Why the 2012 Seahawks are My Favorite Team Ever

These 2012 Seattle Seahawks are my favorite Seahawks team ever.  They play the game with so much energy, so much fun, and best of all, they are the tightest knit group of Seahawks I've ever seen.  Every game  this year has either been a close game or a Seahawks victory.  They have yet to be blown out.  They are currently perfect at home, with two games left.  And they have managed incredible victories against some very tough teams.  And the best part about it all?  They're young.  This Seahawks team could be very good for a very long time.

One of my favorite things about these Seahawks is that they have characters. They have the 5'10" quarterback who has defied the odds in Russell Wilson.  They have the toughest running back in the league.  They have a very fun-to-watch receiver in Golden Tate.  They have arguably the best defensive backfield in the league, nicknamed the Legion of Boom.  If you ever watched the "Real Rob Report" (Filmed, narrated, and posted by Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson) on YouTube, you would see the Seahawks have some very likeable players.  Here's one of the videos in the season-long series:


But like I said above, these guys are tight-knit, they have fun, and they work hard.  The 2005 Super Bowl-era Seahawks were good too, but they didn't have as many likeable players.  This team is fun to watch and they (more often than not) get the job done.  I give a lot of credit to Pete Carroll and John Schneider who put this team together.  Over the last few years, they have drafted EXTREMELY well, finding a pro bowl cornerback in the 5th round, a talented rookie quarterback in the 3rd, and a talented starting linebacker in the 4th.  There are a lot of players on this team who weren't expected to succeed in the NFL, or they weren't expected to succeed as much as they have been.  Guys like Brandon Browner, Breno Giacomini, and Paul McQuistan all faced difficult odds, but Pete and Co. gave them a chance. 

This team is good now, but they are only going to get better.  There are so many players on this team in their first few years in the league that will hit their primes in the next few seasons.  The Seahawks, I dare say, might have the beginnings of a dynasty.  They have their franchise quarterback.  They have a defense.  They just need these guys to get experience, and they will become one of the best teams in the league year in and year out.  And I can't wait. 

10 Greatest Seahawks Games I’ve Ever Seen

With the Seahawks season in full gear and the team on a bye week, I felt like doing a blog post about the Seahawks.  I want to do a blog post about the ten best and most exciting Seahawks games I’ve ever seen.  Some of these I’ve seen in person, some I have not (I noted each one I have seen in person).  I give extra points for if it’s in the playoffs, or if I saw it, or if it was a dramatic victory.  Final note: I can only include games from my adolescence and onward (2000-present), so these games will be fairly recent in Seahawks history.  In order, the ten best Seahawks games I’ve ever seen are:

10. Super Bowl XL vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Feb. 5, 2006
Seahawks 10, Steelers 21
Ok, I had to put this on the list for a few reasons: 1) It’s the only Super Bowl game in Seahawks history thus far, 2) It was a fairly close game for most of it and 3) It involved a lot of drama and emotion.  In fact, this is the only Seahawks game on here which was a loss for them.  Which is why it’s all the way down at #10.  But until the 4^th quarter, this really was anybody’s game, and had the Seahawks made a few plays that they didn’t (Jackson not pushing off, Stevens not dropping passes, Hasselbeck not throwing the interception), the Seahawks could have been world champs, even with the referees that seemed to be against them. 

9. Browner emerges vs. New York Giants, Oct. 9, 2011
Seahawks 36, Giants 25
This game was known for its dramatics in the 4^th quarter.  The Giants took a 22-19 lead off an incredible one-handed catch 68 yard touchdown by Victor Cruz.  After field goals by both teams to make it 25-22 in favor of the Giants, Doug Baldwin caught a go-ahead touchdown to make it 29-25 Seahawks.  The Giants got the ball back and drove into the Seahawks red zone, but eventual Pro-Bowler Brandon Browner picked off an Eli Manning pass and raced 94 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.  This was one of the most feel-good wins for the Seahawks in the last decade, which is why it makes the list for me.  It was the game in which the Seahawks showed they could play with big boys, even on the road.  The Giants went on to win the Super Bowl five months later.

8. Demolishing the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football, Dec. 5, 2005
Seahawks 42, Eagles 0
Granted, the Eagles were starting their backup quarterback in this game, but the Seahawks unloaded on the Eagles on the Eagles’ own turf.  Three defensive scores helped the Seahawks to victory, and I feel this game, more than any other, gave them confidence which propelled them to the Super Bowl, which is why it made the 8 spot on my list.

