Seattle Seahawks: Studs and duds vs. Panthers in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks led the entire game against the Carolina Panthers and advanced to 11-3 with the 30-24 win.

The Seattle Seahawks continued their hunt for the first seed in the NFC with a 30-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. At 11-3, the Seahawks have as many wins as the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers.

Seattle put together a clean performance on Sunday. While the final score was close, the Seahawks led for the entire game, and it never felt like Pete Carroll’s squad wasn’t in control. There are still some issues the Seahawks need to work out, but it was generally a successful outing.

We’re changing up the formula again this week. Once again, this article will feature four studs and only two duds. When the Seahawks play well, there’s no need to generate useless criticism just to fill another dud section.

Thank you again for your suggestions on how to improve this series in the comment section. Now, it’s time to heap on praise where it’s deserved.

Stud: Russell Wilson, QB

Before Week 15, Wilson was on a cold streak. In Weeks 10-14, Wilson completed just 63.49 percent of his pass attempts for less than 230 passing yards per game. He also threw four touchdowns and interceptions during that stretch. However, Wilson regained his MVP form on Sunday.

During the first half, Wilson completed 11 of his 14 pass attempts for 192 yards and two touchdowns. That was enough for a perfect 158.3 passer rating. Seattle held a 20-7 lead at the half, which gave them enough of a cushion to survive a late push by the Panthers.

Wilson passed for 94 yards in the second half, completing nine of twelve pass attempts. He finished the game with a 137.7 passer rating. While Wilson is having a terrific season, he cannot be so inconsistent half-to-half if the Seahawks want to make a Super Bowl run.

Stud: Chris Carson, RB

Even without Rashaad Penny, the Seahawks ran all over the Panthers. Carson carried the ball 24 times for 133 yards and two touchdowns. It was his first multi-rushing touchdown game of the season and his sixth 100-yard rushing game.

While Seattle opened the season throwing more effectively than rushing, the offense has reversed course. The dominant rushing attack from last season has re-emerged and is wreaking havoc on teams yet again. Carson, who is averaging a career-high 85 rushing yards per game, has a Pro Bowl case this season.

It’s strange to think that Carson wasn’t even guaranteed Seattle’s starting running back job last season. After all, the team did draft Penny in the first round. However, Carson has asserted his dominance over the position these past two seasons. He has 2,341 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns during that time. He’s the first Seahawk since Marshawn Lynch with back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.