Reported on Mike Sando's blog; during the pre-game interview with the Denver media Patrick Surtain said that he can see when a "quarterback goes click-click and seems to just get things", and when asked who "stands out in that regard" he replied "A guy like Hasselbeck in Seattle. It was evident in the playoff game with the coin toss and he said we want the ball and we’re going to score..."Just seeing it again made me think of the day he said that. So in this early stage of this season still brimming with potential and hope, how did that comment make you feel when he said it? How does it make you feel now? Do you think Hasslebeck is better, same or worse now? Did that comment solidify his standing as a leader, or did it cause a backstep, since it of course backfired. Has he recovered? Anecdotes encouraged.
Great question JoSCh.
ReplyDeleteI, for one, LOVED that comment then, and still love it today, even though it didn't turn out the way Matt had predicted. (technically though he DID throw a TD pass, just to the wrong team!)
The reason I loved it was that it was the first sign of a "brash" attitude from the Pacific Northwest since the days of The Boz.
Seattle has lulled itself into league obscurity over the years, and there's really no "personality" to the team.
Matt's comments were a spark to create that personality, and I think it really helped boost him into the conversation on top QBs in the league.
Sure, to most media pundits, Seattle is still known for blown leads and dropped passes. However, we would never have a lead to blow, or there would never be passes to drop, if Matt hasn't been doing what he's been doing, which is leading this offense and executing HIS end of most plays.
Additionally, I LOVE the fact that Shaun is now a Thursday regular on the Best Damn Sports Show, and I would love to see more guys on the team get these kinds of gigs or endorsement deals, to further put a personality on a team that has a reputation that's as bland as a signature cup of steamed milk from Starbucks.
With the new slate of receivers on the roster, and the new commitment to blocking and catching from our pro bowl running back, I believe that this will be a breakout year for Matt, and that he'll be going back to Hawaii after the season, not because someone else was hurt, but because he was voted there by his peers and the fans.
Alba, it's not possible for me to agree more with you. I love everything about the comment, and I really love Shaun on Best Damn. Part of the reason I love Shaun being on the show actually worries me though. It's well known that I want him to sign a long term deal and be in Seattle for his career. He is known for being upset at the amount of media coverage the Seattle area gets. Being on the show will give him more exposure, and make him a more recognizable player. The thing that worries me, is that it will give other markets a taste of Shaun, and make them more likely to recruit him.
ReplyDeleteBut as far as the comment and Matt? I love the comment. LOVE it. My friends make fun of me for it, but I think that it's exactly the kind of confidence Matt needed to show, and that confidence helped him get to the leadership position he's in now.
Posted by PaulieP
When is Best Damn on anyway? I looked in my Fox listing last night and couldn't find it. Of course, it could be on one of the other 225 channels I get now, but I'm still figuring that stuff out!
ReplyDeletePosted by alba
I don't think that comment and the results of the game ever effected MH. If you watch interviews with him, not the post game blurb stuff but extended interviews, he'll usually make one or two smart ass comments along the way. Most of the time the interviewer misses them completely and he's tickled pick about it.
ReplyDeletePosted by bokonon
Agreed 100%, with everything just said in here.
ReplyDelete"I don't think that comment and the results of the game ever effected MH "
ReplyDeleteThe game result and having said that, particularly when he found out it was nationwide, affected him. No way they couldn't. Obviously the game result affected him, so never mind that. Saying that and having it backfire HAS GOT TO affect you. Imagine that in your life, calling it that big, and having it just plain fail. That said, I think him showing his sh!t that way, that gave him every right to tell anybody on the team to pack sand, he showed that he doesn't care about himself, he wanted to win for the team. I think that moment will someday define him, and in the most positive light. He is a leader by example, and a vocal/visible leader. I don't care about his talent, he is the total package (and his talent is top 10, probably top 5, do the math). I loved it when he said it, I hurt for him when it backfired, and I support him because of it. Man I love this team...
Posted by JoSCh
I couldn't agree more with all the comments here. It gave me goose bumps to hear that statement echoing through the sea off cheeseheads. Even thought it backfired and hurt, I still think it was the perfect thing to say at the perfect time, regardless of the outcome.
ReplyDeleteWe need this kind of 'screw everyone and the dog you rode in on' attitude if we are ever going to get over the hump. I really don't care how Hass is perceived in the sporting world, and if he fails to impress those on the outside. He has the ability to lead OUR TEAM and help shape it's attitude, and that matters more than going to the Pro Bowl.
Posted by Bluefoot
You guys got me fired up to see the game, can't wait for 1:00!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMatt's my boiy! And when he made that comment I stood up in the midddle of a packed room and yelled "Yeah Matt! Go Man!"
Ya gotta love that guy!
Posted by vinnyhawkalugi
Amen Blue!
ReplyDeletePosted by vinnyhawkalugi