7. Michael Boulware’s pick six vs. Miami Dolphins, Nov. 21, 2004 (Attended)
Seahawks 24, Dolphins 17
This was a game not many people will remember, but I do.  It was a tight, defensive battle most of the game, although there were a few highlights such as hall of famer Jerry Rice catching his first touchdown as a Seahawk.  But, with the game tied at 17, Seahawks rookie safety Michael Boulware picked off an A.J. Feely pass and ran it 63 yards for a touchdown.  It’s the kind of play you remember for a while, and since I was at that game, it’s on this list. 

6. Big Play Babs sets up win vs. Dallas Cowboys, Oct. 23, 2005
Seahawks 13, Cowboys 10
Another defensive struggle, but another dramatic win.  In this game, with it tied at 10, the favored Cowboys were looking to get into field goal range and attempt a game-winning field goal.  However, Jordan “Big Play Babs” Babineaux picked off Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe, returned it 25 yards to set up a long field goal for young kicker Josh Brown.  But Josh made the 50 yarder as time expired, and I gotta say I’ve never seen a kicker so excited. 

5. Simultaneous Possession vs. Green Bay Packers, Sept. 24, 2012
Seahawks 14, Packers 12
The most recent game on this list was certainly important.  The Packers were a season removed from being NFL champions.  It was Monday Night Football.  And, the Seahawks were a resurgent team at home.  The Seahawks totaled 8 sacks of Green Bay, and with the game on the line, down by 5, quarterback Russell Wilson of the Seahawks attempted a Hail Mary pass which was caught by both M.D. Jennings of the Packers and Golden Tate of the Seahawks.  Much controversy has surrounded the call, but outside the controversy, you have to look at this game as one of the best Seahawks games in history. 

4. Wild card win vs. Dallas Cowboys, Jan. 6, 2007
Seahawks 21, Cowboys 20
This game has become known as the “Tony Romo fumble” game in which Romo fumbled the snapped football and caused the Cowboys to not even get a field goal attempt off to take the lead.  The game was exciting and dramatic throughout.  The only thing that would have been better was if it was the Seahawks making a good play to win it, rather than the Cowboys making a bad one to lose it.

3. Shaun Alexander’s 266 yard effort vs. Oakland Raiders, Nov. 11, 2001 (Attended)
Seahawks 34, Raiders 27
This game is at #3 for many reasons.  Sure, it’s not a playoff game, but I was there and saw Shaun rush for a still team record 266 yards against the favored Oakland Raiders on Sunday Night Football at Husky Stadium.  To have Shaun gash them on prime time really started to put the Holmgren-led Seahawks on the map.  There were a ton of Raider fans at the game but they sure left Husky Stadium in a sour mood.  This was also Shaun’s breakout game with Ricky Watters still on the team at the time.

2. NFC Championship win vs. Carolina Panthers, Jan. 22, 2006
Seahawks 34, Panthers 14
This has to be the most important victory in Seahawks history, because it sent them to their very first (and so far only) Super Bowl.  The Seahawks came in as favorites, but not by much.  But they totally controlled the Panthers the entire game.  Afterward, every Seahawk fan felt euphoric: The Seahawks were going to Super Bowl!  Not a game you forget easily. 

1. Beast Mode Run vs. New Orleans Saints, Jan. 8, 2011
Seahawks 41, Saints 36
This was the game that was known for Marshawn Lynch’s “Beast mode” run or his “Beastquake” as it rocked Century Link Field.  The defending world champion Saints were heavily favored on the road against the first team to make the playoffs with a losing record.  But the Seahawks showed they deserved to be there.  The Seahawks led 34-30 in the 4^th when Marshawn Lynch broke off the most famous run (if not play) in Seahawks history.  Seahawks ended up winning 41-36.  They lost next week to the Bears, but this game really put the Pete Caroll-led Seahawks on the map.  

Why Google and YouTube Suck

If you haven’t heard, Google and YouTube are one in the same.  Google owns YouTube, so any problems you have with YouTube go straight to Google.  I’m here to say I have a beef with both of them.  I’m tired of their browser, their video website which is becoming exponentially harder to use, and the search engine I haven’t regularly used in five years (and whenever I do, it gives me headaches). 

I used to be an avid user of Internet Explorer.  Then people started complaining and switching over to Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, but I wasn’t one of them—at first.  However, I encountered a game on Facebook not too long ago called Café World which suggested that I use a different browser because apparently IE couldn’t handle it.  So I switched to Chrome.  And honestly, I liked Chrome.  For a few years, Chrome and I got along together swimmingly.  Until I got problems.  First off, I have had major issues with playing flash type videos on Chrome: From videos on YouTube (ironic?), ESPN videos on their website, and even simple GIF animations.  They constantly would cause my browser to crash.  It hasn’t happened as much recently, but I still get it every now and then.  The second problem I’ve had involves switching tabs.  For the past few months, about half the time when I switch a tab, it either displays the window of a tab I had previously closed or it displays the tab I was trying to swtich from.  I have to switch to another tab and back in order to fix it.  It’s extremely annoying.  And because of what this one browser has cost me, I am switching back to Internet Explorer.

