SEAHAWKS SHUTOUT RAMS 28-0

The Jim Mora Era has begun in Seattle, with a 28- 0 win over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. The game started on shaky to say the least. The first quarter left me questioning whether or not I was watching a professional football game. Fumbles, interceptions, and poor play on offense gave me that immediate pit in my stomach. That "It's gonna be a long season" ache in my heart! But once the team started to settle down, penalties were corrected, and the offense began to flow my hopes began to rise. They just may be back.

Not to get lost in the excitement of the offense, I would first like to acknowledge the first shutout since 2007 for the Seahawks defense. Yes it is the Rams, and there were some unique situations, like Seattle long time stud kicker (now with the Rams) Josh Brown missing an easy field goal, however a shutout in the NFL is impressive no matter who the opponent. So rather than take away from the feat by pointing to the lack of receivers or abundance of penalties for the Rams I'm giving credit to a strong defensive effort.

Aaron Curry is fast, passionate, and athletic! He will be a sight to see this season. The secondary played very well, which was our weakest aspect on defense last season. No big plays for the Rams, they held them on 3 rd downs, and got pressure on Mark Bulger. Most importantly they didn't allow a single point.

Now to the offense. With the beginning jitters aside the offense was at times electric. In years past Matt seemed to be spending too much time looking for receivers rather than throwing the ball. I remember myself saying on several occasions when Matt would have all day and still take a sack, " Really Matt? No one was open?" That won't be a problem this year. We have real viable threats at wide receiver, and tight end. John Carlson is proving he is among the best TE in the game with 2 TD catches vs. the Rams. The offensive line was more than impressive, not allowing a single sack despite being without their starting center, Chris Spencer, and the best offensive left tackle in the game in Walter Jones.

The running game did enough. Jones broke a 62 yard run for a TD, and ended the game with 117 yards. I still saw to many running plays with no gain. We really need to be able to at least get some positive yardage on most running plays. That said, there is hope that the 60-30-10 guide** set out by coach Mora may work this season. I was interested most in weather or not we would notice a change in the play calling with Greg Knapp as the new Offensive Coordinator. The trick play with Seneca Wallace that netted 24 yards was just what I wanted to see. It was unexpected and to me it shows confidence, and a willingness to take risks. I'm excited to see how this offense will develop and improve from game to game.

Injuries: Lofa Tatupu, MLB, had a hamstring injury and left the game, it is said to be mild. Leroy Hill, OLB, had a strained groin and did not return to the game, also reportedly mild. Deion Branch, WR, did not play with a hamstring injury, after not practicing all week. I'll be chanting "Trade him! trade him!" every chance I get this season.

Great win! Great team effort overall. Even with injuries to key starters coming into the game and early in the game on defense, there was little to no drop off in play with the back up players. Im feeling very good, about this season, and I'm not going to let the fact that we had a weak opponent take away from what the team was able to accomplish! GO HAWKS!!!

PLAYER OF THE GAME: John Carlson

** 60-30-10 guide: Coach Mora stated that his intent with the running back situation was to give Julius Jones 60% of the carries, Edgerrin James 30%, and Justin Forsett 10%, ideally.