Seahawks overcome adversity to win on road

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Admit it, you were turning into The Legion of Gloom out there, weren’t you?

You’d watched the Seahawks make a nice play against the Carolina Panthers only to muck it up with a penalty or mistake or a missed block or faulty tackle.

They couldn’t run the ball, they couldn’t follow the rules, and they certainly couldn’t consistently block a Carolina front-7 that might be as good as they’ll face all season.

All that Super Bowl talk? Well, never mind.

But, following their 12-7 triumph on Sunday over the Panthers — and their own competitive procrastination — two revelations stick out.

One, the guys on the field never doubted for a second that one of their cronies would come up with the big play at some point late in the game that would put a shiny score on what had been an ugly endeavor.

And the second thing? Getting their nose bloodied by a tough team on the road might be exactly what the Seahawks needed to get in the proper frame of mind for next week’s NFC West duel with San Francisco at CenturyLink Field — especially after spending the last six months getting nothing but Valentines and blown-kisses from the media and fans.

“I think this is one of those games that we needed as a team … some adversity,” said cornerback Richard Sherman. “I think us getting this kind of game early is going to help propel us throughout the season.”

So while they came though with their hubris unscathed, they were reminded of an NFL truism: Opponents love to knock off hot-shot teams.

“That’s how it is in the NFL,” defensive tackle Brandon Mebane said. “You get put in situations where you’ve got to fight. I think it’s a real good thing for us. Every team is going to come at us like this. No win is going to be easy.”

No, nothing’s easy when you commit nine penalties for 109 yards, especially two on a crucial late drive. Or when you go 0-for-3 in Red Zone possessions. Or when you’re a team that likes to line up and run the ball but you can only generate 2.7 yards per carry in 26 tries.

But they managed to stay close, and in the fourth quarter, they got a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and a forced fumble by safety Earl Thomas that stalled the Panthers, who seemed on the verge of punching in the go-ahead touchdown.

Of the inconsistencies, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said: “We had to wait it out. We had substantial penalties at crucial times … that’s as frustrating as it gets … we gave up too much and helped them too much.”

Even amid the flaws and belated heroics, the Seahawks got another brilliant performance from quarterback Russell Wilson, who started his second season much as he ended his rookie season — passing for more than 300 yards.

No one literally embodied the notion of coming up with big plays despite getting hit in the mouth better than did Wilson. In the third quarter, on a third-and-8, Wilson was forced to skitter about under heavy pressure, and appeared to throw the ball away downfield.

But it wasn’t thrown away, it was lofted to the sidelines where wide receiver Doug Baldwin made an absurdly athletic catch. Wilson probably shouldn’t have risked it. Baldwin certainly shouldn’t have been able to gain control and still stay inbounds.

But it worked.

“I knew I was about to get blown up,” Wilson said. “So I tried to throw it where nobody could get it, and somehow he raced to it and made a great play.”

And he very definitely did get blown up by Panther end Greg Hardy the second he released the ball.

“Staying alive and finding Doug on the sidelines was a ridiculous play,” Carroll said.

It was totally ridiculous. And when he talks about Wilson “staying alive,” it’s not really just a dramatic metaphor, as Hardy outweighs Wilson by nearly 90 pounds.

Wilson bounced up without impairment or amazement, as if to suggest the play was designed that way all along.

Heck, the way these guys play, maybe it was.

Carroll called the outcome a “quality win on the road.” But any win on the road is a quality win, even if you occasionally forget how to block or follow the rules.

“We can play better, though,” Carroll said. “And we will.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.