The Seattle Seahawks used a bruising running game to win their tenth consecutive home playoff game Saturday Night at CenturyLink Field. Running back Thomas Rawls set a franchise postseason rushing record with 161 yards.
After struggling in the first quarter the Seattle offense played arguably their best second quarter of the season. Rawls rushed for 79 of the teams 83 rushing yards in the quarter. Russell Wilson hit Paul Richardson with a two-yard pass play in which the receiver was able to make the touchdown grab despite being interfered with by Detroit safety Tavon Wilson.
The Seahawks defense forced a Detroit three and out and the Seattle offense continued its scoring ways with a 43-yard field goal by Steven Hauschka to take a 10-0 lead. A Matt Prater 51 yard field goal just before halftime gave the visitors half of an upset at 10-3.
Detroit’s hopes looked to be more than just wishful thinking when Prater connected on his second field goal of the game to narrow the gap to 10-6 with 4:08 left in the third quarter.
STRONG FINISH
A 27 yard by Steven Hauschka on Seattle’ next offensive possession increased the led to 13-6 and gave the 68,788 home fans much needed optimism. With the end in sight, the Seattle defense became downright stingy and stifled the Detroit offense on three consecutive possession to end any thoughts of a Detroit comeback.
The inspired play by the defense rubbed off on the offense as it scored two consecutive touchdowns to close out the game. Rawls had a four-yard run and Doug Baldwin finished the scoring spree with a 13-yard touchdown catch that was actually mean for Jermaine Kearse.
TAKEAWAYS
While it was not a perfectly played game, the victory over the Lions was probably Seattle’s best game of the season as a team. The much maligned offensive line showed up and showed out with its efficient run and pass blocking. The offense will need to be ready to play when the whistle blows to start next week’s game at the Atlanta Falcons. The defense looked like it has its big play swagger back and will need to create a turnover or two in a hostile environment to help the offense.
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