The Fourth of July. The day Americans everywhere celebrate the nation’s independence. As people begin partying all over the country, perhaps it’s time to take a look back at the day the Seattle Seahawks declared their independence from mediocrity and became a force to be reckoned with.
The day was Oct. 14, 2012. Coming off four straight losing seasons, the Seahawks were in their third year under head coach Pete Carroll, with rookie Russell Wilson at quarterback. The Seahawks had built a 3-2 record through the first five weeks of the season. Despite beating teams like the Packers, Cowboys and Panthers, there was still plenty of doubt about the young team in the Pacific Northwest.
On this day, the Seahawks were hosting the reigning AFC champions, the New England Patriots. Inspired by the up-tempo offense of the University of Oregon, the Patriots were setting the league ablaze. New England’s explosive offense was about to meet the stout Legion of Boom.
After a closely played first quarter, the Patriots had stifled the Seahawks and built a daunting 23-10 lead going into the fourth. New England held that lead until halfway through the fourth quarter, when timely stops from the defense gave the Seahawks new life.
With Seattle down 23-17 and only 1:27 left, Wilson proved why he was the right choice to lead the offense. The rookie uncorked a bomb and found wide receiver Sidney Rice 46 yards down the field for a touchdown to give Seattle a 24-23 win.
It was the touchdown heard round the football world, as the Seahawks had proven they were no longer a team to overlook. They proved they were a complete team with a franchise quarterback who could beat anyone anywhere and at any time.
In a sense, the Seahawks declared their independence from the middle of the pack of the NFL and have been a contender ever since.
We at Seahawks Wire want to wish all the 12s out there a happy and safe Independence Day!
