by DGdub
Rivalry – competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.
The Seattle Seahawks versus The San Fransisco 49ers rivalry burned like a bowl of dry herbs. Sparked immediately by the hiring of Jim Harbaugh it burned intensely. Harsh and abrasive clouds of smoke filled debates raged, but turned to ash way too soon. It was an amazing ride of euphoria and at times heart break for both fan bases.
What helps make a great rivalry? History, and the driving force of polar opposites meeting to achieve the same goal. Obviously, Harbaugh and Carroll had history coming from the PAC 12, but the Seahawks and Niners had history well before the PAC 12 badasses came to town. The Seahawks very first game as an NFL team was a loss to the 49ers. The Seahawks joined the NFCW in 2002, as the 49ers were starting a long period of mediocrity. The Seahawks came into the NFC and quickly became the class of the division.
As for polar opposites; you have the head coaches, one a players coach relaxed and free wheeling. The other, a fire cracker of unrelenting intensity. The quarterbacks; one a lose cannon who goes out clubbing and has his own celebration poses. The other, a low key film room junky who always has the corny rehearsed “separation’s in the preparation” lines ready for interviews. Their fundamental philosophy as teams were very similar though. Tough hard nosed defense with a strong running game.
The rivalry as we know it today (or yesterday) began in 2011, when Harbaugh got his first ever NFL win as a HC with a 33-17 win over Seattle at Candlestick Park. The 49ers followed that up with two more wins over the Pete Carroll lead Seahawks, and it appeared Harbaugh would continue his PAC 12 domination of Pete. That all changed when Seattle drafted a 5’11” QB in the 3rd round of the 2012 draft. Seattle has since gone on to win 5 of their past 6 meetings. Including the pinnacle battle of this heated rivalry, the 2014 NFC Championship Game.
Little did we know, but that unbelievable NFC Championship game began the demise of this rivalry. The Seahawks went on to sweep the 49ers last year, and in the most recent meeting at CenuryLink Field last year everyone could feel the end was near. Shortly after the season ended, Jed York parted ways with Jim Harbaugh. This not only changed the path of the 49er organization, but also killed the budding rivalry. As a Seahawks fan, I feel robbed with feeling of “what could have been”. So much promise unfulfilled….
