Seattle Is Overrated Or: GO REDSKINS WOO!!! (749 hits)
Category: SportsRating: 1.72 on 26 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by John Galt <UberJohnGalt.at.gmail.com> (View user info) at 2006-01-10 15:45:45 EST
ESPN.com won't take me seriously enough to accept my opinions. Besides, I missed you guys. Therefore, I'm making my long awaited and much ballyhooed return to Ubersite. Here goes nothing.
The Seattle Seahawks are the most overrated team in the NFL.
There. I said it. Yes, I'm a 'Skins fan (and a Carolina fan, not that it matters for this post), so, yes, I'm probably biased. But, as you'll see later, I'm not completely insane. I just think that the people who get paid to analyze sports are morons, along with the rest of the media on most occasions.
The Seattle Seahawks are a mediocre team, masquerading as a valid Super Bowl contender. Now, before any Seattle fans flip out on me, I'm not saying they're bad. I'm just saying they aren't that good either. "But they won 13 games. How do you explain that?" Good question. My answer: consistency. That's right. Seattle is consistently mediocre with a cream puff schedule. In 16 games they don't have a single loss to a team they should have beat, at least not any that mattered. In today's world of free agency induced parity, that's a hard thing to do. However, it doesn't make a team great. If they'd had to play in the NFC East or the NFC South (or nearly anywhere in the AFC), they would've been struggling to get a Wild Card spot.
To show what I mean by this, we need to analyze their record, or, more importantly, their record in games that mattered. I know every game matters, but let's face it; some games are easier than others. Seattle's actual record is 13-3, which is, to say the least, misleading. In my opinion, the Seattle Seahawks are 3-2 in "games that matter" and even that is misleading as to how good they are. So, how did I get that number? Keep reading.
First, let's look at the NFC West division. This counts for 6 of the season's 16 games. Seattle's divisional opponents consist of St. Louis, Arizona and San Francisco. The combined record of those 3 teams (not counting games against each other or Seattle) is 9-21. Holding true to Seattle's form of "consistently mediocre", they beat the ever-loving shit out of Arizona and San Francisco (both 2-8 outside the division), while beating St. Louis (5-5 outside the division) by only 6 and 15 in the two games they played. Games That Matter Record (GTMR): 7-3.
Now we need to look at the 10 non-division games Seattle played. The last two games can be dismissed in a hurry. Seattle's backups losing to Green Bay's desperate starters means nothing. Neither does Seattle's backups beating Indy's backups. GTMR: 6-2
Of the remaining schedule, three of the wins were against the following teams: Houston, Tennessee and Philadelphia. They beat the crap out of Houston, beat Tennessee by only 4 and killed Philly with defense. That's right, don't let the 42-0 score mislead you about the offense (for those analyst who like to think Seattle really has the 2nd best offense in the league). Half those points came from the D, not Alexander the Great. Either way it adds up to the same conclusion. Consistently mediocre. GTMR: 3-2
That's right. The team you thought was 13-3 and clearly the best the NFC has to offer is really 3-2. On top of that, they aren't even a strong 3-2. They lost the season opener to Jacksonville by a score of 14-26 and then lost again in overtime in week 4 to Washington by a score of 17-20. They beat Atlanta, Dallas and the NY Giants by 9 points...combined. Atlanta (21-18), Dallas (13-10), NYG (24-21). The Giants game also went to overtime. That means they only scored 89 points in those 5 games (5 ½ counting the two overtime periods) against "real" defense while giving up 95 points. That comes to a 17.8-19 loss on average.
Therefore, it is my conclusion that, while I do agree that Alexander is one of the top 2 or 3 running backs in the NFL, the Seattle O-line is great, and the entire offense is a damn good unit, Seattle is still only a mediocre football team. They are not some unstoppable offensive juggernaut.
So, where does that leave us 'Skins fans? Unfortunately we're still right where the analysts thought we'd be. Seattle may be overrated, but they're still just as mediocre as the rest of the NFC. They're also playing at home, where they're still undefeated on the season, not to mention the fact that they're probably still carrying a grudge for the early season loss at Washington. For those reasons, I still predict a Seattle win. But, I'm thinking something closer to 24-21, maybe even in OT, not the massacre I've seen predicted elsewhere.
Note: It goes without saying that if the Redskins can't manage more than the 136 yards of offense they had last week at Tampa Bay then all of this is pointless and the massacre will proceed as scheduled.
GO SKINS WOO!!!
GO PANTHERS WOO!!!
Next week: Why the Panthers will beat Seattle in this year's "Road to Super Bowl Runner-up!"
User Reviews
Submitted by JohnGalt (user info) at 2006-01-11 15:54:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by BuckeyesTHEGAME (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:59:37 (#)
Ranking: 0
You underestimate the effect cold weather has on warm weather teams -- a common mistake.
Also, don't underestimate Grossman's ability to lead the offense to a scoring drive or two. He's better than people think.
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You overestimate the "cold weather" in Chicago -- a common mistake.
Sunday's forecast: 42 degrees, wind somewhere between 11 and 15 max, no precipitation. It ain't tropical, but it ain't exactly a blizzard either. Now I just hope it stays that way. I don't trust a weather prediction 4 days out.
Submitted by sl4tt3ry (user info) at 2006-01-11 01:29:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
FACT: If you can stop Alexander, the entire offense goes with him.
.........................................................
