I was watching Inside The NFL last night and Ray Lewis made a comment about how the Seahawks have never been the same since that fateful final play in XLIX. I've flirted with the notion since then but when he said it it really hit me.
"He's right."
Now I know "The Play" has been discussed ad nauseum here (insert beating dead horse image here) so the point of this thread isn't to rehash that, but I wanted to talk about the fallout. This isn't about the unfortunate series of events that occur over any given season that happens to all teams (i.e. injuries) but how something as profound as "The Play" can have an impact on a dominant franchise 1-yard away from a potential dynasty.
When that EPSN article came out during the offseason, I largely dismissed it as did the players. After all, the goal for any writer is to get clicks or reads. Sensationalism, hyperbole and "Truth-stretching" are often the norm, especially in the world of sports journalism driven by readership.
However, where there's smoke there's always some kind of fire. The Seahawks were built on the foundation of finding scrappy, late round players with a giant chip on their shoulders. Pete has always celebrated individuality (within the confines of the culture concept) and at times it has proven problematic (i.e. player explosions on the sidelines).
I was hoping this team had the character and determination to move beyond the travesty of that final play in XLIX. Now I feel sadly that they do not. As optimistic as I tend to be, I think I have to face the fact that this Championship-Caliber Era has come to an end and we are witnessing the sights and sounds of inevitability right before our eyes.
With Russell Wilson and many of our current players and culture I will always have hope, but I have to finally admit, the window - if not closed - is barely letting any light in anymore.
"He's right."
Now I know "The Play" has been discussed ad nauseum here (insert beating dead horse image here) so the point of this thread isn't to rehash that, but I wanted to talk about the fallout. This isn't about the unfortunate series of events that occur over any given season that happens to all teams (i.e. injuries) but how something as profound as "The Play" can have an impact on a dominant franchise 1-yard away from a potential dynasty.
When that EPSN article came out during the offseason, I largely dismissed it as did the players. After all, the goal for any writer is to get clicks or reads. Sensationalism, hyperbole and "Truth-stretching" are often the norm, especially in the world of sports journalism driven by readership.
However, where there's smoke there's always some kind of fire. The Seahawks were built on the foundation of finding scrappy, late round players with a giant chip on their shoulders. Pete has always celebrated individuality (within the confines of the culture concept) and at times it has proven problematic (i.e. player explosions on the sidelines).
I was hoping this team had the character and determination to move beyond the travesty of that final play in XLIX. Now I feel sadly that they do not. As optimistic as I tend to be, I think I have to face the fact that this Championship-Caliber Era has come to an end and we are witnessing the sights and sounds of inevitability right before our eyes.
With Russell Wilson and many of our current players and culture I will always have hope, but I have to finally admit, the window - if not closed - is barely letting any light in anymore.
