Perhaps you still remember her, this woman with whom you spent so many August days in an unabashed state of flirtation. She was so good to you then, as she has been to so many others.
Her name, you may recall, is Blind Faith. And she’s a popular gal this time of year.
Devoted fans who stuck with the Seahawks through the 1990s might remember the allure she could cast. No matter how dire the previous season, Blind Faith could sooth your nerves and promise that the future was bright. She could turn a 4-12 team into a contender in a matter of months.
Apparently, her charms have been making the rounds as of late.
“I’d say we’re right about where we want to be,” Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez told the Kansas City Star as his team prepares to follow up last season’s 4-12 finish.
“This is the first time I walk in this building thinking we can win,” Miami Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell told the Florida Sun-Sentinel this week.
As we all remember, the Dolphins did win last year. Once.
Buffalo safety Donte Whitner made the most steadfast statements, twice guaranteeing that his Bills would make the playoffs. Buffalo hasn’t participated in the postseason since 1999.
In Seattle, there is no need for spells or charms or fits of love-struck delirium. With five consecutive playoff appearances, the Seahawks are among the few teams that do more than dream this time of year. When head coach Mike Holmgren is asked about the possibility of the Seahawks making it to the Super Bowl, he can answer both candidly and optimistically.
“I do,” he said. “The last couple of years, we’ve been a couple of plays away from the championship game; you can make that argument, I think. The year before we were in the Super Bowl.”
The so-called experts apparently agree. While the Dallas Cowboys are the overwhelming favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, Seattle is one of a handful of teams that are right on their heels. The Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants are the only other NFC teams that are getting much mention as possible Super Bowl contenders.
The rest of the lot — whether it’s the J.T. O’Sullivan-led 49ers, the Kyle Orton-led Bears or the rebuilding Atlanta Falcons — can only dream big. Blind Faith has them wrapped up in all her charms, just like some of those overmatched teams of Seahawks past.
Fortunately for the current generation of Seattle backers, this year’s team can set its sights on Tampa.
“Everyone’s optimistic and I approach every season the same way,” Holmgren said this week, “but why not? I think we’re OK.”
Sure, the Seahawks have plenty of issues heading into 2008. Matt Hasselbeck missed most of the preseason because of a sore back. Pro Bowl linebacker Lofa Tatupu has been hobbled by a sore knee. The offensive line is still in flux, and the receiving corps has only one proven veteran who should be on the field for Sunday’s opener.
But the point is, other teams have even bigger issues. Other than the Cowboys, the entire NFC is swimming in what-if’s. They can talk the talk, but they haven’t walked the walk.
This year’s Seahawks have yet to take a single step, and yet their prospects look pretty bright because of the path that lies behind them.
The allure of the Super Bowl is still very real. Probable would be too optimistic; doubtful, too pessimistic. The reality is, the Seahawks can dream of the Super Bowl this year.
And that’s not Blind Faith talking. She’s too busy making the rounds in other NFL cities.
Scott M. Johnson is The Herald’s NFL writer
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