I wouldn't count out Darrell Jackson, I think Seattle will make the superbowl and shit the bed
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-01-10 20:58:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
go panthers w00t
Submitted by jack11058 (user info) at 2006-01-10 20:48:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
skins
Submitted by Sheba (user info) at 2006-01-10 20:09:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Dante_Alighieri (user info) at 2006-01-10 18:32:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
I'm from Seattle and have followed the Seahawks since I can remember. Yeah, they're not THAT great, but they're pretty good. But most of what you said is true.
Submitted by RonArtestPunch (user info) at 2006-01-10 18:24:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
WOOOOOOOOOOOO GO PANTHERS
I'll be pulling for the Skins hardcore too, because if they win, we get a home NFC championship game
23-0
Eli's a bitch
Submitted by FartSmeller (user info) at 2006-01-10 16:38:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Fuck the Redskins. Seriously, the only reason they beat my Bucs is because the Bucs were obviously TRYING to lose. Washington deserves no credit for their victory, fucking douchebags.
Submitted by Beer_bong (user info) at 2006-01-10 16:24:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I live just south of Seattle, and after being hit with a constant barage of "Seahawk-fever" I'm glad someone posted this.
FACT: Seattle's O-line can't stand up to a decent pass rush. Alexander is the sole reason the line is so acclaimed.
FACT: Matt Hasselbeck is a choke artist.
FACT: Outside of Grant Wistrom, nobody on the d-line can mount a decent pass rush. Guess who gets double teamed. (Side FACT: I'm a Rams fan and am still kind of bitter about Wistrom going to Seattle.)
FACT: The secondary is inexperienced and sloppy. They will give up big plays to a team with a decent passing game.
FACT: If they somehow make it to the Superbowl, it will make the 49ers ass whoping of the Chargers a few years ago look like a JV high school game.
FACT: If you can stop Alexander, the entire offense goes with him.
FACT: They will lose.
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2006-01-10 16:22:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Bears are overrated as well. Their defense is good, but the one game they need their offense to actually score a touchdown will be the game they lose. That isn't good enough in the superbowl, that's for sure.
Submitted by sg11588 (user info) at 2006-01-10 16:16:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Because Mark Brunell is my hero.
Submitted by ajanssen (user info) at 2006-01-10 16:09:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Fuck Washington, they dicked the Cowboys out of a playoff berth. Carolina +3 is looking real good this weekend. Im betting the farm on it
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2006-01-10 16:06:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I disagree.
The curse of Ray Rhoades has been lifted since he went home sick mid-season.
Submitted by Confuzitron (user info) at 2006-01-10 16:06:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
They'd better win. I've got them going to the Superbowl in the Uber playoff contest.
Submitted by Confuzitron (user info) at 2006-01-10 16:04:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I HATE the Seahawks. Overrated, and I bet they lose this weekend. What's it been, 23 years since they won a playoff game?
GO REDSKINS!!!
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2006-01-10 16:04:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
ooh oh you forgot to take into account that Grossman is usually crankier when he's playing against teams with nicknames that start with a P, or that he has irratible bowel syndrome. Common mistake.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2006-01-10 16:03:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Don't underestimate EITHER team's ability to spontaneously implode.
Submitted by BuckeyesTHEGAME (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:59:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
You underestimate the effect cold weather has on warm weather teams -- a common mistake.
Also, don't underestimate Grossman's ability to lead the offense to a scoring drive or two. He's better than people think.
Submitted by JohnGalt (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:57:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by BuckeyesTHEGAME (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:53:11 (#)
Ranking: 2
Holy shit.
You are the Pippen to my Jordan. The Bonnie to my Clyde. The Apollo to my Rocky. Needless to say, you and I need to collaborate on some football posts.
Although I think the Bears are going to beat the Panthers this weekend. Delhomme has trouble playing in bad weather and Carolina is a warm weather team. It'll probably be about 15 degrees for the game, and the warm weather team will struggle to score. I see this game coming down to a late drive with the Bears winning 14-10.
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If by "late drive" you mean "interception return" you might be right. I'm still hoping though. I don't see either offense doing much scoring really. If it's 14 to 10, I'd put money on 2 of the 3 TDs being interception or fumble returns. The 3rd being Smith who can apparently shred any defense, no matter how good.
Submitted by Orgasmatron (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:54:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Last I heard the 'Haws were favored by, what, 9?
I don't see the Skins' offense pulling a repeat performance of last week's shenanigans. God I hope they don't, anyway. We need to get the ball to Moss every now and again, because Portis isn't going to be able to run it all by himself.
I don't really care if they lose. Last week's win was enough in a way, given how the season was going for a while there. We got farther than the Giants, and we swept the Cowboys. Can I complain? Negative.
Should be a good game, though.
Submitted by BuckeyesTHEGAME (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:53:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Holy shit.
You are the Pippen to my Jordan. The Bonnie to my Clyde. The Apollo to my Rocky. Needless to say, you and I need to collaborate on some football posts.
Although I think the Bears are going to beat the Panthers this weekend. Delhomme has trouble playing in bad weather and Carolina is a warm weather team. It'll probably be about 15 degrees for the game, and the warm weather team will struggle to score. I see this game coming down to a late drive with the Bears winning 14-10.
Submitted by boomslang (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:52:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
honestly the redskins are lucky they won the wildcard game
Submitted by pen_name (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:51:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Go pats!
Tom brady is superhuman. Once again, i'll tell it straight...if he asked, i'd let him stick the head in.
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:50:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Until Carson Palmer returns fully healed, I have no further interest in football.
Submitted by Orgasmatron (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:49:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Auto Redskins +2.
Now...to read the post.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2006-01-10 15:49:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
GO EAGLES WOO!!!
(next year)