Rams hit but can’t stop Seahawks’ Tate

SEATTLE — For the second time this season, Seattle Seahawks receiver Golden Tate had a big game against the St. Louis Rams.

However in Sunday’s contest, he didn’t add an egregious penalty to his stats.

Tate had eight receptions and 129 yards — both career highs — and a touchdown in the Seahawks’ 27-9 win over St. Louis in their regular-season finale.

“It’s an awesome feeling. It’s a great feeling to feel like you really helped in this game,” Tate said. “I’m thankful that God blessed me with the talent to do the things I’m able to do. I was talking about it last week if I can go all the way back to 2010 and done it any different I would have done it exactly the same way. Go in the late second round and come here. … Here we are four years later. NFC West champs. Home field advantage. 15-1 in the last two years at CenturyLink with the bye coming up. Here we go.”

Tate scored two in the teams’ first meeting — with a rather infamous taunt on the second score. On that play he out-jumped Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins to catch the ball on an 80-yard touchdown pass.

Sunday afternoon Tate again picked on Jenkins with a 47-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter that padded the Seahawks’ lead.

“I made a play and he didn’t make the tackle,” Tate said. “I found a way to get in that end zone and that helped secure the win and here we are. NFC West champs.”

Tate said the Rams’ players were chatty on the field, and that Jenkins even told Tate to get the ball thrown his way.

The fourth-year receiver complied, and got his fourth touchdown of the season on a similar to play to one in St. Louis.

“It was the same route, different combination a little bit,” Tate said. “(Jenkins) and I had been going at it since last week, and he was begging, he was begging this week, ‘Throw this way. Throw this way.’ And I didn’t say anything. I’m just smiling, hanging out with him.

“Then we throw it deep after great protection, great throw — I lost it in the light for a bit then found it — and just made a play.”

The game featured numerous unnecessary roughness penalties and one taunting foul on St. Louis. Tate, who got a well-known taunting foul in the Oct. 28 game when he waved at Rams defenders while running to the end zone, kept his composure this time around.

“I don’t have a problem with keeping control. I understand, I have little-man syndrome so I talk a lot,” Tate said. “A lot of people try to punk me. But they were hitting me, they were smacking me. They put me on my tail a few times early in the game. I’d get back up, get back in the play and wait for my chance to make a play. Thankfully, I made a couple to help us win this week.”

Tate, who was named a Pro Bowl alternate this week, could have had another touchdown in the second quarter if not for a holding penalty on tackle Russell Okung that negated a 7-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson.

“He played a great football game today,” Seahawks’ head coach Pete Carroll said of Tate. “I think it was one of his best games statistically. I think he had eight catches and a bunch of yards. It was really an exciting day for us to see him come up like that and play so well.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

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.

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.

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

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… 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.