The Longest Yard - A Masters Story

The Longest Yard

Jordan Spieth and longtime mentor Ben Crenshaw sat down with Brandel Chamblee A few days before the Masters last year.  When asked what it takes to win the masters – Crenshaw raised his hands about a yard apart and declared “These are miss-able at Augusta”. Jordan looks at Ben and lifts his right hand "shhhhh".

  


Jordan Who?

I discovered Jordan a few years earlier and had been preaching the good news of his coming for some time. He was not old enough to drink and did not even have a PGA card. I had to look up his college stats when I found his name on the bet sheets in Vegas. He was playing on exemptions when he earned them. When I mentioned his name around the course, the response was usually Jordan who? At the John Deer Classic in 2013 – he gave me the thrill of a lifetime. 

It was Sunday morning and he was 6 strokes back. I was about to turn off the TV and go play some golf of my own, when he moved up to 5 back, then 4 then 3. As my chance to get some sun faded, so did his chances to win. The leader was in the clubhouse at (-19). He was on the final hole (-18) and needed to hole a shot from the bunker for birdie to join him and have a chance at a playoff. He did it!

  

Hammerheads

He and his young caddy had been feeling their way around PGA courses - most of which - neither of them had ever seen. as Jordan climbs out of the bunker to shake his caddy's hand - he chest bumps him. Hammerheads - I love this shit! 5 playoff rounds later – he got his first win. I pocketed $900. $30 at 30-1. It was one of most of the most exciting sports victories I ever watched. It wasn’t all about the money though. Our favorite players become like family members we’ve never met. He had become a little brother. That would eventually become the case for millions of golf fans.

Magnolia Lane

Fast forward to April 2014. Tiger’s out. Its Masters week, he’s at 40-1. The media has tried to anoint Jordan as Tiger's successor. But the wins are just not there. He’s got more top 10s than any player on tour, but the pressure for him to close one out is palpable. Interest in him is waning. Most analysts feel he has a decent all-around game but nothing special in any one area and not long enough to become one of the all-time greats. I happen to disagree.  I enjoy handicapping, but I am not a big gambler, I put $100 on him, that’s a lot for me on one player. A $4000 pay off would replace a car that just blew an engine. If he was to pull off a miracle win on his first visit to Augusta, at 20 years of age - I would get custom plates and call it my “Spieth Mobile”.

Giant Killer

Win or not, he had become a giant killer.  Every time they paired him with a big name - he knocked them out in "Rocky" like fashion. Tiger by 8 strokes. Mickelson by 9. Matt Kuchar called him a "little kid" before playing him in match play at the WGC. Spieth sent him home. This week the folks at Golf channel finally caught on and called that the "Spieth factor". Jordan would face a Goliath in Rory McIlroy to begin the Masters. By Friday, Rory too had fallen. 

Exodus

By the end of the 2nd round on Friday - the cut was top 50 and ties - (4 Over) or better. Almost every Big Name in the Game Missed the Cut, some by 4 or 5 strokes. Approach Shots landing 2 feet from the Pin - had bounced and ran off the greens. This place was for real and it was scary. Rooting for Spieth was like watching your kid play in traffic. This isn't Golf - this is Frogger. How can anyone survive. But survive he did - into the weekend at Augusta. The Spieth Factor continued on Saturday. Jordan took down world #1 Adam Scott.

The Masters Final Round

Its Sunday morning, to my amazement Jordan Spieth is tied for the lead with Bubba Watson at 5 under. As he stepped on the first tee box, I was on the edge of my seat. At 20, I was still pimping beer in front of 7-11 and looking for Kegger parties. Lotta pressure for Jordan at such a young age.

He is boxed in by a thick gallery of spectators and tees it up before he is even announced. The world is watching my boy - Is he gonna hook one into the trees? 

Yes.   The good news - Bubba is in the bunker. Spieth punches one from the trees, it bounces past the pin but rolled back pin high about 16 feet from the hole. Bubba damn near hits the pin and settles about 4 feet inside Jordan. They both miss birdie puts and par. On the par 5 2nd - Bubba almost drains one from the fringe. Jordan has a 10 foot put to take the lead.

 

Announcer David Feherty - in a high pitched Irish tone, as if he's telling on someone "Oh - he leads The Masters! "After 2 holes in the final round - Jordan Spieth takes the lead - on his own."

