Seahawks Hold Off Bills, 31-25
Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes to Jimmy Graham in the first half, and the Seahawks held off the Buffalo Bills, 31-25, on Monday night. The win gave the Seattle (5-2-1) its 11th straight victory in Monday night games.
Trailing 28-17 at halftime, Buffalo (4-5) rallied and had an opportunity to win the game in the fourth quarter. However, the Seahawks’ defense kept the Bills out of the end zone, with Cliff Avril sacking Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor on third-and-goal inside the 10-yard line. The Bills’ final play resulted in an incomplete pass and a Seattle victory.
Wilson completed 20 of 26 passes for 282 yards for the Seahawks, who tightened their grip on first place in the NFC West. Graham caught both of Wilson’s touchdown passes in spectacular one-handed fashion. He finished with eight grabs for 103 yards.
Taylor threw for 289 yards with a touchdown and an interception for Buffalo. Robert Woods caught 10 passes for 162 yards.
The game was marred by a dreadful example of officiating at the end of the first half.
As the Bills were ready for Dan Carpenter to attempt a 53-yard field goal with 3 seconds left, Seattle’s Richard Sherman charged Carpenter and blocked the kick, but officials ruled him offside.
Carpenter needed medical attention after the play, so he had to sit out a down. Buffalo spiked the ball on the next play, but they were penalized for delay of game even though the official was over the ball. Carpenter then missed the longer, 54-yard field goal.