Apparently, Internet Explorer has gotten a lot better.  They even created a website for the campaign (http://browseryoulovedtohate.com/).  That’s right.  “The Browser You LoveD to Hate.”  I bolded and capitalized the D in loved because apparently we don’t love to hate it anymore.  Maybe we hate hating it now?  That aside, I am giving IE another chance.  Google Chrome pushed me too far, so I’m going to see if IE can do enough to pull me back in. 

So Chrome hasn’t been kind to me.  What about YouTube?  Well, almost a year ago now they changed their YouTube homepage layout.  What used to look like this:

Now looks like this:



There are pros and cons to each, but what really irked me was that they made it virtually impossible to “X” out any videos we didn’t want to watch.  Isn’t the point of a website to make it MORE user-friendly as time goes on?  Also, I recently have discovered there is no way to share a private video with someone anymore.  If anyone knows how to, please let me know.  They say on this support page: http://support.google.com/youtube/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=157177  that “you'll see a section to enter up to 50 YouTube usernames that will have access to your private video.” Well, that section is no longer there.  Let’s not forget the increasing number of advertisements on videos.  It seems like 1 out of every 2 videos I watch has an advertisement at the start.  What happened to only having ads to the side?  That was perfect.  It was yet another instance of a company sacrificing a customer’s convenience for money.  The problem with MY PROBLEMS with YouTube is that I don’t have another site to go to.  YouTube really does not have any competition out there.  But hey, if you’re reading this and happen to know of a site that has potential to take on YouTube, let me know, okay?

Finally, I must talk about the thing that started it all, Google’s search engine.  I’ll give them props, it’s a very good search engine.  It’s just not for me.  I really believe that Bing is just as good (if not better) of a search engine than Google.  There’s a blind test you can take (http://www.bingiton.com) and every time I’ve taken it, I’ve preferred Bing as much or more than Google.  Take the test for yourself.  Bing’s layouts on their search displays are much more user-friendly and more organized.  Google to me is too bland, too boring, and frankly, I prefer the results I get from Bing more than I do Google. 

So Google/YouTube, I still may have an account with you, but you’re not getting much else with me.  Forget about me going on Google+.  Forget about me using Google as my regular search engine.  And now you can forget about me using Google Chrome anymore.  You may be part of the most popular websites out there, but I see right through you.   So long, it’s been a real headache.

Funny thing is, this was uploaded to Blogger, which is owned and run by Google.  I don't really think you guys suck. :) 

My Thoughts on the Seahawks Controversial Catch and the Replacement Officials

Wow.  What a finish.  I cannot believe what I witnessed.  I feel like I am dreaming and that I am going to wake up soon.  I will discuss the final play and replay officials only in this.  The game was amazing and the fact we even had a chance to win it in such a fashion is incredible.  But the final play decided the game.  You never want to see a referee’s call decide a game, but that’s what it came down to.

First off, my initial reaction.  My very first thought watching the play live was that it was a simultaneous catch.  I’ve seen a few of them in the NFL, so I know how the rules go.  What I saw was Jennings in better position but Golden Tate catching the ball NEARLY simultaneously as they fell to the ground.  The rule states that whoever gets control of the ball first is the one who gets the ball for their team.  That, in my opinion regarding to this catch, is up for debate.  Tons of receivers can control balls with one hand, plus Golden did in fact get his arm underneath M.D. Jennings’.  Now, if the catch is simultaneous, the tie goes to the offense, which is what was ruled.

People are going to say this was one of the worst calls in NFL history.  I don’t think it was.  Was it absolutely clear cut that M.D. Jennings intercepted the ball?  No!  Was it a good call?  I don’t think that, either.  I think it was a call that 4 out of every 5 referees would make in favor of the Packers, but we got the 1 that made the call in favor of the Seahawks.  It’s a closer play than people realize. 

As for the replacement officials, I just feel bad for them.  Refereeing an NFL game has got to be so hard to do both physically and mentally.  They were thrust into this essentially new game where calls have to be made even quicker.  They are doing their best, but it’s not up to par as to what we’re used to.  I still blame the NFL for not having better prepared officials in case of a lockout.  But if there ever is another lockout, this sure taught them a lesson. 

To summarize, the call could have gone either way, and maybe home field advantage influenced the officials.  I do believe Golden Tate had partial control of the ball.  I do believe that if you watch the replay, by the time M.D. Jennings has full control of the ball, that Golden Tate has it in his arms as well, which could be ruled as control as well.  I agree with everyone else, however.  These replacement refs need to go.  They are leaving a bad taste in the fans mouths, they are ruining the integrity of the game, and frankly they are making the game a lot less fun to watch.  Imagine if they have to stay the entire season and *GULP* the postseason and Super Bowl.  Fans of the 31 other teams that didn’t win the Super Bowl would argue that the season was tainted by the replacement officials and that the championship is not deserved.  They still might if the NFL doesn’t fix this thing fast.

