Nothing matters but the #1 Seed.

[Hawknballs]

People seem to overlook this fact.

How often has the team that looked flawless 6 games in won the superbowl lately?

Last year the Ravens had the same record after 6 weeks, and that was with 4 of those games at home. After beating up the bengals and losing to the eagles, they won their next 4 games by a combined 13 points.

The year before that the Giants were 4-2, including a loss at home to the Seahawks led by QB Dr. Charles Whitehorse. At that point in the season their wins had been against the likes of the Bills, Rams, Cardinals, and floundering Eagles "dream team". No win in that run was "convincing".

In 2010 the Packers were 3-3, coming off overtime losses back to back to the redskins and dolphins and their only convincing performance, a home-field domination of the bills.

You have to go back to 2009 to find an eventual superbowl winner that was undefeated and dominant after week 6, in the Saints.

Just trying to give some perspective.

Lets not forget the fact that the Seahawks got better as the season went along last year, seem to get better as games go along this year, and that probably isn't a formula that will be changing any time soon.

 

[SonicHawk]

They got better because RW was a rookie and was very limited in those first few games. He's not limited like he was last year.

RW is playing great already.

 

[drdiags]

#1 seed means a lot, but it isn't like that is a guarantee toward making the big game. I agree with the premise that peaking early usually ends in disappointment so gaining momentum through the season has merits. Even fast starts don't guarantee a high seed, as some teams have faltered.

Except for Pete's first season here, the team has played better in the second half. Hopefully this is a trademark of the type of team Seattle has become and this year is more like last year and Pete's second year.

 

[kidhawk]

Completely agree, we still control our destiny when it comes to playoff seeding. As well as we can play, I never expected us to go 16-0. I still don't expect us to go 15-1. I know we CAN win every game on the schedule, but that doesn't mean we will. We are currently having a bad run of injuries, but we can easily be at full strength the last month of the season and into the playoffs, and that would be huge. Right now, with the state of our offense, it doesn't surprise me they are having a tough go of it, but to continue to win, even though we have had some major injuries at this point of the year, speaks volumes to the resiliency of this team. As you said, we just have to make it through the season and shoot for HFA. If we can do that and be relatively healthy going into the post season, we can make the all important post season run we believe this team to be capable of.

 

[Steve2222]

They got better because RW was a rookie and was very limited in those first few games. He's not limited like he was last year.

RW is playing great already.

He's limited this year with no help from his OL and virtually no weapons. Yes he has played better this year, but he's still far away from where I eventually see him getting. This team is still sputtering yet find themselves four games over 500. Theyll eventually hit their stride this year, I have little doubt.

 

[C-Dub]

I agree with you. Playing well your first 6 games doesn't mean jack. Playing well your last 6 games heading into the playoffs means a ton.

I feel like the offense has been a lot better in the last few weeks. We just need to limit the STUPID SHIT (like reaching the ball out after you already have the first down, free safety trying to pass the ball while getting tackled, miscues in the secondary that lead to 70 bombs, punt blocks returned for TDs, FB missing easy blocks on the goalline), and we'll be fine.

I think we'll steadily get better as the year progresses. We're built for sustained success. Just need to beat NO and @SF, and keep eating those cupcakes.

 

[RolandDeschain]

#1 seed means a lot, but it isn't like that is a guarantee toward making the big game.

True; BUT, it's closer to a guarantee for us than it is for any other team in this league. If we get the #1 seed, I guarantee virtually every media pundit puts us as the most likely NFC Super Bowl favorite before wild card weekend starts.

 

[jdemps]

I think the analogy to the 2010 Packers is spot on. Tons of early season injuries. Lost a few close one's earlier in the season. QB play pushes team towards the playoffs as the team gets healthier. Hit their stride in the playoffs and win the SB.

We really haven't lost any key players for the season, it's been a few weeks here and there with Okung being the noted exception (I don't count Harvin as we still haven't seen him or his role in our offense). If our o-line returns to 2012 form with Okung's return in late season, we'll become a dangerous team in the playoffs.

My only worry is that if we get the 1 or 2 seed, that we'll come out flat after the first round bye.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[QuahHawk]

Id love to host SF in the nfc championship game

 

[QuahHawk]

I could see
#1 Seattle
#2 NO
#3 Chi
#4 Dal
#5 SF
#6 GB/DET

Sf would beat Dallas, Gb would probably beat the bears. So we'd host GB while NO hosted SF.