And a Child with Lead Them

Bubba misses the green on 3 and pushes his par put left. Spieth pars. Oh My God! Is this really happening? Jordan has a 2 shot lead In the Masters. There was a buzz, an electricity in the air. There was talk of numerology and destiny. Every 17 years, The Masters produced it's youngest winner. The last was in 1997, it was 2014.

A Familiar Miracle

By the 4th hole he's in trouble. Watson sticks his approach within about 4 feet. Jordan is in the green-side bunker. Looks like a 2 shot swing for Bubba. 

Spieth sweeps it up onto the green, it bounces twice, rolling....rolling.... hits the pin -  ITS IN!
Bubba birdies as well. Jordan's still leads by 2. He did that at John Deer!   
Something special is happening here. 
 

Mr. Watson

Jordan's more Wally than Beaver, but there's just enough Eddie Haskell in him to keep you interested. His habit of calling his elders "Mr." was questioned in an interview the day before the Masters. He was Paired with Bubba Watson for the final on Sunday. Spieth and Watson are friends.

"Do you have an age cut off for calling someone Mr?
"Anyone older than me."
So, you will be calling Bubba Mr. Watson?
"Yes, just because I know it will mess with him."
On the Tee at the 5th. "Nice two Mr. Watson."

Upstaged 

Spieth Bogies 5 and Bubba pulls within 1 shot. Watson sticks his approach on the Par 3 6th within 10 feet. Jordan answers by throwing a dart 2 feet from the pin! 

Ruffled Feathers

Spieth looks up at Watson - like a little brother looking for approval. Bubba looks back at Spieth as if to say, "What are you trying to pull? Watson turns away, cocks his shoulders like a rooster and heads for the green with a stern look on his face. They would both Birdie. Spieth holds onto his 1 shot lead.

History in the Making

Bubba misses the green on 7. Spieth drains an 8 foot put for birdie and a 2 shot lead!

 

Is This Really Happening?

At this point I'm pinching myself. Were talking $4000 here and a chance to see my favorite golfer become a household name. You know that feeling you get - when something you knew was impossible - starts to actually happen?

Watson and Spieth have separated themselves from the field at this point. It has become a 2 man race and Jordan, with a 2 shot lead -shows no signs of cracking.

On the Par 5 8th - Jordan has little more than a tap in for par.

Paradise Lost

No! He misses it! Bogie! Watson Birdies. 2 shot swing.

His lead is gone.

 

The Longest Yard

On the 9th hole, for the 2nd time that day - a premonition from a well meaning mentor came true. Spieth misses a short put for Bogey. Watson birdies. 4 shot swing. Jordan never recovered. 

 

I can't even imagine the what was going through Jordan's head after the 9th hole. He just gave away the Masters.

 

I know what might have been on his mind as he stood over those puts on 8 and 9. "These are miss-able at Augusta”. 

Jordan is currently #1 in the world for puts between 15-25 feet

He still struggles with puts in side 10 feet.

The good news is - that's not the end of the story. 

By the end of 2014 the American media had pretty much written off Jordan Spieth.  All they talked about when his was mentioned was how he didn't win again. He flew to Australia in late November. The Aussies do not get see PGA pros very often. It's a long plane flight. They greeted Jordan with nothing but praise and adulation. He shot the lowest score in the history of the Australian Open that week. Literally destroying all of the best players in Europe.

Rory McIlroy tweeted about his performance: 

"You could give me another 100 rounds today at The Australian and I wouldn't sniff 63.... Well done @JordanSpieth very impressive!  

When he finished his round in Australia - he jumped on a plane for a 20 hour flight. Went to Tigers Hero tournament that very next weekend. He destroyed the best players in the United States by 10 shots. 

He took some time off. Won 3 weeks ago at Valspar. He placed 2nd the last 2 weeks. He tees it up again Thursday at the Masters.

As far as the "Spieth -Mobile" -  it's not a matter of "if" but "when".

This story isn't over yet.

 

UPDATE______________________________________

 

Spieth went on to win The Masters in 2015. During the 2014-2015 seasons I made over $6000 betting on Jordan.

 

 

 

 

I never bought The Spieth Mobile, but a talented young lady got oral surgery and a new set of teeth. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank You Jordan!

 

- Rick Jansen

 

On the Backs of Amatuers

Yesterday, Austin Cook,  a 21 yr old Monday qualifier -  was in the clubhouse 1 shot off the lead in Houston. If he wins, he will play at The Masters next week. Tour pros have their caddy's carry their huge tour bags. Cook sat his bag next to Mickelson's, it has a kick stand. He was pushing it around himself during the qualifier.


