SEATTLE — In a game of big plays, quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver Doug Baldwin combined for one of the biggest of this Seattle Seahawks season Sunday afternoon.
With just over two minutes to play in the fourth quarter, and with Seattle trying to protect a 32-30 lead against Pittsburgh, the Seahawks lined up on third-and-10 at their own 20-yard line. A first down would go a long way toward ensuring a victory over the visiting Steelers.
As it turned out, Seattle got all that and more.
On a simple crossing route — one intended to pick up the necessary 10 yards for a first down — Baldwin made the reception at the 30 and broke the tackle attempt of Pittsburgh safety Mike Mitchell at the 32. Cornerback Antwon Blake was also in pursuit, but Baldwin broke his tackle attempt near the 40 and was suddenly in the clear.
Blake had one last chance to overtake Baldwin downfield, but speedy Seattle wide receiver Tyler Lockett hustled into position to throw a shoulder block that allowed Baldwin to score easily.
The PAT by place-kicker Steven Hauschka gave the Seahawks a 39-30 margin, and it became the final score at CenturyLink Field.
Baldwin’s touchdown reception — his third of the game, a career best for the fifth-year receiver — came as the Steelers were sending extra pass rushers at Wilson.
“We lined up and I knew it was man-to-man (coverage) right away,” Baldwin said. “I kept shaking my head like, ‘Russ, just give me a chance,’ and he did. He threw the ball a little early — it caught me (by surprise) — but he gave me a chance and I was able to make something happen with it.”
“Doug did a good job of getting open there,” Wilson said. “I threw it quick to him, just so he could catch it and run, and he made a phenomenal run. He got off the (defenders by breaking tackles) and just accelerated to the end zone.”
Said Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll: “Doug Baldwin’s game was incredible … The crossing route that Doug scored on was just a crazy catch. He barely got sight of the ball and somehow held onto it. A great finish by Tyler, too, to spring him.”
In addition to his three touchdown catches (he is the first Seattle receiver to do so since Joey Galloway against Oakland on Oct. 26, 1997), Baldwin also had 145 receiving yards, another career high.
“Obviously Doug had a phenomenal game,” said Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman of Baldwin, who had six catches in the game. “You have to give him all the credit in the world today. He should be giving a press conference of some sort and be getting some recognition for Pro Bowls, but of course he won’t because we’re a running offense and he’s an average receiver if you hear the media (talk about him). … But we’re so happy for the game he played today.”
“I always expect (good things) out of our skill guys,” said offensive tackle Russell Okung. “We want to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers and let them make a big play, and Doug was able to do that today.”
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