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Just when I think I've got the 2001 Seahawks figured out, they throw me another stumper! The way we started the game was amazing! Ricky Watters was running at will, Matt Hasselbeck was hitting every receiver, our defense looked as good as they ever have, and even the ball seemed to take the right bounce. 7 points to the Seahawks in what appeared to be an effortless series. The next series that resulted in 3 points wasn't quite as easy but still looked great. And then... ...isn't that just like the Seahawks. We had everything going for us and then fizzled out. All of the sudden Hasselbeck was missing open receivers, receivers were dropping balls, Ricky was getting plugged up at the line, and our defense wasn't quite as sharp as they appeared earlier in the game (although I can't complain that we held the Cowboys to 3 points!) I really don't understand that hot and cold thing, especially when it happens so suddenly in a game when we had all the momentum. It's not as though Dallas did something terrific to steal the momentum, it just appeared that we, for whatever reason, lost it. The safety seemed to turn things around for us, the field goal pretty much locked it up, and the other two touchdowns were gravy. Of course the talk going into the game centered around our running back controversy, Watters vs. Alexander. BOTH are terrific backs and it's asking a lot from any true Seahawk fan to choose between the two. If the mail in my in-box is any indication, we all feel affection and admiration for Ricky Watters for what he's done for us in the blue and green, but I don't think there are many of us who don't want to see Shaun Alexander steal the show. Personally I felt that he proved himself in the time that Ricky was injured and I'm a little disappointed that Ricky has been given the starting position. That's not to put Ricky down in the least, he's a terrific running back. It's a real tough decision! In any case, Ricky was sensational today! He started with a bang, slowed down there in the middle and found more yards later in the game. He did go out of the game in the second half with an injury and Shaun Alexander stepped in to take his place. Their stats, shown during the 4th quarter, were remarkably similar, with Shaun on pace to equal Ricky's yardage if he'd had the same number of carries. Did I see a stat displayed after Shaun's touchdown carry that his 12th rushing touchdown LEADS THE LEAGUE?!? That's incredible, he hasn't even played a full season!! THAT is why I think he should be playing now. I don't wish any injuries on Ricky Watters, but I would LOVE to see Shaun get more playing time in the final games of this season. Want to talk receivers? Darrell Jackson is amazing!! I'm liking him more and more! I was a little disappointed in Bobby Engram because I didn't think he got the ball as often as I'd have liked, and (sorry, Pat!) I'm just not sure what to think about Koren Robinson. Just when I think he's a superstar, he drops a couple of critical passes. I'd like to take the easy way out on this one and give him time for more experience before I evaluate him. Kudos to Terry who forced the special teams fumble that resulted in a safety and to Charlton who ran an interception in for a touchdown near the end of the game! It gave the game the excitement that was missing during the 10/3 period! Did you notice how much head-butting was going on in this game?? I'm glad to see our boys happy but I'm sure glad it's not me out there in the celebration!!! For those of you who may have missed the game live, the announcers shared a tragic and heartwarming story about Ricky Watters. A year or so ago Ricky and his wife lost a child. The baby was born premature and only lived two weeks. Since that time Mr. and Mrs. Watters have had another child, Ricky, Jr. who is now 13 months old. They say the experience has made Ricky aware of what is important, and they say his eyes sparkle and shine when he speaks of his family. A story like that chokes me up every time. I admired Ricky Watters before I heard the story, even moreso now for getting through the tragedy so bravely. My heart goes out to him and his family.
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