Bandwagon

[RiverDog]

On the day that Russell Wilson signed his new contract, I proudly hoisted my #12 flag in front of my home. I was filled with joy, and looking forward to another season of Seahawks football, and optimistic about our chances of going to a 3rd straight SB.

This morning, it came down, replaced by Old Glory. It will stay in storage until I see something that changes my heart about this team... and no, I don't mean shooting cripples by beating up on a hapless 49'er team like we did with the Bears. That doesn't mean that I will quit watching them or not root for us to win or sell the game tickets I currently posses for the Glendale meeting with the Cards. It means that until they give me some sort of reason to harbor even the slightest bit of optimism that I am officially off the bandwagon.

On paper, there's every reason to be hopeful. The Packers imploded yesterday, and have lost 3 straight. No one in the NFC South besides the Panthers look decent as the Falcons have now lost 2 in a row, and the NFC East is horrible, with not a single team posting an above .500 record. But that's all on paper. Look at the product on the field and you come away with an entirely different impression. We have not beaten a team with a .500 record. The teams we have beaten were the hapless Bears that were without their starting QB and #1 WR and before they hit their stride, the 3 win Lions on a gift call, a 49'ers team that is so bad that they've benched their franchise quarterback, and a Romo-less Cowboys by the slimmest of margins. Our gutless defense has blown 4th quarter leads in all 5 of our losses, 6 if you want to go back to SB 49. Our quarterback is a completely different player and our coaching staff is without answers, incapable of pushing the right buttons to get us out of this funk.

If you guys want to engage in the playoff speculation, figure out who we have to beat and who has to lose, weigh strength of schedules of possible playoff participants, go ahead and be my guest. I'm not going to participate as to me it's nothing but fool's gold. There is absolutely nothing about this team, except past history, that makes a rational, objective person that knows enough about the game to realize that the ball isn't stuffed that it's inflated with air, that makes them playoff material, and I refuse to give them my heart only to have them break it.

[burrrton]

Mirrored my thoughts and feelings perfectly.

Last night was like a punch in the nads, confirming my beloved team has gone from contender to playing out the string by week 9 in one, quick offseason.

[Oly]

Good post, RD. I'll second all of it except taking down my Seahawks flag. For me, the flag is about support, not belief.

[RiverDog]

Good post, RD. I'll second all of it except taking down my Seahawks flag. For me, the flag is about support, not belief.

Right now, I'm too embarrassed to leave it up there. It's worse than walking around with your fly unzipped.

[Oly]

Right now, I'm too embarrassed to leave it up there. It's worse than walking around with your fly unzipped.

Yeah, I can see that. It helps that all of the Colts fans around me aren't having any better of a season.

But we both lived through those early 90s teams...we can live through this.

[c_hawkbob]

If you guys want to engage in the playoff speculation, figure out who we have to beat and who has to lose, weigh strength of schedules of possible playoff participants, go ahead and be my guest. I'm not going to participate as to me it's nothing but fool's gold. There is absolutely nothing about this team, except past history, that makes a rational, objective person that knows enough about the game to realize that the ball isn't stuffed that it's inflated with air, that makes them playoff material, and I refuse to give them my heart only to have them break it.

Talk a bout spoiled! Wasn't that long ago we used to dream of being in that position.

[The POPE]

Cry me a frickin RIVER.
Guess I'm going to have to take that Seahawks sticker off the back window of the Pope mobile if I want to live up to the lofty standards of this thread. Let them persecute me if they choose, but the Pope is representing in good times and in bad.

The Pope

[Whidbey Island Girl]

You couldn't have wrote that better. Although I considered doing the same, I think I'll leave my flag up until the end of the regular season. My husband copied you post into an email and sent it to me. I feel your pain just as you already know reading all of these posts. Dignity and grace are the values I hold onto, so that is why I won't take the flag down. I no longer see the Hawks as having a chance at even a Divisional Championship. I've lowered the expectational bar to very low and that is solely based on the performance I have seen.

