Seahawks shut out Bears 26-0 for first win of season

SEATTLE — With newcomers Tyler Lockett and Jimmy Graham leading the way, the Seattle Seahawks snapped a two-game losing streak — three, if we count the Super Bowl — in emphatic fashion on Sunday afternoon, besting the Chicago Bears 26-0 before an appreciative crowd of 69,002 at CenturyLink Field.

Lockett, the rookie from Kansas State, opened the second half with a team-record 105-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and Graham, acquired in an off-season trade with New Orleans, had a team-high seven receptions with a TD in a game that helped reduce the gloom brought on by season-opening defeats at St. Louis and Green Bay.

“That was a really good day here at CenturyLink for us,” said Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. “A lot of really good things happened.”

Of all the good things, nothing was more important than getting a win. For a team with designs of a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, the prospect of an 0-3 start was alarming.

Indeed, said Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, “We played with a sense of urgency.”

And if the Seahawks did not always play well, they certainly played well enough. Shrugging off a sputtering offensive start — until the final two minutes of the first half, Seattle had just 48 yards and one first down — the Seahawks took command in the second half, getting touchdowns from Lockett and Graham in the third quarter, and two field goals from kicker Steven Hauschka in the fourth quarter.

“It took us a while (to get going),” Carroll said wryly.

Seattle’s defense, meanwhile, was good at the outset and even better the rest of the way. The Bears had some success running the ball in the early minutes — “They came out and ran some plays we hadn’t seen on film at all, and we had to get on the sideline and adjust on the fly,” explained linebacker K.J. Wright — but through the final three quarters the Seahawks yielded just 93 yards and five first downs.

And, most importantly, no points. Against a Bears team using backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen in place of injured starter Jay Cutler, Seattle got its first shutout since a 23-0 decision against the New York Giants on Dec. 15, 2013.

“It’s so hard in this league to hold somebody to no points, so that’s a fantastic job by our defense,” Carroll said.

“Yeah, that’s the defense you know and love,” agreed defensive end Michael Bennett.

Among Seattle’s other heroes was Wilson, who completed 20 of 30 passing attempts for 235 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions; backup running back Thomas Rawls, who got most of the work with starter Marshawn Lynch slowed by injuries, and responded with 104 yards in 16 carries; and Wright, who led the Seahawks with 10 tackles.

Seattle will get an extra day of preparation before its next game, at home against Detroit next Monday night.

“It’s always fun to play at home,” said offensive tackle Russell Okung. “We pride ourselves in being a team that can win away as well as at home, but we’re looking forward to Monday Night Football first and then wherever it goes from there.”

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.