USA TODAY International Edition
Ravens run past Seahawks in Seattle
SEATTLE – The Ravens used two defensive TDs and more of Lamar Jackson’s dual - hreat heroics to pull off a 30- 16 victory over the Seahawks on Sunday.
In so doing, the Ravens improved to 5- 2 to strengthen their standing atop the AFC North standings.
Meanwhile, Seattle had its threegame winning streak snapped, and the Seahawks dropped to 5- 2.
Jackson rushed for 116 yards and passed for 143 to carry the offense. It marked Jackson’s second straight 100yard rushing game and his third of the season.
Here are three takeaways from the Ravens’ victory.
❚ 1. Win one for Earl: Earl Thomas made his highly anticipated return to CenturyLink Field, the place where he called home for the first nine seasons of his career, earning a Super Bowl ring and six Pro Bowl appearances. The last time Seattle fans saw the free safety, he was in their uniform, riding on the back of the medical cart with a broken leg and giving coach Pete Carroll the finger. On Sunday, he returned as a member of the Ravens. He had a hand in the first tackle of the game, a pass breakup and narrowly missed recovering a fourth- quarter fumble. But Thomas provided no game- defining heroics to exact vengeance on his former team. Still, he was content to serve as the cheerleader for Jackson and his teammates. On defense, Thomas would rush up and clap enthusiastically and commended any player that made a key stop. While on the sideline when Baltimore’s offense was on the field, Thomas could be seen cheering with urgency and celebrating any positive play. So Thomas didn’t have to be the X factor. But that was just fine with him. Winning against his former team in whatever fashion necessary was all that mattered.
❚ 2. Wilson wasn’t at his best: Whether it’s a ball fake or head bob to get a defender going one way so he can go the opposite, or his ability to locate open receivers on the run and deliver the ball with accuracy, quarterback Russell Wilson always gives the Seahawks the chance. His receivers also have a good understanding of how to react when things break down. The plays turn to school- yard football, and Wilson manages that organized chaos so well, more often than not, allowing his unit to live to see another play. This isn’t to say he’s perfect. He’s not immune to disjointed days. Against Baltimore, he completed just 20 of 41 passes for 241 yards, a TD, an interception and a 65.2 passer rating.
❚ 3. Seahawks in need: Their 5- 1 start entering the game ranked among the best in the league, and the Seahawks have a chance to compete with just about any team, but they do have shortcomings that will hinder them against this year’s elite squads. Wilson, as mentioned, is special. But he can’t do it alone, and this Seahawks offense very much could use another play- maker. They lack a player who’s going to keep defensive coordinators up at night – one who can consistently win one- on- one matchups with game- changing talent. Because of that, team officials would do well to look for a trade at the deadline to give Wilson a proven No. 1 target.