In a city that's known for being passive-aggressive, it might sound funny to some Seattleites to hear their football team described as simply aggressive. Some are calling the team "a bunch of thugs" after their rout of the Cowboys last Sunday at CenturyLink Field.
KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel finds humor in the Seahawks' tough new reputation.No more Mr. Nice Guy
Whether you think it's deserved or not, Seattle has a reputation of being passive-aggressive. In the way we drive, the way we greet newcomers and even the way we interact in the workplace. Art says that's carried over to our sports teams as well.
"The image we have around the country is a bunch of latte-sipping, bike-riding, tree-hugging, book-reading people and our teams are passive-aggressive and not very into it. This was a departure from that stereotype. And Seattle fans are puffing up their feathers something fierce because this is really a fun thing to watch."
Carroll's plan comes to fruition
Art's website Sportspress Northwest reports that Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said the 27-7 win over the Cowboys was his most satisfying Seahawks game because it fulfilled his plan to emphasize defense, rushing and special teams.
And even an offensive player - wide receiver Golden Tate - got into the defensive action. He put a hit on Dallas linebacker Sean Lee while protecting rookie quarterback Russell Wilson. The NFL has fined Tate $21,000. He's expected to appeal.
Dallas media and fans say Tate blindsided Lee, but Art doesn't see it that way. You be the judge. Here's a video of Tate's block on YouTube courtesy of FOX sports.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgxc0gdlPF4
Art steered our conversation from Tate's controversial hit to the issue of replacement referees being used in the NFL, due to the current contract dispute with the regular refs.
"I understand they're trying to curb violence but, you know, if the NFL really wanted to protect player safety, they'd put real officials out there instead of the replacement refs. They're demonstrating a hubris about this game. They don't care about this game. Because they'd have the real officials out there protecting player safety if that was the priority."
Monday Night Football spotlight
Seattle fans are eager to see the "new Seahawks" perform on Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers.
"There is this renewed image, energy and profile of the Seahawks as a much different team than the Seahawks from the past. And one that was very successful against a legendary team like the Dallas Cowboys. And the Seahawks fans are really jacked to see the same kind of performance against the Packers."
You can find Art Thiel's work at Sportspress Northwest.
