2010 Seattle Seahawks season

Last updated

2010 Seattle Seahawks season
Seahawks wordmark 2002-2011.gif
Owner Paul Allen
General manager John Schneider
Head coach Pete Carroll
Home field Qwest Field
Results
Record7–9
Division place1st NFC West
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs
(vs. Saints) 41–36
Lost Divisional Playoffs
(at Bears) 24–35
Pro Bowlers None
AP All-Pros KR Leon Washington (2nd team)

The 2010 season was the Seattle Seahawks' 35th in the National Football League (NFL), their ninth playing their home games at Qwest Field and their first under head coach Pete Carroll after Jim Mora was fired on January 8, 2010. [1] The team exceeded their win total from 2009 and won the NFC West with a 7–9 record. They became the first team in a full season to finish with a sub-.500 record and make the playoffs, a berth which was by virtue of winning the division. The 2010 Seahawks also became the first sub-.500 team to win a playoff game with their home win against the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints remembered as the Beast Quake game, but then had their season ended by the second-seeded Chicago Bears in the divisional round.

Contents

Statistics website Football Outsiders calculated that the 2010 Seahawks were the worst team that they had ever rated to qualify for the playoffs. [2]

Offseason

Front office changes

General manager Tim Ruskell resigned from his position two weeks before the 2009 regular season ended. Interim GM Ruston Webster took over until the season ended, but was not retained as GM. However, Webster left the team for a similar position for the Tennessee Titans instead. [3]

Surprisingly, the head coaching vacancy created by Mora's departure was actually filled first by the Seahawks through Pete Carroll. Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke suggested that Carroll and the GM would have a "collaborative relationship" over control of the team.

Among candidates interviewed for GM were former Tennessee Titans General Manager Floyd Reese and New York Giants scouting director Marc Ross. On January 19, 2010, the Seahawks officially signed Green Bay Packers director of football operations John Schneider as their official General Manager. [4]

Staff changes

Carroll returned to the NFL as the 8th head coach in Seahawks history PeteCarroll.JPG
Carroll returned to the NFL as the 8th head coach in Seahawks history

We're going to compete like crazy. Maybe like you've never seen. And I hope that will be the theme that will rise to us and that will be the most important part of it, because we are in the most competitive world that you can be in the NFL. I can't wait to get this thing underway. I can't wait to get it started.

— Pete Carroll, speaking from his introductory press conference as Seahawks Head Coach. [5]

Following a disastrous 5–11 season in his first season with the Seahawks, Jim Mora was fired on January 8, 2010. [6] Mora was apparently surprised and disappointed about the news, but Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke stated that the franchise was moving to a new direction to become successful. [1]

Within days after Mora was relieved as Head Coach, the Seahawks began to interview candidates such as USC Trojans football head coach Pete Carroll, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. Controversy aroused when news broke out that Carroll was in preliminary agreements to sign a contract as head coach and have full control of the franchise when neither Frazier or Rivera were interviewed, thus potentially breaking the Rooney Rule. However, Frazier agreed to an interview before the Seahawks signed Carroll as coach, thus fulfilling the rule. [7] Two days later, Carroll officially became the 8th head coach in franchise history. [8]

Within days after Carroll was hired, the rest of the coaching staff was revamped. With the exceptions of Gus Bradley and Dan Quinn, none of the coaches from Mora's tenure returned. [9] USC Football offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates joined as the Seahawks offensive coordinator, while Alex Gibbs from the Houston Texans would serve as offensive line coach and assistant head coach. [10] However, weeks before the start of the NFL regular season, Gibbs would suddenly retire from the position, with Carroll's former USC assistant Pat Ruel to take his spot. [11]

Key departures

Wide receiver Nate Burleson, after a four-year stint with the Seahawks, signed with the Detroit Lions on March 5, 2010, after 24 hours of free agency. [12] Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace, known for his versatility as a wide receiver, was sent to the Cleveland Browns on March 8, 2010 in exchange for a conditional 2011 NFL Draft pick.

Guard Rob Sims, who started regularly for the Seahawks for the past four years, was traded to the Lions in exchange for defensive end Robert Henderson and a fifth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. [13] Veteran defensive End Darryl Tapp was also traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Chris Clemons and a fourth-round pick. [14]

On April 13, 2010, Defensive end Patrick Kerney announced his retirement after 11 NFL seasons. Kerney made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and led the team in sacks on two occasions (2007 and 2009). [15] On April 29, 2010, Four-time All-Pro Left Tackle Walter Jones also announced his retirement after a 13-year career during which he became a cornerstone of the Seattle Seahawks organization. [16]

During training camp, the Seahawks continued to cut ties with many players. Former first-round pick Lawrence Jackson, who Carroll coached with at USC, was traded to the Detroit Lions for a sixth-round pick. [17] The previous year's starters including fullback Owen Schmitt and wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh were released from the team. [18] Defensive back Josh Wilson was traded to Baltimore for a conditional fifth-round pick. [19]

Key additions

Running back Leon Washington was acquired by the Seahawks on April 24, 2010. Leon Washington.jpg
Running back Leon Washington was acquired by the Seahawks on April 24, 2010.

