Katie Dunn |
Twenty-seven yards. It’s shorter than the new extra point. How could Blair Walsh, who consistently makes field goals way longer than that, miss?
Well, there’s about 20 seconds left, not an unheard of amount of time to go score.
That is what went through my mind last Sunday as Walsh lined up to kick what should have been a season ending field goal for the Seattle Seahawks.
I admit, I was pessimistic. Thoughts ran through my mind a mile per minute but none of my thoughts included Walsh’s kick shanking left.
Well, that’s what happened. And I was shocked.
As part of the Seahawks’ 12th man, it is my duty to believe, against all odds, that the Hawks will win every game. That includes through the improbable. The improbable is happening now as Seattle faces the North Carolina in the NFC Divisional Round.
Today’s game is a chance for them to redeem themselves from their uncharacteristic 27-23 loss to North Carolina earlier this season. It was yet another defensive meltdown. The Panthers, a team that only scores an average of 6.1 points in the fourth quarter, scored 13. And the Hawks, a team that scores an average of 6.9 points in the fourth, scored three.
Seattle’s defense has improved since that game, only giving up an average of 17.3 points per game. A healthy defense is the key to the Seahawks' power. There’s also Russell Wilson, who is having the best season of his career (thanks, Ciara). And Doug Baldwin, who is playing like there is no one else on the field.
Cam Newton has thrown 10 interceptions this year. I predict he will throw two this game, one to Earl Thomas and another to Kam Chancellor, like he did about a year ago. A healthy defense, and an offense spearheaded by Marshawn Lynch and a red hot Baldwin can’t be stopped.
The Seahawks can make it to a third Super Bowl in a row. But if they don’t, I know there will always be next year. And as a Seattle sports fan, my heart lies with my city, and I back them no matter what.
Go Hawks!
