Seahawks 26, Bears 0

TALKING POINTS

The Seahawks finally got into the win column Sunday, dispatching an outmatched and undermanned Chicago team in a game that was never really in doubt.

This wasn’t a game without its warts for the Seahawks. Seattle’s offense produced virtually nothing in the first half, something that’s been in issue in all three of its games so far this season. The offensive line had its issues as quarterback Russell Wilson was sacked four times, bringing the season total to 12 in three games.

But a win is a win, especially when a team is 0-2, and Seattle’s defense made sure the possibility of falling to 0-3 was never an issue Sunday. The Seahawks not only limited the Bears to 146 yards, Chicago managed just one first down and 37 yards total during the second half. Therefore, the Seahawks avoided a result that would have had those in Seattle pounding the panic button like an impatient elevator waiter.

Some other notes:

– There was much ado during the week regarding the inability of the Seahawks to get tight end Jimmy Graham involved in the offense — he had just one catch for 11 yards last week against Green Bay. Some rumors were floated about Graham being dissatisfied with his role in the offense, which forced Graham to dispute those claims during a press conference Friday. But the Seahawks got Graham a catch on their first offensive play, and Graham finished the game with seven catches for 83 yards and Seattle’s only offensive touchdown — without the Seahawks having to force the ball to him. That should shut those rumors down, at least for now.

– Tyler Lockett is amazing. The rookie scored his second return touchdown in three games, this time going 105 yards on a kickoff. Granted, there was a big hole for Lockett to run through, but the way in which he blew past the kicker like he was standing still was mind-boggling. The 105-yard kickoff return is a new franchise record, surpassing the 101-yarder by Leon Washington in 2010.

– Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch, who was a game-time decision because of a calf injury, was activated for the game. However, Lynch didn’t emerge from the locker room until about eight minutes had elapsed, carried the ball just five times for 14 yards, then didn’t come back out for the second half because of a hamstring injury. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Lynch just couldn’t get loose while warming up and that it’s “nothing to be alarmed by.”

However, in Lynch’s absence Thomas Rawls had himself a heck of a game. The third stringer, who made the team as an undrafted free agent, showed a physical running style, finishing off his carries by dipping a shoulder into the tackler. He’s now officially a member of the 100-yard club as he finished with 104 yards on 16 carries. Not bad for a player not initially projected to make the team.

– This was strong safety Kam Chancellor’s return, and he was greeted warmly by the crowd, so there was little fan backlash regarding his holdout. It could be suggested that Chancellor’s return helped create the shutout, and it probably did have an effect. However, Chancellor didn’t play the whole game as he took a few series off, and he was credited for just a single assisted tackle.

– The Bears offense had no chance today. With starting quarterback Jay Cutler and No. 1 receiver Alshon Jeffrey both out, Chicago pretty much abandoned the passing game. The Bears gained some yards on the ground early in the game behind Matt Forte, but that proved short-lived. And stand-in QB Jimmy Clausen was a feeble 9-for-17 for 63 yards, with the Seahawks dialing up the blitz more than they did last week against Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers.

– Aside from Lynch, the Seahawks had one other notable injury during the game as defensive tackle Brandon Mebane left in the first quarter with a groin injury. Carroll said he did not know the severity of the injury. Carroll also said tight end Luke Willson, who sat out with back spasms, probably could have played, but the team decided to play it safe.

TURNING POINT

After a dire first half that saw little in the way of offense from either team, Lockett brought the second half to life when he returned the opening kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown that gave Seattle a 13-0 lead. It’s very possible the 6 points the Seahawks had would have been enough to win the game anyway, but the instant 13-point lead took away any carrot Chicago could have used as motivation for a comeback.

QUOTABLE

“Big brother always wins, just like the government.”

– Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett on beating his younger brother, Chicago tight end Martellus Bennett.

BOX SCORE

Seattle 26, Chicago 0

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

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

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck 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)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (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.