Last year the NFCW was a joke and wrapped up early. Sure, it is cool to dominate your division but a lot of folks respect the whole iron-sharpen-iron spiel Tomlin spouts when the Ravens/Steelers play. The Cardinals slipped this year and the Rams had a lull in the middle of the season. The Seahawks in yr 3 of Carroll's regime has taken shape and are a formidable opponent.
The country agrees. But make no mistake, it is the 49ers revival the past two years that provided the branding this matchup presents. The Seahawks play a style their fans can respect and is a good barometer of their playoff readiness.
It is a great matchup if the Seahawks take care of business against the Bills. It loses some luster if the 49ers beat the Patriots. It could be a pretty good game and it will give them a chance to show the world they should be considered the best in the NFL.
This time, since the Seahawks are playing at home, they are expecting the best the Seahawks have to offer with no silly dropped passes. If they run for over 200 yds again and make the defense look pedestrian like the 2nd half of the first game, it sends a message.
A great challenge for both teams and should be a good old fashion slobber-knocker that should match the hype. This could be a really great game if both teams are operating at their best. It could also set the pecking order for some time if either side backs down. Hope it is a doozy (or a Seahawks blowout ... hee hee).
