I mean, c’mon. Golden Tate threw the ball to Sidney Rice, for a touchdown and Pete Carroll was laughing on the sideline prior to the play!

That as a package didn’t give me any other choice. This could be the play of the year, despite the Sidney Rice proclaimed Tim Tebow-esque pass he received from Tate.

This is the second controversy Golden Tate has started this year. First the non touchdown, touchdown and now a quarterback controversy in Seattle!

The Personnel

The Seahawks lined up in their ’12′ package, with one running back and two tight ends.

Robert Turbin was the lone man in the backfield, with Zach Miller and Anthony McCoy both on the field to give Tate and his awful quarterback play some extra time to throw.

The aforementioned Tate lined up in his usual split end wide receiver spot (right side) with Sidney Rice in his usual flanker position (left side).

Russell Wilson was under center, as usual (but with some nerves in his mind with Tate’s terrific quarterback play soon to come?).

The highlight to end all highlights; Golden Tate TD pass (Photo: Yahoo)

The Play

Golden Tate motioned at the snap and was on Robert Turbin’s left side at as Russell Wilson play faked to Turbin and flips it off to Tate.

Tate bootlegs towards the sideline, leaving 1000′s of confused 12′s wondering why he’s running backwards when there is room to run up field.

He steps up just enough to get three Jet defenders to bite on a run and then pulls it back and lets it fly to wide open Sidney Rice!

It got there eventually, wobbling the entire way. It was ugly, but it was six points!

It was a great play call by Darrell Bevell (who has had himself a fine past few games of game plans).

That was Tate’s first NFL pass and the Jets defense had no idea that was in the script. We’ve seen Sidney Rice throw in the past (six career attempts) including two as a Seahawk.

Interestingly enough, Michael Robinson, the only non-quarterback on the Seahawks who played the position at the college level, has only thrown one pass in his Seahawk career.

The Seahawks were off this week on the bye week, so try not to miss them to much.

You can watch this play and more Seahawk highlights here:

Here is a video from the stands that offers a unique view of the play.

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That’s right, after facing Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Christian Ponder and Mark Sanchez, the Seahawks are still perfect at home this season and 8-0 is attainable.

There were nervous moments on Sunday but then Golden Tate threw a touchdown pass and everything seemed right in the world again.

The one downside of the win? I didn’t get to use the title ‘Even a blind pig finds a truffle once in awhile’ for the losing ‘What Went Wrong’ article.

But that’s not fair; a blind pig would be more accurate of a passer than Tim Tebow…

Offensive Game Ball

Despite the first turnover of his home career, Russell Wilson put in another quality day. He looked like a rookie in the pocket for the first time this season, though.

He looked paranoid and was not confident placing the ball for most of the game. He’s a rookie and it will happen, but we wouldn’t be Seahawks fans if we didn’t hit the panic button over everything, right?

He finished with 188 yards off of 12 completions and two touchdowns.

Marshawn Lynch became the second rusher in the NFL (Adrian Peterson) this season to hit the 1000 yard rushing mark.

Rice gives Tate the TD ball after a heckuva throw.

With 124 yards and a touchdown, he sits at 1005 yards for the season after just ten games. 27 carries on the day is a concerning amount of carries to get consistently, though.

This week’s Offensive Game Ball goes to a guy who threw for a touchdown and caught a touchdown during Sunday’s victory.

Nope, not Sidney Rice. Everyone’s new favorite, Golden Tate!

Despite the third ugliest pass in NFL history being thrown (the top-2 belong to the 2 opposing quarterbacks, ironically), Tate hit Sidney Rice from 23 yards out and gave Tate his first passing touchdown.

As pointed out by our editor, Q, look back before that play and you will see Pete Carroll giggling to himself before the snap. Awesome.

Defensive Game Ball

Earl Thomas and LeRoy Hill paced the defense with four tackles each.

Richard Sherman had a very important and perfectly timed interception in the red zone and stopped a threatening Jets offensive drive.

It was his fourth of the season, tying him for third in the NFL. He also had a forced fumble/sack play that showed off his speed (so much so that it made me think it was Earl Thomas).

The Defensive Game Ball goes to Bruce Irvin, who got to Mark Sanchez for sacks numbers 6 and 7 on Sunday.

