The Seahawks played their first home game Saturday night since winning Super Bowl LX. Coach Mike Macdonald was impressed by the fan turnout. He was not impressed by the team’s performance. “We owe them a better performance, to say the least,” Macdonald told reporters after the 17-7 loss to the Cowboys. “I just told the team, we’re going to learn a lot from this game, you know, if we take away the result. Obviously, it’s disappointing to lose the game every time you’re left with nothing competitive, we’re trying to win, but right now, our process needs to improve. That’s really the biggest takeaway, it’s really in both phases, offensive and defensive. Our operation is not up to par, and the way we finish plays is not up to par.” “It’s going to be a focus moving forward, but it’s good to know, you know, I’m glad that now we know the things we need to be able to do to take our team to the next level, and we have a great opportunity to go and figure it out.” What was the specific concern? “Just all the things,” Macdonald said. “How we take calls, how we take the line, how we move, how we shift, how we line up on defense, how we communicate, all those things have to be taken.” a very big jump, very fast. So it’s good to know. Now we know, so let’s get it done.” It could be an interesting third episode of Hard Knocks (the first two haven’t been), depending on how much of Macdonald’s presumed messages to the team make the final cut, and how much ends up on the cutting room floor. Still, getting last year’s players who made it to the top of the mountain ready to understand that another climb will be just as difficult, if not harder, is a constant challenge for the coach of a Super. The bowl-winning team, based on the game on Saturday, you have plenty of ammunition to get your attention.
