SEAHAWKS COME FROM 17 DOWN TO BEAT LIONS

The Seattle Seahawks’ fans haven’t had much to cheer about this season, and Sunday looked to be another low point of the season as their team quickly fell behind the lowly Detroit Lions 17-0 on their home field.  The Seahawks then proceeded to storm back behind a franchise record 39 completions from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and went on to defeat the Lions 32-20.  The Seahawks improved to 3-5 with the victory while the hapless Lions dropped to 1-7.

The comeback was made even more impressive as Seattle rewarded NFL betting enthusiasts with a pointspread cover as -11 home favorites.  It was only the third cover of the year for the Seahawks against five losses, while the Lions dropped to a paltry 2-6 against the number.  The 52 combined points went OVER the posted total of 41’.  Both teams now have an even NFL totals record of 4-4.

After his team fell behind 17-0, Hasselbeck was told by his coaches to go win the game himself.  He described his reaction to the early deficit:

"It was like, 'You've got to be kidding me.' Seriously?"

Receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh praised Hasselbeck while maintaining that falling behind that early by that much was inexcusable:

"I don't care who you're playing, if you have Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, whoever at quarterback -- Troy Aikman -- you don't want to get down 17-0. We're just fortunate.”

Head coach Jim Mora was effusive in his praise for Hasselbeck:

"He shows his true leadership to me. He showed everything that he is. I don't know if I have had any more respect for any player I've ever coached."

He then added insult to injury, saying that his team never lost confidence that they would ultimately prevail in the game:

"It could be that we were playing Detroit.”

The Lions haven’t won a road game since October 28, 2007 and cornerback William James was clearly disappointed and frustrated:

"It's super tough, man. We were so close. We're always so close. I'm tired of being so close."

The Lions will have another shot at a road victory this Sunday as they travel to Minnesota to play Brett Favre and the Vikings.  Detroit is a +16’ road underdog with the total set at 47.  They’ll then play at home the next two weeks against Green Bay and Cleveland.  Seattle will play three straight on the road starting Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.  The Seahawks are +9 road underdogs with the total set at 47.  Their road trip will continue with visits to Minnesota and St. Louis.