The Seattle Seahawks continued their hot start to the season when they steamrolled divisional rivals Arizona Cardinals in a 34-22 road victory in their National Football League clash on Thursday.
The Seahawks remain in control of the National Football Conference West, moving to 6-1 atop the division, the first time the franchise has started a season so well, as both sides of the ball contributed in an impressive display.
Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson had two fumbles, but completed 18 of 29 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns, while the Seahawks defense forced Cardinal quarterback Carson Palmer into two critical interceptions and sacked him seven times.
Photo: AFP
Both interceptions, one in the first quarter and one in the third, eventually led to Seattle touchdowns on the following drive and took Palmer’s season tally to 13 in seven games.
“We got off to a great start and scored some great touchdowns in the first 15 ... it doesn’t get much better than that,” Wilson told reporters. “I thought the offensive line did a very good job tonight and the defense was great going up against a very good football team.”
Wilson was careful to keep a lid on the hype building, with plenty of pundits already calling a Seattle against Denver Super Bowl.
“The biggest thing is just ignore the noise,” he said. “I think the biggest thing for us is staying in the moment.”
Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch rushed for a touchdown on one of his 21 carries, which took him 91 yards in a dogged display.
The visitors stamped their authority early, scoring the opening two touchdowns of the night to bust out to an early 14-0 lead.
The home side clawed back to within four with a touchdown to Rashard Mendenhall and a 49-yard field goal from Jay Feely, but the Seahawks went to the break leading 17-10 after a late 51-yard field goal of their own.
Feely once again had the Cardinals just four back with a 52-yard field goal to start the third quarter, before back-to-back Seattle touchdowns.
Arizona added some respectability to the score line with the final touchdown of the night.
Palmer finished with 30-45 for 258 yards, with one touchdown and the two picks, as the Cardinals dropped to 3-4.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely