How the NFC West Was Won Week 8: Seahawks move into first place

Oct 30, 2017, 7:40 AM | Updated: 11:59 am

Seattle Seahawks wide receivers Paul Richardson, left, and wide receiver Doug Baldwin, right, celebrate after Richardson scored a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

BY VINCE MAROTTA

Arizona Sports

Only half the division was in action Sunday, but the Seahawks-Texans game provided enough entertainment for everyone.

Russell Wilson turned in one of the best performances of his career in leading Seattle to a thrilling 41-38 win over Houston at CenturyLink Field.

Meanwhile, the 49ers reached a new low in their franchise history by getting blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

The Rams and Cardinals had the week off, but here’s everything that went down in the NFC West this week…

Seattle Seahawks 41, Houston Texans 38

This might have been the most entertaining game of the 2017 season — for everyone not rooting for the Texans. Quarterbacks Deshaun Watson of Houston and Russell Wilson of Seattle just went back-and-forth, providing highlight after highlight with a few turnovers mixed in.

The lead changed five times in the last 17:24 of the game, with Seattle getting the last laugh on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Jimmy Graham with only 21 seconds to play. Prior to that, the Texans had a chance to ice the game. Facing a 3rd-and-4 from their own 28-yard line with 1:49 left, when a first down would have clinched it, Bill O’Brien got very conservative. Watson handed off to Lamar Miller, who gained two yards (and averaged 2.6 per carry on the day), and Houston punted the ball, giving Seattle 1:39 to work with. It didn’t take Wilson long to take advantage.

He hit Paul Richardson with a 48-yard pass on first down, then connected with Tyler Lockett for 19 yards down to the Houston 18-yard line on the second play, setting the stage for his game-winning throw to Graham.

Stat of the Game: Seattle won the game despite getting only three rushing yards on 17 attempts by players not named Russell Wilson.

He Said It: “When Russell has the ball, I always believe he is going to make a play. We’ve got some of the greatest offensive weapons in the NFL, and Russell is just a great player.” — Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett

What’s Next: The Seahawks will host the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field Sunday afternoon.

Philadelphia Eagles 33, San Francisco 49ers 10

Few offseason coaching hires generated as much attention and as many headlines as San Francisco plucking Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to take over the 49ers.

Not one of the headlines since has included the word ‘victory’ in describing the Niners’ Sunday activities.

San Francisco fell to 0-8 under its new head coach with a resounding loss on the road against first-place Philadelphia.

The Eagles used a Carson Wentz-to-Zach Ertz touchdown pass, an interception return for a touchdown by Jalen Mills and two Jake Elliott field goals to build a 20-0 lead in the third quarter. The 49ers finally got on the board when Matt Breida scored on a 21-yard shovel pass from C.J. Beathard, but Philadelphia answered right back with touchdowns from Alshon Jeffery and LeGarrette Blount to pull away again.

Stat of the Game: The 49ers are 0-8 for the first time in their franchise history, which dates back to 1946.

He Said It: “We’re a young team with a new coaching staff. This is where you find out a lot about guys when you’re 0-8. How do you act and how do you react?” — 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard

What’s Next: The 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

Award Winners

Offensive Player of the Week: Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks – Wilson completed 26-of-41 passes for a career-high 452 yards and four touchdown passes. It was the highest passing yardage total in the NFL this season, besting Tom Brady’s 447-yard performance against New Orleans in Week 2.

Defensive Player of the Week: Earl Thomas, S, Seattle Seahawks – Thomas opened the scoring for the Seahawks with a 78-yard pick-six in the first quarter. It was his second career interception return for a score and the first since 2012. He finished the game with five tackles.

Special Teams Player of the Week: Blair Walsh, K, Seattle Seahawks – Slim pickings, but Walsh kicked two chip-shot field goals and connected on all five of his extra points. He’s given the Seahawks some stability at the kicking position after a very shaky 2016 season from Steven Hauschka.