SEAHAWKS HANG ON TO WIN IN CARROLL’S SEATTLE DEBUT

The Seattle Seahawks opened a 20-7 lead at the end of the third quarter but had to withstand a furious comeback to outlast the Tennessee Titans 20-18 in the preseason opener for both clubs.  The victory gave former USC head coach Pete Carroll a win in his Seattle head coaching debut and his first game back in the NFL since he left the New England Patriots in 2000.  In the interim, Carroll became one of the most successful college football coaches of the decade as he restored the Trojans to the status of a national powerhouse.

Despite the Seahawks’ outright win, Tennessee won the NFL betting battle with their fourth quarter ‘backdoor cover’ as +4 road underdogs.  The ATS loss served as a bitter reminder to bettors that over rely on trends—the Seahawks had covered ten straight preseason games heading into Saturday’s contest.  The 38 combined points scored managed to exceed the posted total of 35.  

The outcome of the game was in doubt until the final seconds when the Seahawks intercepted Tennessee rookie QB Rusty Smith on a potential game winning drive.  Nevertheless, Seattle coach Carroll was pleased to have the victory in the books:

"Oh, I loved it. It was a blast. We even made it like a real NFL game, coming down to the final 20 seconds. Just being here, I'm so proud to be here. ... It was really, really cool."

An injury to Seahawks’ rookie Stafon Johnson did temper the excitement—Johnson was carried off the field following a leg injury that was later diagnosed as a dislocated ankle.  Johnson missed his entire senior season at USC following a freak training accident in which a dropped weight bar crushed his throat and larynx.  After the game, Carroll had some words for and about Johnson:

"I told him I loved him, and no one can get tougher or stronger than he is. I was so sorry to see that. This guy, what he's undergone to get here, so much pressure physically and emotionally, and to have a serious injury. ... If anybody can get back, he can. He's an absolute warrior."

Even Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher kept Johnson in his thoughts:

"It's very, very difficult for Stafon. With what he's been able to overcome, you could see by the reaction of his teammates that he's a special young man. He'll overcome this as well."

Seattle’s NFL preseason slate will continue on Saturday as they host the Green Bay Packers.  The Seahawks are a -1 point home favorite with the total set at 38’.  Tennessee will host Arizona on Monday night, with the Titans a -3’ point home choice and the total posted at 37.