2008 Seattle Seahawks season | |
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Owner | Paul Allen |
General manager | Tim Ruskell |
Head coach | Mike Holmgren |
Home field | Qwest Field |
Results | |
Record | 4–12 |
Division place | 3rd NFC West |
Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
Pro Bowlers | OT Walter Jones LB Julian Peterson |
All-Pros | OT Walter Jones (2nd team) |
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.
Round | Selection | Player | Position | College | Notes |
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1 | 28 | Lawrence Jackson | DE | USC | |
2 | 38 | John Carlson | TE | Notre Dame | |
4 | 121 | Red Bryant | DT | Texas A&M | |
5 | 163 | Owen Schmitt | FB | West Virginia | |
6 | 189 | Tyler Schmitt | LS | San Diego State | |
7 | 233 | Justin Forsett | RB | Cal | |
7 | 235 | Brandon Coutu | PK | Georgia |
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | Recap |
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1 | August 8 | at Minnesota Vikings | W 34–17 | 1–0 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | Recap |
2 | August 16 | Chicago Bears | W 29–26 | 2–0 | Qwest Field | Recap |
3 | August 25 | at San Diego Chargers | L 17–18 | 2–1 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
4 | August 29 | Oakland Raiders | W 23–16 | 3–1 | Qwest Field | Recap |
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | Recap |
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1 | September 7 | at Buffalo Bills | L 10–34 | 0–1 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | Recap |
2 | September 14 | San Francisco 49ers | L 30–33 (OT) | 0–2 | Qwest Field | Recap |
3 | September 21 | St. Louis Rams | W 37–13 | 1–2 | Qwest Field | Recap |
4 | Bye | |||||
5 | October 5 | at New York Giants | L 6–44 | 1–3 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
6 | October 12 | Green Bay Packers | L 17–27 | 1–4 | Qwest Field | Recap |
7 | October 19 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | L 10–20 | 1–5 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
8 | October 26 | at San Francisco 49ers | W 34–13 | 2–5 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
9 | November 2 | Philadelphia Eagles | L 7–26 | 2–6 | Qwest Field | Recap |
10 | November 9 | at Miami Dolphins | L 19–21 | 2–7 | Dolphin Stadium | Recap |
11 | November 16 | Arizona Cardinals | L 20–26 | 2–8 | Qwest Field | Recap |
12 | November 23 | Washington Redskins | L 17–20 | 2–9 | Qwest Field | Recap |
13 | November 27 | at Dallas Cowboys | L 9–34 | 2–10 | Texas Stadium | Recap |
14 | December 7 | New England Patriots | L 21–24 | 2–11 | Qwest Field | Recap |
15 | December 14 | at St. Louis Rams | W 23–20 | 3–11 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
16 | December 21 | New York Jets | W 13–3 | 4–11 | Qwest Field | Recap |
17 | December 28 | at Arizona Cardinals | L 21–34 | 4–12 | University of Phoenix Stadium | Recap |
NFC West | |||||||||
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W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
(4) Arizona Cardinals | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 6–0 | 7–5 | 427 | 426 | W1 |
San Francisco 49ers | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 3–3 | 5–7 | 339 | 381 | W2 |
Seattle Seahawks | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 3–3 | 3–9 | 294 | 392 | L1 |
St. Louis Rams | 2 | 14 | 0 | .125 | 0–6 | 2–10 | 232 | 465 | L10 |
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seahawks | 17 | 0 | 14 | 3 | 34 |
Vikings | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
at Metrodome, Minneapolis
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
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Bears | 0 | 5 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 26 |
Seahawks | 6 | 3 | 0 | 17 | 3 | 29 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seahawks | 7 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 17 |
Chargers | 0 | 10 | 0 | 8 | 18 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Raiders | 0 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 16 |
Seahawks | 10 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 23 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seahawks | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
Bills | 7 | 13 | 14 | 0 | 34 |
at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Game information | ||
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The Seahawks began their 2008 campaign on the road against the Buffalo Bills. In the first quarter, Seattle trailed early as Bills RB Marshawn Lynch got a 21-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Seahawks continued to struggle as WR/PR Roscoe Parrish returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. Seattle responded with QB Matt Hasselbeck completing a 20-yard TD pass to WR Nate Burleson. Buffalo closed out the half with kicker Rian Lindell getting a 35-yard and a 38-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Seahawks replied with kicker Olindo Mare nailing a 45-yard field goal. However, the Bills pulled a trick play on Seattle. Appearing to go for a 32-yard field goal, Buffalo's holder (punter Brian Moorman) instead threw a 19-yard TD pass to DE Ryan Denney. The Bills pulled away with QB Trent Edwards completing a 30-yard TD pass to TE Robert Royal.
