The Seattle Seahawks roll into town to face the New York Giants tonight, and while some try to label this 2-1 team, one aspect shines through: their enthusiasm. Who is the leader? That questions yields no clear answer, as the team’s strength seems multifaceted. Is it the offense, the defense, or something else entirely?
After having traded off Russell Wilson, the ‘Hawks finished last season with a surprising 9-8 record, defying expectations. Geno Smith, a journeyman quarterback, threw for a season high 4,282 yards, with 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
The quarterback, and therefore the anointed leader, Geno Smith, for all his success last year remains quiet and is anathema to being a traditional leader. On defense, safety Jamal Adams will be returning back to the game. He was after sidelined for last year, having suffered torn quad muscle. Adams, outgoing and verbose, is more in line with what teams look for when selecting a team. As a safety, one ideally does want Adams making the tackles. A safety is the defense’s last line of defense. If a safety is leading or close to leading the team in tackles, it is often problematic. It may mean that everyone in front of him has been unable to make the tackle.
Exuberance for the Love of the Game
As one scans the Seattle Seahawk sideline in search of answers, one is drawn to the head coach. Outgoing and effervescent in nature, Pete Carroll has reason to be exuberant. Before the beginning of last season, the long-term star quarterback Russell Wilson wanted a new, long-term contract. For exact reasons we may never know, both General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Pete Carroll refused to agree. The quarterback was not offered a new contract, and after playing 10 years in the Northwest, Wilson was traded.
In what amounts to the steal of this millennium, the Denver Broncos gave up the following to acquire Russell Wilson:
- A 2022 1st round pick (Charles Cross)
- A 2023 1st round pick (Devon Witherspoon)
- A2022 2nd round pick (Boye Mafe)
- A 2023 2nd round pick (Derick Hall)
- A 2022 5th round pick Tyreke Smith
- Players Noah Fant, Shelby Harris and Drew Lock
Wilson received a guaranteed contract from the Broncos, while Carroll and Schneider were freed up to rebuild the team. Wilson threw for 3,524 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Carroll had a quarterback in Geno Smith, who significantly outplayed Wilson last year. Carroll has a lot to smile about.
Enthusiasm Fuels Pete Carroll’s Success
Carroll is one of only three coaches (Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer being the other two) to have won both a college football championship as well as a Super Bowl. The coach won two national college championships while coaching USC in 2003-2004, and a Super Bowl title with the Seahawks in 2014.
Carroll has rebuilt his team with traits that have previously succeeded. The traits include a strong running game and a defense that is driven by strong play from the secondary. And there is his relentless enthusiasm and love for what he does. Carroll leads his Seahawks into battle with the New York Giants tonight.
Barry Schustermann
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