Die Macht » more excited and happy with where this organization is going!

PHOENIX - The sideshow is over, which means Marshawn Lynch can go back to not talking and this realization can become obvious again: The Seattle Seahawks are still the best defensive team in football.And as we saw in last years Super Bowl, defence still usually wins.Weve got a lot of big-name guys, but you would never know because they work like theyre just average players, Seattle linebacker Bruce Irvin said.They never let the starting get to their head and I think thats the biggest difference. Guys always come to work ready to work. I think that separates us from a lot of teams that we practice our tails off. We bust our butts during the week so when Sunday comes its much easier.Therein lays the challenge in Seattles attempt on Sunday to become the first team in a decade to win back-to-back Super Bowl titles facing New England. For as important a role as Lynch might end up playing, whether Seattle is lifting a second straight Lombardi Trophy will be dictated by its defence.The outcome is certainly deeper than just how Seattle plays defensively. Has Seattle fully recovered emotionally from the NFC title game and its remarkable comeback against Green Bay just to get to the Super Bowl?Can Russell Wilson be an effective passer against a New England secondary that with Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner is far better than the one Wilson faced as a rookie? And where is Lynchs head after a week where he was the centre of attention?The difference is Seattles defence has shown its capable of overcoming those problems to win games.The only evidence needed is what the Seahawks did in the NFC championship game. Three times in the first half the Packers took possession inside the Seattle 35 and came away with only nine points. That defence allowed the Seahawks to hang around long enough to post its late rally.There is a reason Seattle is being mentioned in the same category as the Purple People Eaters, the Steel Curtain, and the Monsters of the Midway.They have accomplished statistical feats that havent been seen in nearly 30 years. The best scoring defence. The best at stopping the pass. The best overall.All they need is another Super Bowl title to add credence to their status.People hate us because, you know, when you talk a lot of smack, people usually hate you, Seattle defensive end Michael Bennett said. But when you talk a lot of smack and you back it up, they hate you even more.So how does Seattle earn a second title with its defence? By not giving up big plays. They allowed only 39 plays of 20 or more yards the entire regular season and just 17 of those in the final eight games.And thats not the strength of the Patriots. New England ranked 26th in the league in offensive plays of 20 or more yards.Make the Patriots move in small chunks. Get to Tom Brady just enough to throw off his timing. Make sure LeGarrette Blount and the New England run game doesnt get started. And keep Rob Gronkowski from taking over the game.Sounds like a lot. But if successful, Seattle will be put in position to do what no team has done before because of the way its been constructed.They are talented. They are still young. And they have most of their core players together through at least the 2017 season with financial flexibility. Some of that extra money will be consumed by a new contract for Wilson, but there will still be room to supplement what Seattle has already created.Thats what makes the potential for Sunday so unique. There has never been a team to win three straight Super Bowls and that will be all the talk for Pete Carroll and his crew going into next season:Seahawks 23, Patriots 19___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Adam Pelech Jersey . The underachieving franchise finished 17th in the 19-team league with a 6-17-11 record this season. "Our soccer team is absolutely in complete disarray," said Leiweke, drawing laughs during an Empire Club luncheon speech about the future of MLSE teams and plans to improve them. Matt Martin Jersey . Coaches are now allowed to challenge both called and potential defensive pass interference fouls under certain conditions. http://www.islanderssale.com/authentic-brock-nelson-islanders-jersey/ . - Erick Torres scored his 10th goal of the season on a stunning volley, and Chivas USA edged 10-man Real Salt Lake 1-0 on Saturday night. Clark Gillies Jersey . On the day the club activated Casey Janssen from the 15-day disabled list, his return from a strained oblique that cost him the first six weeks of the regular season, it announced Sergio Santos would be placed on the disabled list on Monday with discomfort in his right forearm. Anthony Beauvillier Islanders Jersey .C. -- Panthers offensive tackle Jordan Gross is saying goodbye to the NFL after 11 seasons.PHILADELPHIA - DeSean Jackson went from the trading block to the chopping block. Jackson is out in Philly — just as Mark Sanchez was on his way into town. Unable to find a taker on the trade market, the Eagles released him, ending the Pro Bowl wide receivers six-year stint with the team. His playmaking days are over in Philly, and the tailspin from key cog to unexpected free agent comes with a hint that off-field issues are at the root of the split. Jackson thanked the Eagles organization and fans in a statement Friday, and also denied "unfounded reports" that he was released for any reason related to his lifestyle. "I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang," Jackson said. "I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible. I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. "I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions. These reports are irresponsible and just not true." Before releasing Jackson, the Eagles announced they had signed Sanchez. Bounced out of New York after the Jets signed Michael Vick last week, Sanchez moved down turnpike to Philadelphia in what essentially was a swap with Vick. "I think we passed each other on the train," Sanchez said, laughing. Sanchez can wave goodbye to Jackson, too. Jackson was coming off a career-best season in Philadelphia, leading the team with 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns. He had a $10.25 million contract for the 2014 season and was signed through 2016. "After careful consideration over this off-season, the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with DeSean Jackson," the Eagles said in a statement. The Eagles had no other comment. Jacksons agent, Joel Segal, did not immediately return a request for comment. Jackson has 356 career receptions for 6,117 yards and 32 touchdowns. Hes a dangerous returner who went to the Pro Bowl in 2009 after taking two punts the distance. Jackson has four career scores on punt reeturns, including the memorable 65-yard game-ending return to cap a comeback win over the New York Giants in 2010.dddddddddddd The 27-year-old receiver is entering his seventh NFL season. The Eagles had been put out feelers that Jackson was available. Coach Chip Kelly refused to commit on Jacksons return at this weeks NFL meetings. But other teams could be quick to sign one of the NFLs top receivers. Speaking at the NFL meetings, Jets owner Woody Johnson expressed interest in Jackson, saying: "Were looking at a number of players, including DeSean." Jackson could be a showboat — memorably dropping the ball in celebration before the goal line after an apparent long touchdown — and upset the Eagles this season when he lobbied for a new contact shortly after they were eliminated in the playoffs. His departure leaves the Eagles with Riley Cooper, who survived a video scandal that showed him using the N-word at a concert, and Jeremy Maclin as the starting wide receivers. "We just made an extremely unpopular decision, but I couldnt be more excited and happy with where this organization is going!! #FlyEaglesFly," offensive lineman Jason Kelce tweeted. Theres no locker room divide at quarterback. Sanchez, in his sixth year in the league, will be added to a mix of quarterbacks that includes Nick Foles, Matt Barkley and G.J. Kinne. In college, Barkley succeeded Sanchez at Southern California. "Im not stirring up a controversy," Sanchez said at a news conference. "Im here to help this team win." While Vick will compete with Smith for the starting job in New York, Sanchez comes to Philadelphia as insurance. Foles had a breakout sophomore season and led the Eagles to the NFC East title after replacing an injured Vick in Week 5. Foles threw 29 touchdowns and only two interceptions in 11 starts, including a playoff loss to New Orleans. The Eagles still have plenty of offensive playmakers, trading for running back Darren Sproles to go along with NFL rushing champion LeSean McCoy. The options were part of what made Philadelphia so appealing to Sanchez. "This team, this coach, the kind of offensive firepower they have," Sanchez said, "its just an exciting element to being here in Philadelphia." ' ' '