Seattle has been the dominant force in the NFC West the last few years. After taking over the top spot in the division from the St. Louis Rams in 2004, the Seahawks have been consistent top performers in a division not known for its competitive teams. Playoff tickets over the last few seasons have seen the team go to the Super Bowl (in 2005) and consistently make it to the divisional playoff round. The Seahawks have become the automatic choice for experts and fans in the NFC West.
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Led by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and running back Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks offense remained one of the most balanced in the league for years. Alexander’s MVP season in 2005 in which he set the then-record for touchdowns in a season by a running back at 27 was countered with Hasselbeck’s own great year with 3,459 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions. The great offense was similarly complimented by a good defense. The end result was a run of playoff tickets that ended in the franchises first and only visit to the Super Bowl and its most successful years in the team’s 41 year history.
The Seattle Seahawks can continue their good fortune this season thanks to the mediocrity that leaves the division title up for grabs. The Seahawks used to be the favorites each season, but the injuries got to Alexander, cutting his career with Seattle short. Now the running game is suspect as is the team’s ability to win the division title and ensure playoff tickets. There is still hope. If Maurice Morris or Julius Jones can put together a decent season and a second receiver emerges to pair with Nate Burleson then the postseason will not be far away. The team still has Hasselbeck, an offensive line led by Walter Jones, and a dominating defense so the team has to be mentioned among the favorites to win the NFC West and bring the postseason to Qwest Field.