Postmortem: Hawks v Lambs - Instant Classic (Again) Edition

[auroraave]

First, apologies to the neighbors for the man heard screaming last night from the general direction of my living space. I swear I do not know who that was.

A few years ago, Seattle had a wildly dramatic stretch of 4-5 games that were all heart attack and/or blood pressure specials - and I think they won them all. We've come full circle kids... it's happening again and I am here for it!

Who converts THREE two point conversions, one of which will be studied for years and will go on Charb's highlight reel. It's like this story was scripted - it was too impossible to be true, right? RIGHT??

Jeckyl and Hyde entered the chat, left the chat, returned again to win an absolute thriller. Who was that team? They were the sputtering offense in the first half. They were the offense exploding in the second half - converting THREE two-point conversions to get it done - playing like masters of crunch time - while also finding ways to not convert second and third and 1.

A celebrated defense, the best in the league - getting absolutely torched - and then shutting down the Lambs when it counted most.

This was an epic thrill ride that Magic Mountain, Disney and Universal Studios should be fighting over the rights to.

After running us through all the emotions, crushing our hopes in a first half of "here we go again" and "ah shit, we've seen this movie before." The Seattle, Macdonald and Co, The Fucking Darnold, did it all again in the second half - but this time with magic bullets and grit.

I don't smoke, but if you weren't considering one after this game, are you even a fan?

The Darnold. C'mon dude. You frustrate us to the max, then you pull a 'just kidding, here's the real me' and now we sit at 12 and fucking 3 and in the driver's seat for the number one seed in the NFC. Read that again, then settle the fuck down, we have two more tough ones to get through in Carolina and SF. We just exorcised our Lambs demons - time to do the same to Chardonnay Nation. In between let's TCOB in Carolina, who are no joke.

Under the bright lights, Kenneth Walker reminded us of just who the fuck Kenneth Walker is and it still feels like he had more to give. There's probably not a player on that team that wants to prove his with more than Kenneth, at times he's an elite supercar, as he showed last night, at times they just can't seem to get his engine tuned correctly.

Possibly the most amazing thing in all of this, what no one is really keying in on, is that this team has a chance to win 14 games and be the number one seed - in Macdonald's second season. Imagine where this team is headed! I don't think this team has reached it's ceiling and, depending on the off season additions and subtractions, could be even more formidable next season. The line play is improving, The Darnold with a full season with this group, Kubiak, more time with this group, all the essentials in getting shit dialed in. The defense has been carrying the load a lot lately, and the offense, a talented group, just seems without any clear identity. Let's hope time corrects that.

Right now, glowing off that win, I still have this lingering feeling of "Imposter Syndrome" for this team. Are they playing over their heads? Is the Jeckyl and Hyde sustainable? Will we get bounced in the first round because of it? We keep winning, yet I am still wildly concerned about the vulnerabilities on display.

Seattle takes down the FTR in epic fashion, in an all time classic and I can't stop smiling. Now I am off on the day-after apology tour of my neighborhood, asking forgiveness for that guy in my gereral living area, screaming, yelling, crying, praying, then laughing, whoever that guy was.

Definitely wasn't me though.

go hawks

[XpertDBA]

"Are they playing over their heads?"

An emphatic YES. You can't give up 581 yards and 2 crappy ints and keep expecting to win, it's not sustainable.

Not having Cross was huge last night.

If Sam had the clean pockets that Stafford gets even 50% of the time, then we can talk.

[auroraave]

"Are they playing over their heads?"

An emphatic YES. You can't give up 581 yards and 2 crappy ints and keep expecting to win, it's not sustainable.

Not having Cross was huge last night.

If Sam had the clean pockets that Stafford gets even 50% of the time, then we can talk.

Pretty sure Jones covered quite admirably for Cross - I don't think he was an issue. Seems to me if the problem is the pocket collapsing, perhaps move the pocket, roll Sam out more, or get the ball out faster - like by calling quicker route concepts. Sam also needs to step up in the pocket and run more - everytime he runs it seems to spark him - but he rarely does. It's a very effective tool to use - he needs to use it more - keep the defense off balance - we look SO predictable too much of the time. We may be playing over our heads this season - but again, 12 wins (so far) in year two is astounding.