He is now tied for 7th in the NFL in sacks with teammate Chris Clemons and several others. His speed off the edge is really unbelievable and he’s already proving the ‘experts’ wrong.

The Seahawks get a well deserved break this year as they hit their bye week at a well earned 6-4 record.

Stats

Boxscore

Stay tuned into NWSB to help you get through this long period of Seahawk-less football.

Go Seahawks.

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That was my first thought when Golden Tate lost the ball at the goal line and big John Moffitt piled on it.  But unfortunately, Golden Tate did in fact cross the line, taking away what likely could’ve been Moffitt’s one-and-only career touchdown for the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite an amazing catch radius from Sidney Rice, and some Beast Mode-ing from Marshawn Lynch, Tate gets this week’s Touchdown of the Week for showing off his acrobatic display.

The Personnel

The Seahawks lined up in a trips formation, with the three receivers on the right side of the field.  Zach Miller was lined up off of the left tackle and would stay home to block.

Marshawn Lynch was lined up next to Russell Wilson in the shotgun.  He seemed to fake into the flat and instead got into the line to block anyone coming off the line.

The three receivers involved, from left to right, were Tate, Sidney Rice and Doug Baldwin.  And, of course, Moffitt!

The Play

At the snap, Tate runs a swing screen out towards the sideline and turns up field.  Since we selected Tate in the second round in 2010, I’ve always hoped for him to be used in a Harvin roll—Harvin has been known for his hard running style and diversity.

Golden Tate gets this week’s Touchdown of the Week. (Photo: John Lok/Seattle Times)

Tate runs like a running back after the catch and stops on a dime.

This play exemplifies both of these things.

Doug Baldwin actually runs an endzone route and takes the corner with him for 5-7 yards before the cornerback figures it out and commits to the screen pass. Sidney Rice engages his defender and drives him back, giving Tate the space he needs.

Tate catches it about five yards behind the line of scrimmage and immediately makes a man miss at the line of scrimmage.  He then stops on a dime at the six, making another cornerback miss, and the corner actually cuts off Chad Greenway’s angle in the process.  At the three, he meets two more defenders.

That’s when he decides to take flight.

He jumps over the first defender and gets rocked by the second.  The second defender actually knocks the ball loose, but Tate had already gotten the touchdown.

The Aftermath

After the Monday Night Football debacle, Moffitt sent out this tweet:

I stubbed my toe and instantly became furious at @showtimetate, it’s just fashionable right now u know.

— John Moffitt (@Moffitt74) September 27, 2012

Maybe now he actually is furious for taking away his first career touchdown?

You can watch the play and other highlights here!

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The boiling point for the third down troubles the Seattle Seahawks have had all season came during the Detroit Lions game-winning drive in the week 8 loss.

Three times during that drive, the Hawks’ usually dominant defense had the Lions in a third-and-long situation, and three times, the Lions converted. 

The two times they didn’t convert on third-and-long on that drive?

They took care of business on FOURTH down.

Top-5 defenses shouldn’t allow that.

Offensive Efficiency

Or lack thereof.

As of week nine, the Seahawks’ offense ranked 26th in the NFL in third-down efficiency percentage, at a rate of converting 32.73 percent.  The Pittsburgh Steelers are ranked first with a conversion rate of 51.28 percent and the Redskins are at the back of the pack with a rate of 28.57 percent.

Lynch has found success in the zone-blocking system, but the team still struggles in 3rd-down situations. (Photo: Paul Sancya/AP)

Surprisingly, the offense is actually worse at home (where Russell Wilson hasn’t lost or thrown an interception), converting at a rate of 30.61 percent in comparison to 34.43 percent on the road, where he’s won just one game.

Play Calling To Blame?

Raise your hand if you’ve sat in agony on third-and-long as you watch Darrell Bevell call a halfback draw instead of trying to convert?  Everyone?  Okay.

Now, it can be accredited a bit to the fact the offense is run by a rookie quarterback, so not wanting to open him up too much too soon is understandable.  But what was the excuse last year with Tarvaris Jackson?  Familiar offense, six-year NFL veteran and it was still conservative.

In fact, Seattle finished with a 33.77 percent conversion rate last season, just a point higher than the offense this year.

