What We've Learned

After three intense weeks of NFL action, we can come to one definitive conclusion about the new-look 2010 Seattle Seahawks: We know nothing.

Against the San Francisco 49ers, fans saw a team that exuded confidence and energy on defense, making key defensive stops at every significant junction of the game. The offense show big-play ability, something that's been sorely lacking for some time in this corner of the country. The 'Hawks knocked off a team who most had predicted would win the NFC West and made a statement, showing that they were not the Seahawks of '08 and '09.

Then they flew to Denver. (I had planned on writing a post about that fiasco, but I found that nothing the 'Hawks did in that game warranted any kind of discussion.) Yeah, I don't really want to revisit that either. In essence, they forgot they could win once the 12th man didn't have their back. Apparently losing games is like riding a bike, because the Seahawks remembered very quickly how to lose a football game. Poor secondary play and a lousy (yet familiar) performance by Hasselbeck ultimately doomed the 'Hawks.

Sunday, they returned home and played a fantastic half of defensive football against the San Diego Chargers. Their performance was reminiscent of the San Francisco game, forcing turnovers left and right, looking the part of a division champion. 'Hawks fans everywhere watched, convinced that their team wasn't the lackluster squad that showed up in Denver.

Then there was the second half.

Suddenly, the 'Hawks stout defense was reduced to swiss cheese. The secondary that had been so good was brought to its knees by the surgical precision of Philip Rivers. In all fairness, the Chargers feature the top ranked offense in the NFL thusfar. Despite the ongoing holdout of start receiver Vincent Jackson, San Diego's offense is still full of weapons and they found their rhythm in the second half.

Thanks to several electrifying kick returns by Leon Washington, the Seahawks were able to hang on and win. But don't make the mistake of giving the 'Hawks credit for the win. Anyone who watched the second half knows that they were basically trying to hand the game to San Diego. The Chargers lost a game that was theirs to win.

To recap, the true identity of this Seahawk team remains an enigma. Every flash of potential on offense, defense, and special teams was met with an uninspiring performance down the line that led fans and analysts alike to doubt the legitimacy of the team. It's too early to proclaim the Seahawks champions of the NFC West, that is for certain. It's a team with an inconsistent quarterback, cornerbacks that are apt to get torched on any given Sunday, and a patchwork offensive line.

At the same time, it's too early to say the 'Hawks won't win their division. They have shown an insatiable desire to win, massive improvements along the defensive line, and new found explosiveness from the likes of Mike Williams and Golden Tate. Pete Carrol and his staff have provided something that fans here haven't had in far too long: hope. If they can foster some consistency, the Seahawks will be a force to be reckoned with once again.

Now let's hope they can deliver, because the better they play, the better we can all ignore the crushing futility of our beloved Mariners.