News

Wilson’s escape act helps Seahawks top 49ers

Russell Wilson on the podium after 12-9 win over the San Francisco 49ers Photo: Associated Press/KPUG: Doug Lange


TIM BOOTH, AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE (AP) — Russell Wilson avoided two potential sacks and found Paul Richardson in the front corner of the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown with 7:06 left and the Seattle Seahawks held on for an unsightly 12-9 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Seahawks celebrate Paul Richardson Touchdown, in game against San Francisco 49ers.

It was an offensive nightmare as both teams had combined for 14 total quarters without a touchdown this season before the Seahawks finally broke the seal on the goal line. Wilson avoided Arik Armstead in the pocket and got his pass away before DeForest Buckner could pull him down. Seattle snapped a streak of more than 112 minutes without a touchdown, despite missing on opportunities twice inside the 49ers’ 10-yard line earlier in the game.

Wilson was erratic at times and magical at the end. He was 23 of 39 passing for 198 yards. He rushed for another 34 yards, 27 coming on the decisive scoring drive. Wilson was 4 of 5 on the drive and aided by a 20-yard pass interference penalty against Dontae Johnson.

Blair Walsh added field goals of 25 and 27 yards, but missed the extra point after Richardson’s TD that could have given the Seahawks a four-point lead. The 49ers only needed a field goal to tie but never got into position to have an opportunity.

San Francisco went three-and-out after the touchdown, punted and never got the ball back. Rookie Chris Carson rushed for 93 yards, including 58 yards in the fourth quarter.

Robbie Gould kicked three field goals to amount for San Francisco’s output, but the 49ers remained without a touchdown through two games. Carlos Hyde rushed for 124 yards, including a 61-yard run in the first half, but Brian Hoyer was 15 of 27 for 99 yards passing and an interception.

San Francisco took the lead on Gould’s 34-yard field goal with 11:36 to play, capping a drive on which the 49ers continued to run the ball well with Hyde and backup Matt Breida. Jeremy Lane’s shoestring tackle dropped Breida after a 13-yard gain when it appeared he had a path to the end zone.

Seattle should have found the end zone earlier, but had dropped passes on two drives inside the 49ers’ 10 in the first half. C.J. Prosise dropped a potential touchdown near the goal line on Seattle’s first drive. Tanner McEvoy was unable to corral a high pass from Wilson in the end zone on the second drive.

INJURIES

San Francisco lost safety Eric Reid to a knee injury in the third quarter. Reid appeared to hurt his left knee in the first half trying to cover Tyler Lockett in the open field. He was helped to the sideline and sat the rest of the half before returning ion the third quarter. He lasted about five minutes of the third quarter before walking off the field with trainers again.

SITTING SURPRISE

Seattle running back Eddie Lacy was a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game. It was a surprise absence as Lacy had not appeared on any injury reports this season. Like much of Seattle’s offense, Lacy struggled to get going in the opener against Green Bay and was limited to 3 yards on five carries.

With Lacy out, the bulk of the carries went to rookie Chris Carson and Thomas Rawls.

UP NEXT

49ers: San Francisco has a quick turnaround and will host the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night.

Seahawks: Seattle will make its second long road trip of the season, traveling to Tennessee next Sunday.

 

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Recent Headlines

4 hours ago in Sports

Carlos Alcaraz ends 7-year partnership with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz is parting ways with his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, the man who guided him to the pinnacle of men's tennis during a remarkably successful seven-year partnership.

4 hours ago in Sports

Losing to Jake Paul would be ‘awfully embarrassing’ for Joshua, says promoter Hearn

Writing in a column for the BBC, Eddie Hearn said it was "crazy" that Anthony Joshua — a former two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist — was getting in the ring with Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer who is facing easily his biggest challenge yet.

21 hours ago in Sports

FIFA slashes price of some World Cup tickets to $60 after global fan backlash

FIFA slashed the price of some World Cup tickets for teams' most loyal fans following a global backlash and some will get $60 seats for the final instead of being asked to pay $4,185.

1 day ago in Sports

Cooper Flagg becomes youngest player to score 42 points but laments Mavericks’ overtime loss to Jazz

Cooper Flagg scored the most points by an 18-year-old in NBA history, but he couldn't enjoy the accomplishment because it came in a loss. Flagg had 42 points — topping the previous mark of 37 set by LeBron James on Dec. 13, 2003 — in a 140-133 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night.

1 day ago in Sports

Aaron Rodgers and Steelers freeze out Dolphins, stay atop AFC North with 28-15 win

Aaron Rodgers passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns and Pittsburgh kept its grasp on the top spot in the AFC North with a clinical 28-15 victory over the Dolphins, who were eliminated from playoff contention.