"For a young team that's still figuring
things out, this is an important win."
-- Seattle Seahawks Coach Mike Holmgren
Seattle Seahawks 31 - Kansas City Chiefs 19 
One of the things that's really nice about attending the game in person is that you get to see more than the
camera shows you at home on television. An observation I made that surprised me is just how often we rotate players.
In the commentary during a televised game, you might notice how often it's mentioned that we're confusing the offense or
the defense with our different ways of lining up. NOW I understand what they mean! We've got players running on and off the field
all the time. Of particular interest to me was that our team would be huddled together during one of the many long, boring TV time-outs
(Oh, those are annoying!) and just prior to lining up for the play, we'd make our substitutions. It meant we had players hustling on and
off the field at a moment's notice, but it kept the defense guessing and it works! Credit Coach Holmgren for that! I love it!
Another observation I made is how much work our wide receivers do.
On television, you see them running full out for a pass that's intended for them. What you don't see, and may sometimes forget, is how often they run full speed downfield
for a passing play that isn't ever intended for them. Joey caught a lot of bad press for coming out of the game last season when he was tired,
but many times today he sprinted 50-60 yards upfield dragging a defender with him, only to sprint back for the next play to do it again even
though the play may be a short screen pass to someone else. Yes, that's his job but we, as fans, need to remember
that just because the play isn't designed to go to him, he runs some fast routes that open up the field for other players! While he
didn't have a lot of receptions today (1 reception for 18 yards, I believe) he still made a contribution on the field.
While I'm on the subject of Galloway, I'll add that he looked confused on some plays. We've read that he has a lot of learning
to do with the play book and after today I would agree with that. I'm certainly no expert, but I recall plays where Joey would start
in motion and then stop, looking at Kitna for what appeared to me to be help in figuring out what he was to do! Kitna would motion
for Joey to go this way or that, Joey would run, Kitna would look to make sure he was where he needed to be, and then Kitna would take the snap.
I admire Kitna so much for his patience and leadership! We really to have a budding star on our hands! It's going to be so much fun to watch him
over the years!
Before the game, my friend Leigh asked me if the shadows had an effect on the game since the stadium sits at an awkward angle. I'd told him that
I didn't recall noticing a problem in the past. I paid particular attention to it today and I was surprised that there were a lot of shadows on the field. I didn't
notice that it caused any particular difficulties but it certainly could make a difference, particularly when trying to field a
punt or a kick-off. It's quite possible the receiver would be looking right into the sun on certain areas of the field. I might add that our part of the
stadium got very chilly when the shadows came over in the second half, especially with the wind blowing hard
(and not from the drinkers behind me...!) Definitely coat or jacket time, though we didn't need blankets, hats or gloves.
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