PLAYOFF BUZZ
THE SCOOP
CenturyLink Field in Seattle was constructed to be a cauldron of noise.
And the din created by Seahawks fans is jet-engine loud and has been wreaking havoc on opponents since the stadium opened in 2002.
The Seahawks take great pride in their caffeinated fans, with a note in every weekly release citing that Seattle has caused the most opponent false-start penalties since 2005.
“Our following has been extraordinary,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “We’re blessed to have so much love and care for this team. Our area just gets riled up. There is something about it. Every interview you read from a player who has visited here continues to echo the impact and the factor that it has.”
Here are a couple of instances that demonstrate what happens when the crowd brings its “A” game:
- Twice this season, Seattle took honors as the loudest outdoor stadium in the world, as verified by Guinness World Records. The first came in the lightning-delayed home opener against San Francisco, when the fans registered 136.6 decibels. After Kansas City fans took the record in October, Seattle again claimed the title when fans hit 137.6 decibels during a Monday night victory against New Orleans in December.
- The stadium is now known for seismic activity. Twice this season, scientists registered seismic activity following individual plays at CenturyLink Field: Michael Bennett's fumble return for a touchdown on Dec. 2 against New Orleans and Marshawn Lynch's 31-yard touchdown run last week that clinched Seattle's playoff win over the Saints.
MORE OMAHA
Peyton Manning’s foundation for at-risk youth will receive a $500 contribution for every time the Broncos’ quarterback shouts “Omaha” during the AFC Championship game.
Manning brought national attention to Nebraska’s largest city with his loud “Omaha” presnap calls during the Broncos’ playoff win over San Diego last weekend. Former NFL coach Tony Dungy said it was to signal that the snap count was on “one.”
Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce president and CEO David Brown said that five Omaha-based companies are combining to donate $500 to Manning’s “Peyback Foundation” each time he shouts “Omaha.” Last Sunday he said it 44 times. That number would be worth $22,000 on Sunday.
BY THE NUMBERS
3 Consecutive games that Tom Brady has thrown for fewer than 200 yards. The Patriots won all three.
HE SAID IT
“I just see things happen before it shows. God blessed me to find the small spots, get in the small spots, see the holes. … Just in the flow of the game. I guess everybody’s watching us now because we’re winning. You can go back and see my film before coach (Jim) Harbaugh even came. I think that’s probably one of the reasons I still have successful seasons.” — 49ers running back Frank Gore
