Only way the day would have been more complete was if the Seahawks left their prison-colored uniforms in their Toronto hotel rooms.
But Canada is sensitive about American pollution coming across the border, so it may not be worth the controversy. The Seahawks can just toss the “wolf grey” duds atop the fire they’re setting in the NFL.
Following the 58-0 crushing of Arizona with a 50-17 triumph over Buffalo Sunday in Toronto, the Seahawks (9-5) are looking good everywhere except apparel, but the NFL has no penalty – yet – for wardrobe malfunction.
The NFL does reward high-functioning football, and that describes well the Seahawks and their fast-rising playoff position, which is now the first wild card spot, fifth overall in the NFC. Heading into two home games against division rivals, here’s another list
Efficient quarterback play – check.
Clock-controlling rushing game – check.
Turnover-inducing defense – check.
Field-position edge from special teams – check.
Roster depth to protect against injuries – check.
Winning on the road – check.
“We put together a really cool football game across the board,” said coach Pete Carroll. “There was a concern about how we would handle (coming off a blowout win), but we played really well.”
The Seahawks have never played as efficiently, and rarely has the NFL seen such short-term productivity. Only two other times have teams scored more than 100 points in consecutive games. Counting the game-winning TD in Chicago two weeks ago, the Seahawks had 78 points in a row before the Bills (5-9) scored late in the first quarter to trail 14-7.
Quarterback Russell Wilson continued to flash new weaponry. After going without a rushing touchdown this season, he set a QB franchise record with three – all in the first half. None were quarterback sneaks. Of his runs of 14, 25 and 13 yards – he had 92 yards on nine carries — two were off his mastery of the read option, and one was a scramble out of the pocket.
He had no turnovers Sunday and only one in the past six games.
“Russell is handling things really well,” Carroll said. “I’m thrilled he’s been able to continue to grow. We’re really playing well with him. For a long time, we were just trying to not screw up. We’re past that. We know now whatever we call, good things can happen.”
Testament for that is the Seahawks over the past three games have averaged 472 yards of offense, and that includes coasting in the late stages of the past two.
They also took charge early, and managed the odd environment of an away game for both teams at Rogers Centre — Buffalo is 112 miles of winter road away — to dominate on the road for the first time this season.
“We looked at this a little bit like it was a bowl situation at a semi-neutral site,” Carroll said. “To see that kind of numbers on the road, that was great. It was a special event, we enjoyed it, and got a win.”
The Seahawks no longer need to develop the fake enthusiasm for a minor bowl game. They now have what they wanted when the NFL schedule came out: A Dec. 23 game with the rivals that has national gravitas.
“We had 58 and 50 two weeks in a row, and now we’re going into Sunday night against the 49ers to decide the division championship,” said Rice. “That’s what we wanted.”
By beating New England Sunday night, the 49ers (10-3-1) remain in charge of the NFC West, but haven’t clinched. So the incentive, if a bit diminished, remains for Seattle: It’s the 49ers and Carroll’s most villainous rival, Jim Harbaugh, coming to a town waiting all fall for them, viewed by a national audience eager for a peek at the latest sports phenomenon – Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.
YourThoughts