"We've played them in the preseason a couple times but really haven't gotten a good feel for them in the regular season. They're a tough team with David Boston and Jake Plummer."

-- Darrell Jackson, March 29, 2002







Seattle Seahawks 13 - Arizona Cardinals 24

I want to start this week's report with a quote from Trent Dilfer as seen at Seahawks.com.

(On the challenge of being 0-2)
It’s hard, it’s very hard. One of my philosophies in life, whether it’s right or not, when things are hard, you typically see the cream rise to the top. That’s my hope for this football team. I think one of the great things about this game, is that it is hard. It’s always hard, and it’s especially hard now. This is the ultimate team football game. It’s going to take everybody, from Dave to our equipment guys, to the guys who do the field, to the fans, to you guys, every player, every coach, Mack the cook, it takes everybody to draw close together and do everything they can do, individually, to help us get better, and then collectively as a group, you really have to grow close together. You have to be willing to take some heat for some other guys when they’re down, you have to be willing to pat a guy on the butt when he needs it, you have to be willing to sit with a guy after practice, and just share life experiences with him. The closer we become as a group, the quicker we will overcome this adversity. If we struggle with that process, then the adversity will continue. Then, you get to that point where you’re either going to break or go forward. I don’t think this team will break. The question is how fast will we come together, and how fast will we truly become one heartbeat. When we do that, the sky’s the limit. I’ve never been on a more talented football team, and explosive football team. Now we just have to take it on Sundays, and let it show.

I just want to say one thing about Trent Dilfer: WHAT A LEADER!!!

This is honest leadership at it's best, in my most humble opinion. This is a guy who plays with passion and cares not only about the team, but about the players on the team! THIS is what team sport is all about!!

Let me tell you about Trent Dilfer! In today's game, he was scrambling for his life trying to make something happen. He eluded a couple of tackles and threw the ball to Bobby Engram for a completion and a first down. The referee threw the flag and said he crossed the line of scrimmage before he threw the ball. The penalty resulted in loss of down and the ball was given to the Cardinals.

Dilfer was livid! He protested vigorously to the official! The play was reviewed and was not overturned. In my mind, it was close but he was probably a yard or so in front of the line of scrimmage.

After the game, Dilfer apologized for his outburst. WHY? I don't think he owed anyone an apology! He was playing with passion! He stood up for what he believed to be true! He had a big play at stake and he wanted to be heard! He didn't haul off and smack anyone out of anger! He didn't push the official or make a threatening gesture. He simply spoke, with a lot of passion, about how he felt!

GOOD FOR YOU, TRENT DILFER!!!

It's about time we had someone stand up for what they believe in! I'll back the players 100% of the time if they pour their heart and soul into a play, even if it doesn't work out!! The score isn't half as important to this tried and true Seahawks fan as the effort!!! Give me your heart and you'll have mine!!

I wish Mike Holmgren would visibly put his heart into the team! I wish he'd stand up for our team like Trent Dilfer did today! I wish he'd show us unbridled enthusiasm for a good play instead of standing on the sidelines with his arms crossed! I will admit that the frown on his face at the conclusion of the game, and his near-quivering chin, got to me today. That was one sad look. It can't be easy for a Green Bay Guru to suffer through two losses in regular season following three losses in pre-season.

I thought Trent Dilfer played great today! I love a more open offense, and I was awed by Darrell Jackson! Give me a long bomb any day! I love it!! I was thrilled when we had 3rd and long and threw a pass that would get the first down! Those slant patterns were terrific! It's great football to have an offense!

Shaun Alexander struggled today, as did Maurice Morris. They'll get better.

Our defense still let us down. We had some good plays but we also had some gaping holes. Isaiah Kacyvenski was cited numerous times for tackles made too late, but I thought he played well, and I LOVED the interception and the effort he made with the ball following the INT!

I wonder what the feeling is among fans for the points taken off the board? Lindell kicked a field goal that would have given us three points, however there was a flag on the play that resulted in a Seahawks first down. We took the points off the board hoping to get a touchdown. However, Maurice Morris fumbled the ball and the Cardinals recovered. I liked the idea that we went for the 7 points because it showed that Holmgren had confidence in the team. However in the back of my mind, I kept hearing the voice of John Madden saying that you NEVER take points off the board. Never ever! In retrospect one has to wonder if this was the turning point of the game. It was certainly a momentum builder for the Cardinals.

My apologies to the fans of Seattle who listened to the media hype and came to the game believing Holmgren's promises that we would see a new team in a new stadium in new colors with a new logo. The stadium is beautiful, the logo a success, the colors still waiting on the jury to return but the team...same old, same old.

I believe we'll get better. We have to! I believe Trent Dilfer will offer leadership, and I believe our players will step up to the challenge. Don't give up, Seahawks fans! We've got a long season ahead and we've got time to pick up our game!

Keep believing! I am!

If you have comments, send them in and I'll get them posted here!!