Top 10 Movies that Should Exist

I thought it would be fun to do a Top 10 list of movies that don’t exist, but I feel that should.  Some day perhaps a few of these will get made.  If so, I’ll try to update on here if they are.  Now quite a few of these are based on video games, but if you know me, you know I play a lot of video games.  Anyway, here is my Top 10 Movies that Should Exist:

10. Call of Duty Modern Warfare Movie
I have this only at number 10 because I’m not a huge fan of Call of Duty, but the campaign mode of the game had a pretty good story.  It’s pretty much WWIII and it involves Russia.  If you’ve played the Modern Warfare series before, imagine the “No Russian” mission as a movie scene.  Yeah.  I’d also love to see who they cast as Yuri, Soap, and Captain Price.



9. Duma Key
I have to admit, at the time of writing this, I haven’t even finished the book.  But I’m hooked.  It’s a novel by Stephen King about a man named Edgar Freemantle who has lost his right arm, and he goes to this place (called Duma Key—sort of like a resort for the wounded) and he meets this guy named Wireman and an old lady named Elizabeth Eastlake.  And some pretty freaky stuff happens as usual for a Stephen King novel.  I was thinking George Clooney could play the lead role.

8. The Million Dollar Shot
I have looked and looked but there is not even a movie close to this out there, which really surprises me.  Basically, a poor 12 year-old boy wins the opportunity of a lifetime by getting to shoot a free throw shot for a million dollars.  It’s a great story, written by Dan Gutman and I really see this as a quality film. It's a short book as well, but that doesn't mean it can't be expanded or added on to.

7. Gears of War
Gears of War is a video game series by Epic Games which doesn’t even take place on Earth, but on the fictitious planet of Sera.  It involves these Serans (or humans) that have to battle enemy locusts (not the insect) and lambent.  Not many movies are set on fictitious planets.  There’s been rumor of a GoW movie but nothing has been confirmed yet.




6. X: A Fabulous Child’s Story
Here’s a movie that’s never been made: A couple has a baby, but a group of researchers pay them big bucks to raise the child—completely genderless.  This child goes through infancy and being a toddler without a gender.  In the story written by Lois Gold a family names their child “X”, although perhaps they could give it a gender neutral name like Pat or Jamie.  But this would be a good movie to teach people a lot of lessons. 

5. A Beatles Movie
There really needs to be a movie that chronicles the lives of the four Beatles: John, Paul, George, and Ringo.  We see how the band is formed and see their success and then their downfall.  They are the greatest band of all time and there’s plenty of drama to work with (Thanks Yoko).  Just please… PLEASE… don’t cast ANY of the members of One Direction.

4. The story of the 1995 Seattle Mariners (Titled “My Oh My!”)
I may be biased, but I believe the story of the 1995 Seattle Mariners is one of the best in sports history.  Nineteen years without as much of a sniff of the playoffs, and BOOM!  1995 happened!  This will probably never get made, but I do think it would make a great film.  I also want to see Jack Black play Lou Piniella—their resemblance is uncanny.

3. Bad Twin
My favorite mystery novel of all time.  Basically, a hired detective tries to find a guy’s twin brother, going to various ends of the world.  It’s a story within a story (In fact the only reason it was written was because it was mentioned in the TV show LOST).  This also will probably never be made, but I’d love to see it; it's got a great story, characters, and the suspense at times is really good.

2. Some Expanded Universe Star Wars movie (Knights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight, The Force Unleashed)
After the release of Star Wars Episode III in 2005, I was really hoping for just one more Star Wars movie, even if it wasn’t exactly connected to the two current trilogies.  But as of 2012, nothing has happened.  There was a small rumor of a third trilogy, a sequel trilogy being episodes VII, VIII, and IX, but George Lucas squashed that almost immediately.  I already put forth some video games (each of which have at least 2 in their series) that I think would make great movies.  I don’t care if it’s not connected to the current two trilogies we have, just make more Star Wars movies with lightsabers and stuff!

1. Halo
Seriously, will Halo ever be made?  It’s been talked about for at least five years, yet nothing has happened.  Peter Jackson was once attached to a Halo movie, but then he dropped out.  Halo isn’t the best video game series to be made into a movie, but with how imaginative and original it is, SOMETHING has to be made from it in terms of a show or movie.

