Seahawk Monday: In Tough NFC West, Do Hawks Join NFL’s “Elite” With Comeback Against Patriots?

Oct 14, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) intercepts the ball from intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch (84) during the 2nd half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated New England 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

The Seattle Seahawks for years have been a team that has never quite been thought of as “elite”, even during their Super Bowl run in 2006. They were always a team that was good because of their division. But finally, this team is challenging the moniker, thanks to a tougher NFC West and a defense worthy of late nights by opposing coaches. After a comeback win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, Seattle has proven it can beat anybody, but a loss to St. Louis 3 weeks ago serves as a warning signal to Hawk enthusiasts. At the same time, the Seahawks’ only two losses are within their division and it’s proof that the conference is severely improved, so it’s a catch twenty-two.

Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton and Tom Brady have fallen to the 4-2 Seahawks and the fact is that stat probably won’t be repeated by any other team this season. Also, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the defensive backfield once again has at least 3 Pro-Bowl caliber players and that’s not even including the other guy, who is quickly earning the rep of the toughest shut-down corner in the League. It also doesn’t include the nickel-back guy, who is a former pro-bowler himself. Also, we point to the fact that the Seahawks have the best run defense in the League. Point is, it’s going to be tough to put a win together against this team.

I think it’s apparent that the Hawks are right there among the elite teams in the NFL. A win Thursday at San Francisco will definitely confirm it though. You still have to win your division, so losing all of your division games does nothing for you, even if you beat everybody else. It’s time for the Seahawks to prove that they are back. A big win on the road would do quite nicely.