Good afternoon, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Tuesday, Dec. 15 - about your Seattle Seahawks:
Super Bowl Bound?
After starting the season 2-4, the Seahawks have won six of their last seven games, including the last four in a row, to improve to 8-5 on the season. This past Sunday's win over the Baltimore Ravens moved the team into the No. 5 spot in the NFC playoff picture. Sheil Kapadia at ESPN.com says with the way Seattle is playing right now, the team looks like a legitimate contender for the NFL title, and he outlines five reasons why the Seahawks have a shot to return to the Super Bowl for a third straight season.
His first reason may seem obvious, as Kapadia touts the recent play of quarterback Russell Wilson, who has tossed 16 touchdowns and zero interceptions through Seattle's past four games. But his second reason has received less attention in media circles, and it touches on the improvement seen along Seattle's offensive line, a unit that allowed 31 sacks through the Seahawks' first seven games but has surrendered just eight in the past six, including zero against the Ravens.
Here's what Kapadia had to say about why Seattle's O-line could help power the team through the postseason:
2. The offensive line is improved.Ask any of the coaches what the difference has been, and they'll point to an offensive line that was much maligned earlier in the season. Since Week 8, Wilson has been sacked on 3.4 percent of his dropbacks, the fourth-best mark among quarterbacks. In the first seven weeks, that number was 11.7 percent (32nd). Wilson has done a better job of setting the protections and getting the Seahawks in the right look before the snap. The offensive line has built continuity and improved throughout. And the ball is coming out quicker when it has to. The Seahawks have cut down on the negative plays that were killing the rhythm on offense earlier in the season.
Click here to see the rest of the reasons why Kapadia feels the Seahawks have a shot at making it to Super Bowl 50.
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from us - @Seahawks, as we share a photo of linebacker Bobby Wagner presenting senior quarterback Jacob Eason of Lake Stevens with the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award earlier Tuesday morning.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle explains why Seattle coach Pete Carroll was standing on a locker at Baltimore, analyzes the Seahawks' snap counts from Sunday's win over the Ravens, and details the team's running back situation with Bryce Brown set to return following a season-ending ankle injury to Thomas Rawls.
Coach Pete Carroll provides injury updates on players hurt in Sunday's win over the Ravens, including strong safety Kam Chancellor, defensive end Michael Bennett, and cornerback DeShawn Shead.
Here's how Seattle players reacted on social media to Sunday's win.
At the Seattle Times, former NFL quarterback Hugh Millen breaks down how wide receiver Doug Baldwin was able to find success against Baltimore.
Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times has his first look at Seattle's Week 15 opponent, the Cleveland Browns.
Larry Stone at the Seattle Times says the only question surrounding Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson now is whether or not he can keep rolling.
Pete Prisco at CBSSports.com says Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is becoming the type of passer that Prisco didn't think Wilson could become.
Eric Mandel at 710Sports.com catches up with former Seahawks running back Demitrius Bronson, who was waived earlier this year.
And Elliot Harrison at NFL.com ranks the Super Bowls from 1-49.
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on Twitter *
Seahawks scored 29 or more points for the fourth-straight week, keeping the Ravens out of the endzone in a 35-6 win in Week 14.