Ok, I said I'd be back with a more substantive top ten list and here it is.If anyone has been around this site over the past month, he or she would know I give the Seahawks no respect.I think they've proven nothing and I think Shaun Alexander, although very deserving from a statistical perspective, did not warrant the league MVP (gasp!).
Now I tried to write a preview of last week's Jags/Pats game, and with the help of some others, I saw that it was too opinion heavy and it lacked a lot of statistical backup in certain areas like special teams.So I took it down.Lo and behold, the game unfolded exactly as I had said it would.I also picked the winners of the other three games.Guess how many stats I looked at before the game?That's right, zero.I firmly believe that if you watch enough NFL, you can just as accurately predict the outcome o####ame without stats as you can with stats.I'm not being lazy, I'm being serious.In many respects, stats are like Bible verses to me.Whenever you show me one stat that indicates a certain thing will happen, I can probably find another one that will contradict it in some way.No matter how much they seem to favor one side, stats don't win games.That's why I prefer to take everything into account and make an educated guess, minus the stats.You agree?I didn't think so.
By the way, this is not a promotional stunt of sorts.I seriously think the Skins are going to win the game straight up.And I also realize not only that many people will give me a low score for making an assertion based on very little statistical evidence, but also that whatever happens, they are very unlikely to return.But, if you've read either of my other two serious pieces over the last month, you would know that if I think I'm right, I'm not afraid to hold an unpopular view and stand by it until proven wrong (which very well may happen).Regardless, here are my top ten reasons the Skins won't need the nine points this weekend.
10.Home field advantage means nothing in this case.
I've heard a lot of talk about the advantage the Seahawks will hold this year with home field advantage throughout the playoffs.I don't agree.It's not as if the Skins are a warm-weather team heading into a cold-weather climate in the middle of January.They are also not a dome team going to play outdoors.Speaking of dome teams, did everyone forget when the Seahawks team had home field advantage in last year's playoffs and they lost to the Rams?The Rams.They lost a home playoff game on grass to the Rams and a year later home field is supposed to give them a great advantage?Bah!
9.The power of the U.
Love'em or hate'em (mostly hate'em), you can't deny that Miami's football team is a consistent winner.In my opinion, having the mentality of a winner is very often underrated when it comes to sports and making predictions.You can be the most athletically gifted human being, and if you don't have it up top, it means nothing.Clinton Portis, Sean Taylor, Santana Moss?They're all from the U and they all play a major role in the Skins' game plan.
8.Skins took the last one.
This is just baffling.Back in week three, the Skins won the game outright.Fast forward to the end of the season where the Seahawks haven't played a meaningful game in weeks and the Skins have won six games in a row, all of the sudden the Seahawks are 9 point favorites.If I could bet my crutches, I would.
7.The momentum factor.
See above.The Skins have won six games in a row.They're hot.When a team goes on a tear like that into the playoffs, they're always dangerous, especially when the other team hasn't been tested in a long time.Period.
6.The Seahawks are this season's version of last year's Colts.
Does anyone remember last year's playoffs?I seem to remember hearing a lot of "The Colts have finally turned the corner and this time they're going to get the job done.Their offense is just too good for the Patriots to stop."The Colts then proceeded to get their butts handed to them—again.You can talk about not getting respect all day long.Do something that deserves respect (i.e. not beating up on the Niners and Cardinals or shellacking a depleted and demoralized Eagles team) and then you might get respect.You don't get respect by talking about not getting it.
5.Seattle's atrocious schedule
I'm not making this up.You can check this out.Here are the Seahawks' wins from this year:Cardinals (2), Niners (2), Rams (2), Texans, Falcons, Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, Titans, Colts. I see two wins against playoff teams:Giants (a gift courtesy of Jay Feely) and the Colts (a completely meaningless game for the Colts).We've touched on the Eagles game and the Cowboys game was also a gift.I completely understand that a win is a win.I've taken that into account.But tell me why a 13-3 record against those teams warrants respect?The Seahawks don't deserve respect.They deserve a pat on the back for not screwing up.That's about it.
4.We just can't trust Matt Hasselbeck.
Remember what I said about having it up top and being a winner.If during the coin toss of an overtime playoff game, you say into the ref's microphone, "we want the ball and we're going to win" and then you throw an interception that is returned for a touchdown to lose the game—you don't have it.
3.Seattle's defense has not impressed.