[XpertDBA]

"Are they playing over their heads?"

An emphatic YES. You can't give up 581 yards and 2 crappy ints and keep expecting to win, it's not sustainable.

Not having Cross was huge last night.

If Sam had the clean pockets that Stafford gets even 50% of the time, then we can talk.

Pretty sure Jones covered quite admirably for Cross - I don't think he was an issue. Seems to me if the problem is the pocket collapsing, perhaps move the pocket, roll Sam out more, or get the ball out faster - like by calling quicker route concepts. Sam also needs to step up in the pocket and run more - everytime he runs it seems to spark him - but he rarely does. It's a very effective tool to use - he needs to use it more - keep the defense off balance - we look SO predictable too much of the time. We may be playing over our heads this season - but again, 12 wins (so far) in year two is astounding.

I saw a couple of times where he broke the pocket, started to run, looked like a slug and was tracked down very quickly when it looked like he had a lot of room to run and gained minimal yards. Not sure I agree with your confidence of his running skills.

[Captain 97]

They didn't play the better game last night and were definitely fortunate to win but I don't think that in general they are playing over their heads. They are battle tested and have proven themselves enough times to show its not fluky. They have played 7 games against teams currently in playoff position and have still managed to go 12-3 with their three losses by a combined 9 points. They are first in point differential. That's an impressive resume to me.

P.S.
I Hate those uniforms they wore yesterday. The jerseys were super blah and the helmets looked muddled and tacky.

[Michael K.]

P.S.
I Hate those uniforms they wore yesterday. The jerseys were super blah and the helmets looked muddled and tacky.

Looked like Oregon, so of course I hated them.

I agree with AA about this only being MM's second year. I really believe this is a year or two early. I said it earlier this week, but this feels like the team that broke RGIII on that sloppy as turf in Washington and then nearly came back and beat the Falcons in Atlanta. The difference could be that we could get home playoff games. Feels like that has become a good thing, once again.

I wouldn't have been pissed had we lost. LA is fucking good, and they have the better O Line and QB. But they are not as tough. Could you imagine being a teammate of that shithead Puka? Got into it with a teammate not that long ago because he was live streaming from the Locker Room, and tried to deny it. Then bitches about the refs on a stupid ass gamer live stream, then tweets about them after the game. McVey seemed overly thrilled about answering those questions post game. I also thought it was hilarious that Jones called them out for talking smack like the game was over.

I didn't go into the game hating the Rams, it's hard to hate Stafford, I think McVey is fucking fun as Hell to listen to and watch, I think Kyren Williams is a fucking dude, and so is Blake Corum. I loved Parkinson while he was here (big drops last night by the way), but something about watching Puka and their team last night that is lighting some of that old Ram hatred. When that douche bag Fisher was there? I'm not sure there was another team I hated more, and that's saying a lot since Harbaugh was with the Niners I believe!

[auroraave]

P.S.
I Hate those uniforms they wore yesterday. The jerseys were super blah and the helmets looked muddled and tacky.

Looked like Oregon, so of course I hated them.

I agree with AA about this only being MM's second year. I really believe this is a year or two early. I said it earlier this week, but this feels like the team that broke RGIII on that sloppy as turf in Washington and then nearly came back and beat the Falcons in Atlanta. The difference could be that we could get home playoff games. Feels like that has become a good thing, once again.

I wouldn't have been pissed had we lost. LA is fucking good, and they have the better O Line and QB. But they are not as tough. Could you imagine being a teammate of that shithead Puka? Got into it with a teammate not that long ago because he was live streaming from the Locker Room, and tried to deny it. Then bitches about the refs on a stupid ass gamer live stream, then tweets about them after the game. McVey seemed overly thrilled about answering those questions post game. I also thought it was hilarious that Jones called them out for talking smack like the game was over.

