Seattle Seahawks Ignite Firestorm of Outrage Over Pre-Season 'Disrespect' Ahead of Week 1 Showdown

As the NFL season gears up for its highly anticipated kickoff, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves at the center of a brewing storm of perceived disrespect. Despite a remarkable playoff appearance last season and sweeping their Week 1 opponents, the Los Angeles Rams, in both matchups, analysts and media outlets are largely overlooking the Seahawks, sparking considerable debate and, for many fans, outright indignation.

The sentiment reached a fever pitch following CBS Sports' declaration of an "NFL Preseason All-Disrespected Team" – a lineup featuring players and teams seemingly undervalued heading into the new campaign.

Among the most prominent inclusions? None other than the entire Seattle Seahawks franchise.

This particular 'honor' has struck a nerve, especially given Seattle's impressive turnaround last year. Led by a resurgent Geno Smith, who defied expectations to become a Pro Bowler, the Seahawks not only made the playoffs but also proved their mettle against a strong NFC field.

Their head-to-head record against the Rams is particularly galling for those who see the snub; a team that decisively beat their divisional rivals twice, only to be deemed less worthy of respect the following season.

The narrative of disrespect isn't just about a single list; it's a pervasive undercurrent in many pre-season predictions, power rankings, and expert analyses.

It suggests a skepticism about the Seahawks' sustainability, perhaps viewing their 2022 success as a fluke rather than a testament to genuine team growth and coaching prowess under Pete Carroll.

For the Seahawks themselves, this perceived slight could serve as powerful motivation. Carroll's teams have a history of thriving as underdogs, and a collective feeling of being overlooked often galvanizes a locker room.

Geno Smith, in particular, has consistently played with a chip on his shoulder, proving doubters wrong throughout his career. This Week 1 matchup against the Rams, the very team they're predicted to struggle against, now carries an extra layer of emotional intensity.

Will the Seahawks use this widespread 'disrespect' as fuel to ignite their 2023 campaign? As the countdown to Week 1 dwindles, all eyes will be on Seattle to see if they can once again defy expectations and prove that last season was no mere coincidence, but rather the blueprint for a team that demands respect.