In most games, the Seattle Seahawks provide a stout pass defense. The combined talents of Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor tend to keep opposing passing attacks in check.
That wasn’t the case Sunday as Ben Roethlisberger accounted for over 400 passing yards, 456 to be exact, but the Seahawks rallied to earn a 39-30 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Hawks certainly had their hands full with the Steelers passing offense. Despite holding Antonio Brown to only 51 yards on six catches, the Seahawks were consistently beat by Roethlisberger. The quarterback seemingly spread the ball around at will to his other targets.
(Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Marcus Wheaton led all Pittsburgh pass catchers with 201 receiving yards on nine catches, while tight end Heath Miller had five grabs for 45 yards before exiting the game with an injury. In addition to Wheaton and Miller, Martavis Bryant made an impact with 69 yards on five catches, while DeAngelo Williams chipped in with seven catches of his own for 88 yards.
Despite Big Ben accounting for close to 500 passing yards, the quarterback only threw one passing touchdown. His backup didn’t fare any better in terms of putting the ball in the endzone - Roethlisberger left the game in the fourth quarter with a concussion and didn't come back as he went through the necessary protocall. Landry Jones completed one of his four passes for 34 yards and two interceptions.
While the Seahawks’ defense allowed 456 passing yards by Roethlisberger, Seattle forced four turnovers. Jeremy Lane, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Ahtyba Rubin all accounted for interceptions, while Sherman had a second pick on a failed two-point conversion by the Steelers. Chancellor’s pick was crucial for the Seahawks as it halted Pittsburgh’s final offensive drive.
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In addition to the turnovers, the Hawks kept Williams in check on the ground. The running back only managed 29 yards on eight carries as the Steelers relied heavily on the passing game.
Despite Pittsburgh’s success throwing the ball, Seattle’s offense also moved the ball with great efficiency. Russell Wilson accounted for a career-high five touchdowns as well as 345 passing yards. This happened despite losing Jimmy Graham to an injury in the fourth quarter. The tight end exited via a cart with an air brace on his right leg after haulling in four catches for 75 yards.
(Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Head coach Pete Carroll announced at his postgame press conference that Graham injured his patellar tendon and will require surgery. The coach said, "We're gonna miss the heck out of him for the rest of the season."
Jermaine Kearse and Doug Baldwin both responded with big games. Kearse had four catches for 47 yards and two touchdowns, while Baldwin hauled in six grabs for 147 yards and three touchdowns. His last score iced the game with two minutes left in the game. The receiver gained 80 yards on the play.
(Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images)
This game marks yet another standout performance for Wilson - the quarterback now has thrown for eight touchdowns in his last two games.
Next Up:
The Seahawks will hit the road to face the Minnesota Vikings, while the Steelers return to Pittsburgh to face the Indianapolis Colts.