I am rooting hard for Jordan today, but if he doesn't win - I hope Cook does.

This morning the Golf Channel is covering the Drive Chip and Put contest at Augusta. Happy for the kids. However, unless they have rich dads, which many do - they will never play on the PGA or LPGA Tour. The First Tee promotes inner city kids learning the game. Most of them wont either. Why? Because only a select few have the talent? No. That is true, but there is another very real obstacle. Money!



As we look forward The Masters, lets not forget, A Bush was president of the USGA. 

Augusta didn't allow black members until 1990!  Here's a quote from former Augusta chairman Clifford Roberts:

"As long as I'm alive, all the golfers will be white and all the caddies will be black.

The first woman admitted was Condoleezza Rice for Christs sake. Get the picture?

Playing golf in most states is pretty affordable. You can play a round for about $40 if you shop around. Free training videos are all over the internet. Good used clubs can be found for a few hundreds dollars. On the other hand, Competing, anywhere near the professional level, is nearly unattainable for the average inner city kid or the rest of us working class Joe's and Jill's. 

Why? 

Web.com

Eliminating Q school was a strategic, profit driven move, made by the right wing corporate whores that run this game we love. What is Q School? In essence,  they are qualifying rounds, held at the beginning of the week of a PGA tourney. You win, you play on NBC or CBS that week. Pretty American right? "Give us your poor....give us your.....Wrong!


Corporations lobbied to elimate Q school and succeeded. Just like the Nationwide tour did - Web.com (PGA) and Symetra (LPGA) - run the minor leagues of golf on the backs of amateurs. It costs around $5000 to play in just one Web.com event. Playing well there - doesn't even guarantee you entry into a PGA event.

Unless you get corporate exemptions into a PGA event, there a very few ways to ever get on the professional tour without a trust fund.  

If Austin Cook can't close today in Houston. Don't fault him. As Phil stated this week. You have to play competitive rounds to compete at this level. You have to get in that position several times, and learn how to win. Cook will probably get exemptions and more chances. However, At $5000 per event, others like him will never even get one, unless their family has money. 10 events per year, $50,000, not including travel an lodging - that's most peoples life savings.

Shell Houston, The U.S. Open, and just a handful of other events deserve a great deal of praise as the last bastions of open competition.  If the PGA truly wants to grown the game - reinstate Q School, and make Monday qualifiers mandatory at ever non major event.

- Rick Jansen 

Snake Oil and the Light Beneath the Basket

The stories of child prodigies rarely have happy endings. Is it curiosity or jealousy that justifies our holding them to a higher standard? Cast into the spotlight by a god given talent, they are put under a microscope.  The fire that launched their success - is often snuffed out by the media frenzy, deal making, scrutiny and hangers on. The light from that fire can be hidden for years - under a basket of problems that have nothing to do with the game. I was reminded of this as two such prodigies came across my TV screen this week.

I rarely bet on the LPGA. My respect for female golfers and tennis players is immense. Any one of them could easily emasculate the average tough guy at the clubhouse bar. I just don’t follow the women’s game that closely though. I always watch this weeks Major for the jump into Poppy’s Pond.

I saw Michelle Wie at the sports book at 50-1 and couldn’t resist. I knew she was not trending, but she is still an athlete capable of performing miracles on any given weekend. As I tuned in to watch her play, the scenario was all too familiar. She was struggling to keep up with the field. Upon closer inspection, her technique looked more experimental than strategic. She was literally turned backwards at impact. Her demeanor seemed uncertain, almost whimsical. Why?

Michelle first pleyd this weeks major at 13. She turned pro at the age of 16, nearly 9 years ago. She was cast into the spotlight at an early age. Her talent and her body developed early. Like an Anna Kournikova, with a real chance not just to win, but to dominate. Just what the LPGA and the golf industrial complex needed. Her golf swing was almost technically perfect. She was long an accurate. So much so, that she was pressured into competing against the men on the PGA - which I think is awesome! However, it did not sit well with many of the old guard chauvanistic tour pros like Vijay Singh - who helped to make that a harrowing experience. She was 16 for Christs sake. What a bunch of jerks.

