A look at what local and national NFL writers are saying ahead of Saturday's Divisional Playoff game.
Referee for Seahawks-Panthers: Terry McAulay | The Seattle Times
Seattle hasn't gotten McAulay this year, but did for three pretty key games last year — including the Super Bowl. -- Bob Condotta
"It's early to lock down the "2015 Quote of the Year" but what a strong effort by Bennett." - Will Brinson
From Timberline to Oregon to Carolina, Jonathan Stewart pretty good | The News Tribune
"The good stuff started back at Timberline High School in Lacey where Stewart set the state career rushing record of 7,755 yards." - Don Ruiz
"This was a team that built its chemistry on brutal honesty, being able to say anything to anyone, and people could still hold each other accountable." - Elizabeth Merrill
The Seahawks' 2012 draft picks continue to prove pundits wrong | Everett Herald
"Two-and-a-half years after the Seahawks were ripped by draft pundits for their unusual selections, several members of that 2012 class are a big reason why Seattle is not just the defending Super Bowl champion, but the NFC's No. 1 seed once again this year." - John Boyle
If you like linebackers, you'll love this matchup | Seahawks.com
"Between them, they produced 587 tackles, 16 sacks and three interceptions during the regular season to propel their teams into the postseason. - Claire Farnsworth
Seahawks LB Bruce Irvin 'supposed to be in jail or dead' | The News Tribune
"There's a reason No. 51 in blue will running like he's escaping something Saturday night when the Seahawks host the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs." - Gregg Bell
"Specifically, he studies highlights of Sean Taylor, the legendary Redskins safety who played nearly four years before his untimely death in 2007." - Jake Kring-Schreifels
"At least one bye team, and a total of six, lost its first playoff game in each (of the last five years)." - Kevin Seifert
Pete Carroll overlooked as Coach of the Year | The News Tribune
"How could one of the most successful college coaches of all time, on the cusp of a playoff run that could solidify his status as one of the most successful pro coaches of all time, lack recognition?" - John McGrath
"Here are a few things to keep an eye on as the Legion of Boom welcomes Superman." - Zach Rodgers, ESPN Stats & Information
Despite misgivings, more Seattle women embracing the NFL | The Seattle Times
"Thanks to a winning team and the Russell Wilson effect, female fans are flocking to the Seahawks." - Tricia Romano
"The Seahawks led the NFL with 135 explosive plays during the regular season – runs of 12-plus yards and passes of 16-plus yards – and 61 explosive running plays." - Claire Farnsworth
"Since Wilson entered the league in 2012, he and Newton are Nos. 1 and 2 in the NFL is rushing yards for quarterbacks." - Terry Blount
Sherman by the numbers | ESPN
Sport Science breaks down the Seahawks' CB Richard Sherman
