Lincoln Financial–If Seattle wanted to go deep in the playoffs, they knew they had to get better moving the ball on the ground. So why not go back to someone who they were familiar with–hence Marshawn Lynch.
They brought him back to be the enforcer between the tackles, and he was just that 5-yard second-quarter touchdown run in the Seahawks’ 17-9 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in their wild-card playoff game Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
Lynch has two touchdowns in two games since returning to Seattle.
“Great finish,” coach Pete Carroll said. “He hit one a week ago too, in great fashion as well. That was a great surge that he just wasn’t going to let them stop him. Was really fun to see.
With Lynch on the field, it opened up passing lanes for Russell Wilson to connect with rookie sensation DK Metcalf.
Metcalf showed his speed and athleticism on a 53-yard touchdown reception Sunday when he ran by Eagles corner Avonte Maddox, then dragged him across the pylons. Russell with the game on the line, Metcalf showed how much trust he has earned from the veteran quarterback who found him for a 36-yard completion over the middle on third-and-10.
It was a career night for Metcalf, whose 160 receiving yards (on seven catches) are the most by a rookie in a playoff game in the Super Bowl era. That total also broke the Seahawks’ playoff record for any receiver.
“I think the night was stolen by DK,” Pete Carroll said the game. “He just had a phenomenal night. Showed you what he’s capable of looking like. He’s had a great season in his rookie year, but to have a night like that in his first chance ever in the playoffs, that was spectacular. And he did some stuff that it’s hard to imagine anybody else doing.
Veteran backup Josh McCown entered the game following a hit to the head that sidelined Carson Wentz with 1:22 remaining in the opening period and Philadelphia trailing 3-0. McCown finished with 174 yards on 18-of-24 passing but took a sack on fourth-and-7 from the Seahawks’ 10-yard line as the Eagles attempted to mount a last-minute comeback. The Birds converted just three of 11 first-down attempts and just mustered up 282 yards for the day.
With the Seahawks up 10-6 and facing a third and 1 with just under 10 minutes left in the third quarter, Wilson hit an open Lynch in the flat for a 20-yard gain. Lynch accentuated the play by stiff-arming Maddox to the ground. Metcalf scored a touchdown two plays later that put the game away.
“That was just like a knockout shot for us,” Carroll said. “The game was too young to knock ’em out, but it felt like those were really extraordinary plays for us and made a big difference.”
Russell Wilson led the Seahawks with 45 yards on his nine carries.
“I’m just excited to be a part of this team, this organization.” Seahawk Metcalf said after the game.
