Seattle: Is Your Free Ride Over?

Some Seattle Seahawks (2-2 against the 49ers in the last 4 games) fans, seem to think that they will continue to get a free meal ticket in the NFC West.

Mike from Seattle writes: Sando, It seems to me that the NFC West is going to struggle controlling the line of scrimmage against the Hawks. With the addition of Wahle (and Solari) on the OL and added depth at DL, they only got better. How do other teams compete? Rams added Long on DL, Cards OL is improving, and the 49ers are just praying. What are your thoughts?
[From Mike Sando's NFC West Mailbag]

I imagined that Mike Sando might be a bit biased after covering Seattle for nine seasons. But he is a professional and gave a fair answer.

Mike Sando: The Rams' defensive line should be better with Adam Carriker in his second season and Chris Long on the outside. James Hall should be better as a rotation guy. If the Rams are right about Leonard Little possibly reemerging as a pass-rush threat, their defensive line should be OK. I wonder about the back seven a little bit, and how well the Rams can cover. The 49ers think they can become a top-half defense with a little help from the offense. They are essentially adding Manny Lawson (back from injury) and Justin Smith to a group that already has Patrick Willis. The Cardinals improved their depth on the defensive line. Darnell Dockett can be a problem when he's on. I don't think Seattle is going to cruise past these teams.

And remember, Seattle fans, our offense was non existant, against any team, in 2007. With an injured Alex Smith, a washed-up Trent Dilfer, and an inept offensive coordinator with a complete lack of creativity, the Hawks' two wins against us were just bird seed we placed in the feeder.

Most birds have a very short memory, which may explain why they so quickly forget about 2006: under Norv Turner, a Super Bowl winning offensive genious, we swept you. Alex Smith embarrassed the birds with a rushing touchdown to ice that second game. With Norv Turner's offensive vision, Frank Gore set franchise records in Gore's two marathons against Seattle.

Most of the same guys that owned you in 2006 were on the team in 2007, but under Jim Hostler, our offense was predictable and easy to defend. Instead of worrying about any semblance of a passing game, the core of the defense was allowed to contain Frank Gore and tee-off on Alex Smith all day long.

This season, we once again (like in 2006) have a Super Bowl champion offensive coordinator, and still field a team similar to the group of guys who silenced QWest Field in 2006. Check out our backfield, and you'll see that same running back that put up 356 rushing yards against you in 2006. Add Patrick Willis repeatedly ringing Matt Hassleback's bell, and you've got to be a little bit worried. If we sustain key injuries this year, you may beat us. But if we're running at full strength, don't think it will be a cakewalk this time around.