seahawks to win their 2nd Division Title with a 9-7 record. In the 1st Round the Seahawks hosted the Miami Dolphins in the final game ever at The Kingdome. The Seahawks would hold a 17-13 lead over the 6th seeded Dolphins midway through the 4th Quarter. However Dan Marino would have one last magic moment leading the Dolphins on a game winning TD drive with 5 minutes left to win the game 20-17. 2000: Within a few months of the playoff loss the Kingdome was leveled to make room for a brand new stadium. However, while the stadium was built the Seahawks were forced to play 2 seasons on the campus of University of Washington. Without a true home field the Seahawks struggled early, losing 7 of their first 9 games, as QB John Kitna fell out of favor with Coach Mike Holmgren and the fans. The Seahawks would go on to finish with a disappointing 6-10 record. Following the season the Seahawks cut Kitna and traded for Matt Hasselbeck. 2001: Young QB Matt Hasselbeck who the Seahawks acquired from the Green Bay Packers struggled early leading to singing of Trent Dilfer. The Seahawks would play only mediocre football most of the season under Hasselbeck going 5-7 in his starts. However, whenever Dilfer was on the field the Seahawks played with an extra spark, winning all 4 of his starts. Also making news was RB Shaun Alexander who had a break out game on November 11th in front of a Sunday Night National TV audience at Husky Stadium, when he rushed for 266 yards in a 34-27 win over the Oakland Raiders. It was the 4th highest single rushing game in NFL history on the way to a 1,318-yard season in which he scored 16 touchdowns. However, needing a win and help to make the playoffs in the final week of the season, the Seahawks did their part beating the Kansas City Chiefs 25-22. However they did not get the help they need and were the only team with a winning record at 9-7 not to make the playoffs. 2002: The Seahawks finally opened their state of the art stadium, moving back to the NFC West where they played their inaugural season in 1976, as part of the NFL's realignment. After dropping their first game on the road the Seahawks would open Seahawks Stadium with a disappointing 24-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, as they dropped 5 of their first 6 games. Things appeared to go from bad to worse in Week 7 when QB Trent Dilfer injured his Achilles on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. However, backup Matt Hasselbeck would come on to lead the Seahawks to a 17-14 victory spoiling a record day for Emmitt Smith who set the NFL's al-time rushing mark. With Dilfer out the rest of the season Matt Hasselbeck would play strong in his place as the Seahawks finished the season on a strong note winning their final 3 games with Hasselbeck passing for 3,075 yards as the Seahawks posted a record of 7-9, while RB Shaun Alexander led the NFC with 18 Touchdowns. 2003: The Seahawks got off to a roaring start winning their first 3 games to take an early 2 game lead in the NFC West. However after a bye week the Seahawks looked rusty in a 35-13 road loss to the Green Bay Packers. However the Seahawks would recover to win their next games at home, as they would defend their nest in style all season winning all 8 games at Seahawks Stadium. However the road would be a different story as after a solid 38-0 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2 the Seahawks lost their next 6 road games which included a hard to swallow Week 12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens where they had a 41-24 lead in the 4th Quarter disappear as the Ravens won in OT 44-41. The Seahawks road woes would cost them first place, as they entered the final game of the season on the road against the San Francisco 49ers just to make the playoffs. After trailing 14-0 early in the 2nd Quarter the Seahawks came to life scoring 2 quick TDs before halftime. The momentum carried on to the second half where they would get the win 24-17 to sew up a playoff spot with a solid 10-6 record. In the playoffs the Seahawks would return to Green Bay for a match up against the Packers in a home coming for both Coach Mike Holmgren, who mentored Packers Coach Mike Sherman and QB Matt Hasselbeck a former back up to Packers QB Brett Favre. After trailing at halftime 13-6 the Seahawks came out smoking and took a 20-13 lead. From there the game went back and forth as at the end of regulation it was tied at 27. In overtime as the Seahawks won the coin toss Hasselbeck boasted the Seahawks would win. However Hasselbeck may have been too aggressive as he had a pass intercepted by All Harris and returned for the game winning TD that end the Seahawks season in heartbreak 33-27. 2004: With hopes high on winning a division title the Seahawks got off to a strong start winning their first 3 games. However with a chance to get a stranglehold for the NFC West the Seahawks blew a 24-7 halftime lead against the St. Louis Rams losing in overtime at home 33-27. The loss would be the first of 3 in a row as the Seahawks began a pattern of inconsistent play that would frustrate fans the rest of the season. With the hopes of helping their struggling receiving crew the Seahawks acquired legendary WR Jerry Rice form the Oakland Raiders. The acquisition of Rice would have little effect as the Seahawks hovered near .500 all season, including another frustrating loss to the Rams. However it would still be good enough to win the NFC West if they won their final game as Shaun Alexander battled for the NFL rushing title while scoring 20 Touchdowns. Alexander would fall 1 yard short with 1,696 yards but the Seahawks would hold on stopping the Atlanta Flacons on a 2-point conversion attempt to preserve a 28-26 win to clinch the NFC West with a 9-7 record. In the playoffs the Seahawks would faced their nemesis the Rams again. Once again it would be battle as the game went back and forth with the Rams leading 27-20 as the Seahawks drove for a game tying TD, as Matt Hasselbeck tried to redeem himself from his playoff interception return in OT. On 4th and goal with one last chance to tie the game Hasselbeck found Bobby Engram in the endzone. However the pass would slip through his hands as the Rams held on beating the Seahawks for the third time, as a frustrated Matt Hasselbeck punched the ground in anger.
