Seahawks get off to fast start and bring the Eagles down Sunday night

The Seahawks needed a win tonight to keep within a game of the Rams. They got just what they needed and more, making a statement to the league.

At 7 – 4, the Seahawks had to keep pace with the Los Angeles Rams for the division title. Perhaps just as important they needed the win to stay in the wild card hunt. More than anything, Seattle needed to beat the NFL’s most dominant team to show the league they were still pretty tough to handle, even without Chancellor, Sherman and Avril.

Seahawks jump to a quick lead in the first quarter

The Seahawks started off their Sunday night match-up with the Philadelphia Eagles in good fashion. A 12 play drive featured a couple of classic Wilson escapes and ended with a 42 yard field goal by Blair Walsh. Seattle forced Philadelphia to punt on their first series, but got nothing done on their next series as they went three and out. Brandon Graham sacked Wilson on third down to force Seattle to punt.

Seattle returned the favor as Frank Clark dropped Carson Wentz on third down in the Eagles second series. The Seahawks took over and got things going again. A highlight was Mike Davis with a 23 yard reception. Davis has added so much fire to this team since they brought him in from the practice squad.

Two key penalties on the Eagles defense moved the ball to the Philadelphia 11 yard line. Russell Wilson found Jimmy Graham in the end zone for what now seems like the fiftieth time this season.

That was the first touchdown the Eagles have given up in the first quarter all year.

Seahawks 10, Eagles 0. The Seahawks with a lead in the first quarter. I know, I couldn’t believe it either.

Seahawks keep the pressure on in the second quarter

The Eagles started the second half with a sustained drive, aided by a few penalties on the Seahawks – legitimate penalties, for a change. Philadelphia had the ball all the way down to the Seahawks four yard line on a punishing LaGarrette Blount run. Except they didn’t, as Alshon Jeffrey was flagged for holding cornerback Shaquill Griffin. There are smart penalties, and stupid penalties. This was incredibly stupid, as Griffin at best might have helped stop Blount at the five or six. Instead, the ball was pushed back to the Seahawks 14 yard line. The defense made a few stops (thank you Mssrs. McDougald and Maxwell), and the Eagles had to settle for a field goal.

Seattle could only pick up one first down and was forced to punt again. Philadelphia took over with 4:40 left in the half. They were able to drive to the Seahawks 46 yard line,but Corey Clement was stuffed for no gain. Philadelphia punted, and Russell Wilson took a knee with seven seconds left to send us to halftime.

A few shocking stats no one would have called. Carson Wentz had 45 yards passing at the half. Zach Ertz, the leading receiver for Philadelphia, was shut out and only targeted once. Russell Wilson, who usually starts so slowly, was 10 of 12 in the first half. Mike Davis led all Seattle players with 51 yards from scrimmage.

Seahawks 10, Eagles 3.