I admit that they're better than they used to be.But again, look at their schedule.Also, they were down 24-14 against the Titans in a game that meant absolutely nothing to the Titans.If you can't put a team away with nothing to play for (not even a rival or a team playing spoiler in the last game of the season) when you're still trying to gain home field advantage, I'm not impressed with your defense's ability.
2.Coaching
Ok, Holmgren won it all with the Packers.I'll give him that.But what has he done since?And who couldn't win it with Brett Favre when he was entering the prime of his career?Joe Gibbs has multiple rings and has taken a team no one could turn around and once again make them a force to be reckoned with.Advantage Skins.
1.I am the most tortured sports fan in the history of man.
This might be the most convincing reason right here.I made this point a while ago.Last Philly championship?1983.I can remember watching sports back to when?1984.What's worse than not seeing your team make the playoffs?Moving to one of their division rival's city and having to watch that team in the playoffs while you listen to all of their fans talk about it.
Well, there they are.Let the name-calling begin.I can't wait to hear the comments in response to this post. I hope no small children with an advanced reading ability walk by my computer. You know what, though?Even if the Skins get beat 45-0, I'm happy with the fact that I had the guts to say what I thought was truly going to happen.And I don't think anyone is betting his paycheck based on my expertise anyway.
***featurepresentation made a good point that I forgot to make. If I were betting, I'd definitely take the points and not the money line. But I still really do think the Skins will take it outright.
det...not just saying this because i'm a redskins fan, but you have some valid points. i agree the skins will win (or at least keep it under the spread of 9.5)
I think the one thing that you are misjudging here (and it's a big one) is home field advantage. You have to be at Qwest field to appreciate it. There's no need for seats because the fans are on their feet the whole game. They've set up an extra 10,000+ temporary bleacher seats and SRO spots. Neither team can block out the emotional impact of that for 60 minutes.
obc, I admit, I've never been there. But I think these guys are professionals and won't be distracted by an extra 10,000 people. And if it was such a big advantage, why didn't they win last year's game when the played there? Just sayin'. I'd rather make jokes anyway so it's not a big deal.
I think 9 points is definitely a bit much for the spread, but I don't see how the Skins are going to win if their offense plays as badly as it did last week. I think Alexander gives the Seahawks the edge though.
Detpack,
I believe Peyton (before he decided to take the bench) complained about the noise at Qwest Field. I find your statements amusing since the Colts got busted for using their speakers to boost crowd noise in an attempt to distract the visiting teams. Apparently it is a safe deduction that crowd noise is important to the Colt’s management/players. Why else would they do that?
If you want to talk schedule strength, let’s look at the Colts, 1) they played 7 teams under .500 this year for a total of NINE games!; and 2) several of them (Texans(2), Titans(2) Niners, Rams, Cards) were the same teams you use discredit Seattle’s schedule. Come on now detpack, you clearly have that east coast bias and that Miami U statement proves that point.
Last edited by harvardyard on January 12th at 1:19 AM.
detpack, first of all, well done, a big improvement over the last one. Still though, at some points you showed why you need to be so funny - your sports knowledge is good, but you have some holes as well.
10. Home Field Advantage has nothing to do with the weather- Seattle doesn't have great home field advantage because of the weather. They have the loudest stadium in the NFL, and I mean the loudest. Every team finds it impossible to play there. I think Brunell will fair better than most, but the Skins had trouble last week in Tampa dealing with the crowd and I think they may struggle again.
9. Santana Moss- 2 catches, 18 yards last week. Sean Taylor= ejected from the game. Clinton Portis= 53 yards. While Taylor and Portis both scored TD's last week, I really don't see them being from the U as a great reason for them winning. If the Skins want any shot at winning, Portis needs 100+ yards and Sean Taylor needs to keep his head on straight though.
8. Skins took the last one- Barely means anything, but I'll give you this one. This was early on in the season, before the Seahawks caught fire.
I've gtg for now, I'll be back later for a look at the rest of your points.
I see what you're saying, but I've got to disagree on several of the points. For an exhausted team like the Skins to win three in a row on the road, after traveling cross country following something like 120 yards of offense against the Bucs, homefield does mean something.
I agree, you can't trust Hasselbeck, but can you trust Mark Brunell at this point in his career? He had 50-some passing yards last week. Sean Taylor's bound to do something dumb too.
