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zezinhom400's avatar

Reading the write-up on Oakland being ranked #26 in this week's power rankings on NFL.com.

Essentially says it's not Geno's fault or Jeanty's fault or Carroll's fault but rather the OL

Wait. Hmmm. That does kinda sound familiar. Hmmm, let me see who's the OL coach there.

Brandon Carroll? Hmmmm

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Chris H's avatar

Perhaps it helps us that Arizona runs a 3-4 defense, with us playing Pittsburgh only a week ago. The carry over for the o-line should help. Calais Campbell is ageless, and leads the team in sacks (2). This is a winnable game, but the short week throws a wrinkle into things. Hopefully it doesn't turn into a poopfest.

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Rusty's avatar

It will be interesting to see if our division rivals can handle injuries as well as the Hawks have. I was blown away by how the secondary handled the injuries like it was no big deal. Zero impact to the end result!

Conner is such a huge part of the Cards offense, and Bosa is key to the 9ers defense. We’ll see how this plays out.

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Randall Murray's avatar

FYI from Brady just now “Fullback Robbie Ouzts and tackle Josh Jones, the two players who came out of Sunday's win with injuries that were mentioned by head coach Mike Macdonald, were both listed as non-participants due to ankle injuries. No other players were listed as non-participants, though there were some new names on the report listed as limited: outside linebacker Boye Mafe (toe), tight end Elijah Arroyo (groin), center Jalen Sundell (ankle, elbow) and defensive end Leonard Williams (elbow, shoulder).

On a positive note, all four players who missed the game due to injury were listed as either full or limited participation, with running back Zach Charbonnet (foot) full, while cornerback Devon Witherspoon (knee), safety Julian Love (hamstring) and safety Nick Emmanwori (ankle) were all limited.”

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Bob's avatar

Horton Hears A "WOO HOOO!" from the the 12's and we hear a "Told ya" from his team mates. I think the Hawks have the best collection of WR, TE and RB pass catchers "THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!!"(I maay listen to the dude with the cotton candy comb over too much). 'We're soo deep man' [circa 60's head bobbing] with more good hands than that insurance company. Our run blockers who are NOT on the O-line (WR's, TE's and Outzilla) are showing up! If the O-line can kick up run blocking a notch from adequate to even 'almost elite' we'll be kicking ass all the way to the play offs! Get those run guns firing and the pass game will take care of itself. 'Overstated Bob' has spoken (sorry, still a tad flush from slaughtering Saints...a past-time enjoyed by egotistical tyrants for thousands of yrs).

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Chris H's avatar

The run game is the one area we need to get right. The guys inside just aren't getting it blocked up right, and are letting the d-linemen leak into the backfield too much. All fixable, and I guess we all should have expected an evolution to take place given the new scheme, coaches, and 2 new working parts on the inside. It doesn't need to be elite, just really solid. That'll keep defenses honest, which is all we need to make the offense hum.

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Bob's avatar

So true. I suspect the coaches are addressing that. There are times when man on man (double team blocking) is more effective than zone. O-lines often take some time to gel...I'll give'm 'til thursday.

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Chris H's avatar

Very gracious of you, sir.

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Scott M's avatar

Mike Morris looked good in his limited snaps. Jobe looks great...I started re watching last season and you could see the growth and confidence building throughout the season. Jobe just keeps getting better. Darnold looks like he's settling in and actually looks pretty good. Even if you label him a game manger with a plus arm, I'm take that any day. Horton just looks smooth while he's breaking/cutting/weaving through traffic. Horton might be a very good draft pick. In two games he's probably out paced seasons expected TDs. The future looks so bright...and Riley mills ain't even warned up for a game yet. He's gonna make noise I think. This might be one of the best draft classes in years.

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Charlie Gage's avatar

Best draft class since their Super Bowl, for sure imho.

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Issac B's avatar

Through 3 weeks, Darnold is the highest graded QB in the NFL by PFF

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Bob's avatar

Our 'Ready Squad" is ready!

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Seaside Joe's avatar

I gotta keep a closer eye on Morris then.

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Randall Murray's avatar

Yes you need to. Actually looked very good. Had a big TFL but besides that he’s improving again from prior seasons. I also saw what looked like JLaw coaching him up on the sideline.

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Scott M's avatar

He's just taking every thing that comes his way. He may not be one that creates his own stats, but he seemed to be keeping his eyes in the back field and if the play comes to him he sheds and makes a play. Not sure he's a great chaser but he's long and kinda moves OK for a big fella.

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BEASTMODE808's avatar

For me, pleasant surprise #1 has got to be our #1 ranked special teams. If they have a stellar season and end up top 5, I like our chances for making noise in the playoffs. It is refreshing to see us nab some core special team dynamos from other teams (D'anthony Bell, Chazz Surratt, Drake Thomas, etc.) along with our homegrown guys (Bobo, Dareke, Horton, Jerrick, Pritchett, etc.) I'm on the edge of my seat for all 3 phases this year: and it's been AWHILE for that.