With the loss, the Seahawks began their season at 0–1.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
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49ers | 3 | 10 | 14 | 3 | 3 | 33 |
Seahawks | 14 | 6 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 30 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle
Game information | ||
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Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Bills, the Seahawks played their Week 2 home opener their NFC West foe, the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, the 'Hawks RB Julius Jones got a 27-yard TD run, along with DT Craig Terrill returning a fumble 10 yards for a touchdown. The 49ers would reply with kicker Joe Nedney getting a 26-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Nedney gave San Francisco a 28-yard field goal. Seattle responded with kicker Olindo Mare getting a 51-yard field goal. The 49ers would hack away at the lead as QB J. T. O'Sullivan completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Bryant Johnson, yet the Seahawks closed out the half with Mare's 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, San Francisco took the lead with LB Patrick Willis returning an interception 86 yards for a touchdown, along with RB Frank Gore's 2-yard TD run. Seattle regained the lead as RB T. J. Duckett made a 1-yard TD run, along with Mare kicking a 32-yard field goal. However, the 49ers tied the game with Nedney's 28-yard field goal. In overtime, San Francisco's Nedney nailed the game-winning 40-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Seahawks fell to 0–2.
Julius Jones (26 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown) got his first 100-yard game since Week 14 of 2006.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Rams | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
Seahawks | 17 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 37 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle
Game information | ||
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The Seahawks stayed at home for a Week 3 NFC West duel with the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, Seattle's kicker Olindo Mare made a 28-yard field goal. The Seahawks continued their assault as QB Matt Hasselbeck completed a 10-yard TD pass to rookie WR Michael Bumpus and RB Julius Jones getting a 29-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Rams got on the board with former Seahawks kicker Olindo Mare getting a 43-yard field goal. Seattle would reply with RB T. J. Duckett getting a 4-yard TD run. St. Louis tried to rally as Brown kicked a 29-yard field goal, yet the Seahawks continued to increase their lead with Mare's 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Rams tried to come back as QB Marc Bulger completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Dane Looker. In the fourth quarter, Seattle flew away as Duckett got a 1-yard TD run and Mare nailed a 38-yard field goal.
With the win, the Seahawks entered their bye week at 1–2.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Seahawks | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Giants | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 44 |
at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
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Coming off their bye week, the Seahawks flew to Giants Stadium for a Week 5 duel with the defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants. In the first quarter, Seattle trailed early as QB Eli Manning completed a 32-yard TD pass to WR Domenik Hixon. The Seahawks responded with kicker Olindo Mare completing a 30-yard field goal, yet New York answered with RB Brandon Jacobs getting a 3-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Giants increased their lead with kicker John Carney getting a 29-yard field goal, Jacobs getting a 1-yard TD run, and Carney making a 33-yard field goal. Seattle closed out the half with Mare kicking a 29-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New York pulled away as Manning completed a 23-yard TD pass to WR Sinorice Moss, along with Carney nailing a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Giants sealed the win as QB David Carr completed a 5-yard TD pass to Moss.
With the loss, the Seahawks fell to 1–3.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Packers | 3 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 27 |
Seahawks | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle
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Hoping to rebound from their blowout road loss to the Giants, the Seahawks returned home for a Week 6 duel with the Green Bay Packers, as head coach Mike Holmgren faced his former team for the last time. Also, QB Seneca Wallace was unable to play due to a knee injury he suffered from last week. QB Charlie Frye was given the start.
In the first quarter, Seattle trailed early as Packers kicker Mason Crosby got a 29-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Seahawks took the lead as kicker Olindo Mare got a 50-yard field goal, while Frye completed a 6-yard TD pass to rookie TE John Carlson. Green Bay tied the game as QB Aaron Rodgers got a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Packers regained the lead as Rodgers completed a 45-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings. In the fourth quarter, Green Bay pulled away as Rodgers completed a 1-yard TD pass to FB John Kuhn, along with Crosby nailing a 51-yard field goal. Seattle tried to come back as Frye completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Keary Colbert, but the Packers' defense was too much.
With the loss, the Seahawks fell to 1–4.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seahawks | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
Buccaneers | 7 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
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Hoping to snap a two-game losing streak, the Seahawks flew to Raymond James Stadium for a Week 7 Sunday night duel with their 1976 expansion rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With QB Matt Hasselbeck recovering from an injured knee, back-up Seneca Wallace was given the start.
In the first quarter, Seattle trailed early as Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia completed a 47-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Bryant. In the second quarter, Tampa Bay increased their lead as RB Earnest Graham got a 1-yard TD run, along with kicker Matt Bryant getting a 27-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Seahawks got on the board as kicker Olindo Mare got a 26-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers sailed away as Bryant nailed a 27-yard field goal. Seattle ended the game's scoring as Wallace completed a 2-yard TD pass to rookie TE John Carlson.
With the loss, not only did the Seahawks fall to 1–5, but they also suffered their first-ever loss at Tampa Bay.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seahawks | 6 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
49ers | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco
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Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the Seahawks flew to Bill Walsh Field at Candlestick Park for a Week 8 NFC West rematch with the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, the Seahawks took flight as kicker Olindo Mare got a 43-yard and a 42-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Seattle increased its lead with RB T. J. Duckett getting a 1-yard TD run. The 49ers responded with kicker Joe Nedney getting a 42-yard field goal. The Seahawks closed out the half as CB Josh Wilson returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, San Francisco responded with Nedney making a 40-yard field goal, yet Seattle responded with QB Seneca Wallace completing a 43-yard TD pass to FB Leonard Weaver. In the fourth quarter, the 49ers tried to rally as QB Shaun Hill completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Jason Hill, yet the 'Hawks pulled away as Wallace hooked up with Weaver on a 62-yard TD pass.
With the win, the Seahawks improved to 2–5.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Eagles | 0 | 14 | 6 | 6 | 26 |
Seahawks | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle
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Coming off their divisional road win over the 49ers, the Seahawks went home for a Week 9 duel with the Philadelphia Eagles. In the first quarter, the 'Hawks immediately took flight as QB Seneca Wallace completed a franchise-long 90-yard TD pass to WR Koren Robinson. In the second quarter, the Eagles took the lead as QB Donovan McNabb completed a 22-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Brown and a 1-yard TD pass to Todd Herremans.
In the third quarter, Philadelphia continued its domination as kicker David Akers got a 39-yard and a 24-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles flew away as Akers nailed a 42-yard and a 39-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Seahawks fell to 2–6. As of 2024, this is their most recent loss to Philadelphia.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seahawks | 0 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 19 |
Dolphins | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
at Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
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The Seahawks flew to Dolphin Stadium for a Week 10 interconference duel with the Miami Dolphins. In the first quarter, Seattle trailed early as Dolphins QB Chad Pennington completed a 39-yard TD pass to WR Ted Ginn Jr. In the second quarter, the Seahawks continued to trail as Miami unleashed another play from the infamous "Wildcat Offense", with RB Ronnie Brown handing the ball off to RB Ricky Williams, who then took the ball 51 yards for a touchdown. Seattle responded as DB Jordan Babineaux returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Seahawks drew closer as former Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare nailed a 37-yard and a 27-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins answered with Brown getting a 16-yard TD run. Seattle tried to come back as QB Seneca Wallace completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Koren Robinson. However, Miami's defense prevented Wallace's 2-point conversion pass from working.
With the loss, the Seahawks fell to 2–7.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Cardinals | 10 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 26 |
Seahawks | 0 | 7 | 0 | 13 | 20 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle
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Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Seahawks went home for a Week 11 NFC West duel with the Arizona Cardinals. For this game, QB Matt Hasselbeck finally recovered from his knee injury and was able to reclaim his starting role.
In the first quarter, Seattle trailed early as Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers made a 38-yard field goal, along with RB J. J. Arrington getting a 4-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Arizona increased their lead as Rackers got a 48-yard field goal. The Seahawks got on the board as Hasselbeck completed a 13-yard TD pass to RB Maurice Morris. The Cardinals closed out the half with Rackers making a 54-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Arizona increased its lead as Rackers nailed a 26-yard field goal, along with Warner completing a 6-yard TD pass to Arrington. Seattle tried to rally as RB T. J. Duckett got a 1-yard (with a failed 2-point conversion) and a 2-yard TD run. However, the Cardinals' defense prevented any possible comeback.
With the loss, the Seahawks fell to 2–8.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Redskins | 0 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 20 |
Seahawks | 3 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle
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Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the Seahawks stayed at home for a Week 12 duel with the Washington Redskins, headed by former Seahawk QB/Assistant Coach Jim Zorn.
In the first quarter, Seattle took flight as kicker Olindo Mare got a 45-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Redskins took the lead with RB Ladell Betts getting a 1-yard TD run. The Seahawks got the lead again prior to halftime as QB Matt Hasselbeck completed a 4-yard TD pass to RB Maurice Morris.
In the third quarter, Washington retook the lead as kicker Shaun Suisham made a 26-yard field goal, while QB Jason Campbell completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Antwaan Randle El. In the fourth quarter, Seattle tried to come back as Hasselbeck completed a 10-yard TD pass to rookie TE John Carlson. However, the Redskins retook with Suisham nailing a 22-yard field goal. The Seahawks tried to get one final rally, but a Shawn Springs interception ended any hope of a comeback.
With the loss, Seattle fell to 2–9.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Seahawks | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 |
Cowboys | 14 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas
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Trying to snap a four-game losing streak, the Seahawks flew to Texas Stadium for a Week 13 Thanksgiving duel with the Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, Seattle trailed early as Cowboys QB Tony Romo completed a 16-yard TD pass to TE Martellus Bennett, along with RB Marion Barber getting a 2-yard TD run. The Seahawks would respond with kicker Olindo Mare getting a 44-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Dallas answered with Romo completing a 7-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten, while Folk got a 41-yard field goal. Seattle would close out the half with Mare making a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Seahawks tried to rally as Mare made a 25-yard field goal. The Cowboys replied with Romo completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. In the fourth quarter, Dallas closed out the game with Folk nailing a 42-yard field goal.
With the loss, Seattle fell to 2–10.
This would prove to be the final game in the career of Seahawks legend Walter Jones.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Patriots | 3 | 7 | 3 | 11 | 24 |
Seahawks | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle
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Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Seahawks | 7 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 23 |
Rams | 7 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
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The Rams played a solid 1st half but the Seahawks turned the tables with 10 points in the final 2:47 for a 23–20 victory Sunday. T. J. Duckett's 1-yard run tied it, the Rams fizzled while going three-and-out, and Olindo Mare's 27-yard field goal as time expired ended the Seahawks' six-game losing streak and extended the Rams' losing streak to 8.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Jets | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Seahawks | 0 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 13 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle
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After snapping a six-game losing streak the previous week, the Seahawks went home for a Week 16 interconference duel with the New York Jets, in what would be Mike Holmgren's last home game as the franchise's head coach.
Seattle would trail in the first quarter as Jets kicker Jay Feely got a 20-yard field goal. The Seahawks would respond with quarterback Seneca Wallace completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end John Carlson.
In the second half, Seattle pulled away with kicker Olindo Mare's 31-yard field goal in the third quarter and a 38-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, while the defense would shut down New York's offense.
