Wake-up call comes just in time for Seahawks

Better late than never. Such was the major thought being articulated in Seahawks Nation late Sunday afternoon after Seattle rallied from an 11-point halftime deficit to crush the lowly Panthers 31-14 and keep its playoff hopes very much alive in the weaker-than-a-10-day-old cup-of-coffee NFC West.

Responding positively to a wake-up call from Pete Carroll, their always-excitable head coach, the Seahawks outgained the Panthers 220-88 in the second half, doing much of their damage for a change on the ground with Marshawn Lynch spearheading a season-high 161-yard rushing attack.

Pitching in big-time were veteran MLB Lofa Tatupu, who was at the right place at the right time for a 26-yard interception which he returned for his first TD since his rookie season in 2005, and Leon Washington, whose 84-yard punt return set up one of Lynch’s three rushing touchdowns.

There was one downside to the victory — the injuries suffered by WRs Mike Williams, who left the game following the first series after rolling ankle making a block for RB Justin Forsett, and Ben Obomanu, who left in the second half with a laceration on his right hand.

The PFW Spin

It’s hard to get carried away after a victory over arguably the league’s worst team, especially with Williams going down again with an injured ankle that is attached to the same foot that was previously hurt. At least Obomanu, who has come on strong lately, will apparently be good to go this Sunday, but with no guarantees that the impressive ground game the Seahawks managed against Carolina will continue, Carroll’s offense badly needs a healthy Williams, who has been the team’s most potent offensive weapon.

Following in the footsteps of Obomanu, another previously obscure performer worth mentioning for his efforts against Carolina is TE Cameron Morrah, a seventh-round pick last year who made the most of his first extended action of the season in place of the injured John Carlson (hip flexor) with three catches for 69 yards, including a long of 36 yards. It’s also worth noting that Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck was not real good against Carolina, throwing two interceptions, getting sacked twice and registering a very forgettable 53.3 passer rating.

The Seahawks could be in deep trouble against the 49ers this Sunday if Hasselbeck doesn’t play a lot better.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/12/06/wake-up-call-comes-just-in-time-for-seahawks

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