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Brady HendersonESPN
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll stayed on model main as much as Monday evening’s season opener, delivering his ordinary treat-every-game-the-same message in his responses to frequent questions on dealing with former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos.
However clearly, dealing with Wilson six months after their messy and public divorce made this extra than simply one other win.
Learn extra: Outdated flames rekindled: Russ vs. the Seahawks completes NFL Week 1 reunions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 known as it “actually rewarding,” particularly for the previous Seahawks who had been in attendance. That included Marshawn Lynch, Richard Sherman, Doug Baldwin, Cliff Avril, Okay.J. Wright — who raised the 12 flag earlier than kickoff — and different members of their Tremendous Bowl XLVIII and XLIX groups who had been teammates with Wilson.
“I did not want the validation,” Carroll informed 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 loads 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 mentioned. “But it surely was actually significant and so they actually wished it and I knew we had been enjoying for lots extra than simply the common stuff. We’ve an actual reference to the historical past … They really feel it and so they love the truth that they performed right here and so they love seeing us do effectively. On this evening, they realized there was a giant alternative and a giant assertion to be made: The sport is not about a person participant right here or there. It is about workforce. That is the last word workforce sport and it has been acknowledged so many occasions earlier than. It takes all people.
“Generally when a lot focus goes, it simply rubs guys incorrect I suppose or no matter. However I am thrilled that we gained that sport. It was vital for lots of causes past simply it is the primary sport of the yr and all that. However the truth that it was, it was Monday evening, 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.
Our trip continues. pic.twitter.com/gp12Njlcvd
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 13, 2022
JUST THE BEGINNING pic.twitter.com/niNB2EuV3V
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 13, 2022
Carroll reiterated his shock at Denver’s highly-scrutinized determination to aim the game-winning subject aim from 64 yards out within the closing seconds, saying the Seahawks had been making ready to defend a fourth-and-5 play “the entire approach.” When Broncos kicker Brandon McManus‘ kick went huge left, the Seahawks escaped with a one-point win as 6.5-point underdogs.
“After all the discuss and all the buildup and we had been doubted the entire yr, and we did not have an opportunity and all that,” Carroll mentioned. “In order that they weren’t proper so we get to really feel that slightly 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 pressure him to throw again throughout his physique.
“It is actually the way in which to play him,” Carroll mentioned.
“When he strikes to his left, it is laborious for him numbers-wise and all that. So we had been capable of do some stuff and it wasn’t excellent in any respect but it surely was efficient and we felt like we had been controlling it. So it wasn’t all the time 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 superb job. We may do higher.”
Wilson — one of the best quarterback in franchise historical past and the one one to guide the Seahawks to a Tremendous Bowl victory — was welcomed again to Lumen Discipline with a dozen or so hugs from former teammates and coaches, relentless boos from followers and no pregame tribute to commemorate all that he completed throughout his decade in Seattle. His solely recognized trade with Carroll was a short one postgame.
“I am unable to even bear in mind what my phrases had been,” Carroll mentioned. “I believe, ‘Good sport.'”
