Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 29-13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday:
Offense: A
Thomas Rawls stepped into the starting lineup at running back and produced one of the best games in franchise history, compiling 255 all-purpose yards and scoring two touchdowns. Russell Wilson was virtually flawless, compiling a season-high quarterback passer rating of 138.5. The Seahawks surpassed the 500-yard barrier, converted eight of 14 third downs, and scored touchdowns two of the three times they reached the red zone. It can’t get much better.
Defense: B+
For nearly the entire first half Seattle’s defense was impenetrable, but then allowed the 49ers to march 92 yards for a touchdown just before the half ended. Seattle allowed yards in the second half, but got tough when the 49ers got into scoring position, holding San Francisco to field goals. Cliff Avril continued to wreak havoc in the opposition backfield with two more sacks, but the Seahawks couldn’t force the 49ers to turn the ball over.
Special teams: C-
The most notable thing on special teams was the Seahawks missed two extra points, with Steven Hauschka kicking wide on one and having a second blocked. The Seahawks were fine on kick coverage, but while Tyler Lockett had a great game as a receiver (two TDs) he had an awful day as a returner, managing just one yard on four punt returns.
Coaching: B+
Everything the Seahawks’ coaches did offensively turned to gold. They fed the ball to the hot hand, Rawls, who rewarded them with 209 yards on 30 carries. They called plays for Wilson that allowed him to get rid of the ball quickly and avoid taking hits. But there was one moment late in the first half when Seattle got greedy, calling a defensive timeout with 1:03 remaining, and the 49ers used that to help score their only TD of the game.
Overall: A-
This game went almost exactly how the Seahawks would have wanted. The offense, which had been struggling, produced its best performance of the season. The defense, minus the one blip late in the first half, didn’t allow the 49ers much of anything. The outcome never seemed in doubt. Add in results around the league going its way, and Seattle suddenly finds itself just one game out of a wild-card spot.
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