1983 Seahawks discussion (or Knox era in-general)

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74_75_78_79_
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1983 Seahawks discussion (or Knox era in-general)

Post by 74_75_78_79_ »

First year under Knox. I didn't know until now that McCormack took over as HC once the games resumed again the year prior. He going 4-3 those last seven games had to offer up hint of what was to come - the highlight being they handing Steelers their first loss, 16-0. 16-0 is also the 4th Q score/rally of the following week's 28-23 loss at the Raiders.

Back to '83, they were an overall mediocre team. #6 in offense points-wise, but not much else. Only 19th in offensive yards, and a real bad 24th and 27th defense in points and yardage respectively. Their main (double) highlight, of course, was their sweep vs the Champs-to-be in a three-week span. In midst of that sweep, was a narrow loss to Pittsburgh which they really should have won. Another somewhat notable win is a lopsided win at Cleveland who would go on to also finish 9-7. But versus NFC East powers, they lose lopsided at home to Washington early on and lose even bigger at home to Dallas in Week #14, that being on the 'eve' of the Cowboys' collapse that would begin the following week. Hawks also lost at StL who would go on to finish 8-7-1. Now that would be a heck of a game to watch! Roy Green and Largent each scoring three TDs! After bouncing back from that Dallas blowout, winning their final two, Hawks catch more fire in the playoffs by walloping Denver, 31-7, then pulling off that upset at 12-4 Miami.

The following year, despite Warner being out after opening week, they go juggernaut-mode with that 12-2 start (#5 offense and defense) only to, like Dallas the previous year, suddenly collapse into the playoffs. At least they win 1st-Round (vs Raiders) but this time lose at Miami, and by a lot. Back to mediocrity in '85, that strong 10-6 non-playoff showing in '86, and then a mere playoff qualifier each of the two years after that. Though finishing just 9-7 in the regular season, those '83 Hawks making it to that AFCCG would be the best that it would get in the Knox era in that very NFL playoff debut in the Emerald City.

Further thoughts?
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Todd Pence
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Re: 1983 Seahawks discussion (or Knox era in-general)

Post by Todd Pence »

One of the biggest part of the success of the 1983 squad was attributed to its special teams. The '83 Hawks were credited with one of the best kick and punt coverage squads in the league, and they got clutch field goal kicking from Norm Johnson. Their own return teams excelled as well. The divisional win over Miami was nailed down when they forced two consecutive fumbles on kickoff returns in the final seconds, keeping the ball out of Marino's hands. That win was also made possible by a brilliant gameplan by Knox in which he used a special third down prevent to flummox and frustrate Marino.
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