Seattle is finally off the NFL list of shame.
With their first Super Bowl appearance on Sunday, the Seahawks leave behind the only five franchises remaining without a trip to the title game. And while their mere presence in the big game at comes as a surprise to many, Seattle is talented, seasoned and capable of delivering a big hit to Big Ben Roethlisberger.
The Seahawks are no longer the isolated, West Coast NFL doormat that has shown up time and time again on the short end of league matchups.
Seattle has been rebuilt under the vision of owner Paul Allen, who will do whatever is necessary to assemble a champion, and new President of Player Personnel Tim Haskell, who rebuilt a weak defense.
Seattle is a team that, after playing in relative anonymity all season until Sports Illustrated photographed MVP Shaun Alexander for the cover, quietly rolled over opponents all season long.
Almost 700 miles from the nearest NFL team (San Francisco), Seattle has logged more miles than any other team in football, and its running back has set the single-season rushing touchdown mark. The Hawks destroyed the (albeit weakened) Philadelphia Eagles 42-0 on Monday Night Football in Week 13.
Like all teams, the Seahawks needed some luck during the arduous regular season - Drew Bledsoe's late interception to give the Seahawks a 13-10 win over Dallas in Week 7 and New York Giants kicker Jay Feeley missing three field goals and allowing Seattle to escape with 24-21 overtime win in Week 12, for example.
But in each of those games, the remodeled Seattle defense gave its offense a chance. Seventy-five percent of the defense is new, replacing much of the overpaid and under-performing players unit.
With the additions of Lofa Tatupu, Bryce Fisher and the improved Grant Wistorm, Seattle's defense has led the league in turnovers. The Seahawks picked off Jake Delhomme three times in the NFC Championship Game and have come up with the big play at the right time all season.
In the wake of a stroke suffered by defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes, Seattle's defense has coalesced into a fearless and fear-inspiring unit. Seattle will need to exhibit that fluidity and cohesion on Sunday against a more talented and experienced Steelers squad.
