Comeback ‘Hawks

In an incredible, thrilling offensive shootout, the Seahawks scored the game’s final 10 points thanks to a remarkable performance from Russell Wilson, who threw for 339 yards and two touchdowns, making clutch throw after clutch throw in the final quarter.

Carolina was on the brink of taking the lead in the game’s final two minutes, but Graham Gano missed a field goal from 51 yards out, setting the stage for Wilson’s heroics. A long bomb to Tyler Lockett on 3rd down set up Sebastian Janikowski to make his own game-winner as time expired.

Seattle overcame a tremendous showing by Christian McCaffrey (239 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns), plus horrendous fumble luck (none recovered on five attempts), as well as an off day rushing the ball to get above .500 and a significantly boosted chance of making the playoffs. This was Carolina’s first home loss all season, and it might cost them dearly down the line.

This really should be a rebuilding year for the Seattle Seahawks. So many of the cornerstone players from their Super Bowl teams — the “Legion of Boom” secondary, for instance — are gone. This season represents a time to start over, take a few steps back and start putting the pieces in place for a future contender, doesn’t it?

The Seahawks apparently don’t think so. They made big play after big play down the stretch Sunday at Bank of America Stadium and escaped with a 30-27 triumph that bolstered their NFC playoff chances and damaged those of the reeling Carolina Panthers.

“We’ve got a long ways to go,” Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll said. “We’re alive. … We’re already in the playoffs as far as we’re concerned. We’ve got to win every game.”