Momentum can be deceiving, especially in the playoffs--its here, then its gone.
All that being said, I do agree with the Schedule of Seattle and the coaching aspect going to Gibbs.
Yes the hawks had an easier schedule this year and yes they lost to the rams last year and yes this is a game the hawks have never played before and defitnely never won before. So maybe they lose. Wrong. The hawks are an offensive knot the best sailor couldnt untie. The skins will do what the giants did and stack the box which will make seattle pass. The skins dont have the D line to cause havoc like the giants and as soon as they get out of position or take one play off or just blink at the wrong time....BOOM there goes alexander for 55. Turnovers are the only way skins d can hope to contain. Seattle d is tough as nails in red zone and theres just not enough game breakers to take advantage of seattles full speed mental mistakes. The hawks have enough youth,raw speed and heart to make up for most any breakdowns in assingments and coverage. Plus there red zone defense gets as tough as any team in the league. It would take a really bad game by the hawks to lose
Det: Respectfully....As arabchicken said, you have to have been to the Q to understand the advantage that it provides. It is an "almost" a dome stadium. The only area that is open to the elements is directly over the playing field. 90% of the seats are covered with roof. The sound bounces back and forth and echoes, ever growing in intensity as it does so. The extra bleachers and SRO spots increase a normally 70K seating structure to nearly 80K, and every one of those 80K can be counted on to be vocal (oh, sure, some of them are Skins families and fans, but not that many). I also offer, and second, the opinions of the following article about the four sets of difference makers/playmakers on this year's Hawks team:
I, too, think that it will be a low scoring game, and the team with the most momentum, and the most ability to confuse/confound the other team, will be the winner. One duo that the article mentioned above did not talk about, but should have, was the duo of the honorary captains for the game--Alexander and Tatupu.
No, the Hawks don't have Clinton Portis and his postgame shenanigans, but they don't need him.
Let's get together here again Sunday and see who was right.
Oh, yeah, P.S.: The Hawks have the number 2 red zone defense in the NFL.
Last edited by sleeplessinseattle on January 12th at 6:09 AM.
Harvard: I never said crowd noise didn't make a difference. I said it didn't make a huge difference and it won't make a team that would normally lose win. 10,000 extra seats is also different than speakers in a dome. Nobody remembers KC getting beat in Arrowhead by the Colts a few years back? I heard Arrowhead is pretty loud.
Arab: Very good point about the U's performance last week, but they're not going to blow up every time, especially against Tampa. Just because a player doesn't put up stats one game doesn't mean he's not in the huddle. Also, home field advantage can have A LOT to do with weather. Check out how many dome teams have won a SuperBowl. I can remmeber one.
Sleep: The fact that the Hawks are your team and you can not take things personal is appreciated. Don't worry, I will be back Sunday to graciously apologize if/when I'm wrong.
The East Coast bias? That's laughable. I hate Miami but you can't deny their success. And I watched a lot of the Hawks' games this year on Sunday Ticket. Just because they're not my hometown team, doesn't mean that's why I think they won't win.
Also, no one seems to have answered the question of if Qwest field is such a huge home field advantage, why didn't they win last year's playoff game? Were the Rams that much better?
Last edited by detpack on January 12th at 7:13 AM.
The Skins will lose and there is one major reason. Seattle is a balanced team, they can run the ball, pass the ball, and play defense. The Dedskins on the other hand have an offense that seems to be lost at the moment. I will admit that they have had stellar play from Brunell, Portis, Moss, and Cooley at times. The problem is that their little run of success is over come Saturday.
Seattle is completely healthy once again, Herndon and Dyson have finally returned to practice and will play Saturday, so there goes the Skins passing game out the window. Herndon and Dyson may not be great but they do allow the defensive line enough time to get to the QB. Before Dyson and Herndon went out the Seahawks were leading the NFL in sacks.
In Detpack's case, I really don't belive he truly meant what he wrote, so I forgive him this one time.
Last years Seahawks' had talent and thats all. That is why the Rams beat them. They had no team chemistry. Why is this year different you might ask. They dumped some players that they didn't need and picked up some that I think has made the main difference. Lofa Tatupa has become a great leader on defense as well as Bryce Fisher. Replacing Koren Robinson with Joe Jurevicious turned out to be a brilliant move.
Last edited by crSeattle on January 12th at 7:09 AM.