I know many fans think that Russell's new girlfriend is the cause. I think that is just TOO simple and TOO easy to frame what is going on that way. I just think that now he has the money, he doesn't have to work for it like he did before. I think leadership has gone down the toilet. I see frustrated players. I see excuses. I see disappointment. The heart and soul our team used to play with over the past two years has gone because the BIG paycheck has come in. Again, the greenbacks win over true integrity! THAT, I believe, is what happened. I felt it when KC held out for his paycheck. I wrote this post,http://wp.me/p3pPFM-gdW, about it. Having re-read it, I again wonder all of those things. The Twelves are SORELY disappointed and heart broken obviously! We don't want to hear excuses for what just went down. I BELIEVED, just like the other Twelves did. I wrote and still write those very words before every game and still will, but today is a very gloomy day because of last night's performance.

Just very deeply disappointed....

[EmeraldBullet]

I will hold onto my belief that we will still win the division until we are mathematically eliminated. Yeah, yesterday sucked, but I think we can go 5-2 in our remaining games and Cards have a brutal schedule. It has been an incredibly rough season but it's not too late for us to hit our stride. As to RD switching the flags, do you really believe the country is in better shape than our seahawks team? Guess that's for a different subject page.

[Whidbey Island Girl]

I admire your loyalty! I'm fiercely loyal once I commit to something. Yes, that was a bad game. Bad calls. Bad plays. RW has changed and I think he is way too distracted with other things. I'll keep my flag in place and I'll HOPE we make it through to a divisional win but, on the hand, I won't hold my breath. As for the shape the country is in, yes, that should be for another thread, somewhere else. 'Nough said on that. My head hurts....

[NorthHawk]

It's how the players in front of him play that has the most impact on Wilson's performance.
It's the same way for almost every QB - maybe Brady is the exception, but I doubt it.
Look at how poorly the Green Bay OL has played the last couple of games and look at how Rodgers play has fallen.
There is a direct correlation.
We lost the interior of our OL - 3 starters in total on our SB winning team with lesser replacements, and haven't recovered yet.

It's natural for a real competitor to try to make more of plays than he should in these situations. This is especially true for players that just signed a big contract.
There is an added pressure to perform even better and that often leads to trying to make the plays himself instead of taking what is given by the opposing Defenses.
Give him a better OL where the run game dominates and the pass protection is adequate, and I'm sure he will be his old self again.

[mykc14]

No way do I take my flag down. The only reason I would ever even consider doing that would be if the team somehow did something morally reprehensible. I spent my Middle School and High School years getting made fun of for my seahawks hat. I spent countless hours arguing with friends about how good Dave Krieg was. That's part of being a fan. Supporting my team. I support you when you are good and when you are bad. I am not supporting your badness but instead the hope of 'next year.' My support was paid in full when the Hawks won the SB and it was much sweeter for me knowing that I had supported them all along. Some of the friends I was watching with were the same friends who made fun of me years earlier, now wearing Seahawks gear. We were all happy, smiling, and high fiving but we all didn't feel the same level of joy for my smile was a bit larger and my high fives a bit more exuberant knowing what I had been through as a fan for all of those bad years. Nothing was said about it but I could tell when I looked into their eyes that this meant more to me. If the Hawks are ever bad again I will gladly hang my flag and wear my hat, taking the verbal abuse that goes with it, because they are my team and there will always be the hope of next year.

[Hawktawk]

I am branded 24-7. This addiction, this love affair started in 1976. Im a sports guy but I will only watch every game and wear the gear of one franchise win or lose rain or shine. Love me some Hawks!!!!!!!!!

[RiverDog]

Talk a bout spoiled! Wasn't that long ago we used to dream of being in that position.

Guilty as charged. I told you guys at the beginning of the season that Pete has raised the bar for me, that I expect much more out of this team than I have previous teams. I'm not abandoning them, I'm putting them on probation.... double secret probation.

