Posted on 02/08/2006 1:17:32 PM PST by MooseMan
KIRKLAND — The suitcases sat on the floor. Locker stalls were emptied. Players exchanged hugs, handshakes and autographs. Smiles of relief and acceptance were everywhere.
It was packing day at Seahawks headquarters, as the players gathered their belongings and bid goodbye to the greatest season in franchise history.
But there were still questions about the officiating in the Super Bowl, as the talk of the town Tuesday continued to be whether the Seahawks were victims of bad calls.
"Maybe people's eyes are different or something like that," cornerback Marcus Trufant said. "So you never know. When a call is so close, I guess it could go either way. Maybe the system could be tweaked a little bit. ... When things are so close and it's a game of this magnitude, there's going to be a lot of things said about it."
Penalties for pass interference, holding and an illegal chop block and arguable touchdowns or non-touchdowns. But on Tuesday the Seahawks weren't dwelling on it much.
In fact, they tended to blame themselves for their 21-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL.
"It was a great season. We played well," defensive end Grant Wistrom said. "I'm very proud of how we did defensively, and it just didn't end up the way we wanted it to. You have to be able to overcome any obstacles that are in your way. We can't control what they [officials] do; we can only control what we ourselves do."
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
Indeed. That's what stinks about being a Vikings or Bills fan; you've had great teams, but everyone picks on you because you've lost all the Super Bowls you've gone too. :P
Taylor shadowed Chad Johnson, then Marvin Harrison, then Rod Smith in the three AFC playoff games. He did a good job. If he continues to grow, Townsend could take the role of nickel or dime corner while McFadden moves up. Given Townsend accepts the role and takes nickel corner money. Ike needs to learn how to catch.
Keeping Rutherford as an emergency 3rd QB would make sense, he could remain inactive for most of the year until needed.
Sometimes Taylor is really good, then other times (like the first half of the SB) he's horrid. He's got to bring the bottom end of his performance up, the top end is pretty impressive, it's the bottom the worries me.
A lot of it has more to do with scheme than the players. Being a zone blitz team, the corners are succeptable to quick slants and short outs. The Steeler CBs often give too much cushion rather than giving up the big play. More experience may help.
The Seahawks players have shown nothing but class. Their fans and their coach were the ones making excuses (I would make excuses too if I was responsible for the horrid game Holmgren called). Matt Hassleback impressed me during the game when, after a scramble, he placed the ball in front of Clark Haggans face in the heat of the moment, then when he realized Haggans was hurt on the play, walked right into the crowd of Steelers players to apologize to him.
No kidding. If he learned how to catch, he would remind me of a poor man's Rod Woodson, with his speed and tackling ability. Can you think of another corner in the league that tackles as well as Ike?
At lest real football fans appreciate the magnitude of their accomplishments.
BTW. Bud Grant was among the all time best coaches. I really respected that guy.
Hawks Blame Santa's Elves for Superbowl Loss?...
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