Leon Washington’s almost touchdown leads to another Seahawks score
It’s safe to say that Leon Washington is going to get killed by his teammates when they watch film tomorrow. Washington appeared to be on his way to a punt return touchdown, and put a hand up to celebrate somewhere around the 40-yard line. Problem was, Carolina punter Jason Baker was still giving chase, and he manged to trip up Washington at the 2-yard line.
Fortunately for Washington and the Seahawks, Marshawn Lynch was able to punch it in two plays later for a TD, making it 24-14.
And just like that the Seahawks have the lead
Raise your hand if you saw this start to the second half coming. Liars, put your hands down.
After a terrible first half, the Seahawks have scored 14 quick points to start the second half and now lead 17-14. The half started poorly with Leon Washington bobbling the kickoff, giving Seattle the ball at the 4-yard line to start. The offense, however, went 96 yards and scored on a one-yard run by Marshawn Lynch to make it 14-10.
That was followed minutes later by a interception return for a touchdown by Lofa Tatupu to make it 17-14. Quite the turnaround in the early stages of the second quarter, and I’ve got to say I’ve been impressed with the way the defense has turned things around in this game. The three-and-out following Hasselbeck’s first-quarter interception was big, and obviously getting a defensive touchdown is even bigger. Strange game, but it’s suddenly looking good for the Seahawks.
Seattle settles for a field goal, trails 14-3 at halftime
The Seahawks were finally moving the ball following Carolina’s second touchdown, but Matt Hasselbeck rushed a throw under pressure and it was intercepted. The defense responded with its first three-and-out of the game, and the offense drove to the 1-yard line before settling for the field goal. The two big plays of the drive were a 27-yard pass to Ben Obomanu and a 36-yarderto Cameron Morrah. A false start at the one by Chris Baker, however, cost the Seahawks a chance at a touchdown.
Also, Obomanu suffered a hand injury taking a big hit on that long catch. His return is officially listed as questionable, but he certainly didn’t look good holding his hand coming off the field. If he or Mike Williams can’t return, Seattle will play the second half with just three receivers.
There’s still an entire half to go, and Seattle will start with the ball, but if the Seahawks don’t improve dramatically in the second half, this will be one of the worst losses in a long, long time.
Panthers now lead 14-0
So just to point out how bad this game has started for Seattle, it’s worth noting that Carolina came into this game averaging 12.7 points per game. If they keep that pace up, the Panthers would be just the fifth team in the past 10 years to average less than 13 points per game, yet in less than two quarters, Carolina has 14 points. Not a good day for Seattle.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, have just one first down.
Boo birds out early
Seahawks fans are getting restless early as Carolina still leads 7-0. Each team has had three possessions, and Carolina—again, the worst offense in the league—Has outgained Seattle 104-8, and has eight first downs to Seattle’s zero.
Mike Williams didn’t play on Seattle second possession and was getting his foot or maybe even his ankle checked out by trainers. No update yet on him from the team.
Rough start for the Seahawks
Well that certainly wasn’t how Seattle hoped to start this game. Carolina, which is 1-10 and came into the game with the league’s worst offense both in terms of yards gained and points scored, drove 61 yards on 10 plays to take a 7-0 lead.
Obviously there is plenty of time left in this game, but if Seattle’s defense can’t stop the Panthers, they’ve got even bigger problems that anyone thought.
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