Clearly the underdog. By a lot.
It probably the most interesting Wednesday Holmgren press conferences I'd been to, with talk of Green Bay, Holmgren's past, Favre and Hasselbeck. Mike started the conference by saying he was pleased with the health of the Seahawks. Branch is expected to be okay, but Holmgren wants to see how the WR works out today and tomorrow. Holmgren also said the Seahawks were clearly the underdog, "By a lot." But he likes his team's chances, adding that being this big an underdog reminds him of last year's playoff game in Chicago.
When asked about the best and worst part about playing Green Bay at home, Holmgren said the worst part was the fact Green Bay was really good -- but that his coaches and players love the challenge. The best part? That the Seahawks are still playing this late in the year.
Mike was also asked whether he thought he was more widely recognized as being a former Green Bay or the Seahawks coach. Because of winning a Super Bowl at GB, and the Packers national exposure, he guessed that most stangers brought up Green Bay. But he added Seattle is where his family is, and that the region is home. That same lack of exposure, he believes, gives his players a little extra motivation.
When comparing Matt and Brett, there was plenty of talk about Matt having the harder road -- and how pleased Mike was with the hard work No. 8 has put in (it's worth it if you have the time to head over to Seahawks.com and listen to the presser, hear Holmgren's thoughts about all of his quarterbacks). On sheer talent, Holmgren noted that it was hard to find anyone greater than Brett. But, he added, Matt is as important to the Seahawks as Brett is to Green Bay.
A question came up over the amount of apparent holding against Kerney that wasn't called during the Redskins game. The PI's Farnsworth noting that holding penalties were down 30-40% this season. Holmgren said he thought the refs were letting the players play more this year, and said the NFL was working on consistency with the call.
One last note, I ran into ESPN's Chris Berman in the hallway at the Seahawks HQ. I asked him who he was picking this weekend. Berman said he was picking the Seahawks...to go all the way.
Comments
i once sat next to berman on a flight to hartford. that is one big and loud dude. and he knows sports. if he says hawks are going all the way, i believe him. but why was he in seattle when, nationally at least, there are so many bigger stories with the nfl this week?
Posted by: jeff | January 9, 2008 2:00 PM
I didn't ask. However, I also noticed Kenny Mayne shooting a stand-up outside the Seahawks front entrance. Mayne said the piece he was working on was meant to air this Sunday.
Posted by: Justin Alfstad | January 9, 2008 3:38 PM
Goose bumbs anyone? Damn I'm nervouse and excited for this game. GO SEAHAWKS!!!!
Posted by: Hawks Rule!!!! | January 10, 2008 12:43 AM
well there's nothing wrong with being the underdog! we'll make it all the way! GO HAWKS!!! WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: megan | January 10, 2008 6:10 AM
Am I bad fan for not wanting the Seahawks to go to the Superbowl? I want them to go, but not during the year the Pats seem destined to go undefeated and win it all. Honestly, I think the Hawks can beat any team out there except the Pats. I would just rather them lose in the Playoffs than in the Superbowl again. Does this make me evil? Do you feel the same??
Posted by: Seahawks are My Lord and Savior | January 10, 2008 8:46 AM
Seahawks can beat the Patriots. What that team has done this season is nothing short of spectacular, and they are no doubt the best team in the NFL. They are not, however, unbeatable. The Seahawks would have to have an amazing game and take full advantage of every rare mistake, but a game against New England is very winnable. Go ahead and root for your team to go all the way.
Posted by: him | January 10, 2008 12:04 PM
When will Holmgren let go of GB? HIS quarterback is Matt Hasselbeck and that's where the loyalty should be. GO SEAHAWKS!
Posted by: karnie | January 10, 2008 1:08 PM
Being the underdog is a good thing. It inspires you and also takes alot of pressure off your shoulders. Your expected to lose, so you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. I know this will make me a hated man in here, but I'm a Steeler fan, and what they did for me in 2005 was amazing. 6th seed wildcard winning the SB! Now the Seahawks are there (with my Steelers out), and I will be pulling for them to make the upset. I would love to see the Seahawks, my new home team, win the Super Bowl, so long as its not against my Steelers.
Oh yeh, and I am also rooting for any team that plays the Patriots. I respect what they have done this season, outside of getting caught cheating (emphasize getting caught) but they are too good and need a good beat-down. One and done for the Pats!
Posted by: Tom | January 11, 2008 4:10 AM
Oh man....i am sooooo nervous...i love the playoffs but at the same time I hate the playoffs. I like our chances if we pressure Brett and run the ball somewhat effective!
GO HAWKS!!!
Posted by: Cody | January 11, 2008 2:05 PM