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Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll stayed on model main as much as Monday night time’s season opener, delivering his traditional treat-every-game-the-same message in his responses to frequent questions on going through former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos.
However clearly, going through Wilson six months after their messy and public divorce made this extra than simply one other win.
Read more: Old flames rekindled: Russ vs. the Seahawks completes NFL Week 1 reunions
On his weekly radio present Tuesday morning, Carroll reiterated his postgame remark that the win wasn’t “validating.” As a substitute, he referred to as it “actually rewarding,” particularly for the previous Seahawks who have been in attendance. That included Marshawn Lynch, Richard Sherman, Doug Baldwin, Cliff Avril, Ok.J. Wright — who raised the 12 flag earlier than kickoff — and different members of their Tremendous Bowl XLVIII and XLIX groups who have been teammates with Wilson.
“I did not want the validation,” Carroll instructed Seattle Sports activities 710-AM.”I simply wished it. I simply wished to win. I wished to win for all the causes that come together with this one. Possibly as a lot as something is representing the blokes which have performed earlier than. It meant rather a lot to these guys. I used to be so thrilled to have the ability to hug these guys up and see them and look them within the eye.”
Why did it imply a lot to them?
“Eh, you work that out,” Carroll stated. “But it surely was actually significant they usually actually wished it and I knew we have been taking part in for lots extra than simply the common stuff. Now we have an actual reference to the historical past … They really feel it they usually love the truth that they performed right here they usually love seeing us do nicely. On this night time, they realized there was an enormous alternative and an enormous assertion to be made: The sport is not about a person participant right here or there. It is about group. That is the final word group sport and it has been said so many instances earlier than. It takes everyone.
“Typically when a lot focus goes, it simply rubs guys incorrect I assume or no matter. However I am thrilled that we gained that sport. It was important for lots of causes past simply it is the primary sport of the 12 months and all that. However the truth that it was, it was Monday night time, oh man, it could not be higher. Simply actually rewarding, and on we go.”
The Seahawks’ Twitter account reveled within the consequence with a pair of tweets that playfully — and never so subtly — trolled Wilson and the Broncos.
https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1569742847355801600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Carroll reiterated his shock at Denver’s highly-scrutinized decision to aim the game-winning area aim from 64 yards out within the closing seconds, saying the Seahawks have been getting ready to defend a fourth-and-5 play “the entire manner.” When Broncos kicker Brandon McManus‘ kick went extensive left, the Seahawks escaped with a one-point win as 6.5-point underdogs.
“After all the discuss and all the buildup and we have been doubted the entire 12 months, and we did not have an opportunity and all that,” Carroll stated. “So that they weren’t proper so we get to really feel that a bit bit.”
Carroll had loads to say after Monday’s win about how one focus of the Seahawks’ defensive sport plan was to get Wilson to maneuver to his left, which might drive him to throw again throughout his physique.
“It is actually the way in which to play him,” Carroll stated.
“When he strikes to his left, it is exhausting for him numbers-wise and all that. So we have been in a position to do some stuff and it wasn’t good in any respect but it surely was efficient and we felt like we have been controlling it. So it wasn’t at all times simply getting clear to get the sack. It was to attempt to make him go the place we wished him to go. Guys did a very good job. We may do higher.”
Wilson — the perfect quarterback in franchise historical past and the one one to guide the Seahawks to a Tremendous Bowl victory — was welcomed again to Lumen Subject with a dozen or so hugs from former teammates and coaches, relentless boos from followers and no pregame tribute to commemorate all that he achieved throughout his decade in Seattle. His solely recognized change with Carroll was a quick one postgame.
“I can not even keep in mind what my phrases have been,” Carroll stated. “I feel, ‘Good sport.'”