Seahawks Game Day Newsletter 8 Dec 10th Seattle_digital | Page 63

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might come down to the play of Bortles and
his receivers in the passing game, in order to
loosen defenses.
Last week, Bortles was effi cient through the
air, and young receivers made play after play
in support. The fourth-year quarterback went
26-of-35 passing for 309 yards and two passing
touchdowns, for a rating of 119.8.
Wide receiver Marqise Lee made a statement,
making seven catches on 10 targets for a team-
best 86 yards and his third touchdown of the
season.
With the injuries of Allen Robinson (out for
the year, knee) and Allen Hurns (ankle), the
rookie wide receivers must make an impact as
the team heads through December. Last week,
Dede Westbrook made six catches for 78 yards,
while Keelan Cole caught all three targets for
49 yards.
Tight end Marcedes Lewis continues his solid
12th NFL season, after adding four receptions
for 46 yards and a two-point conversion
reception.
THE SEAHAWKS
Even with key pieces unavailable for the stretch
run, the Seattle Seahawks (8-4) seem poised
for another December run to the NFC playoffs.
It starts with their dynamic, play-making
quarterback Russell Wilson. His ability to make
plays on the move in both the passing and
running games has kept the Seahawks offense
moving in diffi cult situations.
With 3,256 passing yards on 62 percent passing,
Wilson has thrown 26 touchdowns with only
eight interceptions in 2017. Wilson also leads
the Seahawks in rushing with 71 attempts for
432 yards with three rushing touchdowns.
Doug Baldwin is still Wilson’s favorite target at
receiver, with 63 receptions for 782 yards and
four touchdowns. Tight end Jimmy Graham is
one of the best red-zone threats in the NFL,
and is tied for the league lead with nine
touchdowns.
The “Legion of Boom” defense has suffered
some key injuries in 2017 (S Kam Chancellor,
CB Richard Sherman, DE Cliff Avril out for the
season), but they still have players capable of
changing games.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner continues to make an
impact with 113 tackles (2nd, NFL), 1.5 sacks
and two interceptions.
With 33 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 22 quarterback
hits and 12 tackles for loss, defensive lineman
Michael Bennett can still create havoc in the
backfi eld.