The Seattle Seahawks have taken the road less traveled to the NFL playoffs, finishing the regular season at 7-9. As the first team with a losing record to make the playoffs, the Seahawks have been the butt of every joke leading up to today’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Is it warranted? Likely. Take a look at the Seahawks schedule and results in 2010 for a look at why.
The Seahawks finished the season with a win over the St. Louis Rams, sliding into the playoffs by the hair on their chins. In the first round of the playoffs, the Seahawks get a rematch, taking on the New Orleans Saints for the second time this season. Here’s some notable schedule tidbits.
New Orleans beat Seattle, 34-19, in week 11. Oddly enough, this was the Seahawks “best loss” of the season. The Seahawks were able to move the ball, especially through the air, but settled for field goals for much of the day. Chris Ivory ran the Seahawks over then, but will not be playing now. Matt Hasselbeck also threw for over 300 yards and didn’t turn the ball over at the Superdome.
The Seahawks losses were all by over 15 points. When the Seahawks failed, they did so spectacularly. It was boom or bust for Seattle, with the Seahawks either bringing home the win or falling in a blowout. Close wins? Nowhere to be found.
The Seahawks are 5-3 at home in 2010. Qwest Field used to be a fortress, but there have been chinks in the armor at home this year. The Seahawks swept the NFC West at home this year, but also saw the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons embarrass them at home. The Saints, one of the better teams in the NFC, are closer to those teams than Carolina, Arizona and San Francisco.
What’s it all mean? The playoffs are unpredictable and home-field is a big advantage at Qwest Field, but judging by the results this year, the Seahawks have to pull a rabbit out of the hat. Can they do it? We’ll find out at 1:30 p.m. on NBC.