I greatly admire my fellow Hawk fans loyalty, but I can't help it. I'll raise the flag again if the Hawks make the playoffs. BTW, does anyone have any suggestions on how I can moth proof it?

[THX-1138]

I offer my perspective:

The Seahawks are one of my most favorite products. I consume what they produce. Lately the product has been unsatisfactory. As opposed to consuming some other product brand I will instead voice my displeasure with the current product. My hope is that my voice will join others and an improvement in the product will come about. In the meantime I may find other things to do with my time than to continue to consume an unsatisfactory product.

[Distant Relative]

You couldn't push me off the wagon if you tried.

[burrrton]

Guess I'm going to have to take that Seahawks sticker off the back window of the Pope mobile if I want to live up to the lofty standards of this thread. Let them persecute me if they choose, but the Pope is representing in good times and in bad.

I've got Seahawk plates- I'm wondering if I can legally put duct tape over the logo until next year.

[Distant Relative]

Cry me a frickin RIVER.
Guess I'm going to have to take that Seahawks sticker off the back window of the Pope mobile if I want to live up to the lofty standards of this thread. Let them persecute me if they choose, but the Pope is representing in good times and in bad.

The Pope

Ya baby!!!! Love my team through good times and bad!

Go Hawks!

[Hawktawk]

The Hawks may be out of it this year. The cohesion of the team and staff may be coming apart and it may be the end of this core group of players. There are 7 more championship opportunities left this season so we will see but what a hell of a ride. I'm reflective. Since 2003 we have enjoyed 9 playoff seasons, 7 division titles, 3 SB appearances and a world championship. My 39 years of unwavering loyalty have been richly rewarded.

Hawks forever. Thank you!!!Ill be tuned in to see what happens this year but Ill never quit representing 12 months a year.

[RiverDog]

You couldn't have wrote that better. Although I considered doing the same, I think I'll leave my flag up until the end of the regular season. My husband copied you post into an email and sent it to me. I feel your pain just as you already know reading all of these posts. Dignity and grace are the values I hold onto, so that is why I won't take the flag down. I no longer see the Hawks as having a chance at even a Divisional Championship. I've lowered the expectational bar to very low and that is solely based on the performance I have seen.

I know many fans think that Russell's new girlfriend is the cause. I think that is just TOO simple and TOO easy to frame what is going on that way. I just think that now he has the money, he doesn't have to work for it like he did before. I think leadership has gone down the toilet. I see frustrated players. I see excuses. I see disappointment. The heart and soul our team used to play with over the past two years has gone because the BIG paycheck has come in. Again, the greenbacks win over true integrity! THAT, I believe, is what happened. I felt it when KC held out for his paycheck. I wrote this post,http://wp.me/p3pPFM-gdW, about it. Having re-read it, I again wonder all of those things. The Twelves are SORELY disappointed and heart broken obviously! We don't want to hear excuses for what just went down. I BELIEVED, just like the other Twelves did. I wrote and still write those very words before every game and still will, but today is a very gloomy day because of last night's performance.

Just very deeply disappointed....

Welcome to the Shack!

I don't expect others to follow my lead. I came in here yesterday and today to vent. Taking down my flag is part of that process and is a lot better than kicking my dog.

[Distant Relative]

Put your flag back up RD! I just can't imagine what your neighbors must be thinking. True fans never jump off the wagon.

If anyone asks just tell them it was at the drycleaners.

[RiverDog]

Put your flag back up RD! I just can't imagine what your neighbors must be thinking. True fans never jump off the wagon.

If anyone asks just tell them it was at the drycleaners.

There's a big wind storm heading my way, wind gusts 60+ mph, so it was coming down anyway.

I'll put it back up when I see something that moves me. This is my way of protesting what I regard as an embarrassing, hideous performance for the past 2.5 months. Keep in mind that my being off the bandwagon doesn't mean I'm not rooting for them. A friend of mine, and a feverish Hawk fan, turned off the game shortly before halftime.

