Seattle Seahawks: Thanksgiving Edition 2012

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Thanksgiving is perhaps my favorite holiday, a good meal with friends and family while simply being thankful for what you've got.  

What does this have to do with the Seahawks?

With the team currently in the playoff hunt at 6-4 and about to embark on a cross country trek to Miami with a critical test against the Dolphins, it's understandable to have some questions and perhaps even a few doubts about the 'Hawks.

At the same time I think it's just as important to take a few minutes to highlight what's been good about this season thus far with a quick review that Seahawks fans everywhere can enjoy.

The Team Is Generally Healthy

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Every Thanksgiving I always like give thanks for being healthy and this year as far as I can tell the same can be said of the Seahawks.

According to the team's website, the injury report for this week includes a few important names like Marshawn Lynch and K.J. Wright; however only James Carpenter was limited on Wednesday at practice.  

During the course of a season every team deal with the aches and pains of a 17 week schedule, but so far this team has been pretty durable with it's young roster.   

Marshawn Lynch Has Been Worth Every Penny

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Beast Mode hasn't missed a step.

Entering the season I was a little worried that Marshawn Lynch might get a little complacent with a new contract in hand. 

With the exception of his DUI charge back in July, Lynch has done everything asked of him while once again carrying the load for the 'Hawks running game. His contributions have been a huge help as the team initially struggled to score points. 

The Legion of Boom

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Much like Marshawn Lynch has done, Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, and Kam Chancellor have picked up where they left off last season by playing at a Pro Bowl level.

They are arguably the best secondary in all of football and a joy to watch given their energy and intensity. 

Perhaps what makes them even more entertaining is their ability to jaw with opponents both on the field and off, especially cornerback Richard Sherman who has managed to back up his non-stop chatter with some truly fantastic play.  

What's great is that they are still relatively young and have room to grow.   

Solid Rookie Class

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Speaking of young with room to grow...

A tip of the cap to Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider who have once again showed us that perhaps they do know what they're doing during the NFL draft. 

I'll confess I had some serious doubts with just about every pick the 'Hawks made last spring, especially their first choice. 

Today I'm happy to report that Bruce Irvin is not a bust.

Meanwhile the two selections from Utah State, Bobby Wagner and Robert Turbin, seem to be keepers, along with seventh round pick Greg Scruggs and the team's third round choice has also played a critical role thus far this season. 

Russell Wilson Is Fun to Watch

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While some fans may still have mixed feelings about the undersized Wilson, you have to confess that he has made this season one to remember thus far. 

Will he lead the 'Hawks to the playoffs?

That remains to be seen, but it's hard to root against someone who has seemingly come so far in such short time with the team.

Back in training camp I didn't give him much of a chance to end up the starter, but he took every opportunity and ran with it, both literally and figuratively, and hasn't looked back since.  

Sometimes it's hard to remember that he's a rookie, given how easy he's made it look at times. 

Am I saying he's perfect?

No, but with a record of 6-4 against a pretty tough schedule, I certainly can't complain. 

Undefeated at C-Link

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In some ways it's impressive that the 12th Man has not gone home disappointed this season given that all of the Seahawks' five opponents are fighting to make the playoffs. 

Feel free to discount the Jets and perhaps the Vikings or Cowboys, but the point is that when the 'Hawks are home, they are a force to be reckoned with. 

Of course the big question these next two weeks is whether or not this team can win away from C-Link Field. 

I suppose we're about to find out, but until then I have to say this team has made this season an entertaining ride thus far with some truly solid performances by some outstanding up-and-coming players.

Last year at this time, it was hard to tell whether the 'Hawks were moving in the right direction after their rough start was followed by some impressive wins.  They ultimately came up short in their pursuit of the post-season, but at the same time laid the foundation for this year.

Unlike Tarvaris Jackson, Russell Wilson can finish games and is making the most of the talent surrounding him.  The defense, meanwhile, which looked promising last year, is now a well-rounded unit capable of covering the entire field as one of the league's best.  

Can they make the playoffs?

Sure, but for now let's just give thanks for what we've got and push our worries aside until Sunday.

Happy Thanksgiving and go 'Hawks!