Seahawks rally to capture first 4-0 start in franchise history

Sep 29, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks for an open receiver during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks rallied from a 17-point deficit to beat the Texans and improve to 4-0 for the first time in franchise history with a 23-20 win in overtime on Sunday.

It was a long afternoon for both teams, epitomized by a long overtime period, which the Seahawks didn’t end until there were just over three minutes left in the period.

Steven Hauschka kicked the game-winning field goal, a 45-yarder that made him 3-for-3 on the day and 8-for-8 on the year.

The Seahawks put the only points on the board in the first quarter, courtesy of a 48-yard field goal from Hauschka.

Seattle’s 3-0 lead evaporated quickly as the Texans erupted for 20 points in the second quarter. Matt Schaub threw his only two touchdown passes of the game in the second, one to Garrett Graham and one to Arian Foster.

Late in the quarter, Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett was taken off the field in a stretcher after a scary collision with Schaub. He has feeling in all extremities.

Randy Bullock added two field goals to add to Houston’s scoring frenzy and the Texans took a 20-3 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The second half turned into Seattle’s ball game, as they scored 17 unanswered points to tie the game at 20-20 with less than three minutes in regulation.

Hauschka kicked another field goal, Marshawn Lynch rushed for a touchdown, and Richard Sherman picked off a pass and returned it 58 yards for the game-tying touchdown.

In overtime, both team’s defenses stepped up in big ways to keep the period extended, before the Seahawks last drive of the game, which went eight plays for 42 yards and ended with Hauschka’s kick.

The Seahawks offense was outplayed during the entire game, but came through when it needed to.

The Houston Texans had nearly twice as many first downs as the Hawks (29 to 15), ran 30 more plays (88 to 58) and had over 200 more total yards than Seattle (476 to 270).

That was partly because Seattle’s defense, which has been consistent all season, didn’t play up to its standard.

The Seahawks secondary was burned for most of the game, allowing Schaub to throw 31 completions for 355 yards. He did, however, throw two interceptions. Andre Johnson led all receivers with nine catches for 110 yards.

Up front, the Seahawks defensive line allowed Foster to rush for 102 yards on 27 carries.

Russell Wilson finished the game going 12 of 23 for 123 yards and an interception. He added 10 rushes for 77 yards, second only to Lynch who rushed for 98 yards and the touchdown.

The Seahawks (4-0) will travel to Indianapolis next to play the Indianapolis Colts (3-1).