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The Seattle Seahawks, the NFC’s representative in Super Bowl XLVIII, have had a long road to recovery ever since their controversial loss to Pittsburgh. In each of the past few seasons, however, the Hawks have been clawing their way back into contention in the suddenly incredibly competitive NFC West. This season may well have been their best yet, as they used their legendary home-field advantage to their benefit, dropping only one game at home. They traveled much more durably than an average West Coast team, as well, going 6-2 away from CenturyLink Field. This is a team that thrives on hard-hitting, lockdown defense, and it shows, as the Seahawks boasted the NFL’s top defense in 2013. Their offense won’t be breaking any records, but they’re certainly capable of moving the ball when necessary. So with the introduction out of the way, let’s delve into the Season In Review for the 2013 Seattle Seahawks.
Defense Wins Championships?
When you talk about the NFL’s top defensive players, you have to mention Seattle corner Richard Sherman. He’s always been one of the major players on this defense, ever since he was drafted in the fifth round in 2011. Now in his third year as a Seahawk, Sherman has grown into the unquestioned leader of the defense. He’s gained notoriety recently for his comments following the Seahawks’ NFC Championship victory over division rival San Francisco, but other than that he tends to portray a very clean-cut persona, which certainly helps his marketability and public image. He’s a leader, through and through, and his presence has been nothing but good news for the Seahawks this season.
On the field, he’s one of the NFL’s best shutdown corners. He led the NFL this year in interceptions, pulling down eight picks, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also recorded 16 pass deflections, tying him for fourth in that category in the NFC. It’s no doubt that Sherman makes his presence felt on any given Sunday, and this weekend’s Super Bowl should be no exception.
Beast Mode
The offense’s biggest weapon is running back Marshawn Lynch. Following Lynch’s brief, ill-fated stint in Buffalo, many fans and experts thought he would be forever an afterthought following his trade to Seattle in 2010. Later that year, though, in his first career playoff game against New Orleans, he singlehandedly won the game for his team on his famous 67-yard touchdown run that saw Lynch break nine tackles en route to the end zone. This run, forever thereafter dubbed the “Beastquake,” singlehandedly cemented Lynch’s status as one of the NFL’s strongest power runners. In each of his three full seasons in Seattle afterward, Lynch has topped 1,200 yards rushing and recorded at least 11 touchdowns; this year was no exception, as he put up 1,257 yards (sixth-most in the NFL) and found paydirt 12 times (to tie Jamaal Charles for the league lead).
Lynch is what you’d call a ground-and-pound runner. His biggest success has come from running the ball between the tackles, and he’s one of the hardest running backs to bring down. On occasion, he can flare out and catch passes as well; he tallied 36 receptions for a career-best 316 yards in 2013. He’s a monster in short-yardage situations, and it’s easy to see why. He’s one of the league’s top runners, and it’s likely that he will continue to show why he’s one of the best come Sunday.
Season Schedule
Regular Season:
Week 1: @ Carolina (W 12-7)
Week 2: vs. San Francisco (W 29-3)
Week 3: vs. Jacksonville (W 45-17)
Week 4: @ Houston (W 23-20)
Week 5: @ Indianapolis (L 28-34)
Week 6: vs. Tennessee (W 20-13)
Week 7: @ Arizona (W 34-22)
Week 8: @ St. Louis (W 14-9)
Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay (W 27-24)
Week 10: @ Atlanta (W 33-10)
Week 11: vs. Minnesota (W 41-20)
Week 12: BYE
Week 13: vs. New Orleans (W 34-17)
Week 14: @ San Francisco (L 17-19)
Week 15: @ New York Giants (W 23-0)
Week 16: vs. Arizona (L 10-17)
Week 17: vs. St. Louis (W 27-9)
Postseason:
Divisional Round: vs. New Orleans (W 23-15)
NFC Championship: vs. San Francisco (W 23-17)
That’s it for now. Tune in tomorrow for a look at the AFC representatives: the Denver Broncos!
All images, unless otherwise specified, are from USA Today.