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Seaside Joe's avatar

Special teams could be the edge in so many close games.

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Bob's avatar

Hard to quantify but I think our special teams could be the difference in making the playoffs as versus 'almost' making the playoffs.

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BEASTMODE808's avatar

Ala 2024

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Dutcher's avatar

It's certainly more than a pleasant surprise to see an actual Hawks' blowout! It's been such a while since we had a team dominate another in every way. My wife came home around the 3rd quarter and I said we were blowing them out. She asked why I'm still watching. What?! Because it's fun. Funner than shit. WTF? Dumbass question. She said she was joking but still....

I commented before the first game that it doesn't matter to me whether we win or lose the first game of the season. Either outcome does not foretell anything for how the season will go. The first game is as far apart from a must win game there is. The only other time it would be like that would be if it's the last game of the season and you have a playoff position that is not affected in any way by a loss or win. So, you rest all your starters and it's like a preseason game. I was as non-plussed about the loss than I've ever been. In the past I would have been very bummed out and not want to read any news or listen to sports radio until usually Thursday. But, I'm glad we lost the first game actually. It's always nice to win. It's gravy. But, a loss puts things in a different perspective. We should have won that game but the loss added urgency and focus upon getting things tighter and correct. The Pittsburgh game and yesterday was the result of that I feel.

As fans we tend to be so hyper focus on the immediate results. And, to be fair, the NFL is a results oriented business period. But, when something doesn't go as well or right, fans are so quick to jump to conclusions. Like the stock market in which investors get spooked at the whisper of any economic news, a win or a loss will wildly swing folks' perceptions to extremes of the pendulum on how they feel about players or coaches or everything. Take the ST for example. Gosh, so many people commenting like on FG were just having a conniption about Jay Harbaugh especially in the preseason. He's a nepo baby only. What a horrible coach he is. Hmmm. Yeah.

While talent may certainly be the difference in razor thin margins to winning, I think it really comes down to the process and systems in place in an organization. There are lots of teams that have loaded themselves with early first round talent year after year, yet they just can't seem to win. Talent is the difference maker but it really also has to have the right culture, the right coaches, and systems in place to make it all work. I really feel strongly that the Seattle Seahawks have in place the right type of culture, head coach and staff, talent, processes, systems, and schemes to make a good run at this. Win or lose, I feel good about this. We have the inertia of winning that was installed by Paul Allen, JS, and Pete. Even though Allen and Pete are gone, we have the continuity of JS and Jody Allen that has kept this successful and positive culture intact. We scored big by getting the coach we really wanted in MM. These last few drafts have rejuvenated the roster with an influx of excellent talent. There is so much good going on.

Getting back to ST and JH. We don't know what's going on behind the scenes. We only know the tidbits from reporters at the practice facility and they aren't privy to most everything. We just go on immediate results. MM spoke about JH as a coach today on 710 and totally lauded his coaching and attention to every detail. ST has been prepared. Look what happened last week when George Holani jumped on the live ball in the end zone and actually got in bounds to score a TD. That was practiced! That's some prescient coaching by JH.

We have a good thing here. I'm not making any predictions about the season. I hate to say anything that could jinx things. But, I just take it one game at a time, and hope for the best outcome. Just like the Mariners right now. We're right down to the wire and every game and every pitch and at bat and especially defensive catch counts. Just hope we can come out on top one game at a time. From the ownership, GM, HC, staff, and players, it's a solid functional group. Win or lose (and we will lose some games) regardless, I feel confident in that.

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Randall Murray's avatar

You didn’t drive from OR to Seahawks Stadium, watch the game next to stinking Whiner fans, then drive back home (in that Seattle crappy I5 traffic). Home losses suck. 3 hour plus drive home dodging drunk drivers isn’t a good time. ;-)

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Charlie Gage's avatar

Should have taken the train.

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Randall Murray's avatar

Longer day, although yes, less bad drivers to navigate. But no matter, I don’t like to see home losses, especially not to the Whiners.

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Seaside Joe's avatar

I think with Jay Harbaugh another wrinkle is that his uncle is a legendary special teams coordinator and Jay is a special teams coordinator. It's almost more comforting knowing that he's not just thrown into special teams because of nepotism; he's specifically special teams nepotism! That's maybe a little bit better.

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PlasmaDragon's avatar

I know it's common to refer to Jay's employment as nepotism, but how do we know? If someone spends time around and learns from someone who is really successful at that same job, wouldn't that be something we want? If, however, that someone is the person's uncle it must be nepotism? (Note: Joe, I'm not saying you are doing this, but it is something very prevalent in Seahawks social media and elsewhere in other situations). It's actually a near perfect example of the Ad hominem circumstantial logical fallacy.

