Lets Be Smarter Than Other Fanbases

[bestfightstory]

Don't use the term 'Trap Game' if you don't know when it is applicable.

Thank you.

 

[Zebulon Dak]

It's a trap! game.

 

[ImTheScientist]

May I add "next man up" to that.

Thanks.

 

[samwize77]

I remember(not difficult) when we were the trap game.......ah the memories

 

[Sac]

 

[Zebulon Dak]

(game)

 

[Cartire]

Half of our home games are trap games this year.

 

[SalishHawkFan]

Definition of Trap Game per Football Outsiders:

The theory behind the trap game is that it's hard to stay on an emotional high game after game, so teams are prone to let up against lesser opponents when they're facing them between games against higher quality opponents

What the FO Mythbusters have to say about Trap Games:

It turns out that good teams win trap games just as often as they win other games. Contending teams went 389-85 overall in trap games, good for a .820 winning percentage (Table 1). In all other games against sub-.500 teams, the same contenders posted a .815 winning percentage (Table 2), meaning they were actually more likely to win trap games than other games.

So let's be WAY smarter than other fanbases and acknowledge that there is no such thing as a trap game.

 

[ivotuk]

I'm sorry, was there a point here?

 

[QuahHawk]

If any game is a trap game it will be the Bucs, coming of a Monday nighter at STL, and in only 13 more days we will get to face the Atlanta Falcons who we have circled on our schedule. The Bucs are no slouch. Freeman has talent but is so irradic, if him and the muscle hamster put up a fight we might not be expecting such a battle and could fall to the trap of looking ahead to the stupid Falcons who got lucky last year.

 

[JSeahawks]

Russell Wilson will not allow the team to have a trap game.

Separation in preparation.

 

[muxpux]

maybe not "trap" game, but you cant look past an opponent, thats for sure. though i think at this level it doesnt happen like that. they know.

also...

 

[MizzouHawkGal]

Never argue with a Sicilian when death is on the line.

 

[ak3000]

Slightly relevant.... where else will I get this opportunity?

 

[Zebulon Dak]

Never argue with a Sicilian when death is on the line.

true

 

[bestfightstory]

Never argue with a Sicilian when death is on the line.

true

romance.

D Hopper in a trailer w/C Walken.

 

[Zebulon Dak]

Never argue with a Sicilian when death is on the line.

true

romance.

D Hopper in a trailer w/C Walken.

one of the great scenes in american cinematic history.

 

[General Manager]

Pass pro is my biggest concern, our defense is great I like our chances .

 

[olyfan63]

Don't use the term 'Trap Game' if you don't know when it is applicable.
Thank you.

"it's hard to stay on an emotional high game after game, so teams are prone to let up against lesser opponents when they're facing them between games against higher quality opponents."

Carolina is a classic trap game for the Seahawks. I don't accept the Football Outsiders article "definition" as the be-all, end-all for that term, and it's not even specific to football. Football Outsiders give an *example* of one type of trap game, focused on the "motivation" and "emotional high" aspects of "trap". It's just one type.

There are other types of "trap" games. For example, an on-paper all-around superior performer facing an opponent who has a matchup advantage in one area (or a small number of areas), but with clever scheming, and maybe a little luck, has a good opportunity to defeat a heavy favorite, especially if the heavy favorite takes them lightly and doesn't put their usual energy and intensity into preparing.
Another type of trap game is facing an opponent who maybe doesn't have the best record on paper, but has improved dramatically and is now performing at a level above their "record".
Still another type of trap game is facing an "inferior" opponent in a venue that plays to the opponent's advantage.

The primary "trap" is in being caught unprepared for what you are about to face. Unprepared in terms of strategy, emotion, focus, playing conditions, take your pick.

I say the Carolina game is a "trap" game, or, more accurately, is at *risk of* being a trap game. It is clearly a *potential* trap game.
How good a job have Pete and his staff done in scouting Carolina? There are a bunch of wildcards.
- We don't know if our front 7 can match up with their OL and stop their power running game and the running of Cam Newton. Our front 7 have never really played together; we'll only know who they are on Sunday.
- Cam Newton may have improved dramatically in his ability to read the Seattle defense and make good decisions.
- The Carolina defensive front 7 may be good enough to dominate our O-line and stuff our running game.
- The time zone thing, of course.
- Carolina may come out incredibly inspired and play with a passion and energy that puts us to shame. (Arizona did in the opener last year, at least for the first couple series)
- The Carolina coaching staff may have come up with some great schemes and game planning that throw a monkey wrench in our schemes and game plan.

Is it a trap game? Well, we won't know until afterwards. That, and even a bonafide "trap" game can still wind up as a "W" due to superior talent or just plain good luck.

 

[dunceface]

I think we just have to make sure we run the trap and keep it trill.