Despite a brilliant game called by Bevell during Sunday’s victory against the Vikings, I’ve been a huge advocator of firing Bevell and promoting Tom Cable to Offensive Coordinator.

With the progression that the young offensive linemen have made during Cable’s time in Seattle, not to mention Marshawn Lynch‘s breakout as an elite running back in his zone-blocking system, it’s only a matter of time until an Offensive Coordinator or Head Coaching job comes calling.

Elite Defense Can’t Get Off the Field

As mentioned in the first paragraph, despite being ranked as the league’s No. 3 defense going into the game in Detroit, the Hawks’ defense just couldn’t get off the field.

It’s no secret that the Hawks’ defense is a bigger defense—Brandon Mebane is the runt of the bigger defensive lineman at 311 pounds.  To keep the linemen fresh and effective against the run, the defense has to get off the field and the offense has to give them an adequate break.

The offense did a decent job of holding up their end, but the defense was shooting themselves in the foot.

The defense currently ranks fourth in total defense, allowing an average of 309.2 yards per game.

If the offense can continue to progress as the season deepens, if the coaching staff takes the lid off of Russell Wilson’s game and if the defense can get off the field, we, the 12th Man, may get to personally kick Jim Harbaugh and his team right out of the playoffs.

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With captain Jay DeMerit being nominated for Defender of the Year, YP Lee nominated for that, and Newcomer of the Year and Darren Mattocks getting a nomination for Rookie of the Year, I figured I should doll out my own awards, for Whitecaps named after Whitecaps!

Consider that the red carpet entrance and the awards begin now!

Jeff Clarke Award – Leadership Award

Jeff Clarke captained the Whitecaps to two USL Championships and was also a member of the 86ers in the late 90′s.

His leadership helped the ‘Caps capture their first USL Championship and their last, before they entered the MLS.

Winner – Jay DeMerit/Barry Robson

Jay DeMerit is the obvious choice for this award, being the captain. But he really is everything that exemplifies a leader.

From getting the entire team into position in corners and set pieces, to firing the squad up with an inspirational pregame speech to growing an out of style mullet for the historical playoff push, DeMerit does it all.

Or, as the Southsiders would say: “He’s our captain!  He’s our captain!  He’s our captain!”

Barry Robson may have only arrived in the middle of the season and made his debut in early July, he immediately took on a leadership role.

He quickly became Vice-Captain and exemplified his fire for the game against Chicago, in just his second game; he took a free kick from 40 yards out and just missed, putting it over the bar.

He buried his face in his hands and screamed at himself. He gave the captain DeMerit an earful when DeMerit stupidly gave up a penalty against Real Salt Lake.

Darren Mattocks wins the Rookie of the Year award

Carl Valentine Award – Rookie of the Year

Carl Valentine came to Vancouver as an 18-year old and helped the Whitecaps win their one and only NASL Championship. He scored four goals in his debut season and went onto to score 40 more over a five year span.

Winner – Darren Mattocks

Part of the reason Mattocks wins is for lack of a better option, but it would be silly not to point out the excellent debut season Mattocks had.

After missing time early with a serious arm injury, Mattocks came back healthy and motivated.

He scored 8 times in 16 starts in his debut year and made both Eric Hassli and Sebastien Le Toux expendable.

Bobby Lenarduzzi Award – MVP

Bobby Lenarduzzi was there the entire existence of the NASL’s Whitecaps.

He came over in 1974 for their debut and stayed until the league folded in 1984. He was there for the 1979 Championship season and scored 31 goals in 288 appearances.

Winner – The Backline

This award goes to the Whitecaps backline, who was the heart and soul of the team from March through November.

DeMerit, YP Lee, Martin Bonjour, Alain Rochat, Andy O’Brien and Jordan Harvey.

They helped the ‘Caps achieve a record setting beginning, and allow just 41 goals this year. In a season that didn’t see many goals from the offense, the defense was more important than ever.

Jay DeMerit is the winner of the Leadership award, and co MVP winner (Photo – WhitecapsFC.com)

Ray Lewington Award – Unsung Hero

Lewington may have only played one season for the ‘Caps, but he was the rock in the midfield for the NASL Championship team.

Winner – Alain Rochat

The chameleon of the Whitecaps team.

