The first time these teams met, the play of both teams was hideous. Six turnovers combined low-lighted the scrum for NFC West supremacy.
The battle of the birds continues this Sunday down in Arizona as the (4-4) Seattle Seahawks take on the (3-5) Cardinals. Both teams haven't won since their meeting three weeks ago at Qwest Field.
The Seahawks have been blown out two weeks straight, 33-3 at Oakland and 41-7 against New York. Meanwhile the Cardinals have scored 59 points combined in their two losses since Seattle. Both losses were by a mere three points to Minnesota and Tampa Bay.
A loss is a loss, but I'd much rather lose like Arizona than Seattle. The Seahawks aren't even putting up a fight. To win in the NFL you need leadership first and foremost. This team needs it's coaching staff to make an imprint. The players aren't the only problem. The offensive scheme is terrible.
Coaching aside, Seattle's chances soar now that they get their field general back. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck returns from the concussion he suffered at Oakland. Hasselbeck alone gives Seattle the mental intangibles to win. He has proven for many years that he has the ability to will a team to victory but this season has shown to be his most difficult task yet.
The offensive line is supposed to be a quarterback's piece of mind in the sense that he doesn't need to worry about them. Hasselbeck does not have that luxury anymore. His line is bruised and battered. Head coach Pete Carroll has been forced to mix and match free agent offensive linemen seemingly every week this season. The ever-changing unit has impressed at times but overall it is truly a mess.
The Seahawks defense gets a boost up the gut this weekend with the return of Brandon Mebane. The Seahawks' stud defensive tackle missed the last four games with a calf injury. His return is helpful but not the answer. Fellow tackle Colin Cole is still out and defensive end Red Bryant is on injured reserve for the season.
Seattle proved in Chicago a month ago that they can win on the road. The Seahawks were healthy that weekend and it showed. Left tackle Russell Okung dominated that game and so did the Hawks. Seattle's defense was ferocious, relentless and healthy. This Sunday, Okung's playing status is questionable and the defense is hurting.
This team needs to dig deep and play like men. Coach Carroll has to conjure up the fire that took USC to such great heights. Come on Hawks, show us the will to win.
Earn everything. Always compete. Right Pete?
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