Former San Diego Chargers quarterback Charlie Whitehurst was acquired by Seattle on March 18, 2010. Whitehurst competed for the starting job with Matt Hasselbeck. [20] Also, the Seahawks acquired defensive ends Chris Clemons and Robert Henderson respectively from the Eagles and Lions. Wide receiver Reggie Williams, a former first-round pick with the Jacksonville Jaguars and a former Washington Huskies standout, signed with the Seahawks on April 16, 2010. [21]

On the last day of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Seahawks acquired running back LenDale White and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson from the Tennessee Titans. [22] With the trade, White would have been reunited with his college coach Pete Carroll from USC, but was cut on May 28. Also, the New York Jets traded former Pro Bowler Leon Washington to Seattle. [23]

2010 NFL Draft

After finishing the 2009 season with a record of 5–11, the Seahawks held the 6th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. They also held the 14th overall pick as a result of a trade in the 2009 NFL Draft that gave their second-round pick 2009 to the Denver Broncos for their first-round pick in 2010. The Seahawks traded their third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles as part of a trade from the 2009 draft and gave up their second-round pick in the Charlie Whitehurst deal but also received another second-round pick from the San Diego Chargers

2010 Seattle Seahawks Draft
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
16 Russell Okung T Oklahoma State
114 Earl Thomas S Texas From Denver Broncos
260 Golden Tate WR Notre Dame From San Diego Chargers
4111 Walter Thurmond CB Oregon From Tennessee Titans
4127 E. J. Wilson DE North Carolina From New York Jets via
Philadelphia Eagles
5133 Kam Chancellor S Virginia Tech From Detroit Lions
6185 Anthony McCoy TE Southern California From Tennessee Titans
7236 Dexter Davis DE Arizona State From New York Jets
7245 Jameson Konz WR Kent State Compensatory pick

Staff

2010 Seattle Seahawks staff
Front office
  • Chairman – Paul Allen
  • President – Peter McLoughlin
  • General manager – John Schneider
  • Vice president of football administration – John Idzik
  • Vice president of football operations – Will Lewis
  • Senior personnel executive – Scot McCloughan
  • Director of pro personnel – Tag Ribary
  • Director of college scouting – Scott Fitterer
  • Assistant director of college scouting – Eric Stokes
  • Assistant director of pro personnel – Trent Kirchner

Head coaches

  • Executive vice president of football operations/head coach – Pete Carroll

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Head strength and conditioning – Chris Carlisle
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Mondray Gee
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Jamie Yancher

Final roster

2010 Seattle Seahawks final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
53 active, 11 inactive, 11 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1August 14 Tennessee Titans W 20–181–0 Qwest Field Recap
2August 21 Green Bay Packers L 24–271–1Qwest Field Recap
3August 28at Minnesota Vikings L 13–241–2 Mall of America Field Recap
4September 2at Oakland Raiders L 24–271–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Tennessee Titans

Preseason Week 1: Seattle Seahawks vs. Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Period1234Total
Titans7001118
Seahawks01010020

at Qwest Field, Seattle

Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers

Preseason Week 2: Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Packers14301027
Seahawks777324

at Qwest Field, Seattle

Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings

Preseason Week 3: Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period1234Total
Seahawks0103013
Vikings01001424

at Mall of America Field, Minneapolis

Week 4: at Oakland Raiders

Preseason Week 4: Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period1234Total
Seahawks3130824
Raiders1707327

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Regular season

Schedule

Divisional matchups: the NFC West played the NFC South and the AFC West.

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1September 12 San Francisco 49ers W 31–61–0 Qwest Field Recap
2September 19at Denver Broncos L 14–311–1 Invesco Field at Mile High Recap
3September 26 San Diego Chargers W 27–202–1 Qwest Field Recap
4October 3at St. Louis Rams L 3–202–2 Edward Jones Dome Recap
5 Bye
6October 17at Chicago Bears W 23–203–2 Soldier Field Recap
7October 24 Arizona Cardinals W 22–104–2 Qwest Field Recap
8October 31at Oakland Raiders L 3–334–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
9November 7 New York Giants L 7–414–4 Qwest Field Recap
10November 14at Arizona Cardinals W 36–185–4 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
11November 21at New Orleans Saints L 19–345–5 Louisiana Superdome Recap
12November 28 Kansas City Chiefs L 24–425–6 Qwest Field Recap
13December 5 Carolina Panthers W 31–146–6 Qwest Field Recap
14December 12at San Francisco 49ers L 21–406–7 Candlestick Park Recap
15December 19 Atlanta Falcons L 18–346–8 Qwest Field Recap
16December 26at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 15–386–9 Raymond James Stadium Recap
17January 2, 2011 St. Louis Rams W 16–67–9 Qwest Field Recap
Bold indicates division opponents.
Source: 2010 NFL season results [24]

    Standings

    NFC West
    		WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
    (4) Seattle Seahawks 790.4384–26–6310407W1
    St. Louis Rams 790.4383–35–7289328L1
    San Francisco 49ers 6100.3754–24–8305346W1
    Arizona Cardinals 5110.3131–53–9289434L1

    Game summaries

    Week 1: vs. San Francisco 49ers

    Week 1: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    49ers33006
    Seahawks01414331

    at Qwest Field, Seattle

    Game information

    The Seahawks began their season at home for an NFC West rivalry against the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, Seattle trailed early when 49ers kicker Joe Nedney made a 23-yard field goal, which was extended in the second quarter when Nedney made another 23-yard field goal. Then, the Seahawks fought back and took the lead when quarterback Matt Hasselbeck got a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by him making a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Deon Butler. In the third quarter, Seattle continued to dominate when cornerback Marcus Trufant returned an interception and ran 32 yards for a touchdown. This was followed by Hasselbeck's 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Deion Branch. In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks scored again when kicker Olindo Mare made a 35-yard field goal.

