Instant Reaction: 710 ESPN Seattle on Seahawks’ 28-14 win over Lions

The Seahawks improved to 4-3 on the season with a 28-14 victory over the Lions in Detroit on Sunday. As we do after each Seahawks game, we polled the voices of 710 ESPN Seattle for their instant reactions.

Recap | O’Neil on run game | Rost: Takeaways | Dickson’s fake | Photos

You can read the hosts’ reactions below, and don’t forget to tune in to 710 ESPN Seattle on Monday for their full thoughts on the game and what it means going forward for the Hawks.

Bob Stelton of Bob, Groz and Tom

This was by far the most impressive win of the season, on the road versus a good team in the Lions. It was another step forward in the progression of this team, and it’s exactly how they needed to start this five-game run that will be the toughest stretch of their schedule.

Who would have thought The Seahawks would have the best red zone offense in the NFL? That’s easier to believe when the running game continues to dominate the way that it has. Chris Carson has been a beast. He’s patient, shifty and powerful.

The Hawks dominated time of possession and the turnover battle, forcing Detroit into three giveaways. The play calling was on point and bold at times. There is very little to complain about in this one, and you can’t help but walk away feeling very confident in what this team can achieve this season if it continues this way.

Oh yeah, Russell Wilson was outstanding: 14 for 17, 248 yards and three TDs.

Mike Salk of Brock and Salk

Throw to score and run to win? How about throw to score and have your punter run from his own end zone to win?

There were theatrics in this game late but the Seahawks beat the Lions because they were more physical and because they had the best quarterback on the field. And it wasn’t even close in either debate.

The physical disparity was on display nearly from the start. Germain Ifedi pancaked a defensive end on a pass rush. Chris Carson ran over two tacklers for a touchdown after his entire offensive line simply moved the pile forward. Frank Clark stood up a tight end and all but threw him into a ball carrier. That is how you rack up a 176-34 edge in rushing yards.

But Russell Wilson was also magical. We got to see the whole package as he dazzled with his arm, legs and head throughout the game. He was efficient, in control and at his point-guard best. When the Seahawks play like that, they will be a handful for any team in football.

Tom Wassell of Bob, Groz and Tom

Domination.

I was pretty confident last week that the Seahawks would win this game but thought that the Lions would make it a little tougher. Damon Harrison and the Lions’ defense did nothing to stop Chris Carson. Incidentally, Carson is probably the Seahawks’ first-half MVP. The defense was its usual self – not exactly menacing but certainly stingy.

How about the short career of David Moore? When you’ve got it working, the ball just bounces your way sometimes. Nice group celebration by Seattle, too. One of the best we’ve seen. (Watch here)

Nothing against Matt Stafford, he’s a fine QB, but I just don’t understand the amount of praise he gets. There’s a difference between guys who put up gaudy stats and guys who can will their team to victory. Russell is the latter.

Dave Grosby of Bob, Groz and Tom

The Seahawks put together another complete-game performance in knocking off a favored opponent on the road by double digits.

Of the many things that jumped out to me, this one hit first. When the Hawks enjoyed their initial success it was due in no small part to the contributions of bargain players – that is low-priced veterans or low-round draft picks – making a big difference. You certainly see that on this team, with the best (but certainly not the only examples) being a pair of seventh-round draft picks in Chris Carson and David Moore. Its Carson’s tough running that has become the heart of the Seahawks’ offense, making play-action so devastating. As for Moore, he is turning into a touchdown machine, making the difficult seem routine.

You also see it in the roughly $3.5 million the Seahawks spent on D.J. Fluker and J.R. Sweezy that has transformed the offensive line into an unquestioned strength and the biggest reason for the team’s reversal of fortune.

A plus-3 turnover margin and success on third down, plus a time of possession advantage, will usually beat any team, and the Lions were no exception. A feel-good win on almost every level, especially when your highest-paid stars (see Russell Wilson) are playing well too.

This has truly become a season of possibilities as it approaches the halfway point.