2005: After more playoff disappointment there was a sense that this was going to be a make or break season for Coach Mike Holmgren, already stripped of his General Manager duties it was well known he was on the hot seat as the season began, as the Seahawks had not won a playoff game in over 20 years. The season would not start off well as the Seahawks lost on the road to the Jacksonville Jaguars 26-14. Coming home the Seahawks would rebound nicely to edge the Atlanta Falcons 21-18 as Shaun Alexander after a rough Week 1 began his run towards one of the greatest offensive seasons in NFL history by rushing for 144 yards. After another home win over the Arizona Cardinals the Seahawks hit another bump in the road as they were stunned by the Washington Redskins in overtime 20-17. Week 5 would bring a big test as they faced their nemesis from 2004 the St. Louis Rams on the road. After losing three times in 2004 the Seahawks showed that this year would be different as they won behind the rushing of Alexander again 37-31, while WR Joe Jereivicius began establishing himself as a go to guy with 137 yards and one TD. The win over the Rams seemed to be just the spark the Seahawks needed as they started to roll as they started to mount a winning streak winning games by blowouts such as their home rematch with the Rams and games that they had to rely on a little luck like their 7th straight win over the New York Giants which they won in overtime 20-17 after Giants kicker Jay Feely missed three potential game winning field goals. At 9-2 the Seahawks were well on there way to a division title but still had not grabbed any national attention that was until a Monday Night match up with a batter and bruised Philadelphia Eagles team. Highlighted by two interception returns for Touchdowns by Andre Dyson and Rookie Lofa Tatupu the Seahawks clobbered the Eagles jumping out to a 35-0 halftime lead on the way a 42-0 win for their 8th straight victory. A week later the Seahawks flew high again ripping the San Francisco 49ers 41-3 to complete a perfect 6-0 record against the NFC West rivals and improve to 11-2. After a 28-24 road win over the Tennessee Titans in which Alexander rushed for 172 yards the Seahawks extended their impressive win streak to 11 games by beating the Indianapolis Colts 28-13 in what some saw as a Super Bowl Preview. With nothing really to play for in the final week of the season the Seahawks concentrated on rest and individual accomplishments as Shaun Alexander set a new single season record with 28 Touchdowns while clinching the rushing title with 1,880 yards in a 23-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers on the road. Despite the season ending loss the Seahawks headed to the playoffs with a best ever 13-3 record, and home field advantage in the NFC, as Shaun Alexander won both the Offensive Player of the Year Award and the NFL MVP.
2005: After a bye week the Seahawks faced the Washington Redskins in the Division Round of the Playoffs. Things would not go as smoothly as planned as MVP Shaun Alexander suffered a concussion on the game's first series as the game was scoreless for the first 21 minutes before the Redskins struck first on 26-yard field goal by John Hall. Without Alexander the Seahawks needed a big day by QB Matt Hasslebeck who delivered with a 29-yard TD pass to Darrell Jackson to give the Seahawks a 7-3 halftime lead. Relying on defense and Hasslebeck the Seahawks extended the lead to 14-3 in the 3rd Quarter on a 6-yard QB run. After expanding the lead to 17-3 early in the 4th Quarter the Redskins suddenly and quickly got back into the game by driving down the field quickly to make it 17-10. Then on the ensuing kickoff Josh Schobee fumbled giving the Redskins the ball deep in Seattle territory. However, the Seahawks defense would not give in an inch and the Redskins missed a short field goal to swing the momentum back to the Seahawks who would go on to win the game 20-10 ending a 21-year drought without a playoff win, and earning a trip to the NFC Championship Game. In the Championship Game the 12th Man was louder then ever as the Seahawks faced the Carolina Panthers. The Seahawks would jump out early as Matt Hasslebeck hit Jerramy Stevens on a 17-yard TD pass. Using their defense to shut down Panthers vaunted WR Steve Smith the Seahawks lead would eventually jump out to a 17-0 lead on the first play of the 2nd Quarter as Shaun Alexander scored on 1-yard run. After the Panthers broke through on a Steve Smith Punt Return for a TD, the Seahawks would go into halftime riding high up 20-7. In the 3rd Quarter is more of the same as Qwest Field continued to rock as the Hasslebeck hit Darrell Jackson to extend the lead to 27-7. Alexander would score another TD in the 4th Quarter as the Seahawks won the game easily 34-14 to earn a trip to Super Bowl XL. Super Bowl XL: In every great story there has to be a villain and the Seahawks were cast as the villain out to