    With the win, Seattle began the season at 1–0.

    Week 2: at Denver Broncos

    Week 2: Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Seahawks007714
    Broncos7107731

    at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver

    Game information

    Coming off an easy win over the 49ers, the Seahawks flew to INVESCO Field at Mile High for an interconference duel with their former division rival, the Broncos. In the first quarter Seattle trailed early as quarterback Kyle Orton made a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eddie Royal, followed in the second quarter by running back Correll Buckhalter getting a 1-yard touchdown run. Then kicker Matt Prater made a 20-yard field goal to put the Broncos up 17–0. In the third quarter Seattle tried to cut the lead when quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ben Obomanu, but Denver scored with running back Knowshon Moreno getting a 1-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter Seattle fell further behind when Orton found wide receiver Demaryius Thomas on a 21-yard touchdown pass. Seattle would make the final score of the game when Hasselbeck scrambled 20 yards to the endzone for a touchdown.

    With the loss, Seattle fell to 1–1.

    Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers

    Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Chargers0012820
    Seahawks01071027

    at Qwest Field, Seattle

    Game information

    The Seahawks' third game was played at home ground when they played their former division rival, the San Diego Chargers. In the second quarter Seattle took the early lead when kicker Olindo Mare made a 23-yard field goal. Then quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end John Carlson. This was followed in the third quarter by running back Leon Washington returning a kickoff 101 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The lead was broken down with quarterback Philip Rivers getting a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Malcolm Floyd, followed by Hasselbeck getting sacked by linebacker Brandon Siler in the endzone for a safety. Then kicker Nate Kaeding made a 29-yard field goal. The Seahawks increased their lead when Mare made a 23-yard field goal, but the Chargers replied and tied the game when Rivers found tight end Antonio Gates on a 12-yard touchdown pass (with a successful two-point conversion as Rivers found wide receiver Legedu Naanee). Before the clock struck zero Seattle took the winning score as running back Leon Washington returned his second kickoff of the game into the endzone running 99 yards for a touchdown. Rivers and the Chargers attempted to make a comeback with less than a minute left, but was picked off by rookie Earl Thomas to seal the win for Seattle.

    With the win, Seattle improved to 2–1.

    Week 4: at St. Louis Rams

    Week 4: Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Seahawks03003
    Rams737320

    at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

    Game information

    The Seahawks' fourth game was played at Edward Jones Dome where they played an NFC west rivalry match against the Rams. In the first quarter the Seahawks trailed early as quarterback Sam Bradford completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Gibson. The Seahawks cut the lead with kicker Olindo Mare nailing a 22-yard field goal, but the Rams increased their lead when kicker Josh Brown made a 30-yard field goal, followed in the 3rd quarter by Bradford completing a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back Kenneth Darby. Then Josh Brown made a 31-yard field goal to put the Seahawks further behind.

    With the loss, Seattle fell to 2–2 coming into their bye week and their 10-game winning streak against the Rams was snapped.

    Week 6: at Chicago Bears

    Week 6: Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Seahawks772723
    Bears760720

    at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

    Game information

    Following a bye week, the Seahawks traveled to Soldier Field and face the Chicago Bears with a new weapon in running back Marshawn Lynch. Chicago quickly scored in the first quarter with a Matt Forte 6-yard run, but Matt Hasselbeck and the offense would respond quickly with a 22-yard touchdown reception by Deon Butler. Seattle would extend the lead to 14–7 with a Justin Forsett touchdown run near the beginning of the 2nd quarter, but two Chicago field goals made by Robbie Gould would bring the Bears to a one-point deficit at halftime. However, Chicago's offense was continuously hampered by the Seahawks' blitzes, roughing up Jay Cutler for 6 sacks and a safety in the 3rd quarter. Lynch would score his first touchdown as a Seahawk later in the game, extending Seattle's lead to 23–13. The Bears tried to rallied within the last few minutes of the game as Devin Hester scored on an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown (his 13th, which tied an NFL record for most punt/kick return touchdowns by a single player), but an onside kick recovered by tight end John Carlson sealed Seattle's first non-division road victory since 2007.

    With the win, the Seahawks moved to 3–2.

    Week 7: vs. Arizona Cardinals

    Week 7: Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Cardinals007310
    Seahawks739322

    at Qwest Field, Seattle

    Game information

    Coming off their win over the Bears the Seahawks played on home ground for an NFC West rivalry match against the Cardinals. In the first quarter the Seahawks took the lead as kicker Olindo Mare got a 20-yard field goal. Followed in the second quarter by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck making a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Williams. The Seahawks increased their lead in the 3rd quarter with Mare nailing a 31 and a 51-yard field goal. The Cardinals replied with running back Beanie Wells getting a 2-yard touchdown run. The Seahawks continued to score with Mare hitting a 24-yard field goal, but the Cardinals responded in the fourth quarter with kicker Jay Feely getting a 24-yard field goal. The Seahawks pulled away with Mare making a 26-yard field goal.