Cr, I appreciate the latitude, but I stand firmly behind what I said. Again, I won't back down from what I think will happen because it's an unpopular opinion. I will say, though, that we can all intelligently agree to disagree and debate without calling each other jackas*es and morons and the like. At least I hope so.
Last edited by detpack on January 12th at 7:05 AM.
Cr, I hope you come back and read this. I wasn't talking about you. I've seen a lot of people on this site and in sports discussions in general use those phrases. Please accept my apology if you thought I was referring to you or anyone else who has commented so far.
detpak, I like the call. The skins d is rising and I like their position. 10,000 extra fans, 10,000 extra shans. I also also appreciate this miami factor you sight. Good luck.
Last edited by Mattgerd on January 12th at 7:30 AM.
It be nice if your TOP 10 reasons pan out (they are well thought out and bold) - but, I think a couple of your points for why the Skins will win, will actually be the reason they lose.
The emotional tank for the Skins should be quite empty, especially with their victory over Tampa last week... think about it, the Skins have been in a "playoff mode" for the last regular 5 weeks of the NFL season, when they surpassed Dallas to take the last NFC playoff spot.
They've been in a "we can't lose" mode for so long, and I just think that wears negatively on a team; I say the tank runs empty this week. Unlike Tampa where they went up quickly and held their lead, I don't see Washington ever leading this game - infact, I don't even see Washington coming back to tie the game - this game will probably be the most anti-climatic of all NFL contests this weekend.
We'll see how it pans out. But you know the saying - - "that's why they play the games."
Excellent post - keep up the good work.
TJ
PS: The one area where Skins actually have a marked advantage is on Special Teams, and if the game of field position comes in to play, this is the only hope for the Skins. But in the end, I see the emotional high coming to an end for Washington - it was a nice run for them while it lasted.
Great point, TJ. Much like stats, we can go back and forth all day long and at times even use the same reason to defend both sides. I'll still stick with my pick, though.
I didn't think you refering to me. Anyway, when it comes to people who can't debate without calling names or putting someone down due to their ideas has alot to learn in the world of debating.
DrCrab: Tampa's defense is number #1 only in about 1 category, yards allowed, I believe. The Bears have a better stats on yards per play, scoring against, and 3rd and 4th down completion %.
The Skins did play bad on offense. You can win a game, but still play terribly on offense (as a Bears fan, we should know--it happens nearly every week).
I am glad you posted this top 10, because I was not at all impressed with your other entry.
A theme that keeps repeating itself in your blog is your disservice to yourself. Phrases such as, "I took my post down," "I had to get something in before the deadline," "so-and-so convinced me to nix a real preview" & even your profile are fine for blogging, but not for a journalist. They don't convine me that YOU believe what you have written is good. Why would that compel me to read it?
From what I can see, you have potential for both humorous and serious writing. My favorite writers can use both as tools. It was your 2 serious pieces that originally caught my eye. I liked the versatility, though they needed to be edited. Too wordy and could use some organization.
This top 10 list shows an abilty to write a reasonably serious piece while injecting humor. So keep learning & stop apologizing for your style. Your opinions give readers plenty to banter with you about...
especially when you start talkin' crazy about homefield advantage not helping the 'Hawks!
Point taken. As writers, we're always learning (not an apology). By the way, has anyone figured out if this is still a blogging competition or are we supposed to be writing everything as articles for a webiste or in a magazine? I'm confused. Thanks for stopping by.
Last edited by detpack on January 12th at 8:48 AM.
detpack- I understand what a dome can mean. But I don't think you understand what the Q means for the Seahawks. No stadium is louder and more raucous than the Q. There are few stadiums harder to deal with than Qwest Field. The entire city of Seattle is obsessed with the Seahawks right now and you can bet the farm Brunell will have some problems with the crowd. You seriously need to reconsider your statement that home field advantage means nothing.
6. This point I agree with. The Redskins are on a role. But don't discount the Seahawk's role either. Before resting their starters in Week 17, they hadn't lost since Week 4.
5. The Seahawks don't deserve respect? If the Seahawks don't, then neither do the Redskins. That 5 game winning streak to end the season was against only one playoff team. Another thing to keep in mind, the Redskins have only beaten one legit team on the road this year, and that was Dallas in Week 2.
Disclaimer: I am picking the Redskins this week, so don't think I'm hating on them. I just see this game as a lot closer and a lot less to do with what is in the past.