He went from being a Left Back and Center Back last season to a Right Back, to a Center Back, to a holding Midfielder this season.

Nobody did it with fewer errors and with less recognition then Rochat this year. He came into his own after moving to the bottom of Martin Rennie’s diamond midfield towards the end of the season.

Special mention to Jun Marques Davidson, the awards runner up.

Willie Johnston Award – Fan Favorite Award

From mooning the Sounders bench to taking a sip of a fans beer before taking a corner, Johnston did all the right things to endear himself to Whitecaps fans.

Winner – Eric Hassli/Barry Robson/Darren Mattocks

Nobody has made the fans love him quicker than the former Whitecap Eric Hassli.

It showed true after he was traded and we the fans gave him one last ‘Eric Hassli’ chant in the 29th minute in the first match following his trade.

Barry Robson and Darren Mattocks quickly made fans love them in their first year in Vancouver. 

For a few weeks in July/August, Robson’s jersey was one of the best selling in the MLS. Mattocks’ pace and scoring touch earned himself a spot as a fan favorite and it will only grow as he keeps growing.

That’s it for this year and hopefully the ‘Caps can take home some official MLS awards too!

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If you had told me that after facing the Cowboys, Packers, Patriots and Vikings that the Seahawks would be perfect at home I would take it in a heartbeat.  It hasn’t come without stress, controversy albeit.

But it also hasn’t come without dominating performances, which is awesome. 

I wouldn’t sleep on the ‘Hawks going perfect at home with dates against the Jets, Cardinals, 49ers and Rams to finish the season.

Offensive Game Ball

Russell Wilson had another great game manager game at home, going 16/24 (five drops) for 173 yards and three touchdowns.  He also ran the ball nine times for 27 yards, including a clutch first down run off of a read option!

After his worst game of the year last week, Marshawn Lynch bounced back in a big way, trading punches with the NFL’s best running back.  Lynch keeps pace with Adrian Peterson and finished with 124 yards and a touchdown.

He carried the ball 26 times after just 12 in the loss against Detroit.  He gets one more ball today, the Offensive Game Ball!  Beast Mode!

He may finally be here, folks.  Golden Tate caught two touchdowns today including a ridiculous acrobatic dive over the line.  All along I’ve hoped for a Percy Harvin-type role for Tate.  He runs like a running back after the catch and showed just that on two straight bubble screens.

Sidney Rice improved his career total to 4/6 passing and scored a touchdown against his former team!

The Seahawks are now 5/5 in their past five red zone possessions.

Crazy Golden Tate 11-yard TD catch and run. (Photo: AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

That is an exciting prospect for a team who has struggled from 49ers syndrome all season long inside the opponents 20!

Defensive Game Ball

Without Jason Jones, it was a worrisome thought that the ‘Hawks defensive line wouldn’t be able to create pressure or get to the quarterback.  It was relieving to see the ‘Hawks create something without him.

Four sacks on Christian Ponder, countless hits and only 44 net passing yards for one of the worse pass rushing teams last season.

Adrian Peterson ran wild on a strong Seahawks run defense, finishing with 182 yards and two touchdowns.  Not to be all blamed on the defense.  That’s just AP being AP.

We’re honestly lucky to have him healthy again; he’s great for the NFL and a really special player to watch.

The Defensive Game Ball goes to the midseason Defensive Rookie of the Year (in my mind) Bobby Wagner.  Wagner was without tackle machine KJ Wright most of the game, and he stepped up on and off the field.

He finished with five tackles and a huge sack.  The sack came off of a 10-year veteran move; hold in the second level to make the running back believe you’re in coverage, then make your move.

Unreal, Bobby!

Special Teams Game Ball

Leon Washington really has no place on this team anymore.  He has only ten carries this year and as a result is making stupid decisions when it comes to taking a knee or taking it out of the endzone on kickoffs.

He lost yardage twice on punt returns today by running laterally and backwards trying to create something.  He even took a punt out of the endzone.  For two million a year, the ‘Hawks can find someone else to average 1.1 carry a game and take a knee on kickoffs.

Steven Hauschka had his extra point blocked, the first for Seattle since ’05.  Other than that he went 1/1 from 40 yards out.