    With the win, the Seahawks improved to 4–2.

    Week 8: at Oakland Raiders

    Week 8: Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Seahawks00033
    Raiders3732033

    at Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, California

    Game information

    Hoping to increase their winning streak the Seahawks flew to Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum where they played their former division rival, the Oakland Raiders. The Seahawks immediately trailed on a scoring rally by the Raiders with kicker Sebastian Janikowski nailing a 31-yard field goal. This was followed in the second quarter by quarterback Jason Campbell's 30-yard touchdown pass to FB Marcel Reece. Then in the third quarter Janikowski made a 36-yard field goal. Then he made a 22-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to put the Raiders up 16–0. The Seahawks struggled further with Campbell getting a 69-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. The Seahawks would make their only score of the game with kicker Olindo Mare hitting a 47-yard field goal. However, they continued to trail as Janikowski made a 49-yard field goal, followed by running back Michael Bush making a 4-yard touchdown run.

    With the loss, the Seahawks fell to 4–3.

    Week 9: vs. New York Giants

    Week 9: New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Giants21146041
    Seahawks00077

    at Qwest Field, Seattle

    Game information

    The Seahawks' eighth game was an NFC duel with the Giants at home. The Giants took control with running back Ahmad Bradshaw getting a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by Eli Manning's 46-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, followed by Bradshaw's 4-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, quarterback Eli Manning found wide receiver Steve Smith and tight end Kevin Boss on 6 and 5-yard touchdown passes respectively. The lead was expanded by kicker Lawrence Tynes who made a 25 and a 20-yard field goal. Seattle made their only score of the game, with quarterback Charlie Whitehurst completing a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ben Obomanu.

    With the loss, Seattle fell to 4–4. This also marks the first time that they lost to the Giants at home since 1981.

    Week 10: at Arizona Cardinals

    Week 10: Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Seahawks71091036
    Cardinals730818

    at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

    Game information

    Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Giants the Seahawks flew to University of Phoenix Stadium for an NFC West rivalry match against the Cardinals. In the first quarter the Seahawks trailed early as running back Tim Hightower got a 2-yard touchdown run. They replied with running back Marshawn Lynch getting a 1-yard touchdown run. They took the lead with kicker Olindo Mare getting a 41-yard field goal, but the Cardinals replied with kicker Jay Feely nailing a 23-yard field goal. They took control with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completing a 63-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Deon Butler. This was followed in the third quarter by a 34, 19 and 23-yard field goal from Mare. In the fourth quarter Mare got another 19-yard field goal to put the Seahawks up 29–10. The Cardinals responded with quarterback Derek Anderson making a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Early Doucet (with a successful two-point conversion as Anderson found wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald), but the Seahawks put the game away with running back Justin Forsett getting a 4-yard touchdown run.

    With the win, not only did the Seahawks improve to 5–4, but they swept the Cardinals for the first time since 2005.

    Week 11: at New Orleans Saints

    Week 11: Seattle Seahawks at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Seahawks3130319
    Saints7207034

    at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans

    Game information

    The Seahawks' tenth game was an NFC duel with the Saints. In the first quarter the Seahawks took the lead as kicker Olindo Mare hit a 20-yard field goal; but the Saints pulled ahead after running back Chris Ivory got a 1-yard touchdown run. The lead narrowed in the second quarter by Mare getting a 43-yard field goal, but the Seahawks fell further behind when quarterback Drew Brees made a 23 and a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston and wide receiver Robert Meachem respectively. The Seahawks cut the lead again after quarterback Matt Hasselbeck got a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ben Obomanu; but the Saints replied with Brees throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to Colston. The Seahawks tried to cut the lead with Mare hitting a 43-yard field goal. The lead extended in the third quarter with Brees finding Meachem again on a 32-yard touchdown pass. The Seahawks made the only score of the fourth quarter with Mare making a 20-yard field goal; however, the Saints' defense closed off any more chances.

    With the loss, Seattle fell to 5–5.

    Week 12: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

    Week 12: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Chiefs71402142
    Seahawks737724

    at Qwest Field, Seattle

    Game information

    Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Saints the Seahawks played on home ground where they played their former division rival, the Kansas City Chiefs. In the first quarter, the Seahawks trailed early with quarterback Matt Cassel getting a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. They responded after free safety Earl Thomas returned a blocked punt 10 yards for a touchdown. They fell behind as Shaun Smith got a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Cassel finding Bowe again on a 36-yard touchdown pass. The Seahawks cut the lead when kicker Olindo Mare got a 43-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck getting a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Baker. The struggled further with running back Jamaal Charles getting a 3-yard touchdown run, followed by Cassel throwing to Bowe on a 9-yard touchdown pass. The Seahawks responded as Hasselbeck completed an 87-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ben Obomanu, but the Chiefs increased their lead as Cassel got a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Moeaki.

