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
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