Sunday, March 16, 2014

Golden Memories

During his time in Seattle Tate had a very up and down relationship with the local fan base. We questioned the front office when he was picked, saw moments of brilliance during his rookie season and found ourselves very frustrated during his second year. However, with the arrival of Russell Wilson, Golden seemed to find a connection and began to blossom. 

Heading into the eventual Super Bowl Championship season of 2014, Golden Tate was on many people's radar as a player to watch. Despite not even having a 1000 yds receiving, Tate had what has to be considered a very successful 2014 campaign. He led his pass averse, but eventual Super Bowl Champion, team  in targets, catches and yards and was tied for the lead in TD. Many local fans saw resigning him as an important, if not crucial, part of the off season plans. 

Apparently, the Detroit Lions also saw value in Golden Tate. They recently inked him to a 5 year, $31 million dollar contracts. In Detroit, Tate will be replacing departing WR Nate Burleson (coincidentally also an ex-Seahawks) as the number two target for QB Matt Stafford. 

So, to honor Super Bowl Champion Golden Tate, I have compiled a list of my four favorite memories from his playing time here in Seattle. 

The Fail Mary 
A top Golden Tate moment countdown just wouldn't be complete with reference to this play. In week 3 of the 2012 season, on Monday Night Football, with time expiring in the fourth quarter Russell Wilson threw a deep pass into the corner of the endzone. A scrum of about 6 players, both Seahawks and Packers, jumped up for the ball. The initial outcome of the pass appeared to be an interception and a Packers win. However, the officiating staff instead called it a TD and the Seahawks won. As you probably remember a media madhouse ensured and the play was dubbed the Fail Mary.

This play would definitely be higher on the list if it came in an important game or for that matter a close game. Instead it came in week 10, against a 2-7 Falcons team with the Seahawks already up 16-3. Even so, it was a down right amazing play. With time expiring in the first half Golden Tate pulled in an amazing one handed grab for a touchdown.
In week 10 of the 2012 season, Tate made an acrobatic catch over NY Jets defensive back  Kyle Wilson to start the scoring in what would end up a Seahawks led blow out. The catch was amazing for Tate's ability to bring it in, but also his ability to stay on his feet and walk into the endzone.
It says something about Tate that he didn't even catch a pass during one of my favorite and most memorable plays that he was involved in. In a September 2009 game against the Dallas Cowboys Seattle QB Russell Wilson took off running. Dallas's star LB Sean Lee started pursuing. Golden Tate saw the run and decided to do his part and put a block on the unsuspecting LB. It resulted in a downright awesome play to watch and a $21,000 fine. You can watch the full video clip here.
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2 comments:

  1. TyMarch 17, 2014 at 8:17 PM

    I'm also nominating his punt return against the Bucs from last season:

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  2. TyMarch 17, 2014 at 8:18 PM

    http://youtu.be/9CJo-Pfxi6E

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