It’s a lot of fun to be a sports fan in Seattle right now. The Mariners are playing their best baseball of the season and have the potential to sneak into the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. The Seahawks are predicted to be one of the best teams in the NFL again this year, and Husky football may have their best team in years. So exactly how optimistic should Seattle sports fans allow themselves to be?
Tons Of Upside
Russell Wilson this week said that this could be the best Seahawks team that he has played for so far, including the two Super Bowl teams he was on. Art Thiel tends to agree. He says that with the draft picks this year, this team could be poised to bring another championship home.
Thiel also sees the University of Washington Husky football team having their best success in years as well. Sports Illustrated ranked them as the number seven overall team in the preseason, and Thiel thinks they have a 9-3 or 10-2 record written all over them.
The Mariners have been rolling lately, and might just have a chance to sneak into the playoffs. Thiel believes that this is a result of new management assembling a potent offense, and finding new strong arms for the bullpen.
With High Expectations Comes Room For Failure
Thiel says that while hopes are high, each of the teams has the potential to falter. The Seahawks will be featuring an offensive line with new players at all five positions, and with that comes the chance that the quarterback won’t be protected.
The Huskies have talent in their starters, but Thiel worries about their depth. He says that one or two injuries at key positions could change the outcome of the season.
While the Mariners have strength in their hitting and bullpen, their starting pitching needs some help. Starters James Paxton and Taijuan Walker are both currently out of the rotation, and their replacements aren’t who you look to for a big playoff push. The return of Walker and Paxton are critical.
How Should Fans Handle This?
Thiel said that fans should take it to “the edge of exuberance.” He believes that while there are no guarantees, this could be a great fall and winter for Seattle sports teams, and fans should live it up.
You can find Art Thiel's work at Sportspress Northwest and Crosscut.com.