2012 NFL Predictions Part 2 – The NFL

Here we go again, another season in the NFL.  Last year, I predicted a Packers-Ravens Super Bowl, and I wasn’t even close.  I also predicted the Giants to miss the playoffs, and they won the Super Bowl.  Hopefully I will be closer this year.  First, team by team analysis and W/L record predictions, then playoff predictions, then some awards.

AFC West

San Diego Chargers: I again expect this team to win their division, because they still have a solid quarterback and a solid defense.  There won’t be any dominant team in the AFC West this year, but the Chargers are again my pick to win it, even though they were extremely inconsistent last year.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Denver Broncos: We all know what the Broncos did this offseason:  signing the best quarterback of his generation, Peyton Manning, but also trading Tim Tebow, their catalyst and leader last season.  These moves will have both positive and negative effects, but more negative as I predict the Broncos to miss the playoffs.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 35%

Kansas City Chiefs: Romeo Crennel was the right pick to be their head coach, even though he did not do too well as coach of the Browns a few years ago.  But this Chiefs team should be competitive as long as they stay healthy.  In fact, they could very well win the division.  But I just see last year as too much of a setback.
Predicted record: 7-9
Odds of winning division: 15%

Oakland Raiders: Really Raiders?  ANOTHER new coach?  How do you expect to stay relevant when you can’t hold onto a coach for more than two years?  But I will say that last year, the Raiders showed flashes that proved that they could be the best team in the division.  Palmer needs to stay healthy and that defense needs to improve.
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 15%

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers: It seems like the Steelers just reload instead of rebuild.  They had a disappointing end to last season, losing in the playoffs to the Broncos, but they’ll more than likely be back this season.  I don’t know if I see another Super Bowl appearance out of the Roethlisberger-led Steelers. 
Predicted record: 10-6
Odds of winning division: 40%

Cincinnati Bengals: What a great season for Dalton, Green, and co. as they made the playoffs last season.  Seeing how young this team is and how good their defense can be, I see this team remaining in contention, and someday being division champs.
Predicted record: 10-6
Odds of winning division: 25%

Baltimore Ravens: I see a setback this year for the Ravens.  Losing Suggs to injury will really hurt them.  Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are nearing the ends of their careers.  They’ve relied on their tough defense to win games the past decade, but I don’t think that defense will be as tough this year.  But they could just as easily be their normal selves and make the playoffs, which is why I have their division winning shot higher than the Bengals.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 30%

Cleveland Browns: You have to wonder, especially if you’re a Browns fan, when the Browns will win the division, if ever.  They drafted a 28 year old rookie to play quarterback.  Their defense is actually pretty good, but they need leaders.  Looks like Browns fans will have to wait another season for well… anything.
Predicted record: 5-11
Odds of winning division: 5%

AFC South

Houston Texans: In their 10^th season in the league, the Texans finally made the playoffs and won a playoff game.  Their team is built to contend, so long as Matt Schaub stays healthy.  They have a good running game, and I think they will still have a good pass rush, despite losing Mario Williams to free agency. 
Predicted record: 11-5
Odds of winning division: 50%

Tennessee Titans: As I’m writing this, the Titans have not picked a quarterback, but I think Locker will be their guy this year.  The Titans are making strides and are just a few pieces away from giving the Texans a run for their money.  Look for them to be in the wild card hunt perhaps until the last day of the season.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Jacksonville Jaguars: Not much to say about the Jaguars.  They have a young QB who didn’t look that great in his rookie season last year, Blaine Gabbert, but look for him to improve this season.  They still have MJD who will be the main producer for this offense.  But you have to say that the Jaguars are a team in rebuilding mode, yet again.
Predicted record: 5-11
Odds of winning division: 10%

Indianapolis Colts: Well, here’s a team that is definitely in a rebuilding process, but a team that might get through it faster than the Jaguars.  Number one overall pick Andrew Luck will face his struggles, and I’d be shocked if they won the division, but stranger things have happened.
Predicted record: 4-12
Odds of winning division: 5%

AFC East

New England Patriots: The Patriots are once again kings of the AFC East and perhaps again kings of the AFC.  There were no huge losses or gains this offseason, so look for them to just keep winning.  Tom Brady just needs to stay healthy.
Predicted record: 12-4
Odds of winning division: 65%

New York Jets: They had such a disappointing season last year, as this is a team with HUGE aspirations and HUGE goals.  Despite finishing 8-8 last season, I wouldn’t be surprised if their goal remained to winning a Super Bowl.  They have the talent.  Mark Sanchez just needs to act like an elite quarterback.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 20%

Buffalo Bills: The Buffalo Bills are a team that could surprise people this season.  They signed Mario Williams, they have Fitzpatrick under contract, and they drafted a great young corner in Stephen Gilmore.  They might even contend for a wild card, depending on how the rest of the division does. 
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 10%

