Answer: Pittsburgh has been designated the home team, and they choose to wear their road white jerseys. And that's great news for the Seahawks because, if you're superstitious, Seattle won every home game this year in their blue jerseys. So they will be wearing all blue for Super Bowl XL. That's got to be a big good luck charm.

Posted by Steve Raible

The Truth About The 12th Man Posted: January 24, 2006 Question: Is it really true, did this REALLY happen that, in the old days, when they were in the Kingdome, the officials would throw the flag for the fans being too loud, calling it 12 men on the field? Did this REALLY happen? and if it did, when did it start NOT being a penalty?

Answer: You're partially right. Back in the 80s, when the Seahawks under Chuck Knox were winning and going to the playoffs, the Kingdome was far and away the loudest venue in the NFL. Opposing teams complained and so, for a short time, the league tried to institute a penalty on the Hawks when the noise in the stadium was so great that the opponents couldn't hear their own signals. But the league quickly realized you can't call a penalty on the fans for being loud. That's called "home field advantage." So the league just stopped calling the penalty, and in recognition for their part in winning games over the years, the Seahawks retired the number 12 jersey, signifying the importance of the 12th Man -- you, the fans.

Posted by Steve Raible

Will The National Media Ever Pick The Seahawks? Posted: January 24, 2006 Question: The national media can't seem to make it's mind up. The Seahawk have consistently been above Pittsburg in most of the "power rankings" in the second half of the season. Why do you think the media and the oddmakers are now picking Pittsburg? What is your prediction?

Answer: The national media will continue to pick a former Super Bowl champion until the Seahawks prove they can win the big game. But being the underdog is not a bad thing. Let the media and the fans underestimate the Seahawks. The team loves playing with that chip on its shoulder. People have underestimated this team all season long and all they've done is win. As long as the team believes in themselves, they'll be just fine.

Posted by Steve Raible

Hasselback vs. Blitz Defense Posted: January 24, 2006 Question: How do you think Hasselback will handle the blitz defense?

Answer: --And you better believe the Pittsburgh Steelers will blitz Matthew. They have very active linebackers, a sensational safety, and they're all extremely fast. Their defense is designed around causing chaos in the offensive backfield. To be successful, Matt will have to read the defense quickly, make sure his linemen have the proper blocking scheme for the defense they're facing, and receivers have to understand that versus man-to-man coverage, they MUST get open. Finally, Matt has to avoid negative plays -- get rid of the ball, don't take a sack.

Posted by Steve Raible

Key To Seahawks Success Posted: January 24, 2006 Question: Hey Steve I was wondering what you think was the key of the Seahawks that allowed them to make it over this playoff hurdle and to Super Bowl XL?

Answer: The biggest key for the Seahawks in their win Sunday over Carolina was their total TEAM execution. The coaches put together a great game plan and the players executed it almost to perfection. The Hawks were dominant on defense thanks to their aggressive play and their understanding of the game plan. There was no doubt the Seahawks were the best team on Sunday against Carolina.

Posted by Steve Raible

Will I Hear You And Warren Moon On Gameday? Posted: January 24, 2006 Question: Will you and Warren Moon be broadcasting the game on KIRO? I prefer to watch TV and listen to you two.

Answer: Yes, Warren Moon and I will be broadcasting the game on Newsradio 710 KIRO. It will only be heard on KIRO Radio. The NFL has a network radio deal for all other areas outside Seattle, but if you can pick up the Newsradio signal, you'll hear Warren Moon and me from Detroit.

Posted by Steve Raible