When her accomplishments fell short of the media’s expectations, she fell and fell hard. Eventually she left the game and went off to college. She returned to the game and won on tour last year, but she has never dominated the game to the extent her unique talent should allow. Even older female players like Annika Sorenstam have recently taken stabs at her. Golf is a head game. Through no fault of her own, hers is somewhere between swing theory, the mall and the 18^th hole at Augusta. We all return to what if familiar though. When you are great at an early age, you are always great. It is jut a matter of finding it again. Unfortunately, there are obstacles and opportunists muddying the waters along the way. 

Randal Chamblee has spoken of opportunists in the game of golf on numerous occasions – most frequently the swing coach variety. They are in his mind and mine, a scourge on the game. They are for the most part - charlatans and robber barons selling snake oil. Michael Jordan didn’t need anyone teaching him how to shoot a free throw at 30. Tiger didn't need a swing coach either. Natural talent and technique gets players to the top. Swing coach’s experiment with them like lab rats in order to promote their latest theory/gimmick and make millions in the process. By the time they are done, the player may have trouble even remembering how to play the game.

I watched Wie’s swing coach working with Michelle her after her round. It was comical and sad. 
Instructors have more to learn from prodigies than to teach. 

He's just another salesman. Not picking on him in particular.  But If he did his job - he would not be giving post game instruction after her round over par. PGA professionals spend a fortune to get certified. They learn everything about golf - but nothing about how to teach it. Michelle is currently 4 over T58. I could care less about the $20 I bet on her. But, watching the industrial golf complex suck the blood out of a brilliant talent is hard to watch.

To be fair - as far as Michelle is concerned, screw the press or what I think, I just hope she’s having fun and enjoying life. Her game may not be where she wants it yet. But she seems to have come through all of this unscathed in her personal life. And is laughing all the way to the bank.

Watching Michelle and her coach did remind me of another child prodigy though, one whose career has taken a similar albeit more calamitous path. He will be teeing it up at The Masters next week.

 

A star is isolated, often more alone and vulnerable than the average person. Whether it be Scientology or a swing theory – an introduction within their inner circle to a trending mentor can change the direction of their career forever. No recent example proves this point better than the relationship between Sean Foley and Tiger Woods. Woods life was a fire storm of controversy. At that very vulnerable point in his life – he met Foley. In the years to follow – Foley would make millions off Tiger and systematically destroy every aspect of his game in the process. Foley’s need for attention and notoriety was pathological. He would literally follow Tiger to the range during tournaments in an attempt to suck up as much of the spotlight as possible. Man purse in hand, he would continue to instruct - right up to tee time. Golf is not a team sport.  If you have done your job as a coach, you are not needed on game day. 

Five years or so later, Tiger’s chronic injuries (partially caused by Foleys ridiculous swing theory) and failures on tour forced his stubborn ego to finally face reality and he cut ties with Foley. If you try to argue that Foley has helped other players on tour like Justin Rose or Mahan – check those player stats. None of them improved under Foley. He just rode their coat tails. Injuries forced Tiger to leave the game late last year. My advice at the time was for Tiger to go play golf for 6 months– Alone!  Like Jordan, he knows more about the game than any coach on the planet. Perhaps his father’s military influence left him thinking he needed to be structured. He doesn’t. He just needs to play golf.

One problem I knew Tiger would face was getting Foley’s swing thoughts out of his head. After five years of having Foley in his ear, it would be like deprogramming a Moonie. That would take about 6 months Minimum. He needed to get away from all the Gurus. To my disappointment, early this year, news of his new swing coach Chris Como demonstrating one of his theories surfaced. He was jumping off a high dive swinging an iron. The guy was just clumsily falling into the water. That was helpful.  OK, you dropped Dianetics - now you’re at the airport with a tambourine. 

Tiger needs quit listening to salesmen. Breaking Jack's records is a limited time offer. "We can't do this all day."
10,000 hours, TrakMan. Swing Speed, and “It’s a Process” are all bullshit. Simulators can ruin your game – stay off them. They were built to sell golf clubs. You want to know where your game is – play 18 and look at the score card. It doesn’t take a year to change your swing. There are 4 main disciplines in golf:  Hitting, Chipping, Putting, Course Management. Pick a  technique and practice each on a real course. If one isn't working - adjust your technique until it does. Period!