The Special Teams Game Ball goes to both  Jon Ryan and the Special Teams unit.  Ryan did an excellent job of keeping his balls in the air long enough for the unit to get down field and contain the always dangerous Percy Harvin. 

Containing him was a huge reason the ‘Hawks won today.

The Seahawks stay home this week as they play host to the Jets!  Stay tuned to NWSB this week for your weekly Seahawks fix!

Stats

• Russell Wilson—16/24 173 yards 3 TD
• Marshawn Lynch - 26 carries 124 yards
• Sidney Rice - 4 receptions 54 yards 1 TD
• Zach Miller – 2 receptions 47 yards
• Doug Baldwin - 1 receptions 6 yards
• Golden Tate – 4 receptions 28 yards 2 TD
• Bobby Wagner - 10 tackles, 1 sack
• Brandon Browner - 7 tackles, 1 INT, 1 SWEET TD saving tackle

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The Seattle Seahawks lost last week 24-28 to the Detroit Lions, and despite Marshawn Lynch‘s 100-plus yards, he finished with less then 3 yards per carry in one of his worst overall performances. It wasn’t entirely his fault, though, as the offensive line struggled to get to the second level all game long, as they were physically dominated by the Lions d-line from start to finish.

But a bright spot of a game that had a miserable feel to it all game long came at 14:43 of the second quarter when Marshawn Lynch took a pitch 77 yards to the house—his longest as a Seahawk and 11 off the team record.

The Personnel

Marshawn Lynch had the play of the game against the Detroit Lions . Photo Credit: AP/Paul Sancya

The Seahawks lined up in their ’22′ formation with two Tight End’s and two Running Back’s.  The players in this package were Anthony McCoy, Zach Miller, Michael Robinson and Lynch.  The Pro-Bowl fullback and the two best blocking Tight End’s on the team.  I wonder what’s coming?

Wide receiver Ben Obomanu is the lone receiver on the field, lined up on the right side in a slot position.  He is joined by McCoy just prior to the snap, with Zach Miller on the left side of the Offensive Line.

Lynch and Robinson are in their usual spots, with Russell Wilson under center.

The Play

As mentioned, Anthony McCoy goes in motion prior to the snap and seals off the defensive end’s outside shoulder and in the process keeps him from making a play should Lynch bounce it inside.  THIS is why we kept McCoy around, even before he learned to catch.  Textbook blocking.

Ben Obomanu gets just enough of his linebacker to shove him behind Lynch and giving Lynch a huge hole and just the secondary to beat.

Michael Robinson shows why he went to Hawaii last season, throwing himself perfectly at Ricardo Silva and in the same motion cutting off Stephen Tulloch’s angle and cutting him off from the play.

Lynch hits the second level with absolutely tremendous speed and is chased by Tulloch and Kyle Vanden Bosch (man I love that guy).  They don’t catch him, and 77 yards later, his blockers meet an appreciative Lynch in the endzone!

A fun fact via Twitter from one of our excellent Seahawks writers:

Marshawn Lynch averaged a little over 18 miles per hour during his 77yd run. During part of the run he’d have been speeding in a school zone

— Brett Bivens (@NWProSports) October 28, 2012

WATCH THE PLAY HERE!

That score put the ‘Hawks up 10-7, but unfortunately they would look back and couldn’t hold the lead.

Stay tuned to NWSB for pre and post game articles as well as your daily Seahawks fix!

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For the last time until March, I present to you, things to love and things to hate from Thursday night’s match.  Despite the lose, despite the elimination; if you are a Whitecaps fan, hold your head up high!  We lost out, but we lost out of a historic season.

I try to stay away from using the term ‘we’ in articles, but WE finished with an outstanding 8-3-5 record at home.

 Some of that is on US.  The fans.  And we should be damn proud.

Love ‘em

History

Toronto FC has come close.  Very, very close.  The Montreal Impact came close this year and impressed a lot of people.  But close doesn’t matter.  Vancouver Whitecaps FC, in their second season of MLS Soccer, became the first Canadian team to make the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Despite the result tonight and despite talk the ‘Caps backed in or didn’t deserve it; the history books won’t show that.  It will show that they got there.