I didn't go into the game hating the Rams, it's hard to hate Stafford, I think McVey is fucking fun as Hell to listen to and watch, I think Kyren Williams is a fucking dude, and so is Blake Corum. I loved Parkinson while he was here (big drops last night by the way), but something about watching Puka and their team last night that is lighting some of that old Ram hatred. When that douche bag Fisher was there? I'm not sure there was another team I hated more, and that's saying a lot since Harbaugh was with the Niners I believe!

All of this - especially the Oregon comment
Good friend of mine from Seattle now lives in Eugene - he's all about the Ducks and I often threaten to unfriend him and block his number and we both get a good laugh.

Comment about the Atlanta season - that loss - didn't sting - it inspired what was coming and everyone felt it. Was never more hyped for a season of football then the season after that loss - you could feel that team about to explode. This team is close.

agree about the lambs have to put 'hate' for them in finger quotes 'cause they are a likable team all the way around - the niners were easy to hate because we were the two big dogs on the porch and something had to give. I never really hated Harbaugh, I just loved to beat him.

Anyone see Sherman's reaction after the game? Dude was just so giddy he could not contain himself. SO amazing - and the other sideline reporter is a big hawks fan too - I forget her name but I beleive she is from seattle.

[Michael K.]

I saw the clip of Sherman celebrating. Pretty cool. I've been trying to find the post game. Would love to hear what those guys had to say, particularly Whitworth and Sherman! I can't find anything. Pretty sure I'll have to log into Amazon.

[XpertDBA]

P.S.
I Hate those uniforms they wore yesterday. The jerseys were super blah and the helmets looked muddled and tacky.

Looked like Oregon, so of course I hated them.

I agree with AA about this only being MM's second year. I really believe this is a year or two early. I said it earlier this week, but this feels like the team that broke RGIII on that sloppy as turf in Washington and then nearly came back and beat the Falcons in Atlanta. The difference could be that we could get home playoff games. Feels like that has become a good thing, once again.

I wouldn't have been pissed had we lost. LA is fucking good, and they have the better O Line and QB. But they are not as tough. Could you imagine being a teammate of that shithead Puka? Got into it with a teammate not that long ago because he was live streaming from the Locker Room, and tried to deny it. Then bitches about the refs on a stupid ass gamer live stream, then tweets about them after the game. McVey seemed overly thrilled about answering those questions post game. I also thought it was hilarious that Jones called them out for talking smack like the game was over.

I didn't go into the game hating the Rams, it's hard to hate Stafford, I think McVey is fucking fun as Hell to listen to and watch, I think Kyren Williams is a fucking dude, and so is Blake Corum. I loved Parkinson while he was here (big drops last night by the way), but something about watching Puka and their team last night that is lighting some of that old Ram hatred. When that douche bag Fisher was there? I'm not sure there was another team I hated more, and that's saying a lot since Harbaugh was with the Niners I believe!

All of this - especially the Oregon comment
Good friend of mine from Seattle now lives in Eugene - he's all about the Ducks and I often threaten to unfriend him and block his number and we both get a good laugh.

Comment about the Atlanta season - that loss - didn't sting - it inspired what was coming and everyone felt it. Was never more hyped for a season of football then the season after that loss - you could feel that team about to explode. This team is close.

agree about the lambs have to put 'hate' for them in finger quotes 'cause they are a likable team all the way around - the niners were easy to hate because we were the two big dogs on the porch and something had to give. I never really hated Harbaugh, I just loved to beat him.

Anyone see Sherman's reaction after the game? Dude was just so giddy he could not contain himself. SO amazing - and the other sideline reporter is a big hawks fan too - I forget her name but I beleive she is from seattle.

You never hated Harbaugh? OMG, that guy is the biggest douchebag ever. Watching him rant on the sidelines about every ticky-tack call. I wanted to punch him squarely in the nuts.

[douche]

MM really does have something going on here. And we have Schneider to thank for that.

Shaheed - his punt return was the catalyst.

Darnold - ugly at times but battled and hung in there. Impressive.

Walker was a machine.

The almost inexplicable, bizarre things that went on in this game... down 16 points, 581 yds allowed, 3 - 2pt conversions (one of them the result of a backward pass leading to a fumble) and an improbable OT victory... a laundry list of bewilderment.