So is there a point to my rambling? Yes. Everyone has been asking me who I like at the Masters. My favorite is Jordan Spieth. One of the few young stars who seems immune to the game outside the game. Even he has to watch it. The American Media is poisonous. All they talked about last year was that he hadn't won again in 2014. He went to Australia at the end of the year. The Aussies never mentioned his lack of wins. It was like watching coverage from a year before when he first came on the scene. Nothing but praise from the Aussie press. He won by 6 strokes, against the biggest names in Europe. He got on a plane, flew for 20 hours and won by 10 strokes over best players in the world at Hero the very next week.
 

Yesterday in his post round interview - leading by a stroke - NBC confronted him with not converting his last 3 leads into wins. Poison!
Also not true. He actually converted his last two 54 hole leads. Australia and Hero we just not PGA events.  Other than Spieth - I have no idea who I'll bet at The Masters  – until I do the stats. J.B Holmes is due. Bubba hasn't played in a while but he and Walker are threats.


Tiger gave everyone the answer they wanted to hear this week. He’s playing Augusta. To be honest, I have no idea what he has been doing. He shot 74 in a practice round. He feels like he can compete. 50/50 he misses the cut. 

 

I do know this, when any pro plays a tournament he has won 4 times he has a chance. When the greatest player in history is at 40-1 I’ll take one. You never know when that light may burn through the basket.

-Rick Jansen

Just For Fun

Spieth Wins Round 1 Match Play  

  Click Link Below
 To See What Happens Next
 http://happycapper.blogspot.com/2014/02/just-for-fun.html



Enjoy The Videos

NFL Off Season - Have Some Fun - Make Some Money!

One Post on a Different Rock

The NFL Season is over, we need something to do. 
For a lot of us couch Potatoes it would be a good time to Play 60. Go Outside, play some golf, reacquaint yourself with family members and Nature. If you wanna get healthy I started another blog - just fort that. I posted some good articles on healthy food and drink to start. I'll be posting some of my own workout videos as I get back in shape myself. jansenhealthandfitness.blogspot.com

Crappy Weather? 
For the Rest of You, (and some of you in are still living in Arctic Conditions) - you can't help but revisit the couch on the weekend. So, Have some Fun and Make some money. 

Step 1. Set your DVR to Record the Sunday Final on the PGA this Weekend.
Starts on Golf Channel and ends at 11:30. Then CBS or NBC picks it up at Noon.
Find some players you like and write down their Names (List 1). You can fast forward through the boring stuff and commercials. But watch the last 3 holes 15-18.

Step 2. Set your DVR to Record the PGA Tournament shown on Tuesday - on Golf Channel. Each Week they Replay the Final Round from Last Year - of the Tournament coming up on Thursday. Find some players you like and write down their Names (List 2). You can fast forward through the boring stuff and commercials.
But watch the last 3 holes 15-18.

Step 3. Look at your Lists (1) AND (2)  and see if any Players Appear on Both.
On Tuesday Night or Wed Morning - Go to My http://golfpicks.blogspot.com/ and look at the picks for that week.  Look at the Odds Posted for Players on that Site.

Step 4. Find a Sports Book and place a Few Bets. The Odds on Golf are Great!
Pick a Few Favorites at 20 or 30-1 for $20 each. 
Pick a Few Contenders at 40 to 80-1 for $10 each. 
Pick a Few Long Shots  at 100 to 200-1 for $5 each.  
You can Bet 5 or 10 Players $50 to $100.

Step 5. Set your DVR to Record the Tourney. You get a Lot of Bang for Your Buck from an Entertainment and Gambling standpoint. Tournaments are televised on Golf Channel Thursday and Friday. Then on Saturday on Golf Channel until 11:30 then a half hour break - then picked up again by CBS or NBC for the conclusion of each days round. Your Now have 4 Days of Sports - every week - until Football Starts again. 
Remember to Get your PGA Bets in by Wednesday! Tournaments Start Early Thursday Morning. Euro PGA Tourneys may close on Tuesday night due to Time Difference. 

If you Hate Golf - I can Relate. 
I swore to never watch or play golf until I was on Life support. "Plug me back in! "And Get me a Swing Coach! My 20 year old Female roommate talked me into playing a round 3 years ago. Hooked Ever since. Actually before that - about 5 years ago - I started watching as something to bet after Football ended. I have made more money on Golf than Football over the years. It's not easy to win - but the Odds are great. After a Few Weeks - You Find 5 or 10 Players you like and stick with them - you are bound for a payday eventually. No Guarantees - this is Fun Money.

