The Seattle Seahawks are on the verge of their fourth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history if they can once again defeat their NFC West division rival, the Los Angeles Rams. After easily discarding the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 last week, the Seahawks are at their peak of confidence.
One of the most significant reasons for the Seahawks’ confidence is the work that they’ve put into this season from the very start. High attendance at voluntary workouts in the Spring set the tone for the season.
Now, the Seahawks’ work is speaking for itself, and the team is one win away from playing in February.
Effort Makes the Difference
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has been preaching effort to his team all season, and the players have bought in.
Macdonald feels that effort throughout the week translates to the games, and it’s hard to argue with the results.
Ari Horton, in her January 19 article for Seahawks.com, wrote about how Macdonald talked about the extra effort the Seahawks players have given.
“I don’t think I’d be standing here right now talking to you guys if our team hasn’t decided to play with that type of effort,” Macdonald said. “And that’s really all three phases. So that’s a decision that they’ve made that they want to play to.”
One player who has exemplified effort is Kenneth Walker III. Against the 49ers, he had 116 yards rushing and three touchdowns. With Zach Charbonnet out for the season, Walker will need to carry the Seahawks running game the rest of the way.
In previous seasons, Walker might not have physically been able to play this well this deep into the season, but just like other Seahawks players, Walker committed himself this offseason.
Walker Prepared for the Moment
The Seahawks dominated the 49ers physically, particularly through their tough run game. Still, now that the one-two punch of Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III is no more this season, Walker will be relied on even more to carry the Seahawks to the Super Bowl.
Ari Horton, in her January 19 article for Seahawks.com, wrote that Walker’s offseason dedication has prepared him for an increased workload.
“It’s more like a routine,” Walker said. “Here, you get more healthy, clean foods at the facility and then my sleeping habits; I (go to) sleep at around 10 to 10:30 (p.m.). These past years, even in college, I used to stay up until 1:00 (a.m.) because I’m just staying up. It’s definitely helped a lot, and I feel much better and extra recovery definitely helps a lot when I come back out here and practice again.”
Even with Charbonnet out, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has faith in Walker, given the work he’s put in. Brady Henderson of ESPN wrote about Macdonald’s belief in Walker in his January 20 article.
“I think Ken has done a heck of a job,” Macdonald said. “I think you’re seeing the results in the past X amount of weeks now of … stacking all those reps. I thought this was the most decisive he’s ran up to this point, and as expected, you just keep getting better and keep finding ways to improve, especially in the run game. He’s done a great job.”
The Seahawks are one game away from the cusp of being Super Bowl champions, and the work they’ve put in since OTAs has propelled them to where they are right now.
Mike Macdonald Says Effort Separates Seahawks