As the clock hit zero you could feel the tangible sense of disbelief. It's a shock to lose at home. We've become accustomed to a kind of home dominance that is simply not sustainable and today reality brought us back to an unavoidable truth: All things, all records, all streaks.....end. It's inevitable.
But why the panic? Why the emotional outrage? Why the blame?
I think that we in Seattle who have braved the kind of sports seasons that always end in a punch line are clinging tight to the success of this team because the truth is, we haven't REALLY had this that often. SB XL was our moment and we were left crushed with only the memories of "if only" to keep us company. Since then, we've seen the Mariners disappear figuratively while the Sonics disappeared literally. We've seen no real, national success on any level.
My point is that we are desperate for victory. Not the moral or emotional kind but the kind of victory blanketed with confetti and packaged with an off-season when we are on top of the mountain without the possibility of coming off of it. We want to see the Lombardi hoisted by OUR team! It's the thought of being so close and not obtaining it that causes sweaty palms and nervous pacing in our living rooms.
But.............while adrift in this "glass case of emotion", we need to remember a few things.
1) We are leading in several statistical categories for a REASON....... We are a GREAT football team. Do not allow a single bad game to make you question this team's ability.
2) Unbridled confidence without the fear of defeat is a dangerous thing. Losing at home was going to happen at some point. MUCH better to be punched in the mouth today and allow the players remember as they sit in their ice baths that they can always be beat if they don't play to their potential. This could be a great thing for their development and growth as a team.
3) Winning masks true deficiencies. When this team has had post game meetings about penalties or converting in the red zone or......whatever. The message rings with much more clarity and focus when it is the cause of a LOSS, not a footnote in a win. Games like this hit square in the face and like a 1000 lb gorilla, it's tough to ignore.
Bottom line. This team will be fine. This team is where they are at for a reason. They are talented.
We as fans can only ask that they respond positively to this adversity and respond now. I believe they will.
Cheers Hawks fans!!!! Enjoy your week, hug your kids, focus on your families. Remember what's important in life.