Make it Fun to Watch!
1. You just did - by having money on some players. 
A Ten Foot Put is plenty exciting if you have $400 on it.
2. Root your ASS Off Like You're Watching Football.
I Don't do it on purpose - but my Roommate has to close her door to drown me out.
if I Don't Have Money on them. I'm Yelling Hook! Slice! Shank! before they Tee off.
If one of My Guys is Hitting an Approach shot I'm Yelling "Stick it!
If My Guys Putting - "White on White Disappear! "Sink it!
BTW I know they can't hear me - but neither can Tom Brady.
3. Get your Football Buddies or Your Wife and Kids to Watch with You.
There are a lot of characters in the game. Maybe your 10 year son likes Bubba Watson. Maybe take him to the driving range one day. Your wife may like Spieth or Adam Scott. You and your Football buddies can fight for Bragging rights for best picks each week.
4. Fast Forward
Hit Play and Check the Leader Board. If none of your guys are on it - Fast Forward. Keep an eye on the captions with the players names as they show them. Hit play again when you see one of yours. Remember what color he's wearing and Fast Forward and hit play when you see him again. I can watch a Whole Tourney in about an hour. But - to be honest - when your guys playing you'll put the remote down and watch. It gets fun fast. 

I post my Picks Every Tuesday: http://golfpicks.blogspot.com/   
 

ENJOY!
GOOD LUCK!

SuperBowl - Seahawks Pitch a Perfect Game

You do not see a lot of no hitters in the Superbowl. We almost did yesterday.
But Defense was only half of the story.  Last year coaching cost Seattle a Trip to the Superbowl. This year it earned them the Lombardi Trophy.

Defense.
Best Defensive Performance in NFL History
When a Great Offense plays a Great Defense - Offense usually prevails. The defense eventually breaks down and allows scoring.  Not yesterday. The defensive game plan was brilliant. That fueled the Offense too. Remember Seattle settled for a FG in the Red Zone on their first two attempts. A good defense is like a Mulligan in Golf. It gives you another chance to score. 3 and outs created by the Seattle defense - gave the offense lots of Mulligans.

Fear factor
The Opening Kick Off set the tone.  On the first play the Seattle kick team attacked Holiday like sharks in a feeding frenzy. He was torn to shreds at the14 yd line. This left the Denver sideline speechless. Manning saw it too. That I believe - is the real reason for the bad snap and safety.  
He and his offensive line had just witnessed a brutal assault on one of the leagues best Kick Returners. They were nervous - if not scared. Crowd noise would have been a valid excuse in Seattle. But nearly 70% of the public was rooting for Denver. It wasn't crowd noise in New York - it was fear.

Defensive Coaching
I spend the year criticizing coaching mistakes. Most of the time coaches somehow ignore the obvious. Seattle has done that off and on for two years. The reverse was true yesterday.
We all knew the Seattle secondary would shut down the deep pass and force Manning to pick away at them with short passes. To be honest, - Jamming Receivers at the Line to shut that down was not on my radar. It was on Defensive Coordinator Dan Quin's.  It Worked. The defensive line hit their lanes and limited Manning's time in the Pocket. Actors have to hit their marks. So do receivers. You cant run a short pass offense if the receivers do not get hit their marks on time. Jamming them at the line prevented that and frustrated a great director in Peyton Manning. "Cut" "Take Two."  You only get 3, then you have to punt.

Hitting and Stripping
The 2nd part of that solution required the linebackers  and Corners to knock the snot out of anyone who caught a short pass - upon arrival. Easier said than done. Especially at a time when pad cracking hits are more often penalized than rewarded. When the Seahawks did allow Denver to receive packages - it was C.O.D. Only.  Concussion On Delivery. Gang tackling also allowed defenders to punch the ball out - as they wrapped up the ball carrier. This Erased first downs and created turnovers.

Execution.  
Good coaching is one thing. Execution is another. The defense executed all of the above perfectly.

Let's Name Names
In Order of Production:

Kam Chancellor  5 Tackles / 4 Assists /1-INT
Malcolm Smith 5 Tackles / 4 Assists /1-INT
Earl Thomas 6 Tackles / 1 Assists.
Bobby Wagner 5 Tackles / 5 Assists.
K.J. Wright  5 Tackles / 2 Assists.
Richard Sherman  With all the pressure on Him - He never cracked. Stats will never show his real value. They don't throw to him. But in Football - like Monopoly, that kind of real estate domination usually wins. 