    With the loss, Seattle fell to 5–6.

    Week 13: vs. Carolina Panthers

    Week 13: Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Panthers770014
    Seahawks0321731

    at Qwest Field, Seattle

    Game information

    Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Chiefs the Seahawks played on home ground for an NFC duel with the Panthers. In the first quarter the Seahawks trailed early as running back Mike Goodson got a 6-yard touchdown run, followed by running back Jonathan Stewart getting a 3-yard touchdown run. They commanded the rest of the game with kicker Olindo Mare getting a 24-yard field goal, followed by running back Marshawn Lynch getting a 1-yard touchdown run, then with Lofa Tatupu returning an interception 26 yards for a touchdown. The lead was extended with Lynch getting touchdown runs of 1 yard and 22 yards.

    With the win, not only did the Seahawks improve to 6–6, they surpassed their victory mark of the last 2 seasons.

    Week 14: at San Francisco 49ers

    Week 14: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Seahawks707721
    49ers102010040

    at Candlestick Park, San Francisco

    Game information

    After their win over the Panthers the Seahawks flew to Candlestick Park for an NFC West rivalry match against the 49ers. The Seahawks trailed early with quarterback Alex Smith completing a 42-yard touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Davis, but they replied with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck throwing an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ruvell Martin. They fell further behind when kicker Jeff Reed hit a 33 and a 44-yard field goal, followed by Smith completing a 15 and a 62-yard touchdown pass to Josh Morgan and Brian Westbrook respectively. This was followed by Reed making a 22-yard field goal, and in the third quarter with free safety Dashon Goldson returning an interception 39 yards for a touchdown. After that, Reed kicked a 36-yard field goal to put the 49ers up 40–7. The Seahawks tried to cut the lead down but only came away with running back Leon Washington returning the kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown, and in the fourth quarter with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck getting a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Deon Butler.

    With the loss, Seattle fell to 6–7.

    Week 15: vs. Atlanta Falcons

    Week 15: Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Falcons01717034
    Seahawks730818

    at Qwest Field, Seattle

    Game information

    Hoping to rebound from their loss to the 49ers the Seahawks played on home ground for an NFC duel with the Falcons. In the first quarter the Seahawks took the lead with running back Marshawn Lynch getting a 1-yard touchdown run, with the Falcons replying with quarterback Matt Ryan making a 3-yard touchdown pass to fullback Jason Snelling. The Seahawks trailed slightly with kicker Matt Bryant hitting a 27-yard field goal, but managed to tie the game with kicker Olindo Mare nailing a 38-yard field goal. They struggled to keep up after Ryan completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Jenkins, followed by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck losing the ball in the endzone which was picked up by defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux for a touchdown. This was followed by Bryant getting a 25-yard field goal, and then with Ryan getting a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White. The Seahawks tried to cut the lead, but only came away with quarterback Charlie Whitehurst scrambling a yard for a touchdown.

    With the loss, Seattle fell to 6–8.

    Week 16: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Week 16: Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Seahawks700815
    Buccaneers31414738

    at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

    Game information

    Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Falcons the Seahawks flew to Raymond James Stadium for an NFC duel with the Buccaneers. The Seahawks took the early lead with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck scrambling 1 yard for a touchdown, but failed to maintain this lead with kicker Connor Barth hitting a 46-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Josh Freeman completing a 10 and a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Winslow and to wide receiver Mike Williams. The Seahawks fell further behind when Freeman connected with Winslow and Williams again on a 21 and a 7-yard touchdown pass. The Seahawks tried to come back with running back Leon Washington getting a 16-yard touchdown run (with a successful two-point conversion as quarterback Charlie Whitehurst connected with wide receiver Ben Obomanu), but struggled to keep up as Freeman made a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Maurice Stovall.

    With the loss, Seattle fell to 6–9.

    Week 17: vs. St. Louis Rams

    Week 17: St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Rams03306
    Seahawks703616

    at Qwest Field, Seattle

    Game information

    Hoping to end their season on a positive note, the Seahawks went home for a Week 17 NFC West rematch with the St. Louis Rams, with the division title on the line. Seattle delivered the game's opening strike in the first quarter as quarterback Charlie Whitehurst found wide receiver Mike Williams on a 4-yard touchdown pass. The Rams answered in the second quarter with former Seahawks kicker Josh Brown making a 32-yard field goal.

    St. Louis continued to pound away at Seattle's lead in the third quarter as Brown got a 27-yard field goal, but the Seahawks replied with a 31-yard field goal from kicker Olindo Mare. Afterwards, Seattle pulled away in the fourth quarter with Mare's 38-yard and 34-yard field goals.

    With the win, not only did the Seahawks finish the regular season at 7–9, but they also won the NFC West for the first time since 2007 and secured the NFC's #4 seed. Also, Seattle became the first team in NFL history to make the playoffs in a non-strike season and become division champions with a losing record.

    Postseason

    Seattle entered the postseason as the #4 seed in the NFC.

