Seattle’s blazing start keeps Atlanta reeling
ATLANTA — A fast start helped Seattle rule the road yet again.
Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes to DK Metcalf, Chris Carson ran for 90 yards and a score, and the Seahawks beat the reeling Falcons 2720 on Sunday.
Seattle led 240 at halftime, providing the cushion it would need to withstand the Falcons’ comeback behind backup quarterback Matt Schaub.
The Seahawks (62) improved to 40 on the road.
“Today I think the message myself and other guys tried to send was start fast and be as physical as possible,” left tackle Duane Brown said.
“We started fast, and the defense was getting turnovers and getting off the field, and we were getting points on the board.”
The Seahawks forced three turnovers and didn’t commit any.
Head coach Pete Carroll said the team’s record halfway through the season “isn’t the best it could have been, but it’s pretty darn good.”
The Falcons’ offense floundered early in its first start without quarterback Matt Ryan in 10 years. Ryan’s streak of regularseason starts ended at 154 as he was held out with a sprained right ankle.
The Falcons (17) have lost six straight games, leaving head coach Dan Quinn’s status a hot topic as the team enters its bye week.
Team owner Arthur Blank said after the game he will “take the next couple of weeks … and evaluate where we are” before reaching a decision on Quinn’s future. Blank said the record is “just not acceptable at any level.”
The Seahawks rushed for 151 yards, including 55 from Rashaad Penny. Wilson completed 14 of 20 passes for 182 yards with no interceptions.
Atlanta has been outscored 14450 in the first half this season. The Falcons have faced six doubledigit halftime deficits.
Schaub passed for 460 yards in his first start since 2015 with Baltimore. The Falcons announced Saturday that Ryan would not play, and Seattle cornerback Shaquill Griffin said he knew Schaub would be ready.
“I honestly didn’t expect a downgrade,” Griffin said. “The guy has been in the league for 15plus years. He’s going to make the same kind of plays that Matt can make.”