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins still don’t have a top-tier QB, and they haven’t since the days of Dan Marino, but they’re hoping someday Ryan Tannehill will be that guy.  Being in such a tough division, it’s hard to see these guys succeed, especially since they’ll be quarterbacked by a journeyman (Matt Moore) or a rookie (Tannehill).
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 5%


NFC West

San Francisco 49ers: What an unexpected season from them last year.  They went from NFC West doormat to dominant division champs, and they almost made it to the Super Bowl.  I don’t know if we’ll see the same dominance this year, but they will most certainly contend for the playoffs.  I just can’t see them making the Super Bowl without a top quarterback.
Predicted record: 11-5
Odds of winning division: 55%

Seattle Seahawks: Ah, the Seahawks.  Well, I already reviewed them here: http://briguy17-briguy17.blogspot.com/2012/08/predictions-for-seahawks-in-2012.html.  I expect them to contend for the division crown with the 49ers, which will probably start an intense rivalry between the teams.  It all comes down to the division games.  Can they beat the 49ers?  Can they sweep both the Cards and Rams?  And of course, the QB situation. 
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are another team with a QB situation, but as opposed to the Seahawks who have too much of a good thing, the Cardinals are looking like they are trying to pick the lesser of two evils.  Their defense can be really good at times, but they just can’t compete with the quarterbacks they have. 
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 5%

St. Louis Rams: The Rams suffered a setback last year after being expected to contend for the division title.  They are still a work in progress, but Jeff Fisher, who is a great coach, will get these guys working hard and going in the right direction.  I expect them to fight hard all year long.
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 5%

NFC North

Green Bay Packers: The Packers had such a letdown of a postseason game after an incredible start to the regular season, almost going undefeated.  I expect the same dominance from them in the regular season and for them to bounce back from last year’s loss to the Giants.  This is a team built to win for year, and they will.
Predicted record: 13-3
Odds of winning division: 65%

Detroit Lions: The Lions showed they are no longer the NFC North doormat anymore by making the playoffs last season, only to lose to the Saints in their first playoff game in over a decade.  I don’t know what we’ll see from these guys this year, but I know there is a lot of talent in their division.  They’ll be neck and neck with the Bears all season long, I think.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 20%

Chicago Bears: The Bears suffered injuries to both Cutler and Forte last year, which is why they struggled.  But if they both stay healthy, I think they can really have a good shot at the playoffs.  They still have a pretty good defense.  But I just can’t see it all coming together like that.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 15%

Minnesota Vikings: Oh, how the mighty have fallen.  Once the kings of this division, they are now the cellar dwellers and will use the 2012 season as a rebuilding one, seeing how 2^nd year quarterback Christian Ponder does.  They are the only team I give a 0% chance of winning the division to because the other teams are just so talented in their division.
Predicted record: 4-12
Odds of winning division: 0%

NFC South

New Orleans Saints: Oh boy did they get penalized by the NFL for their bounties on players.  But guess what?  I still expect this team to win the division!  They are that kind of team.  Picking up ex-Seahawk David Hawthorne will help for sure.  But I expect the NFC South to be the closest and toughest fought battle for the division title in 2012.
Predicted record: 10-6
Odds of winning division: 30%

Carolina Panthers: People are saying this team is still another year away.  I say this team might just contend this year!  Cam Newton is so talented it’s ridiculous.  They have a great running game, and their defense is improving.  They’re my surprise pick this season (similar to the Lions in 2011). 
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 25%

Atlanta Falcons: Well, how long has Matt Ryan been here?  And how many times has he won a playoff game?  Exactly.  The Falcons really are losing ground in the NFC South and might suffer a setback this season.  It will be extremely competitive in this division and they could lose a lot of games they should win.
Predicted record: 7-9
Odds of winning division: 25%

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Well, last year was quite a setback, but with a new coach, some excellent signings in free agency (Nicks, Jackson), and a new outlook, they should be improved.  They could very well win the division, but we’ll see how year one goes under Greg Schiano.
Predicted record: 7-9
Odds of winning division: 20%

NFC East

New York Giants: Like I said last year, and like I’ve said many years before, when I pick the Giants to do well, they lose, and vice versa.  So this year, I’m picking them to repeat as division champs.  Like I said, you can’t predict this team.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Dallas Cowboys: Oh, the Cowboys.  How you have such high goals and such mediocre results.  It’s comical.  I don’t expect a breakout season from them this year.  Tony Romo is a good quarterback, but have they surrounded him with enough talent and depth?
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Philadelphia Eagles: A lot of people are expecting the Eagles to break out from a disappointing season last year, but I don’t.  I think they’re an average team.  Michael Vick is an average quarterback.  Vick has only once started all 16 games in a season.  Keep dreaming, Eagles.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 25%