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Shaymus McFamous's avatar

Sorta like KK!

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Bob's avatar

Whether learned or in the dna, Jay's a great pick by Sam and John...we just saw the difference great special teams play makes...can win games just like O or D right?

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

Woolen isn't fitting into The Team JS/MM are building. I suspect it has to do with the agent he hired and the lack of respect for the way JS budgets salaries. He is giving us "what we pay for". He's become a Hired Gun and will be paid as such somewhere. I find Jobe and now Kendrick's performance a huge relief as replacement players. We will do well to keep them in on close games.

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Charlie Gage's avatar

Jobe and Kendrick are both really good. Glad they are with the SeaHawks.

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Mcdude's avatar

I was disappointed that they didn’t get JSN 4 more yards in them 3rd quarter. I was hoping to see JSN get a 💯 yards and be the 1st Seahawk receiver to have 3 straight games with 💯 yards.

It was great to see Jason Myers kick those 50 yarders though!

May the 12s be with you.

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Randall Murray's avatar

Darnold had a perfect QB rating before his last 2 incompletions before he got “yanked”. If only one more completed to JSN…

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Seth's avatar

That would have been great!! I saw that DK is the only hawk wr to have three straight 100 yd games to start a season.

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

I see MM as 100% honest when saying he pays no attention to stats. Looks like Darnold doesn't either.

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Stephen Pitell's avatar

What is impressive? The depth of the DB room. I was worried, but Jobe and Kendricks have eased my mind. Thankfully, we don't need to play Shaq Griffin much. Maybe we don't need to, or even consider, re-signing Woolen. But sign Jobe and Kendricks to long term cheap contracts.

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

JS will be exceedingly fair at the time of signing with no attempt to underpay. Our guys need to trust he won't be cheating anyone. It's simply Good Business. I think Jerry Jones' Cowboys have proved you don't get what you pay for. Looks to me that Agents are now focused on College Ball as guys like Schneider gain traction.

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Scott M's avatar

I keep seeing solid tackles, little thumping going on. Jobe had several good hard tackles. Okada had one...there were several. My question is does the impact of the second string secondary show that we have talented depth or does it show that MM scheme is superior, or maybe both? I mean if a team is down their starting S, NB, and CB that usually means a drop off. We've been pretty stable. Or is it a reflection of the nature of football, trenches impact the game the most...so unless you are truly dominate at the skill positions its kind of a moo point (#Joeyfromfriends).

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Bob's avatar

Perhaps it's the trifecta of good scheme, talented depth AND playing a pretty bad team?

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Mike McD's avatar

I'm not sure anything has reached the level of surprising. But I'll go with JSN.

Wow is he good. I wanted to see what he would look like without DK. That question was answered week 1 in my mind, and he hasn't looked back. Just incredibly fluid. Smart. And is constantly open. May be the most surprising part is his ability to get explosive plays considering he is not supposed to be fast. But his game speed looks high level even if his 40 time may not be.

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Randall Murray's avatar

On radio they noted that Darnold is so precise with his passes the receivers are not having to reach outside their body to catch. That one long play to JSN on Hawks nest side. I truly couldn’t believe that JSN had 3 guys on him and the ball was so in JSNs numbers that I actually thought it was an INT from my seat. I couldn’t believe JSN caught it. And then the scramble Darnold did, JSN getting into the open space, big play. Nice. So smooth. Horton the future Tyler. JSN the do everything receiver like maybe Blades/Baldwin. Maybe Barner, maybe Arroyo, the big body, big hand guy.

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

I count on one hand how many times DK's speed made a difference. No doubt a lot of decoy play went unnoticed.

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Seaside Joe's avatar

And he's been a dominant slot player in 2024 to a dominant outside player in 2025.

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Mike McD's avatar

I know I’m talking about JSN who also made a nice play here.

But how about SD? What a play … picking up his O-Line from a bad rep and converting for a big completion. Made a similar play against the Steelers too. Big time plays from the QB.

https://x.com/mikedugar/status/1970216222798291446?s=46&t=GOr4QVtKtJ8ZabyL8K_o7Q

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Danno's avatar

One injury of note for the Hawks we don’t know the extent of yet is Ouzts. He has an ankle injury and at his press conference that just ended MM was non committal about how bad it is, saying we’ll know more in a day or two.

No disrespect, I know you say Kupp is performing better so far than our wildest dreams, but in my dreams about Kupp, he got 1000 yards this season and scored 10 TDs. So he still has to step it up a notch. ;)

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Randall Murray's avatar

I didn’t know that is why Brady was in. Nothing came up on my phone. Hard to see it all from the stands. Crap.