4. This is a different Matt Hasslebeck. Much like the rest of the Seahawks team, you simply can't hold what has happened in previous years against them. This team has changed. Hasslebeck is a much better QB.
3. I wouldn't say they haven't impressed, but I do agree they are not as good as many say. Still though, the Redskins O-Line struggled last week and the Seahawks have a great pass rush. I do think Portis busts out in this game though.
1. What did you just run out of reasons? If you wanna talk tortured fans, look no further than Seattle. The Sonics, Seahawks, and Mariners have won absolutely ZERO titles. Oh and theres Cleveland as well. Still though, nothing to do with the game.
Yeah you all think I hate the Redskins, but I don't. I like them in this game for different reasons, reasons that have a lot to do more with matchups than history. I like a motivated Portis who is still smarting from last week's poor game. I like Brunell in the playoffs, he has that veteran savvy. I like a motivated Sean Taylor who has to be devastated about what happened last week. And I like Santana Moss to bust out after being held in check last week by the phenominal Bucs secondary. Seattle's back 4 aren't great. Chris Cooley will resurface and make it harder to key in on Moss. While the crowd will be tough to deal with, I think a vet like Brunell will find a way to solve it.
Don't assume things, my friend. I meant home field advantage means nothing in terms of having a major impact on who will win. Since you picked the Skins, I assume you agree. Of course home field will always give an advantage in some regard (unless you play for the Lions). How could it not?
Also, not once did I say the game wouldn't be close. I even said I wouldn't take the money line if I were betting. My ultimate conclusion, though, is that the Skins will win.
I also think you make some more very good points that I didn't. Does anyone know if Tony Kornheiser has any chidren? I'm going to look that up right now.
Last edited by detpack on January 12th at 9:02 AM.
Wow...this is not bad. More substance and less jokes. I do agree that Redskins have a great chance in winning as I don't believe that Seattle is as good as their record. I agree that they had a pretty weak schedule, barely won games when they should have dominated and they had lucky breaks in close games(Giants and Cowboys), but even after all that I still think that Seattle will win this weekend. One of your points is momentum and I will have to say that momentum in the NFL is crapola. Reason being is any given Sunday anything can happen. Remember when the Colts were riding a 14 game winning streak and they played the Chargers coming of a playoff crushing defeat to the Dolphins. The Chargers won. Remember when the Chargers seemed unstoppable and riding a 4 or 5 game winning streak and got whupped by the Dolphins. Momentum matters not. I actually would be wary about teams winning to many games heading into the playoffs. Its a higher percentage that you will have a bad game and you will lose. That is the same reason why I am also picking Denver over New England. Sooner or later you're going to lose. Just depends on when. Not saying that Redskins will lose, just stating I am picking Seattle to win this week.
I love the pure shock in some people's tone when I write on something besides nicknames. Lol. I completely understand it though.
By the way, Arab, I looked it up and saw that Kornheiser has a son. Couldn't find out how old he is so you're safe for now. I also saw that ESPN considered Kornheiser for MNF next year but ultimately went with Theisman. That made me very sad. I think I'm going to put on some "Simple Plan" and feel sorry for myself.
Detpack,
Where is your rebuttal to my above statements about the Colt’s schedule? I will restate it for simplicity. The Colts, 1) they played 7 teams under .500 this year for a total of NINE games!; and 2) several of them (Texans(2), Titans(2) Niners, Rams, Cards) were the same teams you use discredit Seattle’s schedule. The Ravens and Browns are the other two teams below .500 in the Colt’s schedule.
Last edited by harvardyard on January 12th at 9:45 AM.
My response to that would be that the Colts also beat the Steelers, the Bengals (at Cincy), the Pats (at NE), and the Jags (two times, even though I think they were way overrated) during the regular season. There's five wins against playoff teams, two of whom have won their first playoff game. My ultimate rebuttal (and I don't mean this in a snide way) is that I wasn't previewing the Colts game and the only time I mentioned them was to say that they were overrated last year. I'm not sure how we got to this point of debate. For all you know, I think the Colts are going to lose as well (not a belief I necessarily adhere to, but also not a huge stretch in my opinion). As always, thanks for your thoughts. They're appreciated.
Last edited by detpack on January 12th at 9:59 AM.
