Humbling loss to 49ers could be just what Seahawks need

But the low point for Seattle's No. 1-ranked defense was failing to preserve a one-point lead in the final six minutes, 20 seconds. The Seahawks pride

Jim Trotter | Dec 9, 2013

Humbling loss to 49ers could be just what Seahawks need /

Seattle entered the game on a seven-game win streak, but its D faltered several times down the stretch. — Seattle entered the game on a seven-game win streak, but its D faltered several times down the stretch :: John W. McDonough/SI

But the low point for Seattle's No. 1-ranked defense was failing to preserve a one-point lead in the final six minutes, 20 seconds. The Seahawks pride themselves on making stops and closing out games. In the final 46 seconds of a 14-9 win at St. Louis, they stopped the Rams on four straight goal-to-go opportunities inside the 7, the final two from the 1. With just over five minutes remaining in a 12-7 win at Carolina, the defense forced a fumble deep inside the Seattle 10-yard line when the Panthers were driving for the go-ahead score. At Houston, Sherman's pick-six with 2:40 to go forced overtime and resulted in a 23-20 win.

Published Dec 9, 2013

JIM TROTTER

Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated Followers of the NFL have long relied on Jim Trotter for his dogged reporting and astute insights. Trotter joined Sports Illustrated as a senior writer in September 2007. Before that he spent nearly 18 years at the San Diego Union-Tribune, where he climbed the ladder from preps reporter to lead NFL writer. He spent nine years covering the San Diego Chargers, who did not have a winning record or reach the playoffs in his first eight years on the beat. The team finally ended the drought in 2004, after which Trotter began covering the league at large. Trotter cites three stories as the most memorable of his SI career: a 2007 piece on the death of Sean Taylor because, "It allowed us to examine his life beyond the stereotypes that had been attached to him"; a 2011 feature on Tim Tebow and the Broncos, whose run to the playoffs was nearly as indescribable as it was improbable; and a 2012 piece on the remaking of the Raiders following the death of longtime patriarch Al Davis. Born in San Francisco, Trotter graduated from Howard University in 1986 with a degree in communications and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee. In addition to his SI duties, Trotter has made appearances on numerous national media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, ESPN, NFL Network, and The Jim Rome Show. He also has been a guest on radio shows across the country. Trotter resides in San Diego.