5 Reasons To Like An Ugly Win

Oct 28, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Daryl Richardson (26) is stopped at the goal line late in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Edward Jones Dome. Seahawks defeated the Rams 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

It’s safe to say that the Seattle Seahawks are breathing a collective sign of relief after last night’s surprisingly close victory over the St. Louis Rams. In a game that some people  expected to be a blow out, Seattle gave everyone a reason to stay tuned until the final snap. Russell Wilson was sacked seven times, Seattle only had 135 total yards, and the referees probably have sore arms from throwing penalty flags all night long. But on the bright side, the Seahawks walked away from the game with a win. Here’s five reasons why this ugly victory was not too bad looking in retrospect.

1. Earl Thomas And The Legion of Boom Were Studs.

Not that there was much doubt, but Earl Thomas and the backside of the Seahawks defense showed why they are elite. Earl Thomas was literally everywhere last night on his way to tallying ten tackles. He covered ever inch of the field and laid down some of the biggest hits of the night. An all to usual interception by Richard Sherman and big time coverage by Brandon Browner also left Kellen Clemens frustrated from start to finish.

2. The D-Line Looked Hungry.

Seattle’s defensive front has been much improved this year and they showed it again last night. Kellen Clemens seemed to be rushed on almost every play as the Seahawks threw an impressive variety of personnel and looks at him. In the end Seattle only had three sacks, but I’m sure Kellen Clemens was looking at that stat line in disbelief this morning.

3. A Goose Egg In The Turnover Department

After watching Russell Wilson fumble twice last week against the Cardinals, turnovers obviously appeared to be a point of emphasis in this game for the Seahawks. Seattle was perfect in the turnover department against the Rams. In a game that really was decided by only a couple plays, winning the turnover battle was crucial.

4. Close Games Build Character

It’s nice to watch Russell Wilson throw three touchdown passes and see Marshawn Lynch run for over a hundred yards in a blow out win but close games are where teams learn about who they are. The goal line stand the Seahawks pulled off last night was a good indication of what they’re capable of. There’s a good chance that some where down the road (possible in January or Febuary) Seattle will face a similar situation and it’s good to know they will be ready.

5. A Win Is A Win In The NFL.

I had numerous things I was prepared to mention had the Rams pulled off the upset last night. I would have talked about the inability of Seattle’s offensive line to do anything spectacular in the run game or passing game. I would have talked about how the Seahawks lost to a struggling team that was starting their backup quarterback. And I probably would have mentioned that the Seahawks need to be better if they want to live up to their lofty expectations for this season. However, somehow they managed to absorb everything that went wrong against the Rams and still come out victorious. On any given Sunday anybody can beat anybody in this league so a win is never a reason to be discouraged. Okay, maybe in this case I should have said any given Monday but you get the point.