Despite picks, sacks, flags, Seahawks top GB

The Seahawks had their least impressive offensive game of the preseason, but despite two interceptions and three sacks of QB Russell Wilson, plus another passel of penalties — 14 for 182 yards — Seattle prevailed 17-10 over the Packers in Green Bay Friday night for their eighth exhibition triumph a row over three years.

The defense had two interceptions and recovered two fumbles, holding the Packers, who played QB Aaron Rodgers only one series, to 201 yards of total offense.

While happy with the outcome, head coach Pete Carroll couldn’t get over the penalties.

“We gave them 180 yards,” he said, “and that makes it very difficult to win. There were so many distractions in this game — it’s ridiculously hard to deal with. But I was really happy with the way the defense hung together.”

Wilson completed 11 of 17 passes for 126 yards, but it was backup Brady Quinn who delivered a touchdown pass. His 43-yard game-winner with 8:51 remaining went to Stephen Williams, who pulled the ball from the hands of CB Loyce Means at the goal line — an echo of the winning “Fail Mary” TD catch by Golden Tate in the Seahawks’ infamous 14-12 triumph over the Packers Sept. 24, 2012.

It was Williams’ third TD catch of the preseason.

The Seahawks also had a defensive echo from the previous week’s win over Denver, when they turned a likely Broncos touchdown into a turnover and score with Brandon Browner’s 106-yard fumble return.

This time, in the fourth quarter, Packers receiver Jake Stoneburner caught a pass and was headed toward the end zone before being sideswiped at the eight-yard line by Seahawks defensive back Winston Guy. The ball popped loose and was recovered by teammate Benson Mayowa, ending Green Bay’s final threat in a sloppy, chippy evening full of shoving matches at newly expanded Lambeau Field.

After an exchange of first-quarter field goals, the game stayed 3-3 until 9:38 remained in the third quarter when Wilson countered a blitz by the Packers with a draw to Christine Michael, who blew through a big hole and veered right down the sideline for a 43-yard touchdown. A key block was delivered downfield by WR Jermaine Kearse.

After missing practice due to back spasms, the Seahawks’ top draft choice had 97 yards on 11 carries. The drive had to overcome a holding penalty and a sack of Wilson, who played into the second half for the first time in the preseason.

Green Bay’s only touchdown came five minutes later. Third-string QB Vince Young, attempting to resurrect his career, led an 11-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard touchdown pass to rookie Jonathan Amosa, the former University of Washington fullback from Seattle.

The Seahawks offensive line had big problems, giving up four sacks and committing four penalties. Following a hit after the whistle, second-year guard J.R. Sweezy was flagged, then pulled from the game by Carroll for a sideline chewing out. He later was called for holding.

Wilson started off well by completing his first four passes before pressure began reaching him. His first two picks of the preseason came when he had a pass tipped and intercepted by Casey Hayward,  and then threw into long into double coverage.

The line did deliver in the rushing game. The Seahawks gained 166 yards in 27 carries, a 6.1-yard average. Turbin had 50 yards in 10 carries.

Seahawks who did not see action because of injuries/illness including rookies Jordan Hill and Jesse Williams and veterans James Carpenter, Sidney Rice, Michael Robinson and Cliff Avril. DE Bruce Irvin did return to action and had a tackle for loss.