spoil Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jerome Bettis storybook ending with the Super Bowl in his hometown of Detroit. Not given much of a chance the Seahawks were 11-point underdogs. However, early on it was the Seahawks defense that was the story as they shutdown Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger early taking a 3-0 lead late into the 2nd Quarter. However the Steelers offense would finally break through at the 2-minute warning as Roethlisberger snuck the ball just over the goaline. However, some replays showed the ball did not cross at all as the Steelers took a 7-3 lead. Before the half there would be more controversy as a Matt Hasslebeck to Darrell Jackson TD pass was ruled out of bounds, although some replays showed Jackson did get both feet down in the endzone. The play would not be reviewed as Josh Brown missed a 54-yard FG attempt at the end of the first half. After the Steelers extended the lead to 14-3 on a 75-yard TD run to begin the 3rd Quarter, the Seahawks began to see the game slipping away as the Steelers got the ball back and appeared to be driving in for another score, when Kelly Herndon intercepted a Roethlisberger pass and returned in 75 yards to set the Seahawks up for TD as Hasslebeck hit Jerramy Stevens on a 16-yard pass to cut the deficit to 14-10. However, in the 4th Quarter the questionable calls from the referees would continue to mount Hasslebeck had a pass intercepted by Ike Taylor and was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty on a low block. The Steelers would take quick advantage of the Seahawks who seemed dazed and confused by the calls all game as Antwaan Randle-El hit the game's MVP Hines Ward on 43-yard TD pass that gave the Steelers a 21-10 win leaving the Seahawks with a bitter taste in their mouth as they flew home, while taking parting shots at the game's officials.
2006: Coming off their first trip ever to the Super Bowl the Seahawks once again got off to a strong start winning their first three games. However a foot injury sidelined MVP Shaun Alexander, and slowed down the Seahawks offense significantly. After a 37-6 loss on the road to the Chicago Bears, the Seahawks returned home and found themselves trailing the St. Louis Rams 21-7 at halftime. However, led by Matt Hasselbeck who threw three touchdown passes the Seahawks were able to rally and win the game 30-28 on a 54-yard Field Goal by Josh Brown with four seconds left. A week later the Seahawks 12-game home winning streak would come to an end as Matt Hasselbeck joined Shaun Alexander on the sideline with a sprained knee as the Seahawks were beaten by the Minnesota Vikings 31-13. After a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Seahawks used their defense to get back in the win column beating the Oakland Raiders 16-0 behind nine sacks. In their third straight game without Matt Hasselbeck, the Seahawks used another late field goal by Josh Brown to beat the Rams at home 24-22. Shaun Alexander would return for a road game against the San Francisco 49ers, However he was limited to just 37 yards as the 49ers won the game 20-14. A week later Matt Hasselbeck would return as Alexander rushed for 201 yards leading the Seahawks to a 34-24 win over the Green Bay Packers. A week later in Denver, Josh Brown played hero again hitting a 50-yard in a 23-20 win over the Broncos. At 8-4 the Seahawks appeared to be cruising to a third straight division title. However, three straight losses had the Seahawks needing a win in their final game just to hold on. The Seahawks would rise to the occasion beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-7 as their offense and defense both played well on the road. Facing the Dallas Cowboys at home the Seahawks found themselves trailing in the 4th Quarter 20-13, as their offense seemed stuck in neutral. However, when Cowboys WR fumbled into the enddzone the Seahawks suddenly had new life with a safety. The Seahawks would take full advantage scoring on a 37-yard Matt Hasselbeck to Jeremy Stevens TD pass to take a 21-20 lead. However, after a failed two-point conversion the Seahawks had to hold on for dear life. With the Cowboys driving it looked as if it would be heartbreak for the Seahawks, as the Cowboys had an easy 19-yard FG with 1:19 left. However, the snap was botched by Cowboys QB Tony Romo, allowing the Seahawks hold on, and win 21-20. A week later the Seahawks would return to Solider Field for a rematch with the Bears, this game would go considerably better for the Seahawks, who used two Shaun Alexander touchdowns to take a 24-21 lead into the 4th Quarter. However, the Bears would rally and force overtime on a 41-yard field goal by Robbie Gould. In overtime the Seahawks got the ball first, but stalled at midfield. From there it would be Gould again as the Bears kicker nailed the game winner at 4:53 from 49-yards out to send the Bears to the NFC Championship Game.
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