[obiken]

I feel for you River, I just refuse to engage in the it's all Wilsons fault, when the biggest problem is that the offensive line can't block the stay puff marshmallow man. It only going to get worse when we lose Okung next year.

[HumanCockroach]

It's how the players in front of him play that has the most impact on Wilson's performance.
It's the same way for almost every QB - maybe Brady is the exception, but I doubt it.
Look at how poorly the Green Bay OL has played the last couple of games and look at how Rodgers play has fallen.
There is a direct correlation.
We lost the interior of our OL - 3 starters in total on our SB winning team with lesser replacements, and haven't recovered yet.

It's natural for a real competitor to try to make more of plays than he should in these situations. This is especially true for players that just signed a big contract.
There is an added pressure to perform even better and that often leads to trying to make the plays himself instead of taking what is given by the opposing Defenses.
Give him a better OL where the run game dominates and the pass protection is adequate, and I'm sure he will be his old self again.

The protection being adequate has zero to do with MANY of those mistakes. The interception he threw was one of the absolutely worst throws I have seen a QB make, HS QB's can make that throw and read in their sleep. He missed the mark by around 15 yards. That SHOULD be a TD 99 out of 100 times at the NFL level( and the one should be either a drop in the receiver, or some amazing play by the defender), and far to often, this season he hasn't just missed, but missed by a mile, our simply just didn't see it altogether.

I will not absolve the line, but I grow weary of the amount of excuses given sub standard play by Wilson. I see this as NO different than the eye test, or Tebow supporters claiming Tebow is better than 99% of the starting NFL QB's, out is simply burying ones head in the sand.

Wilson had simply not performed at an acceptable level for a twenty million dollar a year QB, no matter who is lining up behind, in front Or to the side of him. 1 TD and multiple turnovers is NOT adequate in any sense of the word. Those are the things we have OFTEN times criticized Luck or v Kaepernik, hell RGIII for, I don't believe the color of the jersey, or the name on the back of said jersey changes performance in any way, and not should it.

[NorthHawk]

I go back to how Rodgers productivity has fallen in concert with the decline of their OL.
He's undoubtedly one of the best QBs in the game, but is currently struggling.

Wilson is in the same boat with our OL, but I think he's adding more pressure on himself as well because of the big new contract. This will cause him to make bigger mistakes than normal.

The play calling can help him out by not sending Baldwin deep and leaving that job to Lockett or maybe even Kearse. God knows I love the way Doug plays, but leave the deep routes to the speed guys.

[EmeraldBullet]

There's a big wind storm heading my way, wind gusts 60+ mph, so it was coming down anyway.

I'll put it back up when I see something that moves me. This is my way of protesting what I regard as an embarrassing, hideous performance for the past 2.5 months. Keep in mind that my being off the bandwagon doesn't mean I'm not rooting for them. A friend of mine, and a feverish Hawk fan, turned off the game shortly before halftime.

You live near Bellingham by chance RD? You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I grew up there and I know they are getting those winds tonight as well.

As for the flag coming down, I still rock my Mariners gear LOL, so i'm used to rough weather sailing as far as supporting my teams go.

Addressing some of the other posts, we definitely need to do something for offensive line. Is there any other good FA we could bring in, in addition to drafting a couple? Will we have any cap room to play with next year?

At this point I think it might be more effective to start our D line on offense and snap the ball to the other team instead of Wilson, let our guys force fumbles and try to return them for TDs. Not really thinking this form a literal standpoint but our OL is that bad right now. Also, not all of it is Wilsons fault but he has made some terrible decisions just throwing the ball up there (and also our WR don't fight for the ball to protect him so it looks especially bad when he does this). Wilsons poor decision making and lack of protecting the ball relative to past years is on him.

[mykc14]

The protection being adequate has zero to do with MANY of those mistakes. The interception he threw was one of the absolutely worst throws I have seen a QB make, HS QB's can make that throw and read in their sleep. He missed the mark by around 15 yards. That SHOULD be a TD 99 out of 100 times at the NFL level( and the one should be either a drop in the receiver, or some amazing play by the defender), and far to often, this season he hasn't just missed, but missed by a mile, our simply just didn't see it altogether.

