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Seattle Seahawks have forgotten what made them champions

By Maurice Barksdale

Oct 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and cornerback Richard Sherman (25) watch from the sidelines in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and cornerback Richard Sherman (25) watch from the sidelines in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Can the Seattle Seahawks return to the winning formula of past seasons that led them to become World champions, or will drama derail their future?

The Seattle Seahawks were the darlings of the NFL. Underdogs who won with a bruising rushing attack and a stifling defense. But with reports of infighting and an inability to get over their Super Bowl 49 loss, it seems the Seahawks are a team struggling to recapture their identity.

However, this isn’t a sob story.  The Seattle Seahawks are still a championship contender and a favorite to win the NFC West.  But ever since Russell Wilson threw that interception in the Super Bowl, the team appears to have lost the luster they had in their championship ascension.

At the start, Wilson was a rookie third round draft pick who not many expected much from.  Star cornerback Richard Sherman was a fifth round pick and rose to the best at his position.  Wilson and Sherman epitomized that underdog desperation that defined the Seahawks.

Their rise was an epic story that culminated with a fairytale ending by becoming world champs.  But with success comes higher expectations. Now Russell Wilson and Richard Sherman are among the highest paid players in the NFL and as the saying goes; More money, more problems.

There are rumors of friction in the Seattle Seahawks locker room.  Some players aren’t sure if quarterback Russell Wilson is being held accountable by head coach Pete Carroll and that Pete Carroll isn’t critical enough of him.

Russell Wilson was chosen to be the hero.  But in the wink of an eye Russell Wilson’s MVP clinching touchdown pass was intercepted by the New England Patriots’ Malcolm Butler and suddenly the prospective hero became the unlikely goat.

The Seahawks have been in a funk ever since.  Last season their running game plummeted from being ranked 3rd in 2015 to 25th last season.  The retirement of Marshawn Lynch hurt them big time but so did nagging injuries at running back.

The offensive line was inconsistent which didn’t help the running game and Russell Wilson was banged up for much of the season.  For the Seattle Seahawks to return to their 2015 championship level it’s not just about them having harmony in the locker room.

They also have to get the run game on track and solidify their offensive line.  Get back to winning in the trenches. This will take pressure from Russell Wilson and the passing game. Richard Sherman and the defense will benefit as well.  They need to return to being a blue-collar, smash-mouth running team again.

Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks forgot this on that fateful interception on the grandest stage.  The basic fundamentals of football don’t change much regardless of the glitz and glamour  It’s not about the money, the fame or which teammate is right or wrong.

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The Seattle  Seahawks must re-prioritize and forget about the drama.  Richard Sherman and Wilson need to get on the same page. Leave that interception in the past and instead remember what got them to the top.  If they can do that, there’s good chance they’ll be champions again.

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