By Stephen Whyno
The Associated Press
LANDOVER, Md. — Russell Wilson asked Carlos Dunlap to make a play to get the Seattle Seahawks into the playoffs, and the veteran defensive end was all too eager to deliver.
Dunlap shook off a lingering foot injury and sacked Washington’s Dwayne Haskins to shore up a 20-15 victory Sunday that clinched a playoff spot. It’s Seattle’s ninth berth in 11 seasons under coach Pete Carroll but Dunlap’s first crack at the postseason since 2015 and safety Jamal Adams’ first in his NFL career.
“I know you guys are used to Seattle always going to the playoffs — I’m not used to this,” said Adams, who extended his single-season sacks record for a defensive back. Adams couldn’t contain his excitement after another game he played with two broken fingers. “I’m just excited. It feels good, man. This is what you dream of.”
Carroll called it a “sweet win,” brushing off a rough fourth quarter to celebrate another accomplishment. Russell Wilson threw for a touchdown, Carlos Hyde ran 50 yards for a score, and the Seahawks (10-4) picked off Haskins twice to build a big lead before holding on with a big defensive stop in the final minutes.
It was only fitting Dunlap had the big sack on third-and-15 with just over a minute left, given his lengthy playoff drought.
“The universe just wants me to win, and we’ve got an opportunity,” Dunlap said. “That’s all I want is an opportunity.”
Washington (6-8) still has that opportunity in the NFC East, even though its winning streak was snapped at four with Alex Smith out because of a calf injury. Haskins finished 38 of 55 for 295 yards, a TD pass and the two interceptions.
“There were some plays I’d want back, for sure,” Haskins said. “It was definitely a hard-fought game.”
Wilson threw for 121 yards and a 10-yard TD pass to Jacob Hollister and ran for 52 on six carries. Hyde’s 50-yard TD run was Seattle’s longest rushing play of the season.
“I was following Hollister,” Hyde said. “He actually took me to the end zone. I followed him. He was my convoy to the end zone for six.”
Combined with the L.A. Rams’ upset loss to the New York Jets, the win gives the Seahawks sole possession of first place in the NFC West.
Adams’ record
Adams’ sack of Haskins in the first quarter gave him 9½, adding to his single-season record for a defensive back since the NFL began tracking the stat in 1982. Adams also became the first DB in that time to have a sack in four consecutive games.
Adams went to the locker room for a finger injury in the third quarter but didn’t miss a series. He said he has been playing with two broken fingers for a couple of weeks, insisting the injury doesn’t slow him down.
Haskins inconsistent
When coach Ron Rivera benched Haskins after a 1-3 start to the season, he felt the offense was in better hands with an experienced QB. Haskins did well enough in relief of Smith last week, but his inexperience was on display against Seattle.
“I feel like he tried to do the best that he could after turnovers,” receiver Terry McLaurin said. “We have to make some of those bang-bang plays to help the quarterback.”
Beyond the interceptions, the 2019 first-round pick struggled with situational awareness for much of the day. Rivera said Smith would start next week if healthy.
Injuries
Seahawks rookie running back DeeJay Dallas was carted off after injuring his right ankle on kickoff coverage. Carroll said X-rays were negative and Dallas had a sprained ankle.
Up next
The Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday with first place in the NFC West at stake. Washington will host Rivera’s old team, the Carolina Panthers.