I will not absolve the line, but I grow weary of the amount of excuses given sub standard play by Wilson. I see this as NO different than the eye test, or Tebow supporters claiming Tebow is better than 99% of the starting NFL QB's, out is simply burying ones head in the sand.

Wilson had simply not performed at an acceptable level for a twenty million dollar a year QB, no matter who is lining up behind, in front Or to the side of him. 1 TD and multiple turnovers is NOT adequate in any sense of the word. Those are the things we have OFTEN times criticized Luck or v Kaepernik, hell RGIII for, I don't believe the color of the jersey, or the name on the back of said jersey changes performance in any way, and not should it.

Usually I agree with you HC, but not totally on this one. I have agreed all along that the sack numbers were skewed by RW and weren't a direct reflection of the poor pass blocking of the OL, and still do. I disagree about comparing RW to what Kaep has become or what Luck is. IMO the major issue with RW statistically is his lack of TD passes. Based on his career numbers he should be at around 16 TD's. The issues in the Red Zone, of which he is at least partially to blame, are the main reason for this, IMO. I agree with you that he has to play better as a $20 million dollar a year QB (which he isn't yet as his cap number this year is 7 mil putting him the Luck, Palmer, RG III, Brian Hoyer range). My main disagreement with you would be 'sub standard.' IMO he is having a good year, not his normal year, but good. If standard is the QB he has been then in some areas he is playing worse (mainly TD%) but in almost every other meaningful statistical category he is outperforming his past numbers. Even his rushing stats (except TD's scored, again red zone issues, IMO) are on pace to be the second highest of his career. He is on pace to have only 7 fumbles this year down from 11 and 10 the past 2 years. Also, to be clear I am not making excuses for his play I am just trying to point out it isn't as bad as many people are making it out to be.

[RiverDog]

You live near Bellingham by chance RD? You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I grew up there and I know they are getting those winds tonight as well.

I live in the Tri Cities, east slope of the Cascades and the lowest point in the Columbia Basin, so the winds just howl through here when a storm rolls through. We also live in a spot that's particularly notorious for windy conditions. It's howling like the Dickens right now. Leaving a flag up in these conditions is a good way to get it torn to shreds. I once had a flag pole snapped in a wind storm up here, so if there's a high wind warning, the flag comes down.

[Hawktown]

Usually I agree with you HC, but not totally on this one. I have agreed all along that the sack numbers were skewed by RW and weren't a direct reflection of the poor pass blocking of the OL, and still do. I disagree about comparing RW to what Kaep has become or what Luck is. IMO the major issue with RW statistically is his lack of TD passes. Based on his career numbers he should be at around 16 TD's. The issues in the Red Zone, of which he is at least partially to blame, are the main reason for this, IMO. I agree with you that he has to play better as a $20 million dollar a year QB (which he isn't yet as his cap number this year is 7 mil putting him the Luck, Palmer, RG III, Brian Hoyer range). My main disagreement with you would be 'sub standard.' IMO he is having a good year, not his normal year, but good. If standard is the QB he has been then in some areas he is playing worse (mainly TD%) but in almost every other meaningful statistical category he is outperforming his past numbers. Even his rushing stats (except TD's scored, again red zone issues, IMO) are on pace to be the second highest of his career. He is on pace to have only 7 fumbles this year down from 11 and 10 the past 2 years. Also, to be clear I am not making excuses for his play I am just trying to point out it isn't as bad as many people are making it out to be.

Though RW may be up in certain areas with his stats, the out come is not working in his favor. RW has been a disappointment in may ways, kinda like the premise of this thread. No offense RD, lol!

