Awesome.

The Seahawks decisively seized the NFC West championship tonight.

Members of the team who had disappointed in the past stepped up when the playoffs were on the line.

Our offensive line opened some holes, allowing our running backs to combine for more than 100 rushing yards. On a few occasions, we managed to execute the power right play--which until tonight had only worked only against Carolina--even on downs where St. Louis expected it.

Charlie Whitehurst turned in an inspired performance. He made good decisions, passed accurately, threw the ball away at the right times, and used his mobility to good effect. (He does need to learn how to slide better so he can avoid some of those big hits.)

Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates--whom I have often maligned for being predictable--rose to the occasion with an aggressive game plan, throwing often when the defense expected runs. Late in the game, Bates capitalized on his reputation for predictability, calling power right repeatedly, challenging St. Louis to learn how to stop it, and then faking power right to set up a big bootleg left run for Whitehurst.

Our receiving corps--despite lacking Brandon Stokley--proved good enough. Mike Williams, Ben Obomanu, and Ruvell Martin each made a few critical plays.

Seattle's defense smothered St. Louis, forcing them to punt nine times.

We held them to less than 50 yards rushing.

Our linebackers and defensive backs limited the Rams' gains on screen passes. Marcus Trufant--hampered by injury and unreliable in recent weeks--came through in the clutch, tying Lofa Tatupu for the team lead in tackles.

Coming into the game, St. Louis led the league in converting short yardage downs, but our front seven stuffed several such attempts.

The defensive line got their big paws up to tip and bat down several balls.

There was no quit in our defense today. When Lynch coughed up a fumble, giving the Rams the ball in the red zone, the defense rallied and forced them to settle for a field goal.

Late in the game, when Bradford had to throw downfield, Raheem Brock mounted a ferocious pass rush, recording 2.5 sacks.

Our special teams coverage units effectively contained Danny Amendola, one of the league's better punt and kick returners.

Olindo Mare? Absolutely clutch, a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals.

We had a little luck. Bradford's receivers dropped a few on-target throws. The officials made a few bad calls that went our way (most egregiously, the very generous spot on the Michael Robinson run), but they made some other questionable calls that favored St. Louis (like the holding penalties against Craig Terrill and Mike Gibson). So, all in all, the officiating was a wash.

Seattle left little to chance tonight. They fought hard and they got it done. The division championship is ours.

Bring on the Saints.