Detpack, I am glad you came back with substantial facts. I AGREE COMPLETELY. I couldnt have written better myself. The Seahawks are highly overrated. And your point about home field...AGREE!! I was at the Kansas City-Indy game in 2003 (huge chiefs fan) and saw that home field does not always matter. The Best team wins anyway. Go Redskins
The Seahawks are the favorites for a reason. The Redskins are on a bit of a winning streak...but it's not as if they have been dominating their opponents. The Seahawks are the best team in the NFC this year, which pains me to say as an Eagles fan. Holmgren has improved this team each year even with some "issues" with various receivers. Good, solid team will beat the Skins. All of the other playoff games will be closer than this one.
Well done detpack. Great piece, sound thoughts and I agree wih you, the Skins do take this, IF Hasselbeck proves himself to be the lawn furniture we all believe him to be, and folds.
I had no idea their schedule was that soft. That does say quite a bit.
If he stand up to the rush and resists the urge to throw into double coverage, the 'Hawks take it.
Detpack,
Refer back to your point number 5 and your comments made on sleeplessinseattles blog regarding Alexander winning the MVP. How I got onto the Colts schedule is a mix of the two. I like to fact check and address what has been overlooked. While not necessarily related to your blog, you did mention schedule strength which prompted my response. Come on now, did you forget that you addressed schedule strength?
lol detpack you never cease to keep me laughing. Kornheiser btw would have been a much better choice than Theismann, who doesn't know anything about commentatin (hmm...maybe I am Tony's son). Don't think that I'm trashing your article (not saying you are), I thought it was good especially considering it is a change of pace for you, which is always good. But I do feel at some points you do underestimate the Seahawks.
I know what you're referring to on Sleep's blog. I can also say that I quickly tired with that discussion when people seemed to really start to take things personally (it's actually where I got the "you're a jackas*" comment from). Since I respect Sleep, I didn't want to turn her blog into a debate between me and 10 other people (alot of whom were probably Hawks' fans given the topic). As for schedule strength, I certainly did address it in this list and I stand by what I said about it.
On an unrelated note, the fact that you take the time to research and go back and check previous quotes/happenings is a very endearing quality to me. You're welcome here anytime.
Nick work Detpack.
As a 'Skins fan, I hope you are right. The 'Hawks are pretty sick at home though. I definitely think Washington will be under the spread, and this game will be tight until the end. Something tells me that Seattle is going take this one by a field goal. I hope the 'Skins win though. Good post. Take care -- KP
It is almost blasphemy for me to say this but the 'skins are playing good at the right time and this 'hawks team is not overrated but does not scare anyone. The 'skins beat them in the regular season which helps them mentally. The 'hawks have no one on defense that can be considered a play maker which will be important in this game. I think that the 'skins will try to put the game in Hasslebeck's hands and commit to the run, the teams that did this kept the games close or won verses this 'hawks team(Dallas, NYG, skins, jags, niners/1st game.)
Great article, detpack. Nice to see someone backing the 'Skins. I would love to see the 'Skins and Panthers win this wkend so the Panthers can host them here for the NFC Championship (i live just outside of Charlotte, and i know the following for that game would be huge here). GO SKINS!!!
Officially, offenses and defenses are ranked by yards. Is this a perfect system? No. Points would probably be better, but either way, Tampa has a tough D, not just this year, but every year.
Chicago is a perfect example of how a good D can shut down a decent offense. Here's the best example: Chicago 13, Carolina 3. Carolina hung 44 on the Falcons two weeks ago. Sometimes the offense isn't that bad, the defense is that good.
This was a win-win siutation for me in that I could make a fearless prediction and be right or be wrong and watch the Skins exit the playoffs. I'd rather be right and see the Skins advance, though.
Harvard,
I agree. And my response to him was immature as well. But if you hear enough of those baseless insults, eventually one is going to get the best of you and you're going to say "Ok, let me insult someone for a change, and watch me do it with some wit behind it." Sorry for stooping to that level.
Stat, there's no stats here. I can't believe you liked it. I appreciate your kind words, though, my friend.
Dat, don't want to leave you out in the cold. Thanks for stopping by.
Good post. 9 points is way too much for this game. Seattles D is not that bad, and Washingtons offense is not that great. Hasselback is more mature and a better player, not sure if he is any smarter than the G-Bay game. That was freaking hilarious though.
detpack - this review is pretty good. As you admitted, you didn't use alot of stats. But, you did use plenty of trends. Doing it in a list works better for you I think. I think it made you think a little more about solid, supportable reasons for your opinion. Each of these claims was validated, supported with facts. While I may not agree with all of them, at least you had reasons for believing what you do. Good job!!
no, see, definitely side with detpack again. Arab, everyone is entilted to their opinion, but...