Smith played a great game - But my Defensive MVP would have been Kam Chancellor 
He has been the backbone of the Seatlle Secondary all year.

Note: The Seattle Defense Completely shut Down Denver without a Single Sack. Brilliant! 
The prop sheets had a line for "Will there be a Safety" 
How About - Will there be a "Sack".
Answer - NO - not one for either team all game.

Offense.
"They came to see an Offense and the Wrong One Showed Up."

Russell Wilson
The Quote above is from Randy Cross regarding SuperBowl 19 . When I was 16, I was a Forty Niner Fanatic. I saved $100 and got on a plane to Palo Alto for the Superbowl between Miami and SF. No Ticket - just jumped on a plane and went. I was tired of having cokes thrown at me for rooting for SF at the Coliseum. Anyway, All the media talked about for weeks leading up to the game was Dan Marino. It was like Montana didn't exist. SF won 38-16. As I watched from some corporate tent, I remember local fans yelling "Get him back in the water." every time a Dolphin player went down.

If you are a Seahawks / Russell Wilson Fan - this week was not much different. Manning got the MVP and Player of the year. Wilson got ignored. Richard Sherman and Marshawn Lynch got more press. Lynch got more attention for not talking. LOL.

Everyone expected to see Manning rifle a few hundred yards of pinpoint short passes.
That is exactly what Russell Wilson did. Seattle 43-8.  Russell's youthful exuberance and team player mentally allowed him on to focus on the game plan, rather than he lack of media attention he was getting.

He executed that game plan perfectly. If you were to watch the game through night vision goggles and couldn't tell who was throwing those passes - you would have thought it was Peyton Manning or Tom Brady.  He did not hold the ball too long, or run around the backfield. When he was pressured - he dumped it off short or took off up field. He stayed vertical, and released the ball quickly and accurately. A+

Offensive Strategy
I Tore into Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell for costing Seattle a trip to the SuperBowl last year. He deserved it. Today he deserves nothing but praise. "You been reading my blog man? LOL. As I have preached all year - he stayed vertical. The Seattle offense was not in its own backfield long enough to leave a footprint. SF did the opposite and ran sideways - right out of the playoffs. His game plan did not allow Wilson to play Fran Tarkenton in the backfield. 3 to 5 step drop - release to position. By Position I mean Position of the defender. If he is on your receivers inside - throw to the outside shoulder - etc. Choosing routes that do not take time to develop - allows your QB to release quickly and throw to position. It worked to Perfection!

Running and The Art of War. 
More importantly - he avoided the Mistake that cost the Patriots a trip to New York. Belichick abandoned the run with Blount after 5 carries. Bevell kept running the whole game, even though it was mostly ineffective and resulted in a loss several times. Why was that smart? The Art of War. Even if your infantry is not advancing. It takes a ton of troops to hold them off. That allows your Arial assault to succeed. If he had stopped running - like Belichick did vs Denver - the Denver defense would have been free to focus on Wilson and shut him down. Like Denver did to Brady. Frickin Brilliant Man!

Kearse - Insane Runs after Catch
Baldwin- Insane Runs after Catch

Percy Harvin 
My final thought is devoted solely to a man who was damn near killed every time he tried to play this year. He was a one man show the last time he started and was sidelined by brutal hits immediately upon his return. I was elated when I heard he would be healthy for the Superbowl. Added 7 points to the projected score for Seattle when I learned he would play. He was worth 7. I really wanted to see his talent and devotion rewarded. It was with a SuperBowl Ring. However, I do think he deserved the SuperBowl MVP as well. Malcolm Smith played great too. 

You compare the stats and decide your Vote for MVP

Percy Harvin  4 Attempts / 137 Yds / Avg 34 Yds per Carry / 1-TD
No wonder opposing teams try to knock him out of the game as soon as Possible
Russell Wilson  18/25 / 206 Yds / 2-TD / 0-INT
Malcolm Smith 5 Tackles / 4 Assists /1-INT /1-TD 63 Yds (Fumble Recovery)
I forgot about the Fumble - with that - it is understandable why he was picked
Kam Chancellor  5 Tackles / 4 Assists /1-INT

MVP Really Doesn't Matter. What does is Perfection. It is unlikely that we will ever again see a game plan executed as perfectly - on both sides of the ball - as we did in Superbowl 48.

Congratulations Pete Carol and All you Seahawks Fans!

-Rick Jansen