The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2013 NFL season as champions, beating the Denver Broncos to secure their first Super Bowl victory.
The NFC champions finished the season with a 13-3 record, winning their division for the first time since 2010.
After being knocked out in the divisional round of the playoffs last year, the Seahawks beat the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers in the post-season to seal their spot in the Super Bowl.
Sports Mole looks back at their year.
Pre-season expectations
The Seattle Seahawks headed into the 2013 season as one of the favourites to win the Super Bowl, having been narrowly beaten by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2012 playoffs. The NFC West side's highly-rated defense welcomed new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn following Gus Bradley's appointment as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the offense was boosted by the arrival of wide receiver Percy Harvin in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, giving quarterback Russell Wilson a new target. The Seahawks were unbeaten at home in 2012, and were predicted to continue to be a dominant force at CenturyLink Field.
Highlight of the season
Winning the Super Bowl will undoubtedly be the high point of the year for the Seahawks when they look back at the 2013 campaign. Many had predicted a close contest between the Seahawks, who had the top defense throughout the season, and the Denver Broncos' highest-scoring offense, but it proved to be a one-sided contest as Seattle stormed to a 43-8 victory. With a young roster, Pete Carroll's side will be optimistic of keeping the team together and trying to repeat the achievement in 2014.
Biggest disappointment
There were few low points in a dominant season from the NFC West champions, but losing their unbeaten home streak late in the season will have left a bad taste in their mouths. The Seahawks had been unbeaten at CenturyLink Field for almost two years when they hosted the Arizona Cardinals late in the year. With their playoff place already in the bag, the Seahawks lacked intensity, allowing the Cardinals, who were in the race for a wildcard spot, to secure a 17-10 win. It was the first time that Wilson had been on the losing side when playing at home since being drafted by the team.
Player of the season
Cornerback Richard Sherman continued to prove a constant threat to the opponents' passing game in 2013, leading the NFL with eight interceptions in the regular season, before making the play that sent the team to the Super Bowl in the NFC championship game against the 49ers. The 25-year-old could easily have racked up more picks, but his ability meant that some quarterbacks simply would not try to pass to the receiver that he was covering. His controversial comments after the championship game victory may have divided fans' opinions of the outspoken cornerback, but he played a key role in securing their place in the Super Bowl.
Unsung hero
Safety Kam Chancellor may not make the same number of big plays as the likes of Sherman and Earl Thomas, but his work ethic paid dividends in 2013. The 25-year-old finished the regular season just short of 100 tackles, with a forced fumble and three interceptions. His Super Bowl interception saw him briefly considered as favourite to pick up the game's MVP award, but he was overshadowed by Malcolm Smith's pick six.
Off-season changes
With a number of their young stars coming towards the end of their rookie deals, the Seahawks could have some big decisions to make over contract extensions. It is expected that wide receiver Sidney Rice will be leaving the team after a season with low production that was cut short by injury. Despite interest in their offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator from other teams, it looks like the franchise's coaching staff will be staying together for the 2014 campaign.
2014 prospects
Assuming they can add depth at the receiver position, the Seahawks should continue to be a dominant force in the NFL next season. The last two Super Bowl champions have missed the playoffs the following season, and Seattle will have to fight to finish top in the increasingly-competitive NFC West again, but they have to be considered the favourite for next year's Super Bowl at this stage.
Sian Cowper
