Worries on offense

Seattle fans have a right to celebrate last week's cathartic beatdown of Dallas, one of the league's most odious franchises. Unhorsing the Cowboys was satisfying on several levels: we dominated a credible opponent, dissipated America's Steam, and jammed a taloned thumb in the eye of Jerry Jones, the NFL's most obnoxious owner.

Our defense and special teams presented a resounding demonstration of how a good football team defends its house, by hitting hard and separating opponents from the ball. If those units keep it up, then for the first time in a few years, our opponents will have a real reason to fear playing in Seahawks Stadium.

However, concerns remain on offense.

Two days ago, a Seattle Times headline sunnily proclaimed "Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks running game in high gear." In reality, we saw Beast Mode only in the second half of the Cowboys game. During the first half, and during the entirety of the Arizona contest, our ground attack alternated between neutral and first gear.

Our aerial offense rests on solid ground, insofar as we sit at rock bottom, ranked the least productive in the league in terms of passing yards.

Poor pass protection was a factor in Arizona but not as much against Dallas.

There is, to say the least, a lack of chemistry between our rookie quarterback and his corps of receivers.

That chemistry may come in time. Given the youth and talent of most of the athletes involved, they may have the time to develop that chemistry.

The question is whether Pete Carroll has the luxury of time. His contract makes him one of the league's best-paid coaches, but after two 7-9 seasons, he really needs to produce results commensurate with his compensation.

Green Bay's offensive powerhouse poses the sternest challenge yet to our defense. If the game remains close, then Russell Wilson should be find managing our Beast Mode offense. However, if it turns into a shootout--if we have to throw to win--then Matt Flynn is probably our best bet.