[Whidbey Island Girl]

Thanks for the welcome, guys.....ONE of my 12 flags is down due to the weather. It's a-blowing out there! The one I took down is mounted on a traditional flag mount and can't take that kind of weather but my other one is on an amazing salmon pole that flexes well in the wind! It's stay up through the season. I understand the need to vent. I needed that too. Disillusionment can get to a person, I suppose. I'm still a fan. Win, lose or tie; I'm a Seahawks fan until I die! That's not just abuse of a cliche' but the real deal. Now, that I've come to terms with this season a little better, I can get on with it. Still will wear the jerseys as appropriate to away and home games....I will not deviate! Hunker down PNW Peeps!

[RiverDog]

Thanks for the welcome, guys.....ONE of my 12 flags is down due to the weather. It's a-blowing out there! The one I took down is mounted on a traditional flag mount and can't take that kind of weather but my other one is on an amazing salmon pole that flexes well in the wind! It's stay up through the season. I understand the need to vent. I needed that too. Disillusionment can get to a person, I suppose. I'm still a fan. Win, lose or tie; I'm a Seahawks fan until I die! That's not just abuse of a cliche' but the real deal. Now, that I've come to terms with this season a little better, I can get on with it. Still will wear the jerseys as appropriate to away and home games....I will not deviate! Hunker down PNW Peeps!

We're in the biggest windstorm in the past 6-8 months. It's lucky that most of the trees around here have lost their leaves or else we'd have a lot of free firewood available. The problem in this area is dust.

I'm going to Las Vegas this weekend, and I'll still be wearing my team colors and supporting the Hawks. I'm still bleeding blue and green. Taking my flag down is a symbolic gesture as I wanted to do something to show my dismay. It's a lot cheaper than throwing a brick through the TV, which is what I wanted to do last Sunday night.

I'm glad you're frequenting this place. It's a great way to get your Seahawks news, pick up a few things about the game. We need some new faces, and females are always welcome!

[Whidbey Island Girl]

Yes, it is....I was here last year in "observe" mode. My hubby frequently reads these posts but does not contribute. I blog so, I like to contribute, exchange and share. You have fun in Vegas.....Just hangin' low on the Island, waiting for the winds to mellow. The new flag will go back outside today, if it is conducive. Just normal November stuff going on......I wish I had another nice, long fishin' pole to put that flag on. I don't so it's going to have it's ups and downs, I'm afraid. I'll be wearing the White jersey this weekend......Go 'Hawks!

[RiverDog]

Yes, it is....I was here last year in "observe" mode. My hubby frequently reads these posts but does not contribute. I blog so, I like to contribute, exchange and share. You have fun in Vegas.....Just hangin' low on the Island, waiting for the winds to mellow. The new flag will go back outside today, if it is conducive. Just normal November stuff going on......I wish I had another nice, long fishin' pole to put that flag on. I don't so it's going to have it's ups and downs, I'm afraid. I'll be wearing the White jersey this weekend......Go 'Hawks!

Wanna have a wind speed contest, Tri Cities vs. Whidbey Island, winner owes the other a beer?

The weather station on top of Rattlesnake Mountain (highest point in the area) recorded wind speeds of up to 113 mph yesterday. They have a picture in our local newspaper of a person's trampoline on top of their neighbor's house.

Relatively calm this morning, though.

[burrrton]

It's no trampoline on a roof, but my freaking BBQ blew over and was in the middle of my yard this morning and I can barely move the dmn thing myself.

[Whidbey Island Girl]

Riverdog, sorry I didn't get in on the bet. Other duties called me away from keyboard and screen, yesterday. I'd have lost anyway. Whidbey Island handled that wind much better than usual. We had some crazy gusts but I've seen A LOT worse. There were downed trees and outages here and there but I think the Seattle area got it worse than us. This weather season looks to be an interesting one. The forecast for the Sunday game is supposed to be cold but fairly calm, so I don't anticipate any viewing issues for the game. The new flag is back out in its bracket for the time being. I'll have my gear on, as usual, for the away game in SF. Their QB was benched so it should be an interesting game to watch. Perhaps a comedy, this time?