    Schedule

    RoundDateOpponent (seed)ResultRecordVenueRecap
    Wild CardJanuary 8, 2011 New Orleans Saints (5)W 41–36 1–0 Qwest Field Recap
    DivisionalJanuary 16, 2011at Chicago Bears (2)L 24–351–1 Soldier Field Recap

    Game summaries

    NFC Wild Card Playoff: vs. #5 New Orleans Saints

    NFC Wild Card Playoff: #5 New Orleans Saints at #4 Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Saints101001636
    Seahawks71710741

    at Qwest Field, Seattle

    Game information

    Entering the postseason as the NFC's #4 seed, the Seahawks began their playoff run at home in the NFC Wild Card Round against the #5 New Orleans Saints in a rematch of their Week 11 duel. Seattle trailed early in the first quarter as Saints kicker Garrett Hartley got a 26-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Drew Brees completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to fullback Heath Evans. The Seahawks answered with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck finding tight end John Carlson on an 11-yard touchdown pass. New Orleans responded in the second quarter with running back Julius Jones getting a 5-yard touchdown run, but Seattle took the lead with Hasselbeck connecting with Carlson again on a 7-yard touchdown pass, Mare booting a 29-yard field goal and Hasselbeck hooking up with wide receiver Brandon Stokley on a 45-yard touchdown pass. The Saints closed out the half with Hartley getting a 22-yard field goal.

    The Seahawks added onto their lead in the third quarter as Hasselbeck found wide receiver Mike Williams on a 38-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 39-yard field goal from Mare. New Orleans ate away at their deficit in the fourth quarter with Jones' 4-yard touchdown run and Hartley's 21-yard field goal, but Seattle came right back with a 67-yard touchdown run from running back Marshawn Lynch. The Saints tried to rally with Brees completing a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Devery Henderson (with a failed two-point conversion), but a failed onside kick helped preserve Seattle's victory.

    With the win, not only did the Seahawks improve their overall record to 8–9, but they became the first sub-.500 team in NFL history to win a playoff game as well as dethroning the defending world champion Saints from further playoff contention.

    It was later determined that crowd activity and noise was so great, specifically during Marshawn Lynch's game-clinching touchdown run (commonly referred to as the Beast Quake), that a nearby seismic monitoring station registered a small tremor located at Qwest Field. [25] With the win, the Seahawks had a 6–3 record at home for the season.

    NFC Divisional Playoff: at #2 Chicago Bears

    NFC Divisional Playoff: #4 Seattle Seahawks at #2 Chicago Bears – Game summary
    Period1234Total
    Seahawks0032124
    Bears1477735

    at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

    Game information

    Coming off their win over the Saints, the Seahawks flew to Soldier Field for the NFC Divisional Round against the #2 Chicago Bears, in a rematch of their Week 6 matchup. Seattle trailed early in the first quarter as Bear quarterback Jay Cutler completed a 58-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen, followed by running back Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard touchdown run. Chicago added onto their lead in the second quarter as Cutler got a 6-yard touchdown run.

    The Bears continued their dominating day in the third quarter as Cutler got a 9-yard touchdown run. Seattle finally answered with a 30-yard field goal from kicker Olindo Mare. The Seahawks tried to rally in the fourth quarter as quarterback Matt Hasselbeck found wide receiver Mike Williams on a 38-yard touchdown pass, but Chicago pulled away with Cutler completing a 39-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Davis. Seattle continued to try to rally as Hasselbeck connected with Williams again on a 3-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Stokley, but the Bears held on to preserve the win.

    With the loss, the Seahawks' season came to an end with an overall record at 8–10.

    Related Research Articles

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2005 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 30th season in franchise history; first Super Bowl appearance

    The 2005 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 30th season in the National Football League (NFL), their fourth playing their home games at Qwest Field and their seventh season under head coach Mike Holmgren. They won the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game and played in Super Bowl XL, which they lost 21–10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Seahawks compiled a 13–3 record in the regular season, easily winning the NFC West and earning the NFC top seed, thus clinching home field advantage in the NFC playoffs for the first time in franchise history. There, they beat the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers to win the George Halas Trophy, and advance to their first ever Super Bowl. Combining the regular season and postseason, the Seahawks finished with a perfect 10–0 record at Qwest Field. The 2005 team was widely considered the best team in club history until the Super Bowl XLVIII championship. The 2005 season was also the team's 30th anniversary season in the NFL. The Seahawks were the only NFC team from the 2004 playoffs to qualify for the 2005 playoffs.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2006 Minnesota Vikings season</span> NFL team season

    The 2006 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 46th in the National Football League (NFL). Under new head coach Brad Childress, the team finished with a 6–10 record; however, they led the league in rushing defense, surrendering only 985 rushing yards; they are one of only two franchises in NFL history to allow fewer than 1,000 rushing yards in a 16-game season.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2006 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 31st season in franchise history

    The 2006 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 31st season in the National Football League (NFL), fifth season playing at Qwest Field, and eighth under head coach Mike Holmgren. The season began with the team attempting to improve on their 13–3 record from 2005, repeat as National Football Conference (NFC) champions, and return to the Super Bowl. The team, while winning their NFC West division, only advanced as far as the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs, losing to the eventual NFC champion Chicago Bears in overtime.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 32nd season in franchise history

    The 2007 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 32nd season in the National Football League (NFL), sixth season in Qwest Field and the ninth under head coach Mike Holmgren. The team improved on their 9–7 record in 2006 and secured its fourth consecutive NFC West division title and its fifth consecutive playoff appearance. Also, the team set an NFL record for the fewest penalties since the NFL expanded to a 16-game season, with 59. In the playoffs, the Seahawks defeated the Washington Redskins in the wild card round, but fell to Holmgren’s former team, the Green Bay Packers, in the divisional round.

