Grading the Seahawks vs the Jaguars:

Sep 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) celebrates with tight end Zach Miller (86) after a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks came off the huge win against the 49ers facing the 0-2 struggling Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars were given 19.5 points and this game had all the makings of a trap game with Seahawks having to travel to Houston the following week. The Seahawks didn’t seem to be looking ahead as they came out of the gate to take a 31-0 lead in the early part of the 3rd Quarter. The Seahawks finished the Jaguars off with a final score of 45-17. The Jaguars never gave up but the Seahawks were able to get valuable playing time for their backups which can definitely help later in the season.

Offense: A-

Quarterback(s): B+

Russell Wilson and the Seahawks Offense started the game off with a three and out before rattling off 24 points in the 1st half. Russell Wilson and the Offense had a 34 second drive down the field before half that resulted in a Touchdown. Wilson had 4 Touchdowns in the game on 14 of 21 passing for 202 yards and 1 interception. Wilson left the game with more than 5 minutes remaining in the 3rd Quarter and was replaced by Tarvaris Jackson who threw 1 Touchdown on 7 of 8 passing for 129 yards. Jackson much like in the Pre-Season seemed to have a great grasp on the offense and looked strong throwing the ball down the field which was something he struggled with in his first stint in Seattle in 2011.

Running Backs: B+

Marshawn Lynch started the game off strong, he had 54 yards rushing in the 1st Quarter which was all the Seahawks needed to start employing their play action pass which they used consistently the rest of the game. Lynch finished the game with a bruising 69 yards rushing on 17 carries. Lynch was replaced by Robert Turbin and eventually Christine Michael got to run the ball for the first time and he again showed how explosive he can be with the ball in his hand rushing for 37 yards on 9 carries.

Wide Receivers: A

The Seahawks Receivers had a strong game, they didn’t seem to create a whole lot of separation but the Quarterbacks regularly put the ball in the right spots for them to go up and make plays. Golden Tate led all Seahawks receivers with 88 receiving yards on 5 catches while adding 2 rushes for 29 yards. Sidney Rice added 79 yards on 5 receptions while hauling in 2 Touchdowns. Wilson hit Zach Miller in the corner of the Endzone twice. Luke Willson started showing what the Seahawks have been seeing in practice as he hauled in 5 catches for 76 yards. Doug Baldwin had the catch of the game as he laid out for a one handed catch as he slid into the Endzone untouched. The Seahawks did a great job of spreading the ball around to their Receivers throughout the game.

Offensive Line: B+

The Offensive line only allowed two sacks which is saying a lot after the Seahawks placed Russell Okung on the IR until week 11. Wilson was under pressure at times but for the most part he was able to escape the pressure and not take too many sacks. The Offensive line created huge holes for Lynch to run through in the 1st Quarter and the success of the running game opened up the passing game. Overall the line did its part especially when it came to limiting the penalties which was nice to see after the struggles in the previous two games this season.

Defense: A-

Defensive Line: A

The Defensive line created havoc for the Jaguars; this group seems to get stronger every week as Chris Clemons returned from his ACL tear. Michael Bennett continues to impress with consistent push off the line, he also had 1.5 sacks while making 3 tackles and putting 4 hits on the Quarterback. Last year this team lacked in Quarterback pressure thus making it an offseason emphasis and so far that effort is paying off. Another new comer to the Seahawks Defensive line is Tony Mcdaniel who had 6 tackles while filling in gaps and stuffing the run. The Seahawks only allowed 2.1 yards per rush forcing the Jaguars to throw the ball into the Legion of Booms area of operation.

Linebackers: B

The Linbackers had a solid day as Bobby Wagner led all Seahawks with 9 tackles 1 of which was a tackle for a loss. He also had one of the plays of the day as he tipped a pass and then made a diving interception to end a Jaguars drive. Once the Seahawks had the big lead they put a few backups in one of which was John Lotuleli who had 3 tackles although he seemed to be late to fill a gap one the Jaguars late Touchdown run.

Secondary: A-

The Secondary again had a big day, as they were able to field their whole unit when Brandon Browner returned from injury after missing the first two games of the year. Earl Thomas had 7 tackles while flying all over the field. Richard Sherman again shut his man down the whole game with a solid performance while once again barely missing a huge interception in the back of the Endzone. The Seahawks did have a huge blown coverage in the 3rd Quarter although it appeared to be a Linebacker that missed his assignment on the play.

Special Teams: B+

The Seahawks special teams again had a solid game, no huge plays on either side but they stepped on the field and did their job. Steven Hauschka still has not missed a field goal attempt on the season as he nailed a short 21 yard try and he also hit all 6 of his extra point tries. Jon Ryan punted he ball 4 times pinning the Jaguars back inside the 20 yard line once and he also had a long 54 yard punt as well.

Overall: A-

The Seahawks came into the Jaguars game as huge favorites and along with getting the win they had a few things on their agenda that they needed to work on throughout the game. The Seahawks were able to accomplish most of their goals in this game as they finally had the offense working in rhythm as they moved up and down the field with regular ease. Another big accomplishment in this game was limiting the penalties as they have regularly shot down drives before they could even getting going in the early part of the season. The Seahawks still have not taken an opening possession down the field for a statement Touchdown and that is one thing that must happen in the near future. All and all this was a huge win for the Seahawks before they have to travel to Houston to play the Texans next Sunday night.

#GoHawks