And the Good News …
By author
The dreadful 2009 football season is finally over; weekly recurrences of disappointment are on hold for at least another eight months or so. Until then, the Seahawks begin what should be an extremely busy offseason for a franchise that hasn’t accomplished much on the field in two seasons.
After three weeks of utter embarrassment and submission, the Seahawks managed to at least compete against the Tennessee Titans at home on Sunday. Although they did not finish victorious, it was nice to watch a team that was at least somewhat competent on the field. And on a side note, the Seahawks kept themselves out of the wrong side of history by not allowing Chris Johnson to set the all-time record for rushing yards in a single season.
Yes, he passed the 2,000-yard mark. But the Seahawks did a pretty good job of containing the versatile, talented back — despite 134 yards on the ground, Johnson was held to only 3.7 yards per carry. It must be noted, however, that Johnson had a 62-yard burst in the fourth quarter that was nullified by a holding penalty.
Although the Seahawks performed much better, Tennessee still won the football game. Despite the unwavering fan support (in most observable cases), the Seahawks were unable to put together a final, game-winning drive to cap an otherwise unsuccessful year.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
Following struggles with injuries last season, luck was supposed to turn. At full strength, the available personnel were supposed to qualify as playoff-caliber; not a talent-deficient group of underachievers.
For Seattle, 2009 is finally over. The season was extremely humbling and depressing for Seattle, but fans can look forward to brighter days. The Seattle Seahawks are capable of improvement and should rebound from the past couple seasons.
To be optimistic, the Seahawks should have an opportunity to add some great talent over the offseason. After Sunday’s loss to Tennessee, the Seahawks are slotted to draft sixth overall next April (thanks to a .477 strength of schedule). Paired with Denver’s fourteenth pick, Seattle will be armed with two top-fifteen selections and a great opportunity to add playmakers.
Although the Seahawks weren’t supposed to pick this high again anytime soon (compared with last year’s fourth overall selection), Denver wasn’t supposed to fall flat on their faces after a 6-0 start to the season either. Early on, it appeared as if the Seahawks would have a miserable season and Denver’s unexpected success would nullify any chance at a top-end pick. Unfortunately the former didn’t change, but at least the latter held true.
The Broncos finished the season 2-8 after a 6-0 start and the Seahawks finished one victory better than the previous year. I never want the Seahawks to lose, but this definitely makes for an interesting offseason.
Seattle not only holds two choices in the top fifteen, but another selection in the early second round of the NFL Draft. Several early picks in April’s draft, potential turnover in the coaching staff and roster, a new general manager, and new expectations should make for an interesting, busy offseason. Stay tuned.