Where was this level of offensive onslaught when the Seattle Seahawks needed it most?
They played their best after getting eliminated from playoff contention.
It will only be the second time in the last 10 seasons that the Seahawks won’t enter the postseason.
However, their Week 17 game at home against the Detroit Lions felt like the end of an era.
"I don't know if Russell Wilson is gone from Seattle but it feels a lot different than last year.. it feels like something has to happen" ~@RapSheet#PatMcAfeeShowLIVE #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/2K9S1vgdJC
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 3, 2022
The Pete Carroll-Russell Wilson partnership has run its course, and their 51-point performance is a bittersweet farewell.
Either one or both of them won’t return to Seattle in 2022.
All good things must come to an end, and the team would be better off moving forward.
Redemption Complete
Wilson was the last player to leave the field after their victory over Detroit.
He stopped to sign a few autographs and waved his arms to the crowd.
Those are gestures of a man who might no longer continue his NFL journey in Seattle.
He’s showing appreciation for the fanbase that gave him utmost support since 2012.
His height was a major criticism against Wilson.
I keep asking why Russell Wilson isn't playing like the elite franchise quarterback he has been his entire career. There are lots of potential answers, but @Joe_Fann presented what I would call the nightmare scenario. I love Joe but hope he's wrong… pic.twitter.com/ltqTZqq2Y9
— Mike Salk, 710 ESPN (@TheMikeSalk) December 28, 2021
Nevertheless, Carroll and General Manager John Schneider took him in the third round even after they just signed free-agent quarterback Matt Flynn.
Wilson eventually won the starting role and never looked back.
He became the centerpiece of a proud franchise with a rabid fanbase aptly called the “12th Man”.
Go Hawks! pic.twitter.com/iiOp852CuJ
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 3, 2022
Since Wilson joined the Seahawks, they’ve only had one single-digit winning season before 2021.
They’ve made the playoffs eight times and played in the Super Bowl twice.
Seattle also won four NFC West titles during that stretch.
Team success also translated to individual accolades for Wilson, who became an eight-time Pro-Bowler and 2019 Second-Team All-Pro.
Seahawks Fired From All Cylinders
Against Detroit, Wilson threw for four touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Three of his scoring throws went to D.K. Metcalf while the other to Tyler Lockett.
Rashaad Penny also had 170 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
But while a 50-point explosion doesn’t happen every game, Seahawks fans must temper their expectations after this game for two reasons.
This @Seahawks trio put on a show. 🤩 #HaveADay @DangeRussWilson | @dkm14 | @pennyhendrixx pic.twitter.com/NvXHCvjpVE
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2022
First, playing without pressure made the Seahawks looser.
Second, they did it against the Lions, one of the worst teams this season.
Their offense stalled against better opponents throughout their campaign.
They scored 13 points against the Arizona Cardinals and 10 points each versus the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints.
Worst, the Green Bay Packers gave Wilson the first shutout loss of his career in Week 10, 17-0.
Change Must Happen For The Seahawks
Everything worked for Seattle this week.
But that’s not enough to reverse the reality that their offense looked outdated.
Therefore, the imminent transition from Carroll will happen as they look for a more innovative head coach who would prioritize the passing game.
If it’s the end of the Wilson-Carroll era, Seahawks fans must not forget the success that both men brought.
Maybe this is Pete Carroll’s final game in Seattle. Who knows. Football is unfair and ruthless. But there’s a reason he just got an extension. Good luck replicating the past ten years. pic.twitter.com/ELY8EXHKBX
— Seth Wickersham (@SethWickersham) January 2, 2022
They won Super Bowl XLVIII against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, 43-8.
They were also moments away from making it back-to-back titles.
Those glory days will link them both forever, regardless of where their football journey takes them next.
That Week 17 win was a 60-minute reminder of the good days.
NEXT: Russell Wilson Reveals His Wish For 2022
