With a cornerback that was sitting at home on the couch last week, a depleted receiving corps, and an offensive line that has had eight different combinations this season, the Seahawks somehow managed to squeak by an equally reeling Dallas team.
In an improbable turn of events, Tony Romo botched the snap for a field goal that would have won the game for Dallas. And then almost ran it in for a touchdown.
He was tackled at the two, just a few feet short of a first down and two yards shy of a touchdown. Seattle killed the clock enough for one last heart-stopping heave by Romo, and then it was over.
Gritty. Tough. Resilient. If this Seahawk team goes any further in the playoffs, it will be as a result of their gutsy playing and good coaching that managed to keep a (slightly) better Dallas team off balance offensively, despite not having a secondary. Next week: Chicago or New Orleans, and a chance to redeem an otherwise forgettable season and shaky opening to this postseason.
Update: In other Northwest sports news, the Pac-10 men's basketball league could get seven spots in the NCAA conference this year. It is downright tough. On the same day, Oregon upsets unbeaten UCLA at home and Washington State beats #7 Arizona.