But I digress. Possibly the most painful display of football at the professional level I have seen since the 6-6 Disaster in the Desert. The New York Jets should immediately issue refunds to anyone who paid to see that utter disaster. This was really tough to watch - I could only do so in fits and spurts, because this was just great big dumb on display and that is not palatable after so many Thanksgiving delicacies.
Let's lead with the 'we won' aspect since that is pretty important - they managed to pry victory from the jaws of defeat, almost reluctantly it appeared most times. Seattle sits in first place, two games over the Cards and now control their own destiny. Can't ask for much more than having your fate in your own hands.
A total regime change in Seattle, but we still cannot shake the stench of the dreaded "third and long" coming that we now is getting converted. Second to that is the 'third and short" that no one trusts this inept offense to convert, particularly by running suddenly-cement-shoed Charbonnet laterally on a sloooooooooooooow developing run play against a fast defense. I am sure In am the only one baffled by that.
This game was won solely because of NYet penalties - make no mistake - don't try to paint aby other picture. Yes, Seattle scored when they needed it but they got assist after assist after assist by an officiating crew that simply would not let local hero Geno Smith leave NJ without a W. Okay, there were plenty of legit penalties - just another display of absolutely dumbed-down football that is, unfortunately, becoming the norm in the NFL anymore.
Let's talk about fun things - like Red Zone execution! "What's that?" You ask? Well, as a Seattle fan, obviously I have no idea. Still waiting to see it. In the meantime I am hoping for more deep shotgun snaps from the one yard line, behind super bunched formations that leave NO gaps to get through, and the slow footed sideline slog from the slowest running back in the West. What happened to Charbonnet? And how does he end up the hero? Fucking Forest Gumping it in Jersey.
At least Geno finally threw off the shackles and unleashed his inner Barry Sanders and scrambled for an impressive two yards on two carries. It was the difference, IMO.
Could a local Seatteite please post a Craigslist ad in the "lost Items" section for the "quick slant, screen plays, roll outs, move the pocket for quick throws" pages from Seattle Offensive playbook? They've clearly been with lost, misplaced, or replaced with plays needing at least 45 seconds to develop and require local permitting. Those are super fun to watch!
Defense played reasonable well and the big fella's pick six was a thing of beauty. 'Twas reminiscent of Redskin great, John Riggins, lumbering down the sideline to glory in a certain Super Bowl. Did anyone know there are legit petitions going around to re-instate the Redskins name and logo? No, for real. I hope they make that happen.
Offensive looked outstanding today, PFF grades are gonna be a real treat. I still think this unit will find their footing - we know what the floor looks like, let's just hope the ceiling is higher than current expectations. I am just baffled at the play calling - and also at the incredible slow, lumbering approach while watching the clock tick down to zero - it was maddening with Russ, it's maddening now. Why not speed it up? I feel like I say that every week, clearly someone is not listening to me.
My biggest takeaway covers this whole season, and goes back a few as well - it's the overall degradation of the games. There are so many bad games - being played by absolute fucking idiots. When did the NFL get so dumb? Seriously - I cannot possibly be the only one seeing this. American society as a whole, IMO, has gotten considerably dumber over the last couple of decades, I think that is undeniable. The massive proliferation of pharmaceuticals, brutal food additives and marijuana legalization which, I am sure, have had nothing to do with it.
In know a big part of it is also players coming out of college are just not prepared. It's about the transfer portal, instagram followers, getting that NIL money and 'your brand'. Few rookies look prepared anymore and it's being felt in the lower-quality of the games, IMO.
Jesus H Christ, people have gotten SO DUMB and it is rearing it's (dumb and) ugly head in the NFL. Anyone see the Bears game? Anyone watch todays game and think "damn, these are some smart players and coaches!"? The level of ineptness I am seeing across the league is palpable. This game was just the latest in watching utter stupidity eke out a win over even-more-stupid. Penalties for celebrations, lining up off sides, piss poor clock management costing coaches jobs, super bowl winning-type celebrations for the most mundane things.
Where are the smart people? I don't remember back in the LOB days thinking "these guys are fucking idiots" and neither were the other teams, at least in our division. Even losses were hard fought and generally high-quality play by both sides - I am just not seeing that anymore. I know this is not that team, but it just seems league wide the play quality has dropped dramatically.
Oh, I know the fix! We'll move the extra point kick back five more yards! Yes!
I can't possibly be the only one thinking this. Then again, maybe I am. That's the great thing about living in the most expensive state, we have sunshine every damn Sunday and I can go out an play in it instead of having my brain hurt from all the dumbness.
SO, what's prediction for AZ? They usually beat us at home, that didn't happen, and AZ is where we go to win and tear ACL's. I have no idea WTF is going on this season - we are officially in the Matrix - nothing makes any sense.
Can you imagine if we lost this game? There would be jersey burnings. This team has to get their shit together, Seattle already has one dumpster fire franchise, so don't start pissing off Seahawk fans with this absolute shit play.
Go hawks....
