In Cassel we trust

I want the Seahwaks to make the playoffs. Big time. I no longer care about the possible 7-9 record. I no longer care about the jeering or mocking. There’s now talks of reforming the seeding system, most likely due to the NFC West. Screw it.

The experience of playing a postseason game, regardless of who or where you play it, is ultimately invaluable. Especially for the younger guys. To get a taste of just how good it is, how different it feels, and the high-pressure scenarios that emerge is exactly what rookies and 2^nd year players alike need.

It makes you hungry to win. Hungry for success.

At the moment, the Rams are the Seahawks' biggest issue. They're the one team that's standing in our way. Their run home in comparison to Seattle's run home looks a lot more rosy. A lot nicer. Not easy, per se, but there’s no NFC powerhouses (Falcons) or a significantly improved outfit (Tampa Bay).

The Rams next two games are against the Chiefs and the 49ers. Both at home. As it's very possible the Seahawks will not win another game until week 17, the Rams can only win one to make the final game a playoff showdown.

Here’s the problem. The Rams could very easily win the next two games.

Firstly, they can beat San Fransisco in week 16. No doubt about it. While the 49ers are looking alright, so are the Rams. Sam Bradford looks like a veteran. Steven Jackson is doing what he does best. Danny Amendola is making some nice big plays. They have weapons. They also have a dandy defense, which is causing major headaches to their opponents. Say what you like, but the Rams can beat the 49ers.

As for the Chiefs, many would say they’re too strong for the Rams. With their dynamic offense and top ranked rush attack, a few weeks ago that this game was a no-brainer. Is that so now? Not a chance.

The bottom line is that the Chiefs struggle without Matt Cassel. Last week, when he sat out due to an ‘emergency appendectomy’, KC got slaughtered with Brodie Croyle under center. 5 first downs. 0-11 third down conversions. 19 total passing yards. 48 total rushing yards. It was shocking. Appalling. Embarrassing. And why? Because they had no air attack whatsoever. While they have two explosive running backs, when faced against a decent rush defense (SD ranks 4^th in the league), they struggle to gain any momentum.

Issue: the Rams have a decent rush defense. They’re currently sitting 12^th in the NFL for opponent rushing yards, allowing only 105.7. It’s the likes of Chris Long, David Vobora and James Laurinaitis that make them so impressive. If they can stop Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, and Cassel sits out, they can win. No doubt about it.

That is why Matt Cassel MUST play on Sunday. If he doesn’t, the Rams can easily pull of an upset victory, and consequently take the momentum and confidence into week 16 against the 49ers. If the Rams can overrun both these teams, and the Seahawks fall to Atlanta and Tampa, it's game over for our beloved. ESPN reporter Bill Williamson has reported that Cassel was limited in practice for the second day in a row, and that there’s a chance he may miss the game. Chiefs coach Todd Haley said that he’s a ‘day-to-day thing’. While there’s a distinct possibility he’ll be ready and able to go in St. Louis, it all depends on how he pulls up closer to game day.

Damn it, Cassel has got to play on Sunday.

I want the Seahawks to make the playoffs. I want it bad. And I want a week 17 showdown in Seattle.

What do you think, peeps?

Seahawk pride,

JimJam.