710 ESPN Seattle’s instant reaction to Seahawks’ 26-17 win over Eagles

As we do after each Seahawks game, we have polled voices from 710 ESPN Seattle for their initial reactions to Seattle’s 26-15 win over Philadelphia on Sunday. Here’s what they have to say:

Bob Stelton of “Bob, Groz and Tom”

The Seahawks’ offense continues to shine despite a number of injuries. They were able to put up a season high in yardage against one of the better defenses in the league while also scoring 26 points against an Eagles defense that was allowing an average of just 17.8 per game coming into this one. More importantly, Russell Wilson’s health continues to improve. He was actually a running threat in this game with over 20 yards and was solid in the passing game once again. Luckily the Hawks were able to expand their lead in the division, which could be crucial if the injuries to Earl Thomas, DeShawn Shead, C.J. Prosise, Troymaine Pope and Damontre Moore are serious.

Brock Huard of “Brock and Salk”

NFL coaches will tell you a win never comes easy in the NFL, and while the Seahawks controlled the majority of the game against Philadelphia, averaging over 7 yards a play and 5.1 yards a rush, the win came with multiple losses of personnel. C.J. Prosise, DeShawn Shead and Earl Thomas were just three of more than a half dozen Seahawks that could not finish a very physical game with an Eagles opponent that was equally battered with critical injuries. The most encouraging sign for the first-place Hawks is the return of the explosive play offensively. The most discouraging aspect is a kicking game that’s been more problematic in 2016 than in any of Pete Carroll’s seven years. And worth watching will be the warrior Thomas, whose streak of 106 consecutive games without missing a start may be in jeopardy with a hamstring injury that forced Earl out early.

Mike Salk of “Brock and Salk”

The effects of this game won’t be known for a while as the Seahawks saw some key players injured, but the depth of the roster held up. At this stage of the season, three things stand out. First, every win matters. This particular victory was coupled with losses from each of the three other NFC West teams, which leaves the Hawks in the driver seat for the division. Second, Thomas Rawls brings the same style of physical play that defined the Hawks’ running game for years. His success gives them the bullying identity they crave. And finally, Russell is pretty close to all the way back. The long running gains may not be there yet, but he backed up last week’s gem with another. His creativity remains the X-factor for an offense that is starting to hit its stride.

Gee Scott of “The Gee Scott Show”

Your health is your wealth. The Seahawks are getting healthy, and it’s scary. Russell Wilson is the straw that stirs the coffee, and you could clearly see Sunday how much more mobile he is. With the addition of the improved run game and a defense that’s firing on all cylinders, it’s gonna be hard to stop this team the second half of the season.

Brady Henderson, 710Sports.com Editor in Chief

The last two games have illustrated the effect that strong safety Kam Chancellor has on Seattle’s defense. He made four key plays last week against New England in his return from a groin injury and several more Sunday against Philadelphia, including an interception late in the second quarter. The Eagles were working with a short field when Chancellor broke on a Carson Wentz pass and picked it off in mid-air to end their scoring threat. He also broke up another pass, made eight tackles and delivered some big hits. Kelcie McCray filled in well at strong safety in his absence, but that’s the type of play-making that was missing while Chancellor was out for four games with a groin injury.