Mother Nature: Seattle’s 12th man

By Michael Murillo  |   Thursday, November 09, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Seattle Seahawks
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The "12th man" for the Seattle Seahawks isn't a man at all; it's Mother Nature. And if the team is going to claim the NFC West, it'll need all the assistance she can provide.

Poor weather has the ability to discourage vertical passing, keep teams limited to more conservative game plans and provide opportunities for the running game. And what would be better for a team without its most potent offensive weapons than close, conservative contests?

The Monday night game against Oakland was a good example of helpful weather. While the Raiders aren't the toughest team on anyone's schedule, they do have a potent offensive weapon in Randy Moss. And if the team was going to defeat the Seahawks, Moss would have to be involved in deep passes and long gains.

But weather conditions weren't favorable to those types of offense plays. Oakland didn't throw the ball deep for much of the game, and failed to find success when it did. Thanks to Mother Nature, the 'Hawks were able to grind out a victory and left the field atop their division.

And they needed the help. The Seahawks spent much of the game looking nearly as inept as the Raiders. They came away with their best rushing numbers of the season, but they mustered only a field goal after their first three possessions. Their performance earned them a 16-point victory, but they won't defeat the league's elite teams with that kind of effort.

Until Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck are back in the lineup, Seattle isn't going to have an explosive offense. Seneca Wallace has provided decent leadership in Hasselbeck's absence and Maurice Morris has had mixed results filling in for Alexander, but neither of them strikes fear in defensive coordinators. Seattle will need to find wins in close, low-scoring contests, and the weather can play a positive role in creating those game conditions.

The team might need them, too. Many of the Seahawks' remaining home games feature teams that have good offenses, and Seattle will have to defend against the likes of Steven Jackson, Torry Holt, Brett Favre and LaDainian Tomlinson. Even division-rival San Francisco, currently 3-5, is still in playoff contention in the competitive NFC. If the 49ers show up on Dec. 14 with postseason aspirations, the 'Hawks will face yet another difficult opponent.

The remaining home schedule is challenging, and whatever help Mother Nature can provide would be greatly appreciated by players and fans alike.

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