Seahawks 3 Stars: Seattle’s RBs run all over Vikings in 37-30 win

The Seahawks scored 17 points in the third quarter and held on for a 37-30 primetime victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.

Seahawks 37, Vikings 30: Recap | 710 reacts | Playoff picture update | Stats

It wasn’t the prettiest game for the Seahawks, who had an ugly pick-6 and an error in coverage to gift the Vikings 14 points and gave up 13 points in the fourth quarter, but Seattle was in control throughout most of the second half to get the victory over the Vikings, who will likely end up as a playoff team.

With the win, the Seahawks are now 10-2 and in first place in the NFC West. If the season ended today, the Seahawks would be the No. 2 seed in the NFC and have a first-round bye.

So, who stepped up to help Seattle get their 10th win of the season? We have the Seahawks’ three stars here.

Honorable mention

Bradley McDougald was going to be one of the three but an error in coverage on Laquon Treadwell’s long touchdown in the fourth quarter bumped him down. He had five tackles, a quarterback hit to force a throw away and a punt and recovered a fumble forced by Rasheem Green.

Speaking of Green, he continued his hot play and forced a Dalvin Cook fumble that resulted in a Seahawks field goal.

Defensive end Ziggy Ansah had three quarterback hits before leaving with an injury.

Kicker Jason Myers was perfect yet again, hitting all three of his field goals and four extra point attempts.

Linebackers K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner led the team in tackles and played both the run and pass very well throughout the game.

Receiver David Moore had a would-be touchdown fall right under his hands and the Seahawks had to settle for a field goal. The Seahawks called Moore’s number again, and he caught a 60-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Rookie running back Travis Homer was a special teams ace for Seattle, running 29 yards on a fake punt and recovering a fumble on the Vikings’ final kickoff return at the end of the fourth quarter.

Fake punt alert! 🚨@travishomer4 takes it for 2️⃣9️⃣ yards!#GoHawks x #MINvsSEA pic.twitter.com/kaZyu9iLaQ

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 3, 2019

Third Star: Russell Wilson

Seattle’s quarterback had a few head scratching mistakes, but overall did enough to guide the Seahawks to victory.

He had one of the more interesting interceptions you’ll see, when his pass was deflected towards him, he smacked the ball forward and safety Anthony Harris returned it for a touchdown. But other than that, Wilson was his efficient self. He completed 21 of his 31 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed three times for 14 yards.

Wilson also connected with Moore for a big 60-yard score in the third quarter and later found running back Rashaad Penny at the start of the fourth quarter.

LET'S GO! What a bomb right into the hands of David Moore! 🙌

Q3: SEA 27, MIN 17 pic.twitter.com/iWYXxcjiba

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 3, 2019

Wilson hasn’t played like a league MVP the last three weeks, but he has now led the Seahawks to first place in the NFC West and given them a real shot at the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Second Star: Rashaad Penny

Penny got extended looks at running back for the second straight week, and also for the second straight week he was crucial in a Seahawks’ victory.

He had two scores – one rushing and one receiving – while racking up 107 total yards as a key part of the Seahawks’ offense.

So nice, Penny did it twice! 💰

Q4: SEA 34, MIN 17 pic.twitter.com/ab3OALBMIO

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 3, 2019

Penny has struggled to live up to his status as a 2018 first-round pick, but if he continues playing like he has in the last two games, he gives the Seahawks another dynamic piece for their offense. Plus, the Seahawks will have no reason to not give him more snaps and touches.

First Star: Chris Carson

While Penny got two scores, starting running back Carson was a bruiser who made life hard for the Vikings’ defense.

After losing snaps to Penny because of his recurring fumble problem earlier in the season, Carson was a force on the ground Monday, finishing with 107 yards on 21 carries, plus a touchdown in the first quarter.

.@ccarson_32 runs it right in for 6️⃣!

Touchdown, #Seahawks! pic.twitter.com/7jc3Py0V8a

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 3, 2019

A 25-yard Carson run set up Penny’s rushing touchdown, and he continually gashed the Vikings with his bruising running style.

He was also the team’s closer. On the Seahawks’ final field goal drive, Carson had five rushing attempts out of the team’s six, including an 11-yard gain on third-and-2 that was crucial in sealing the win.

While he may continue to lose snaps to the more dynamic Penny, his hard-hitting style is exactly what Pete Carroll loves and he will continue to get the majority of the work, especially if he keeps running like did against the Vikings.

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