    The 2005 season was the Carolina Panthers' 11th in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach John Fox. It was also the team's ninth season at Bank of America Stadium. They improved on their 7–9 record from 2004, going 11–5, and made it to the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl appearance in 2003. They eventually fell to the Seattle Seahawks 34–14 in the NFC Championship Game.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 33rd season in franchise history; final one with coach Mike Holmgren

    The 2008 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 33rd season in the National Football League (NFL), the seventh season in Qwest Field, and the tenth and final under head coach Mike Holmgren. The Seahawks' streak of four consecutive NFC West divisional championships was broken, as they fell to a 4–12 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

    The 2008 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 59th in the National Football League (NFL), their 63rd overall, and their fourth and final under the head coach Mike Nolan. The team improved on their 5–11 record from the 2007 season, and ended the season with a 7–9 record. They failed to reach the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. It was the final season that the 49ers wore their 1996 dark red uniforms. With the 49ers offense struggling the previous season, offensive coordinator Jim Hostler was fired and replaced by Mike Martz. In addition, Scot McCloughan was promoted from vice president of player personnel to general manager. Mike Nolan was terminated after a 29–17 loss to the New York Giants in Week 8.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 49th season in franchise history

    The 2009 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 49th in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach Brad Childress. The Vikings improved upon their 10–6 record and defended their NFC North title from 2008, their first successful defense of a divisional title since they won six NFC Central titles in a row between 1973 and 1978. They beat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, but lost the NFC Championship Game in overtime to the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, missing out on what would have been their first Super Bowl since Super Bowl XI in 1976. This year's NFC Championship Game is also dubbed by many as the "Bountygate Game" that also resulted in several players and coaching staff receiving 12-month suspensions three years later. The Vikings had 10 Pro Bowlers and four All-Pros on their roster, both league-highs for the season.

    The 2009 season was the St. Louis Rams' 72nd in the National Football League (NFL), and their 15th in St. Louis. Due to the Rams winning only against the Detroit Lions, they finished with the NFL's worst record at 1–15, earning the first overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft in Steve Spagnuolo's first season as a head coach.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Arizona Cardinals season</span> NFL team season

    The 2009 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 90th in the National Football League (NFL), their 22nd in Arizona and their third under head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

    The 2009 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 34th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 8th playing their home games at Qwest Field and the first and only season under head coach Jim Mora. The Seahawks slightly improved from their 4–12 record and a third-place finish in what was Mike Holmgren's final season coaching the team in 2008 and finished with a 5–11 record. However, Mora was fired January 8, 2010.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Chicago Bears season</span> NFL team season

    The 2010 Chicago Bears season was the franchise's 91st season overall in the National Football League (NFL). Coming off a disappointing 7–9 record in the 2009 season and failing to qualify for the NFL playoffs for a third consecutive season, the Bears sought to develop their roster and improve on their record in 2010, particularly their standing in the NFC North. All Bears home games were scheduled to be played at Soldier Field. With their final regular season record at 11–5, the Bears improved drastically on their 2009 record. Their regular season finished with their first playoff appearance since the Super Bowl season of 2006, winning the NFC North division and earning a bye as the NFC's second seed. The Bears won their first game in the Divisional round of the playoffs, defeating the Seattle Seahawks, to advance to the NFC Championship game. However, their season came to an end with a 21–14 loss to their longtime rivals and eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

    The 2010 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's 16th season in the National Football League (NFL), and their ninth and final under head coach John Fox. They entered the season trying to improve on their 8–8 record from 2009, but failed to do so with a record of 2–14 and were officially eliminated from postseason contention in Week 11. It was the franchise's worst record since 2001, when they went 1–15, until the 2023 team went 2-15. In Week 16, the team clinched the NFL's worst record of the year and earned the #1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. They would go on to select quarterback Cam Newton with that pick. On December 31, 2010, it was announced that the contracts of Fox and his entire coaching staff would not be renewed.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 San Francisco 49ers season</span> 65th season in franchise history

    The 2010 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 65th season, their 61st in the National Football League (NFL), and the third year with Mike Singletary as the head coach. The 49ers were looking to build upon their 8–8 season in 2009.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 St. Louis Rams season</span> NFL team season

    The 2010 season was the St. Louis Rams' 73rd in the National Football League (NFL), and their 16th in St. Louis. The team greatly improved on their near winless record of 1–15 from the 2009 season by achieving more total victories than in their previous three seasons for a record of 7–9, which almost won a weak NFC West ultimately decided by a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the final week. Since the start of the 2007 NFL season, the Rams had won just 6 combined games and had not qualified for the playoffs since 2004. In the 2010 NFL Draft, the Rams had the number 1 overall pick, which they picked Sam Bradford from Oklahoma. This year marked their second season under head coach Steve Spagnuolo. The Rams played all of their home games at the Edward Jones Dome, in St. Louis, Missouri.

