Whether you like football or not, you have to admit the Seattle Seahawks achieved an almost impossible feat on Sunday, turning a lackluster (for the most part) performance into a dazzling display of heart, miracles, teamwork and tenacity. As we fans watched the game unfold, we were placed on an emotional teeter totter, with us mostly sitting at the bottom. We kept hope alive, believing, hoping things were going to turn around. Many people admitted to changing their attire or venue, feeling somehow responsible for our team’s inability to score. Thoughts, prayers and conversation were peppered with “There’s still time…We’ll score with our next possession…. We’ll turn it around….” This kept up for almost 4 quarters with the one bright spot being a surprise touchdown by special teams in the 3rd quarter. We felt a momentary glimmer of hope. The teeter totter swung up a little bit, only to drop again as we failed to gain momentum. We were down by 12 points. Finally late in the 4th quarter we scored again. We were only down by 5. The elation we felt was fleeting. We had 2 minutes and 9 seconds to get the ball back and score without allowing the other team to put up any more points if we expected to win. The teeter totter was slightly below horizontal and shaking a little bit. Less than a minute later that plank shot straight up and although it wobbled a little, never really dropped again, shooting to the top for good when we finally won 28-22 in overtime.
What happened? I don’t know, but I know it was something. A quick peek into how this organization operates offers some insight.
1) Team Philosophy
The Seahawks know what they’re about. They know what they stand for. The see the big picture, set goals, chew them up, then ask “What’s next?”
2) Mental Preparation
Spending time visualizing what you want to achieve is as important, if not more important,than doing the task. In your mind the outcome can always be perfect. The Hawks know this. The Hawks do this.
3) Repetition
You can’t do something once and expect it to stick. Practice,practice,practice. Mentally and physically. Learn the rules and guidelines. By learning and integrating the fundamentals ,the Hawks are able to color outside the lines and play on instinct. Understanding the basics first, then finding your own style, will set you free.
4) Self Confidence
What good is doing mental preparation and having goals if you’re afraid to carry then out? The Seahawks walk it like they talk it.
5) Cohesion
This team not only plays together, they play for each other. The players seek not only to win their one on one match ups, but also to assist teammates with their assignments .
6) Community Involvement
“I don’t think there’s anything that’s better than a crowd of people singing all together”—-L.T.D
There’s a reason I keep saying “we” when I obviously was not on the field Sunday. When the players take the field there are 11 players for each team. It has been said the amount of noise made by Seahawk fans create such an advantage it’s like having an extra player on the field. We proudly call ourselves the Twelves, making a lot of noise in the stadium and strutting around town in our blue ,gray and yes, neon green. Go Hawks!
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