By Britt Staniar
 |
|
Photo by AP |
| The Seattle Seahawks stretch before practice |
The Seattle Seahawks have something to
prove to the world this Super Bowl Sunday.
Besides playing for a ring and a trip to Disney World, the Seahawks are
also playing to resurrect their franchise from a history of mediocrity.
It had been more than 20 years since the Seahawks won a playoff game.
During that time the Seahawks
produced season after season of records around .500.
Despite the fact that the Seahawks have produced a 13-3 regular season
record, it appears as though few are ready to believe they have what it
takes to win in the first Super Bowl in franchise history.
But the Seahawks are four-point underdogs this Sunday despite the team’s 11
game winning streak this season, convincing playoff victories, and solid
offensive and defensive performances in the playoffs.
They are four-point underdogs despite their Pro Bowl Quarterback, league
MVP running back, and veteran wide receiving group.
They are four-point underdogs despite the fact they are playing a team seeded
sixth in the AFC at the beginning of the playoffs when they were ranked
first in the NFC.
They are four-point underdogs despite their opponent’s quarterback being
the second youngest quarterback in Super Bowl history (Dan Marino was the
youngest quarterback Super Bowl history, and he lost).
Critics say that Seattle had an unimpressive schedule and has yet to
really prove itself.
This Sunday, beginning at approximately 6:25 PM EST, Seattle will get that chance.
Produced by Washington and Lee journalism students.
Lead supervisor: Prof. Claudette Artwick
Reporting supervisor: Prof. Doug Cumming
Editing supervisor: Prof. Pamela Luecke
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd