Takeaways: The Return of Percy Harvin

By Jackson Safon

The return of Percy Harvin this week was the most anticipated return since my return to the Redmond High School golf team post-injury, a few months ago. In all seriousness, it was probably the most hyped once since Derrick Rose returned to the NBA floor this season. He may have only played 16 snaps, but in a game only meant for getting his feet wet, Harvin might have gone in up to his waist. His one catch for 17 yards was spectacular and in a huge spot on third down, but the most exciting play of the day was his 58 yard kick return to set up the ‘Hawks with great field position on their drive at the end of the first half. Harvin showed all the 12’s what he can do, and with a bye week to remain 100% healthy, he should be able to handle close to a full workload next Monday night against the Saints on a national stage.

1. Boy is this offense good

With three starting offensive lineman returning this week in Okung, Unger, and Giacomini, the Seahawks offense was dynamic. Although Lynch didn't have a great day on the ground, the increased pass protection made the ‘Hawks passing game lethal, with Russell finishing with 230 yards and two touchdowns on only 13 completions. He also had an outstanding 12.8 yards per attempt and a career high 151.4 passer rating. Wilson was throwing darts out there, but his best throw of the day was the touchdown through the “honey-hole” as Tim Ryan called it, to Doug Baldwin to end the first half. A stellar game from the offense as a whole, but especially the passing game.

What a catch by Doug Baldwin to end the first half. Amazing throw by Russell Wilson.

The Seattle Times

2. Boy is this defense good

The defense had two sacks, forced four turnovers, and scored a touchdown as well. Everyone was flying around the field but the biggest props go to Kam Chancellor and K.J. Wright for their outstanding games. Twenty points may seem like too many to give up to a team like the Vikings, but one of the touchdowns allowed was late in the game against the Seahawks’ second stringers. Most importantly, the run defense was relatively stout again, holding Adrian Peterson to only 65 yards on 21 carries. The Vikings offense obviously isn't as good as the Seahawks next opponent in the Saints, but this was a great effort all around by the defensive unit.

3. Special teams isn't bad either

The Seahawks were stellar in every aspect of special teams once again. Steven Hauschka was perfect, including a 50 yard field goal, Percy Harvin sparked the kick return game with a 58-yard return and forced the Vikings to pooch kick it later in the game, and the punting unit didn't allow the league’s number one punt returner in Marcus Sherels to return the ball once. The Seahawks are dominating in all phases of the game, getting healthy, and now have a bye before their biggest game of the season in a Monday night battle against the Saints. It’s going to be a good one.

Percy Harvin looked electric on his one kickoff return.

KSTP.com

4. Seahawks are firmly in control of their destiny

With the 49ers losing to the Saints on Sunday, they are now tied with the Cardinals for second in the division. Plus, they are now a full three games behind the Seahawks in the loss column, with only five games remaining. In other words, as long as the ‘Hawks continue to play tough, they should have the division locked up. In terms of the number one seed, they are up one game on the Saints, and get them at home next week. Win that and they will be up two plus own the tie-breaker. A win next week should propel the ‘Hawks to the top seed in the NFC. The importance of the game cannot be overstated.

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