The 5 Best Moments in Seattle Seahawks Franchise History
Over the past decade or so, there are few NFL teams that have experienced the level of success that the Seattle Seahawks have achieved. Since 2005, Seattle has appeared in three Super Bowls, winning one, and made the playoffs 10 times. In order to get some perspective on all of the Seahawks’ recent achievements, we’ve compiled five of their best moments for you to enjoy.
The Seahawks Reach the Playoffs for the First Time in Franchise History in 1983
Upon joining the NFL as an expansion team back in 1977, the Seahawks first handful of seasons were predictably barren of success. Despite posing two winning seasons early on, Seattle didn’t make the playoffs until 1983. The team didn’t rest on its laurels after getting to the postseason, however, as they managed to win convincingly against the Denver Broncos and won a tight road contest against the Miami Dolphins. Despite losing in the AFC Championship to the Raiders, Seattle’s 1983 season gave fans a reason to cheer and put the team on the map for the rest of the league.
Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander Lead Seattle to its First Super Bowl Appearance in 2005
Going into the 2005-2006 season, the Seahawks had not won a playoff game since 1984. Despite going through two decades worth of torment, the 2005 Seahawks team gave its fans plenty of reasons to believe in the team again. Led by veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and league MVP Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks finished the season 13-3 and made it all the way to Super Bowl XL. Despite coming up empty on the big stage, the 2005 Seahawks team represented a changing of the guard and ushered in a decade of postseason success.
Marshawn Lynch’s “Beast Quake” 67-yard Touchdown Run Secures a Seahawk’s Playoff Upset in 2010
In 2010, the Seahawks were able to squeak into the playoffs as a division winner despite the fact that they finished the season below .500. Despite the fact that they were hosting a home playoff game, few pundits dared to back Seattle in their opening tilt against the heavily favored defending champion New Orleans Saints. The Seahawks played New Orleans tough all day and ended up sealing a victory thanks to a now-famous run by Marshawn Lynch. With just over three minutes remaining, Lynch bulldozed his way through seemingly every member of the Saints defense, breaking tackles at will and rumbling for a game-sealing 67 yard score. Seattle ended up losing their next game but Lynch’s unforgettable run will long be remembered by fans of the sport.
Seattle Dismantles Denver in Super Bowl XLVII, Winning Their First Super Bowl Title By 35 Points
After coming up short in the big game eight years earlier, the Seahawks found themselves in the spotlight once again, this time facing off against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVII. Seattle’s vaunted defense took little time to make their impact on the game, forcing a safety on Denver’s first play from scrimmage. The Seahawks defense really set the tone for the game, scoring a defensive touchdown in the second quarter and holding the Broncos scoreless until the last play of the third quarter. Seattle’s fantastic effort on both sides of the ball led them to an easy victory and their first Super Bowl as they bested the Broncos by a record-tying 35 points.
Seattle Rallies from 12-Point Deficit With Four Minutes Left To Save its 2014-15 Season With a Miraculous Late Comeback to Defeat the Packers
After their emphatic Super Bowl win against the Broncos, the Seahawks once again found themselves deep into the playoffs during the following campaign. This time, Seattle was seemingly behind the eight ball against the Green Bay Packers. With just under three minutes remaining, the Seahawks trailed by double digits. Many other teams would have crumbled facing such strong odds but Seattle has always shown the ability to hunker down when things get tough.
Russell Wilson scored on a quarterback keeper just north of the two minute warning but the Seahawks needed to convert on an onside kick in order to have any shot at winning. On the ensuing kick, a Packers special teamer bobbled the ball and Seattle came away with possession. The Seahawks went on to score on that drive, and notched a dramatic win in overtime which saw them advance to back-to-back Super Bowls. We all know how their game with the Patriots ended but their against-all-odds comeback was still one of the franchise’s greatest moments.