10) you can make a case for loud stadiums most anywhere. In college hoops Comcast Center (MD) is as loud as Cameron Indoor (Duke) sometimes. In football, yeah the Colts had some loud games this year but also the Skins have a huge stadium and that place is always rockin, the Eagles no matter how bad they were, were still very loud. I have not been to Qwest and yes I hear it is a tough place to play and they should have a good home field advantage, it won't be impossible to win there though.
9) The U had a setback last week not just on the pro ranks but in it's CFB team receiving their butt whooping to LSU. It's out of their system and Moss will find a way to catch for 87 yards, Clinton to rush for 90, and Taylor to get 5 or so tackles like they all did vs Seattle earlier this year.
8) skins taking the last one...that has a lot to do with it. The Skins know they can beat Seattle and they know how to, well because, they did beat them. Sure the Seahawks are 11-1 since that game, but the Skins have won 6 games in a row including 4 on the road. Skins should have a mental psyche in this one.
7)-5) we agree on...moving on
4) While Hasselbeck is a good QB (his brother's wife is hot too by the way) if you get to him with lots of pressure then he'll fold. He's very susceptible to getting hit and would benefit Gregg Williams D if he blitzes a lot.
3) not really agreeing/disagreeing...Seattle is good, but no shape or form as good
Last edited by featurepresentation on January 12th at 5:26 PM.
The Skins are coming off playing a great TB defense and the Seahawks D is nowhere near as good as the Bucs. You are spot on about the Skins O-line...it's garbage.
2) Agree with you on Gibbs. He's a stud.
Prediction: Skins 23, Seahawks 20
Arab, not calling you out or anything, just pointing out some things. Should be a fun weekend of football.
Last edited by featurepresentation on January 12th at 5:29 PM.
coming from a guy who has lived in seattle all his life,this is our year baby.so what that its only been 21 years since we last won a playoff game.so what.we have all the ingredients that a super bowl team needs.so to all you skins fans,deal with the fact that there is always next year.sorry
I thought my prediction was bold. Jordan23 points to the fact his team hasn't won a playoff game in 21 years and he's still confident enough to taunt the opponent's fans with the hated "there's always next year." Anyway, I just wanted to reiterate here that I hate the Skins in case anyone missed that fact among all the Redskins fans' comments. Thanks.
Last edited by detpack on January 12th at 10:46 PM.
Detpack, you aren't the only guy writing sports articles who has no faith in the 'hawks. Peter King's ranking of them in his "Fine Fifteen" on cnn/si has had them around 6th place (or lower) all season.
I don't have time to read through all these comments, but I'd like to throw in the travel as a tough element for teams going to play in Seattle. There is a reason they've only lost a few games at Qwest in the last three years. Some combination of crowd, weather, rest, and confidence would be my guess.
Re: losing to the Rams last year. I'd say yes, the Hawks are much better this year than they were last year, most importantly in the defensive line and linebackers. I'd also say that the Rams were a significantly better team last year with a healthy Bulger, a full time coach, and a bunch of players with one less year of tread who were one year closer to the glory Vermeil days.
I struggle with how much credit should be given to amorphous factors like 'momentum' and 'desire' but confidence is slightly easier to qualify/quantify and I'd say the Hawks have a lot more of it at home than they do on the road and that at home they are more likely to live up to their potential as a really great bunch of skill players.
What has Holmgren done since winning a Superbowl? He took his team to another one and then spent the last eight years getting this program to where it is. Not an unimpressive feat considering what he inherited.
I rewrote this for the finals:
My name is Andy. I love to write. I love comedy. I love sports. I love to write about sports with a comedic slant. If you're looking for some hard-core analysis on who's going to win the big game, this blog definitely isn't for you. Lots of people do that better than I can, considering I've never played sports on a professional or even a collegiate level. Do I think I am a very good writer? Absolutely. Will you find my best writing here in terms of combining proper english and an impeccable style within a traditional format? Absolutely not. I've written one or two serious pieces, but overall, that's not my thing. Even the best classical guitarist in the world probably likes to rock out to Zepplin once in a while, right?