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Danno's avatar

I saw him limping off the field, but the injury report today said “did not participate.” So he is up in the air for Thursday. I’m sure Brady can fill in, just need to get Ouzts back. Game status comes out Wednesday this week.

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Randall Murray's avatar

Thanks I never saw that. A lot more distraction from the stands but I see things you all don’t see on TV. Why I still like being at the game, but miss things like this. And Brady is in no way equal to Ouztz. But good he’s still here. Wonder is our ST of the weak, former QB, now LB, getting some FB practice….

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Danno's avatar

LBs are in essence FBs, at least back in my football days (where everyone played both ways) the FB was also a LB.

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Randall Murray's avatar

I know. My step dad played that position. And we know our new guy can hit!

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Danno's avatar

It looks like he really like it, too.

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

Fullback doesn't require a whole lot of ballerina moves if Kubiak calls the plays right.

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Seaside Joe's avatar

Hopefully Ouzts aint in no bootz.

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

"Just tape me up, Sarge!"

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zezinhom400's avatar

Black Knight: "'Tis but a scratch!"

King Arthur: "A scratch? Your arm's off!"

Black Knight: "No, it isn't."

King Arthur: "What's that, then?"

Black Knight: "[after a pause] I've had worse."

King Arthur: "You liar!"

Black Knight: "Come on, you pansy!"

King Arthur: "Look, you stupid, offensive man, you've got no arms left!"

Black Knight: "Yes, I have."

King Arthur: "Look!"

Black Knight: "It's just a flesh wound."

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Dale's avatar

🙄

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Scott M's avatar

If we continue to improve like we have...we might want to invest in trophy polish. It's a long season and a lot can happen but I'm pumped with where we're at. Begaw!

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Bob's avatar

Just wallowing in the after-glow of slaughtering Saints and in eager anticipation of crushing Cardinals in a crowded stadium...also favorite pasttimes in ancient Rome.

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Seaside Joe's avatar

Begaw!

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

Wegaw!

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Chris H's avatar

The run game is really the only part of the Seahawks game that is yet to be unleashed. Run defense, pass defense, passing offense, and special teams are all in a good to great spot. Hopefully the consistency will come in time. Lots of learning going on with a young offensive line. Pass pro has been solid, so that's a plus.

I'm so impressed how the defense absorbed both Spoon and Love being out, with minimal impact to performance. Those are two very important players, and the Ready Squad did more than just fill a void. Impressive stuff, and shows the quality of the player and the coaching staff.

So now they have checked off the box for beating the pants off of an inferior opponent. Next up, beat really good teams. I'm not sure the Cardinals fall neatly into either of those categories, but Tampa is pretty solid, although just squeaking out their wins in the last minute. How the Rams lost that game yesterday to the Eagles is beyond me. I guess even McVay has a coaching brain fart every once in a while.

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John DeLorie's avatar

I was with you right up to the Rams-Eagles games, Chris.

I'll tell you how the Rams lost...the Eagles D-line is a steam-rolling machine that EVERYBODY is going to have a tough time blocking.

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Chris H's avatar

They have a good defense generally, and a good d-line specifically for sure. But when you're up by the much in the second half, with the Rams having a good offense and good defense, they just need to not give the game away. And then they gave the game away. I get that to some degree the Eagles made something happen, and the NFL is where crazy shit will happen, but still, I'm sure the Rams feel like they had that one, and then let it get away.

When we get to play the Rams later in the year, I think those will be really fun games. They always seem to give us trouble, so I'm sure it'll be a battle.

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

Lucky bastrds. Ours was a division game. We have a deep, talented and now experienced Bench. Excuse me, Support Group. Proving to be the best in the League. Arizona played a damn tough game, Sunday. Many of our starters are rested and repaired. MacD has done his job, his A Game. Now it's up to the guys. No prisoners!

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Seaside Joe's avatar

Yeah, I can't decide what the Cardinals are yet. But Kyler Murray has a long ways to go to prove to me that he's got a long career ahead of him and MH Jr has been awful.

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Paul G's avatar

Maybe the biggest bust since Aaron Curry?

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

I find them a scary-good group, especially this Thursday. We best bring our A Team and all our Support Squad to earn a happy 10 days off. Division Games demand all our attention. Thursday we make a solid statement. MM has positioned us as smartly as Coaching can do. It's Go-Time, Men.

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zezinhom400's avatar

Man I'm totally snakebit with these guys. I'll take any sort of win we can eke out and hope like the dickens we don't come out of there like Hacksaw Ridge

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Seaside Joe's avatar

Is it the godawful Cardinals teams of most years? Absolutely not. Is it still the Cardinals? That's the main reason I'm skeptical. This franchise has had 106 years to prove itself.

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zezinhom400's avatar

For some reason we come away from that stadium like a M.A.S.H. unit -- so glad we get 10 days rest this year!

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