SoCalSeahawk":1pdphkb7 said:
I agree that Seattle does not have the usual swagger they've carried into the playoffs the last four years. Missing our two fastest players in Lockett and Thomas is a big hit, no doubt. If Seattle loses to the Lions this week, there will be panic reaching far into the off season. If they give Detroit a beat down like I suspect they will, then I guess every Falcon fan alive will get what that want. But really, is it because you all want revenge for the perceived missed call? More likely it's because Seattle is struggling and the Packers and Giants are playing some damn good football right now.
Go Hawks!
No sour grapes here about the earlier game. It's just one of IMHO 3 games that Atlanta blew this season... 1 point loss to KC, 2 point loss to SEA, 3 point loss to SD. Easily 14-2 record had they closed the deal in those games.
The other 2 losses were by 7 to TB in week 1 and by 9 in Philly... our worst game of the season. 11-5 with 5 losses by 22 combined. I'll take it either way. You are what your record says you are but I'd still argue Atlanta is stronger than their 11-5 record. It's obvious if you look at the stats.
To answer your question though, it's a combination of the two. Sure I'd love to end Seattle's season and give somewhat of a payback for the earlier game. To a much greater degree though it's about the easiest path to the Super Bowl. I saw a post on MSN yesterday listing the teams with the easiest path and it was the Pats and Falcons.
Opponents based on who I'd like to play... most to least.
Detroit
Seattle
NYG
Dallas
GB
Seattle wins... we get Seattle. NYG/GB take each other out, then go to Dallas and take each other out.
Atlanta has to beat Seattle and 1 of the 3 "top tier IMHO" teams to reach Super Bowl.
Of course I want to play Seattle. The 2016 team just isn't nearly as scary as previous years... especially on the road. Just the way it is.