 

[sutz]

Most years, I'm happy to be at or over .500 around Thanksgiving to set up for a playoff run. To be 5-1 in October is pretty good, IMHO. Not to mention that we still have games to improve in the aspects of the game that are needed.

I think the angst being felt by some is a reflection of just what was proposed upthread. We're doing well in the W/L column, but granted, we have weaknesses in our game that could lead to a mid-to-late season collapse in some people's minds. Given team history, that could be thought a valid concern. However, given the brief stint of Pete Carroll here and how the team has reacted to pressure late in the season gives me hope and a great deal of confidence that we'll be fine come Christmas.

We've been a great 4th quarter team, and not just in games. We played well in the 4th quarter of seasons, too. I'm banking on that continuing.

Yeah, we may not make it to 15-1, but I'd bet on 13-3 with a very good shot at 14-2 this season.

 

[Crizilla]

I agree. The reg season for the seahawks is more important than any other team. We have the biggest difference between playing at home and away, historically speaking, when you look at this franchise. Lately we have been playing good road ball but the playoffs are different. Winning on the road in the playoffs is incredibly difficult. Not saying we can't go on the road and win an NFC championship game, but I really feel like if we grab the 1 seed we are going to New York.

 

[SonicHawk]

I could see
#1 Seattle
#2 NO
#3 Chi
#4 Dal
#5 SF
#6 GB/DET

Sf would beat Dallas, Gb would probably beat the bears. So we'd host GB while NO hosted SF.

I don't think Chicago makes the playoffs. That defense is atrocious and Cutler is bound to start throwing more and more picks.

 

[rsm650]

I don't think Chicago makes the playoffs. That defense is atrocious and Cutler is bound to start throwing more and more picks.

Yeah, their D's backups were atrocious. Chicago better trade all of them off :roll:

 

[kidhawk]

Yeah, we may not make it to 15-1, but I'd bet on 13-3 with a very good shot at 14-2 this season.

This is what I'm thinking as well. I see 15-1 as possible, but not what I think will happen...on the other end of the spectrum, I just can't see us being any worse than 11-5 and that is my worst case possible scenario. Realistically I see us (as you do) as a 13-3 team, with 14-2 only really possible if we need it to secure HFA at the end of the season. Honestly, I can see the scenario where we rest our starters at the end of the year, but even at that, with it being a home game, we could very well pull out a win then too. In my mind, the playoffs are all but a certainty, and the only questions that remain are seeding and if we can end the year relatively healthy.

 

[ShaunPope]

I honestly think the Saints get home field advantage. Outside of playing us on Monday night, their remaining schedule is a complete joke.

 

[MontanaHawk05]

We may not need HFA to lock up the Super Bowl, but you can't convince me it doesn't improve our chances.

We will get hotter once we get Miller, Harvin, and Okung back (in that order).

 

[RolandDeschain]

I honestly think the Saints get home field advantage. Outside of playing us on Monday night, their remaining schedule is a complete joke.

Uh, disagree.

 

[Hawknballs]

I honestly think the Saints get home field advantage. Outside of playing us on Monday night, their remaining schedule is a complete joke.

Uh, disagree.

yeah I wouldn't say that. They have to play the jets who have a good defense. They have to play the cowboys who aren't a push-over this year and they know rob ryan. The 49ers are the 49ers. They play at the Falcons, division games are always tough and the Falcons aren't as bad as they look (IMO). They play us. They play the panthers twice, and the panthers swept them last year. I realize the saints weren't great last year but neither was carolina. They play the rams who have a decent defense.

Conversely we have four games against the rams & cardinals, and have our road game with the niners. Other than the matchup with the saints, we play the falcons, giants, vikings, and bucs - a combined 2-19 record.

I'd say their remaining schedule has an easier slate of home/away games possibly but overall they are playing some better teams.

 

[RolandDeschain]

Jets are improved, (mainly due to QB change) and Cowboys are better than expected as you pointed out, but also, the Panthers are no slouch and they still have to play them twice.

We definitely have an easier remaining schedule than the Saints by a decent margin, IMO.