[politicalfootball]

I still support my Hawks but I think its time to look twords next season and shoring up our OL amongst other things. I'm looking to the draft and FA.

[Vegaseahawk]

I refuse to give them my heart only to have them break it.

Cmon Dawg, are you seriously telling us that you are too embarrassed to fly your Seahawk flag? And, how can you say that you're jumping off the bandwagon?? Dude, it's fans like you, me, & other veterans that can proudly say that we followed this team for coming up on 40 years now, but, please....to take down your flag & declare that you are off the bandwagon...I don't get it River. As fans, we are all disappointed in our teams performance, but we stand by the Seahawks no matter what. How did you manage to remain a fan through the Bering years? My point is that we should voice our support for the Seahawks win, or lose.
Now that things have changed, & in these past few seasons the Seahawks have been considered to be one of footballs best teams in the NFL, we need to remember where we came from, & yes, when players/coaches/refs, etc. make stupid mistakes, call them out on this & other forums, but I think our team does not deserve to have us stopping our support & expressing our love for our team. I just bought a new tire cover for our jeep. It cost me $50, but I love driving around Vegas showing everyone who my team is. Put that flag back up!

[Distant Relative]

Thanks for the welcome, guys.....ONE of my 12 flags is down due to the weather. It's a-blowing out there! The one I took down is mounted on a traditional flag mount and can't take that kind of weather but my other one is on an amazing salmon pole that flexes well in the wind! It's stay up through the season. I understand the need to vent. I needed that too. Disillusionment can get to a person, I suppose. I'm still a fan. Win, lose or tie; I'm a Seahawks fan until I die! That's not just abuse of a cliche' but the real deal. Now, that I've come to terms with this season a little better, I can get on with it. Still will wear the jerseys as appropriate to away and home games....I will not deviate! Hunker down PNW Peeps!

Now that's my type of girl!

Go Hawks!

[Distant Relative]

Riverdog, sorry I didn't get in on the bet. Other duties called me away from keyboard and screen, yesterday. I'd have lost anyway. Whidbey Island handled that wind much better than usual. We had some crazy gusts but I've seen A LOT worse. There were downed trees and outages here and there but I think the Seattle area got it worse than us. This weather season looks to be an interesting one. The forecast for the Sunday game is supposed to be cold but fairly calm, so I don't anticipate any viewing issues for the game. The new flag is back out in its bracket for the time being. I'll have my gear on, as usual, for the away game in SF. Their QB was benched so it should be an interesting game to watch. Perhaps a comedy, this time?

For what its worth the game is at Century link.

[RiverDog]

Riverdog, sorry I didn't get in on the bet. Other duties called me away from keyboard and screen, yesterday. I'd have lost anyway. Whidbey Island handled that wind much better than usual. We had some crazy gusts but I've seen A LOT worse. There were downed trees and outages here and there but I think the Seattle area got it worse than us. This weather season looks to be an interesting one. The forecast for the Sunday game is supposed to be cold but fairly calm, so I don't anticipate any viewing issues for the game. The new flag is back out in its bracket for the time being. I'll have my gear on, as usual, for the away game in SF. Their QB was benched so it should be an interesting game to watch. Perhaps a comedy, this time?

Except for the cities themselves, we don't have near the trees on this side of the mountains so high winds doesn't have as much of an effect on the power grid over here as it does on the west side. Our big problem here is blowing dust. The last time we lost power at our house was when my idiot neighbor took down a tree without calling the PUD first and had it fall on a power line. It was the weekend before the Super Bowl, and I told him he's lucky he didn't do it the following week.

I'm off to Las Vegas tomorrow, so I'll be watching the Hawks-Santa Clara from a sports bar somewhere. I have to scratch my gambling itch once per year, and I like going to LV during football season as you get to rub elbows with fans from all over the country. Everyone wears their team colors on Sunday, and despite having the #12 flag on the shelf, I'll be wearing my #12 home jersey and rooting passionately for the Hawks.