Washington Redskins: Drafting RGIII will either kill this team or return them to prominence, depending on if he’s a bust or not.  But for this first season I don’t expect much as he gets used to the NFL game.  I wouldn’t be too shocked if they won the division, but realistically, there’s just too much talent in their division.
Predicted record: 4-12
Odds of winning division: 5%

Playoffs:
AFC
1. New England Patriots (12-4)
2. Houston Texans (11-5)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
4. San Diego Chargers (9-7)
5. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
6. New York Jets (9-7)

NFC
1. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
2. San Francisco 49ers (11-5)
3. New Orleans Saints (10-6)
4. New York Giants (9-7)
5. Detroit Lions (9-7)
6. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)

Wildcards
AFC
(6) Jets at (3) Steelers: Steelers
(5) Bengals at (4) Chargers: Bengals

NFC
(6) Seahawks at (3) Saints: Saints
(5) Lions at (4) Giants: Giants

Divisional
AFC
(5) Bengals at (1) Patriots: Patriots
(3) Steelers at (2) Texans: Texans

NFC
(4) Giants at (1) Packers: Packers
(3) Saints at (2) 49ers: Saints

Conference Championships
(2) Texans at (1) Patriots: Patriots
(3) Saints at (1) Packers: Packers

Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans

Patriots 24, Packers 27

Well, there you have it.  This year, I predict the Seahawks to make the playoffs, but I think they’ll be a first round exit.  Also, Super Bowl XLVII between the Patriots and Packers would not be the first time those two teams met in the Super Bowl in New Orleans.  In fact, in Super Bowl XXXI, the Patriots and Packers met in New Orleans, with the Packers winning their 2nd Super Bowl in 3 years.  I expect the same result this time around.  Finally, some predictions on NFL awards:

NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Offensive Player of the Year: Cam Newton, Panthers
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Willis, 49ers
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Andrew Luck, Colts
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Luke Kuechly, Panthers
Coach of the Year: Ron Rivera, Panthers

Predictions for the Seahawks in 2012

Wow, it’s August already which means it’s time to make predictions for the Seahawks and the NFL for the 2012 season.  Last year, I predicted the Seahawks to go 9-7 and they went 7-9, so I was two games off there.  However, I correctly predicted the Seahawks to miss the playoffs, as I felt they weren’t ready and didn’t have a good enough quarterback.  I really feel the success of this season hinges on the quarterback position: whether or not we can get decent play from that position, regardless of who is the starter.  Just like last year, I will go over each game and make a prediction for a winner.  I will also predict Seahawks leaders in certain categories and analyze each position.  Without further ado, my 2012 predictions for the Seahawks!



Week 1: September 9 at Arizona Cardinals
The Seahawks start out in a place they’ve struggled in off and on for the past few years.  Both teams will have iffy quarterback situations, but I think the Cards prevail due to home field advantage, I’m afraid.
Prediction: Cardinals 27, Seahawks 20
Seahawks record: 0-1

Week 2: September 16 vs. Dallas Cowboys
It should be a great matchup, and finally we are playing the Cowboys HERE and not in Texas.  I expect another competitive game, but if Romo is healthy and the Cowboys don’t make too many mental mistakes, it still will be tough to win.  Cowboys in perhaps a defensive struggle.
Prediction: Cowboys 17, Seahawks 12
Seahawks record: 0-2

Week 3: September 24 vs. Green Bay Packers
There is something about Monday Night with the Seahawks—they’re really good on primetime.  And seeing as Flynn will more than likely start, he will be facing his former team, so he’ll know how to beat them.  I expect a Seahawks team hungry for their first win to surprise a Packers team that underestimates the young Hawks.
Prediction: Seahawks 31, Packers 28
Seahawks record: 1-2

Week 4: September 30 at St. Louis Rams
I can’t even remember if we’ve lost in St. Louis since our Super Bowl year.  I think we have, but just once.  Anyway, even with Tarvaris struggling in last year’s game in St. Louis, the Hawks still won 24-7.  I expect a similar score.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Rams 10
Seahawks record: 2-2

Week 5: October 7 at Carolina Panthers
Carolina is a team on the rise, but so are we, so it should be a great matchup.  I’ll pick the Panthers just barely in this one, I think Cam Newton pulls off a last-second win.
Prediction: Panthers 24, Seahawks 21
Seahawks record: 2-3

Week 6: October 14 vs. New England Patriots
Guess what?  Tom Brady has never played at Century Link Field.  The Patriots and Seahawks have played just twice since Century Link Field opened in 2002, with one game being played there.  But that one game (which was in 2008), Tom Brady was out due to his ACL injury.  Matt Cassel started in his place and the Patriots won 24-21.  But like I said, Tom has never played at the Clink, and I think the Hawks will be hungry for another upset win.  Just call them the Hawk Shockers. 
Prediction: Seahawks 23, Patriots 21
Seahawks record: 3-3

