For Pete's sake (again)

One moment from Sunday's game provided some insight into one of the most persistent questions I have about sports: How much longer is Pete Carroll going to keep doing this?

Two-thirds of the way through the third quarter of Sunday’s game against Arizona, DeeJay Dallas ripped off a pretty impressive punt return during what was — to be blunt — a slog of an afternoon.

Dallas fielded the punt at the Seattle 34, and was quickly grabbed at the waist by Cardinals linebacker Cameron Thomas. Dallas pivoted 270 degrees, and then accelerated out of the congestion toward the Seattle sideline before turning upfield for what turned out to be a 32-yard return.

I’m not mentioning this play because it was the pivotal play in the game. While Seattle started its ensuing drive on its own 34, the possession ended with Geno Smith being intercepted 2 yards short of the end zone.

I’m not even mentioning Dallas’s return because it was longer than any play from scrimmage in Seattle’s 20-10 victory.

I’m mentioning it because of something I saw while watching the replays.

Was that … Pete Carroll?

Yeah, I think it was.

Yup, that’s definitely him, the oldest coach in the NFL, holding his index finger and his thumb this close together as he approached Dallas to celebrate the way in which that punt return nearly went from good to great.

It was — judging by the standards of his profession — more excitement that you’ll generally see from a head coach over a third-quarter punt return in what was hardly the most captivating game ever played between two professional football teams.

I spend more time than I should wondering how much longer Pete is going to keep doing this.