Seahawk Sunday, On Monday: The Irvin Factor

Oct 7, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin (51) reacts during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

Couldn’t get this done yesterday, but I decided I had to write on the Seahawks win over Carolina, cause it was the feel good moment of the weekend for me. Once the dust settled yesterday, it was the Seahawks who came out alive and well in their season, leaving the Panthers in a heaping mess of “uh-oh” as they move into their bye. In fact, the Hawks look like they can play with anyone in the league.

Seattle’s defense has been absolutely ferocious so far this season and watching them is a real treat for the first time in a long time. Last season they were pretty good, finishing 9th in the league in total defense, but this year they are fast and they really come to play every game with an attitude. It’s just refreshing to see a full 11 guys attacking the football on every play. Nothing demonstrated that better than the fumble force/recover by Browner, the fumble force to save a first down by Sherman (both Pac-12 guys if you didn’t remember) and the goalline stand late in the 4th quarter. I think all Seahawks fans can agree now that the pickups of Bruce Irvin and Bobby Wagner via the first and second rounds were the best picks and have given the defense a whole new level of energy and play makers. Wagner and Irvin both terrorized Cam Newton yesterday (including a sack/fumble forced by Irvin to end the game) and I gotta say I haven’t seen Cam so indecisive since he was drafted 2 summers ago.

Also would like to talk a little on Russell Wilson and Golden Tate. I cannot believe that a majority of Seahawks fans (based on a poll anyway) would rather see Matt Flynn under center. It’s clear that Russell has all the intangibles to lead this team, and his physicals aren’t all that bad either. In fact, he had a terrific game yesterday, on the road no less and is showing growth every game. He’s very elusive and talented from the position and give the Seahawks a qb to look forward to for a very long time. For Tate, another big day, including his second game winning TD of the season. He is every bit the play maker that I saw coming out of college and has become a true weapon in the receiving corps. Very happy for the kid that he has shaken free of the drops and become a premier threat like he should be.

Checking in with the rest of the West, the Rams beat Arizona earlier in the week so that was a big game to keep us close to the Cardinals as far as the division goes. Also, San Fran destroyed Buffalo, so we didn’t gain any ground there either. Only 5 games into a 16 game season though, so there’s still much to be decided. I can’t wait for Seattle and SF, as that should be the hitting game of the year. Matter fact, I can’t really wait till next week when they play again.

Go Hawks!