The Seahawks’ hopes for a playoff berth were dashed long before the Chicago Bears’ Damiere Byrd made an amazing catch in the back of the end zone Sunday afternoon.

Their hopes probably ended weeks ago when Russell Wilson ruptured a tendon in his finger.

You Seahawks fans are bummed right now. But honestly, I think Seahawks fans have become a little spoiled. And as a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan, I can completely relate with being spoiled.

I say that because the Hawks have had an absolutely fantastic run ever since Mike Holmgren was the head coach. From 2003 to 2020, Seattle went to three Super Bowls, had 14 winning seasons and 14 playoff appearances. I don’t think any other team in the NFL other than the New England Patriots has had that kind of sustained success in the 21st century.

And honestly, I think the Seahawks were simply due for an off year. This has been a flawed team for a while. Seattle hasn’t had a genuinely good offensive line in forever. At times I think they were putting together good records the past few years with smoke, mirrors and Wilson’s uncanny ability to pull games out that Seattle had no business winning. This year with Wilson unable to perform his usual miracles, some of the smoke and mirrors got exposed.

The 49ers went through a similar period of excellence from 1981 to 1998 — 16 playoff appearances in 18 years, 10 NFC Championship appearances and five Super Bowl wins. I got spoiled as a fan.

When the 49ers finally crashed, they crashed hard.

A change in ownership to the York family, who turned out to be absolutely dreadful owners. Six head coaches in 15 years with the one good coach quickly getting run out of town by management. Thirteen losing seasons in 20 years.

The 49ers in a heartbeat went from one of the best franchises in the NFL to one of the worst. With new management in place, they’ve somewhat turned the corner into at least being respectable.

And again, 49ers and Seahawks fans can relate. I was living in Washington during the Ken Behring years. If you’re feeling glum about the Seahawks this year, just take heart in the fact that Behring is no longer the owner.

Here’s the good news. The Seahawks remain one of the best-run teams in the league with a great stadium. I don’t think Seattle is that far away from a return to a playoff team. A few players here and there in key spots. Some better depth. Maybe better luck with injuries. Keeping Wilson around.

There might be some changes with Pete Carroll being 71 years old next season, but don’t be surprised if 2021 is just a temporary blip in the Seahawks’ success.

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Sports Editor Pierre LaBossiere can be contacted at plabossiere@peninsuladailynews.com.