Seahawks Hawaii-bound.
It’s that time of year. Hope you cast your ballots for the “Don’t Injure Each Other, or Bother to Look Like We’re Even Trying at All” bowl.
Or, excuse me, the Pro Bowl.
The upstart Seahawks could have a couple players heading to Hawaii, not surprising for the hottest team in football.
Let’s start on the offensive side of the ball.
Offense
Matt Flynn: Quarterback
Just kidding.
Russell Wilson won’t be on the Pro Bowl team either. Not with the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Tony Romo, and Matthew Stafford all dwarfing his passing numbers. Yes he brings rushing yardage to the table, but both Newton and RG3 have him beat in that category.
Yes he’s got an amazing QB rating, but Rodgers, RG3, and Ryan all have him beat there too. I just don’t see a way in. (Maybe with some injuries or drop-outs).
He will however be in the Rookie of the year debate, and that’s just fine with me.
Russell Okung: Left Tackle
The Seahawks’s first round pick from 2010 has finally overcome nagging injuries his first few years to turn into one of the best left tackles in football. Naturally under the radar as a lineman, he has been one of the quiet reasons the Seahawks have such an efficient offense this year.
Russell Wilson is on everybody’s lips, but he wouldn’t be anywhere without Russell Okung.
Max Unger: Center
Remember Shaun Alexander? Everyone remembers him setting the single season touchdown record and powering the hawks offense to Super Bowl XL.
Chris Clemons has chalked up 11.5 sacks on the season.
But half the credit goes to Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson, the pro bowlers on the offensive line. Both Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson wouldn’t be as successful without Seattle’s stellar O-line, of which center Max Unger is a huge part of.
Another invaluable piece of a unit that deserves much more credit for the Seahawk’s success than it gets.
Marshawn Lynch: Running Back
I’ve already established that Marshawn Lynch owes a lot to his blockers, but even the best blocking can’t singlehandedly account for 1490 yards (second in the NFL) and 11 touchdowns.
Lynch scorched one of the best defenses in the NFL on Sunday, and would have a chance at leading the league in yardage if Adrian Peterson wasn’t having a career season.
Defense
On the defensive side of the ball, the Hawks have an embarrassment of riches. It was tough to pick only these.
Chris Clemons: Defensive Tackle
A force at defensive tackle, Chris Clemons has chalked up 11.5 sacks on the season. Ask Aaron Rodgers if you doubt his ferocity; Clemons sacked him four times in the infamous Monday night game.
Richard Sherman: Cornerback
Richard Sherman’s performance last night narrowly pushed him past Brandon Browner as Seattle’s best cornerback, but either player could’ve gone here. Sherman is in a multi-way tie for second in the NFL for interceptions, with 7, including a big one last night.
After last night’s outstanding performance, highlighted by the pick and a blocked extra point returned for a touchdown, there are rumblings of Defensive Player of the Year.
While that may be a bit much, Sherman has indisputably been a shutdown corner and game changer on defense.
Earl Thomas: Safety
The Seahawk’s lethal defense is anchored by safety Earl Thomas. The Earl of CenturyLink, Thomas overlooks his turf confidently, the same way he plays.
His speed, ball skills, and ability to read a play have bailed the Seahawks out many times and allowed the rest of the defense to play aggressively.
Seattle should be well-represented in Hawaii this year. The Seahawks have a lot of hardworking talent on both sides of the ball, and their late success is a direct result of that, as well as possibly some Adderall.
But indisputably our leaders on both sides of the ball have earned a trip to Hawaii.
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