Week 7: October 18 at San Francisco 49ers
Playing on just 4 days rest, the Hawks face the 49ers on a Thursday night game.  I can’t remember the last time we won IN San Francisco, which goes to show how badly we have played there recently.  I expect more of a competition this year, but a loss nonetheless.
Prediction: 49ers 18, Seahawks 17
Seahawks record: 3-4

Week 8: October 28 at Detroit Lions
This should be a great matchup, with Stafford and Megatron vs. our talented secondary.  I expect the Hawks to get a few road wins, and this could very well be one of them.  Hawks in a slight upset, because I believe they will be able to contain Stafford’s passing game.
Prediction: Seahawks 28, Lions 17
Seahawks record: 4-4

So, at the halfway point, the Hawks stand at 4-4, still a decent shot at the playoffs.  Let’s see how I think they’ll fare in the second half:

Week 9: November 4 vs. Minnesota Vikings
While the Vikings still have some stars in Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen, they are a team in rebuilding mode and this really is a game the Hawks should and must win.  Contain Jared Allen and AD, and this game is ours.
Prediction: Seahawks 34, Vikings 16
Seahawks record: 5-4

Week 10: November 11 vs. New York Jets
The Jets are one of those teams that could be a frontrunner for the Super Bowl, or a team that misses the playoffs with a record of around .500 or so.  It’s really hard to say.  But I think at this point the Hawks will be in a groove and will dispatch the Jets.
Prediction: Seahawks 20, Jets 10
Seahawks record: 6-4

Week 11: BYE

Week 12: November 25 at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins won’t win the AFC East, but they’re no slouch, either.  This should be a close game, at least at first, but I expect the Seahawks to pull away in the 2^nd half.  The Dolphins are an average team at best, while the Hawks have a lot of strengths and I believe are a slightly above average team.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Dolphins 17
Seahawks record: 7-4

Week 13: December 2 at Chicago Bears
At this point the Hawks would be in playoff position, but getting a win in December in Chicago is no easy task.  Matt Flynn’s played in cold weather before, and the Hawks did blowout the Bears 38-14 in Chicago last year, but the Bears were missing both Cutler AND Matt Forte.  If both of them play and they should, the Hawks will have a tough game.  Bears by a hair.
Prediction: Bears 19, Seahawks 17
Seahawks record: 7-5

Week 14: December 9 vs. Arizona Cardinals
This will be one of those pivotal must-win games for the Hawks.  This also might be the game to determine who finishes higher in the division standings between these two teams.  We won a squeaker at home last year vs. the Cards, and I expect the same this year.
Prediction: Seahawks 15, Cardinals 12
Seahawks record: 8-5

Week 15: December 16 at Buffalo Bills
The Bills are a team that’s slightly improving year after year, and after drafting well and signing Mario Williams they should be even better.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is an above-average QB for them and again, another cold weather environment for the Hawks in December.  Bless them.  But Bills win.
Prediction: Bills 20, Seahawks 14
 Seahawks record: 8-6

Week 16: December 23 vs. San Francisco 49ers
You talk about a potentially HUGE game, this is it.  If the 49ers are 9-5 or 8-6 going into this game, it will be absolutely huge.  This is a game that’s of course, hard to determine as it is four months out as I’m writing this (who knows who will be injured, who will be playing well, etc.).  It’s really a coin flip, and this game will probably decide the Hawks playoff chances.  I gotta go with my gut.
Prediction: 49ers 17, Seahawks 16
Seahawks record: 8-7

Week 17: December 30 vs. St. Louis Rams
Regardless of whether or not the Seahawks are playing for a playoff spot, this game should be a win, unless the Hawks have such a good record that they sit players out.  Not likely.  I predict a comfortable Seahawks win.
Prediction: Seahawks 31, Rams 14
Seahawks record: 9-7

So, for the 2^nd straight year, I predict a record of 9-7 for the Seahawks.  But like I said, it comes down to quarterback play.  Will we make the playoffs?  Well, you’ll just have to tune in to my prediction for the rest of the NFL to find out!  However, last thing I have is leaders in each category:

Passing
Completions, Yards, TD’s: Matt Flynn

Rushing
Carries, Yards, TD’s: Marshawn Lynch

Receiving
Receptions: Zach Miller
Yards: Doug Baldwin
TD’s: Doug Baldwin

Defense
Sacks: Chris Clemons
Tackles: Kam Chancellor
Interceptions: Richard Sherman

I hope to be surprised this year, but in a good way!  I can’t wait to see who will be this year’s Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, and Doug Baldwin.  Should be a fun 2012 season for the Seahawks.