With the win, the Seahawks improved to 4–11. This was the only time during the season that the Seahawks won back-to-back games as well as their only win over a team with a winning record. This was also only the second ever Seahawks home game with snow falling.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Seahawks | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
Cardinals | 0 | 14 | 14 | 6 | 34 |
at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
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Coming off their home win over the Jets, the Seahawks closed out the Mike Holmgren era at the University of Phoenix Stadium in a Week 17 NFC West rematch with the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle would get the first quarter lead as running back T. J. Duckett got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Cardinals would take the lead in the second quarter as quarterback Kurt Warner completed a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerheme Urban and a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The Seahawks tied the game prior to halftime as quarterback Seneca Wallace completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Deion Branch.
In the third quarter, Arizona retook the lead as Warner completed a 38-yard touchdown pass to Fitzgerald and a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Breaston. Seattle tried to come back in the fourth quarter as Wallace hooked up with Branch again on a 2-yard touchdown pass, but the Cardinals closed out the game with kicker Neil Rackers nailing a 23-yard and a 32-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Seahawks' season ended at 4–12.
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, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs as the top seed 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.
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.
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 2007 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 88th in the National Football League (NFL), their 20th in Arizona and their first under head coach Ken Whisenhunt. They improved upon their 5–11 record in 2006 after finishing last place in the NFC West, by finishing 8–8, but the failure of the Cardinals to qualify for the Super Bowl marked the 23rd consecutive year in which the Super Bowl did not include the team in whose region the game was being played in; Super Bowl XIV and Super Bowl XIX were the only postseasons with such an occurrence before 2007.
The 2007 season was the New Orleans Saints' 41st season in the National Football League (NFL), their 32nd playing home games at the Louisiana Superdome and their second under head coach Sean Payton. The team tried to improve upon its 10–6 record in 2006 and its third division title—the Saints' first in the NFC South. Their other two division titles were in the NFC West, prior to the league's 2002 realignment. After opening up the pre-season in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 5, 2007, the Saints ended with a 3–2 pre-season record. The Saints opened the regular season with a nationally televised game against the defending Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts, but ultimately had a disappointing season, finishing 2007 with a 7–9 record and were officially eliminated from postseason contention for the first time since 2005. The Saints also had no player make the Pro Bowl for the first time since their 1–15 1980 season.
The 2007 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 62nd season, and 58th in the National Football League (NFL). They ended their season with a disappointing record of 5–11 in 2007, failing to improve upon their 7–9 record from 2006. The 49ers offense struggled all season long—starting quarterback Alex Smith injured his shoulder early in the season, and newly promoted offensive coordinator Jim Hostler was the subject of much scrutiny and criticism regarding his play calling. Hostler was fired following the season.
The 2007 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's 13th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the team's 11th season at Bank of America Stadium. They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record in 2006, finishing at 7–9 and missing the playoffs for the second straight season.
The 2008 season was the St. Louis Rams' 71st in the National Football League (NFL) and their 14th in St. Louis. They failed to improve upon their 3–13 record from the previous season and dropped to a dismal 2–14 record.
The 2008 New York Jets season was the franchise's 39th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 49th season overall, and the third and final under head coach Eric Mangini. The team succeeded in improving upon their 4–12 record from 2007, but did not make the playoffs for the second straight 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.
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.
The 2010 season was the Chicago Bears' 91st season in the National Football League (NFL), and the seventh under head coach Lovie Smith.
The 2010 season was the Kansas City Chiefs' 41st in the National Football League (NFL), their 51st overall and their second under the head coach/general manager tandem of Todd Haley and Scott Pioli. The team improved on its 4–12 record from 2009, won their first AFC West division title since 2003, and made the playoffs for the first time since 2006. In 2010, the Chiefs moved training camp to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri after spending the previous 19 summers in River Falls, Wisconsin. As of 2022, the 2010 Chiefs are the only NFL team since 2002 to win its division with a losing division record.
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.
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 combined 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 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. The team exceeded their win total from 2009 and won the NFC West with a 7–9 record, and made the playoffs for the first time since 2007. 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.
The 2010 season was the Atlanta Falcons' 45th in the National Football League (NFL), their ninteenith playing their home games at Georgia Dome and their third under head coach Mike Smith.
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.
The 2010 season was the San Diego Chargers' 41st in the National Football League (NFL) and their 51st overall. The team failed to improve on their 13–3 record the previous season, finishing with a 9–7 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
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.