710 ESPN Seattle’s instant reaction to Seahawks’ playoff win over Lions

As we do after every Seahawks game, we have polled the voices of 710 ESPN Seattle for their initial takes on Seattle’s 26-6 win over the Detroit Lions on Saturday to advance to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs next week against Atlanta. Here’s what they have to say:

Bob Stelton of “Bob, Groz and Tom”

The Seahawks played classic Seahawks football. Thomas Rawls was outstanding, setting the franchise record for rushing yards in a playoff game. The defense was stifling, holding a a very capable Lions offense to six points. This is the kind of performance they have needed, and it comes at the perfect time as they get set for a tough matchup vs. the Falcons next weekend.

Tom Wassell of “Bob, Groz and Tom”

Many predicted a blowout (I can’t remember what I said). Nobody predicted Thomas Rawls setting a Seahawks playoff record with 161 rushing yards. Oh, and that Richardson guy hauling in one-handed catches – didn’t see that one coming either. With one third down conversion after another, it never felt like the Seahawks were in any kind of trouble. When the Lions went for it on fourth down, the Seahawks’ D smothered them, as they did the entire night. The passing attack then erupted late courtesy of Doug Baldwin, and in the end, we had Seahawk football back once again. We all know how different this team is on the road, but after putting together as complete of a win as they’ve had in a month, there’s no reason not to be optimistic heading into Atlanta.

Brady Henderson, Editor in Chief of 710Sports.com

These looked like the Seahawks of old in their 26-6 win over Detroit. They ran the ball down the Lions’ throat, racking up 177 yards in a tremendous sign what was a disappointing running game during the regular season. They didn’t commit a turnover, with Russell Wilson playing another flawless game while completing a whopping 76.7 percent of his passes. And their defense again looked dominant again, holding the Lions to only a pair of field goals and being especially stingy on third down. The caveats: it came against maybe the worst of the NFC’s six playoff teams a quarterback playing with a busted finger. It’ll get much harder next week against Atlanta, which had the NFL’s best offense this year. But for now, after a regular season defined by Seattle’s inconsistent play, the Seahawks finally looked like themselves.

Brent Stecker, Assistant Editor of 710Sports.com

Leave it to the Seahawks to wait until the playoffs to finally begin playing their brand of football. A lot will be made this week of Thomas Rawls’ record-setting day on the ground, and for good reason considering how hard it has been for the Seahawks to run the ball this season. But just as important was Seattle’s defense showing that it is still capable of the dominant performances that took the franchise to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. Holding Matthew Stafford, Golden Tate and the rest of the Lions’ offense to no touchdowns and just six points total is quite the accomplishment, and it’s certainly helpful for the Seahawks heading into Atlanta next week against Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the NFL’s No. 1 scoring offense. Oh, and how about Paul Richardson breaking out in the absence of Tyler Lockett? His emergence certainly helps Seattle’s passing game, especially when Jermaine Kearse is so out of sync that he’s getting touchdowns stolen away by his own teammates. Looking at you, Doug Baldwin.