    The 2010 Atlanta Falcons season was the 45th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL).

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Arizona Cardinals season</span> NFL team season

    The 2010 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 91st in the National Football League (NFL) and their 23rd in Arizona. The Cardinals attempted to improve on their 10–6 record from 2009. But after a modest 3–2 start, the Cardinals fell apart by losing 9 of their remaining 11 contests. They were eliminated from postseason contention for the first time since 2007 in Week 15.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 51st season in franchise history

    The 2010 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League (NFL), and the second season playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium. After falling to the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round of the 2009-10 NFL Playoffs, the Cowboys sought to defend their NFC East division title and contend for a Super Bowl Championship, particularly given that Super Bowl XLV would be played at Cowboys Stadium. However, this did not happen and after a 1–7 start Wade Phillips became the first coach in Cowboys history to be fired during the season. He was replaced by offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. The Cowboys finished the season 6–10, 3rd place in the NFC East, and failed to reach the playoffs. However, under Garrett the team's record was 5–3 as compared to the 1–7 start under Phillips.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 New Orleans Saints season</span> NFL team season

    The 2010 season was the New Orleans Saints' 44th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 35th playing home games in the Louisiana Superdome. From 2009, the Saints were coming off their first Super Bowl-winning season and the most successful in franchise history, having begun undefeated for 13 consecutive games only to lose their three final regular season encounters to finish 13–3. The Saints also attempted to win the NFC South Division title for the third time in history, earn their first consecutive postseason berths since 1991, and successfully defend their conference and league championships. The Saints failed to improve on their 13–3 record, finishing 11–5 and qualifying for the playoffs as a wild card team. The Saints were eliminated in the first round by the Seattle Seahawks, who were the first team with a losing record (7–9) to qualify for the playoffs and/or win a division title in a full season. Sean Payton served his fifth year as head coach.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Los Angeles Rams season</span> 84th season in franchise history

    The 2020 season was the Los Angeles Rams' 83rd season in the National Football League (NFL), their 84th overall, their 54th in the Greater Los Angeles Area, and their fourth under head coach Sean McVay. It also marked the team's first season playing their home games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, which the team shares with the Los Angeles Chargers. This was the first season in which the Rams would share the same venue as the Chargers since 1960. They improved on their 9–7 season from the previous year after a Week 17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, returning to the playoffs after missing out last season. The Rams' strong defense finished the year with just 296 points allowed, the fewest in the league.

    References

    1. 1 2 Glazer, Jay (January 9, 2010). "Seahawks fire head coach Mora, target Carroll". Fox Sports. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    2. ↑ "2010 Team DVOA Ratings: Overall | Football Outsiders".
    3. ↑ O'Neil, Danny (May 14, 2010). "Seahawks announce Ruston Webster's departure". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    4. ↑ "Schneider returns to Seahawks, this time as general manager". NFL.com. January 20, 2010. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
    5. ↑ Farnsworth, Clare (January 12, 2010). "Extending your expectations". Seahawks.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    6. ↑ Johns, Greg (January 8, 2010). "Jim Mora fired as Seahawks coach". seattlepi.com. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    7. ↑ O'Neil, Danny (January 9, 2010). "NFL commissioner says Seahawks complied with the Rooney Rule". seattletimes.nwsource.com. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    8. ↑ "Seahawks hire Carroll as coach". SI.com. January 11, 2010. Archived from the original on February 4, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    9. ↑ O'Neil, Danny (January 14, 2010). "Coaching staff updates". seattletimes.nwsource.com. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    10. ↑ "Source: Seahawks add Alex Gibbs to staff". Boston Herald. January 12, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    11. ↑ Johns, Greg (September 5, 2010). "Carroll hiring former USC assistant to replace Gibbs". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    12. ↑ Brandt, Andrew (March 5, 2010). "Burleson finds match in Lions". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    13. ↑ O'Neil, Danny (April 5, 2010). "Seahawks trade guard Rob Sims to Detroit Lions". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    14. ↑ O'Neil, Danny (March 16, 2010). "Seahawks trade Darryl Tapp for Chris Clemons, fourth-round pick". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    15. ↑ Physical toll too much for Seahawks DE Kerney, who says he'll retire
    16. ↑ Jones retires after 13 seasons
    17. ↑ O'Neil, Danny (August 18, 2010). "Lawrence Jackson traded to Detroit". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on October 26, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    18. ↑ "2021 NFL League Transactions - Trades Waivers, Signings & more". NFL.com .
    19. ↑ "Ravens pry CB Josh Wilson, a Maryland alum, away from Seahawks". USA Today. August 31, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    20. ↑ "Seahawks trade for Chargers QB Whitehurst". March 18, 2010.
    21. ↑ O'Neil, Danny (April 16, 2010). "Reggie Williams signs with Seahawks". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
    22. ↑ "Titans trade RB White to Seahawks". FOX Sports. April 24, 2010.
    23. ↑ "Jets trade tailback Washington to Seahawks". April 24, 2010.
    24. ↑ 2010 NFL season results, NFL.com, accessed February 14, 2015.
    25. ↑ Earthquake measured during Marshawn Lynch touchdown
    This page is based on this Wikipedia article
    Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
    Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.