oldhawkfan
Well-known member
This topic might be more relevant to the old time Seahawks fans than those that have come along this century. I continue to see and hear Seahawks fans complain about the disrespect and media bias that goes against this team.
If you really want to see disrespect, go back to the late 70's and entire 90's. I'll leave out the 80's Chuck Knox era because there was a bit of respect gained nation wide if only because of Chuck and the wee bit of success the team claimed. The 80's ground chuck teams at least made teams prepare for a battle while the media was aware that they could be competetive. Prior to Mike Holmgren coached Seahawks teams, that was the golden era of Seahawks football. A handful of 9-7 win seasons along with a 12-4 season and one AFC championship appearance.
The Holmgren era, while not providing a Super Bowl win ( :? :roll: ), at least brought about some positive media coverage and respect among the NFL faithful that this was a team that could at least compete for a championship.
Now, we are in a window of unprecedented success for the Seattle Seahawks. This is the golden years of Seahawks football. This era of Seahawks makes the Chuck Knox era look like a date to the prom with your socially awkward cousin.
I hear in the voices of opposing coaches, media talking heads and fans of other teams, a respect that was never there before. Winning a championship not only changes the perception of a team, it also changes the psyche associated with that team. I recently saw/heard some fans discussing the Seahawks in the same vein as the Patriots. It had something to do with the assumption that they would be ranked high because of their past success. I spent the first 30 years as a fan of this franchise hoping for a win each week and hoping beyond belief that maybe just maybe they could get one extra game via the playoffs. Since 2005, minus the Mora debacle, I have come to expect wins and have counted on deep playoff performances. It is as though XLVIII was the glass ceiling that was finally punched through and conquered. The first 30 years of my fandom saw 3 playoff wins in 4 seasons. Since 2003, they have been to the playoffs 10 times with 12 overall wins.
This having won a Super Bowl at some point automatically gives teams a respect that they can and are contenders over the teams that haven't punched through the ceiling. Look at some of the teams who have never won the Super Bowl. Would it not surprise you if they won it all, no matter how good or bad their team might be?
The Seahawks are now talked about nationally as one of the NFL's heavyweight contenders. I remember way too many years where they were never even mentioned and if they were, it was as the butt of a joke as to what an inept or invisible franchise that they were. I sometimes have to take a step back to really appreciate where and who these Seahawks are today. I have gone from a person who hoped one day to at least see my team in the Super Bowl to one who expects that they can win it in any given year with this roster and coaching staff.
Media bias and disrespect? Not in this era my friends!!!
If you really want to see disrespect, go back to the late 70's and entire 90's. I'll leave out the 80's Chuck Knox era because there was a bit of respect gained nation wide if only because of Chuck and the wee bit of success the team claimed. The 80's ground chuck teams at least made teams prepare for a battle while the media was aware that they could be competetive. Prior to Mike Holmgren coached Seahawks teams, that was the golden era of Seahawks football. A handful of 9-7 win seasons along with a 12-4 season and one AFC championship appearance.
The Holmgren era, while not providing a Super Bowl win ( :? :roll: ), at least brought about some positive media coverage and respect among the NFL faithful that this was a team that could at least compete for a championship.
Now, we are in a window of unprecedented success for the Seattle Seahawks. This is the golden years of Seahawks football. This era of Seahawks makes the Chuck Knox era look like a date to the prom with your socially awkward cousin.
I hear in the voices of opposing coaches, media talking heads and fans of other teams, a respect that was never there before. Winning a championship not only changes the perception of a team, it also changes the psyche associated with that team. I recently saw/heard some fans discussing the Seahawks in the same vein as the Patriots. It had something to do with the assumption that they would be ranked high because of their past success. I spent the first 30 years as a fan of this franchise hoping for a win each week and hoping beyond belief that maybe just maybe they could get one extra game via the playoffs. Since 2005, minus the Mora debacle, I have come to expect wins and have counted on deep playoff performances. It is as though XLVIII was the glass ceiling that was finally punched through and conquered. The first 30 years of my fandom saw 3 playoff wins in 4 seasons. Since 2003, they have been to the playoffs 10 times with 12 overall wins.
This having won a Super Bowl at some point automatically gives teams a respect that they can and are contenders over the teams that haven't punched through the ceiling. Look at some of the teams who have never won the Super Bowl. Would it not surprise you if they won it all, no matter how good or bad their team might be?
The Seahawks are now talked about nationally as one of the NFL's heavyweight contenders. I remember way too many years where they were never even mentioned and if they were, it was as the butt of a joke as to what an inept or invisible franchise that they were. I sometimes have to take a step back to really appreciate where and who these Seahawks are today. I have gone from a person who hoped one day to at least see my team in the Super Bowl to one who expects that they can win it in any given year with this roster and coaching staff.
Media bias and disrespect? Not in this era my friends!!!