I was at BC Place on March 10th, the home opener against the Impact, and we the fans passed around a massive banner that said ‘The Rennie-ssance begins”.  If this season truly was the beginning, I can’t be more excited for next season.

Na na na na na na na na na Knighton!  Knighton!

It was at the very stadium in L.A. on September 1st that Brad Knighton took over at the wheel.  Fans at home and even media weren’t sure if it was a Joe Cannon rest (several other key players were sat) or if it was a move for the rest of the year.

Like a Beckham kick to the head we’ll be here for you this winter at NWSB to bring you your Whitecaps news.

Looking back, I’m so happy that my suspicion was correct.  Knighton has been nothing short of solid in these two months following his takeover.

When the team struggled and dealt with injuries, he was the rock that kept the backline calm.  He was an absolute stud again on Thursday and kept it a two-sided match for the whole 90 minutes.

Hate ‘em

Too Complacent

Martin Rennie stayed true to his game plan.  Sit back, withstand the constant pressure from an elite Galaxy attack and then hit them on the counter.

That plan gave them the best chance to win and I respect Rennie for sticking to it, even as the pressure mounted and mounted.

There were, unfortunately, a few flaws with this tactic.

1.  The Whitecaps counter attack wasn’t an attack at all.  It was a dump and chase game that made me think I was watching hockey.

It seemed like after the first few counters didn’t work, they were content with kicking it downfield and just resting while the Galaxy worked the ball back up the pitch.  And…

2.  When, on the rare occasion, they did bring men forward trying to create, they couldn’t.  The long ball game just wasn’t the Whitecaps friend tonight and they missed poorly on some passes.

It’s Over

I could sit here all day and talk about things that I’m happy about with this season, thing’s to look forward to and thing’s to improve.  But there is unfortunately a sad realization we as fans are going to come to very soon; it’s over.  No long days heading to BC Place.

No marches from Doolin’s Pub with the Southsiders.  No singing, no chanting, no ‘You Fat Bastard!-ing’. 

None of the things that make US the best fans in the MLS, until March.

The ‘Caps may not be in BC Place this winter, but we’ll be here for you at NWSB.  We’ll be a (virtual) shoulder to cry on and we’ll give you your Whitecaps FC fix.

So stay tuned.

VIDEO

Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie comments after 2-1 loss to L.A. Galaxy

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That’s always the thought and goal of fans during playoff matches; can this magical season be extended?  And that is certainly what I’ve been thinking of, since October 21st, the day the Whitecaps made Canadian MLS history by becoming the first Canadian franchise to make the MLS Cup Playoffs.

When it comes to talent, the star studded Galaxy definitely have the advantage. 

But as the ‘Caps showed the league in the July meeting, that doesn’t mean they’re better.  It can be done.

1. Same Tactic?

In the regular season finale, ‘Caps fans saw Martin Rennie go back to the strategy that kept opponents off the score sheet early on.  The plan was to defend and withstand the pressure (17 shots from Real Salt Lake on Saturday night) then beat the opponent on the counter.

Rennie did a superb job on picking the right team to execute this plan, with two of the quickest players in the MLS, Dane Richards and Darren Mattocks up front, ready to burn the RSL backline if given a chance.

2. Scottish Skill Not Needed?

In the dress rehearsal for the biggest game in franchise history, the two highest paid players, Kenny Miller and Barry Robson were kept on the bench (Robson came on for Mattocks in the 71st).

While Miller hasn’t ever really earned his spot in the starting Xl, rarely showing his worth as a Designated Player, particularly in the home finale, Robson has been invaluable since coming to Vancouver and has only recently slowed down.

I wouldn’t be shocked if both start on the bench again, but Robson could replace Matt Watson or John Thorrington in Rennie’s starting Xl.

The Whitecaps have gladly accepted the underdog role. But they’re not in way over their heads.

3. Be Patient

If you are reading this, chances are you are a fan of the Whitecaps.  If you are, chances are you will be tuning into the historic Thursday night match.

If you are, be patient.  The Whitecaps will gladly sit back and defend, defend then defend some more, if it means advancing to the Western Conference Semi-Final’s.

They don’t care about TSN’s ratings.  They want to win this match.  And they’ll do it in the way they feel they have the best chance to do it in.

