The Seattle Seahawks’ formula over the past few weeks has been to rely on Russell Wilson’s arm and Doug Baldwin’s pass catching ability.
Nothing changed on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Wilson completed 21 of 30 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns. The quarterback also did extra damage on the ground, running for 46 yards on five carries.
The Seahawks’ signal caller now has 19 touchdowns and zero interceptions over his last five games.
As in recent weeks, Baldwin was one of the main beneficiaries of Wilson’s efficient and prolific play. The wide receiver hauled in two more touchdowns. On the day, Baldwin caught four passes for 45 yards and the two aforementioned scores. Tyler Lockett also found the endzone, contributing a touchdown on five catches for 55 yards. While Baldwin and Lockett both found the endzone, it was Jermaine Kearse who had the most catches and receiving yards. The University of Washington product made seven grabs for 110 yards, often serving as Wilson’s security blanket
While the passing game excelled against a porous Cleveland defense, all eyes were on the running game. With Thomas Rawls and Marshawn Lynch out, the Seahawks turned to fullback Derrick Coleman and the recently-signed duo of Christine Michael and Bryce Brown.
The trio split the carries on the day, but it was Michael who made the biggest impact. The former second-round pick averaged an impressive 5.3 yards per carry while running the ball 16 times for 84 yards. Brown added nine rushes for 43 yards while Coleman chipped in with five carries for ten yards.
Seattle’s defense also had a strong day. Kelcie McCray, who started in place of the injured Kam Chancellor, led the team with eight tackles and a pass deflection. Cornerback Marcus Burley and defensive lineman Michael Bennett and Brandon Mebane collected sacks. Burley also added a late interception to ice the game.
Pete Carroll’s defensive unit also did an excellent job containing Johnny Manziel. The quarterback was held to just 17 rushing yards. He didn’t do much damage through the air either, completing 19 of 32 passes for only 161 yards. Manziel had a touchdown and an interception.
Outside of Duke Johnson Jr., Cleveland’s offensive weapons struggled. Johnson Jr. had four carries for 46 yards in addition to catching five passes for 39 yards. Other than the running back, no other Browns player topped 35 yards total yards. The rookie was the only Cleveland player to make more than three catches.
Gary Barnidge caught the team’s only touchdown.
Playoff Bound:
With the win, the Seahawks clinched the team's fourth straight playoff appearance.
Up Next:
The Browns will stay on the road in Week 16, as the team travels to take on the AFC West’s Kansas City Chiefs. Seattle won’t be leaving the Pacific Northwest, as the Hawks will play host to the division-rival St. Louis Rams in Week 16.