Don’t get bored of the style of play, because if the Galaxy falls asleep for a second, Dane Richards will run right past them all.

4. Starting Xl

I’ve said numerous times that I won’t be surprised if the ‘Caps and Rennie stick to the Xl that earned a clean sheet and a draw against Real Salt Lake, but I have changed my starting Xl:

Brad Knighton; YP Lee, Andy O’Brien, Jay DeMerit, Jordan Harvey; Alain Rochat, Gershon Koffie, Matt Watson, Barry Robson; Dane Richards, Darren Mattocks.

Robson takes my regular season finale Man of the Match, John Thorrington’s place in the starting Xl.  Robson was just too successful against David Beckham in previous meetings to leave him out.

Thorrington could draw in as the holding midfielder at the bottom of the diamond, though.

5. Breakthrough

Despite the headlines, the predictions and the underdog mentality that the Whitecaps have gladly accepted, they’re not in way over their heads.

Sure, the Galaxy boast some of the greatest players Northern Ireland, U.S.A. and England have ever produced, but they’re in the twilight of their careers. 

The Whitecaps truly earned their spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs and might surprise some people.

To conclude, see you Sunday at BC Place, ‘Caps fans.

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For the second straight week, I have the depressing task of writing What Went Wrong, instead of dishing out Seahawks Game Balls.  I hate this part!

 Can’t we win every week?  Win Forever maybe?  Evidently, not this week. 

I digress…

This isn’t the Worst Part!!!

That’s right, 12′s!  For the first time in a long time, I’m more upset with the Seahawk defense then the offense, and that seems to be the general consensus.  But the offense could’ve been better, especially in a category you wouldn’t expect.

Despite finishing with 105 yards and a touchdown, I would have to say this was one of Marshawn Lynch’s worst games of the season.  Not that it’s his fault; his offensive lineman truly struggled all game to push around a very good Lions defensive line.

Also of note, of the 12 carries Lynch had, one was a 77-yard touchdown run.  Take that out of the equation and you have 2.5 yards per carry average.  Yikes.

Russell Wilson continues to improve and had himself a good game and traded punches with a prolific offense, for the most part.  He finished with 236 yards off of 25 completions, and two touchdowns.

He also set a new career high with 35 attempts.  His only mistake was a misplaced interception deep to Sidney Rice.

My biggest problem with the offense was the play calling once again!  When the Seahawks put together a nice drive to close out the first half and got decently close to field goal range, Darrell Bevell decided to call a draw play on first down, resulting in a loss and knocked out of field goal range.

Sophomore Titus Young had his breakout game against the Seahawks ELITE secondary.

It cost the Hawks three points and their last timeout.  When it’s not draws on third and long, it’s short slants.

It’s too safe, especially going head to head against an offense like Detroit’s.

Get Off the Damn Field!

An offense that boasts Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew and Titus Young isn’t going to be one you want to face for an extensive amount of time.

The usual dominate defense allowed them to be on the field for far too long and simply couldn’t get off the field on third downs.  It was the Achilles heel for the defense on Sunday and couldn’t hold them on three third downs during the final drive.

With all the attention surrounding the Richard Sherman/Calvin Johnson or the Megatron/Optimus Prime matchup, the defense made sure to shut him down, and they did.

Aside from one deep shot early, the offense hardly even threw Calvin Johnson’s way.  He ended with a pretty average three catches for 46 yards, two of which came from single coverage done by Marcus Trufant.

There was a price to pay for blanketing Johnson, as sophomore Titus Young had his breakout game, finishing with nine catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winner.

Stupid Rule Ruined our Returner

At first, I didn’t want to believe it. Leon Washington’s return game hasn’t worsened due to the new rule of kickoff position.

 But after his horrible judgments in when to and when not to come out of the end zone and his running laterally when he does, I believe it. 

He isn’t the same player he was in 2010 and isn’t as explosive.  He can give the offense terrific field position off of exciting punt returns, but doesn’t have the same quickness he used to possess.

It’s not all sad, 12′s.  We traded punches, hung in and EXPECTED to beat a team that just last year was 10-6 and made the playoffs!

That is exciting in its own.

The Seahawks (and hopefully Game Balls) return on the 4th against the Minnesota Vikings. Stay tuned to NWSB for continued coverage!

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