SEATTLE -- A few thoughts on the Seattle Seahawks' 38-17 victory over the New York Giants Sunday at CenturyLink Field:
What it means: The Seahawks improved to 6-3 on a day when they set a franchise record with 350 yards rushing. Marshawn Lynch had a career-best four rushing touchdowns while running for 140 yards. Seattle now has won three consecutive games and is 3-1 since the Percy Harvin trade.
Stock watch: The Seattle running game was unstoppable no matter who carried the ball, but especially with Lynch. The Seahawks ran all over the Giants. Sunday was the first 100-yard game for Lynch since the season opener. Russell Wilson rushed for 107 yards on 14 carries, his third 100-yard rushing game of the season. And Christine Michael had his best game as a pro, rushing for 71 yards on four carries.
Earl Thomas finally gets a pick: And it was a big one. With the game tied at 17 late in the third quarter, Eli Manning went deep in the end zone for Odell Beckham Jr. But Richard Sherman had great coverage. Beckham reached up to tip the ball away from Sherman, but tipped it into Thomas’ hands. Thomas ran it back to the Seattle 42. It was his first interception of the season after having five picks last season.
Game ball: Obviously, Lynch was spectacular, but I’m giving this one to the much-maligned Seattle offensive line. With Max Unger back at center and Russell Okung back at left tackle and playing his best game of the season, the line was blowing open holes for Lynch, Michael and Robert Turbin to run through. Alvin Bailey also did a nice job at left guard subbing for the injured James Carpenter.
Second-half success: The Seahawks trailed 17-14 at the half. Realistically, they were 30 minutes away from their NFC West title hopes being over considering the brutal six-game stretch coming up. But the defense held the Giants scoreless in the second half.
What’s next: The Seahawks travel to play the Chiefs (6-3) at Arrowhead Stadium. Seattle lost the previous two meetings against the Chiefs, but has played Kansas City only once in the Pete Carroll era. The Chiefs won at CenturyLink Field 42-22 in 2010, Carroll's first year. The Seahawks lost 35-28 the last time they played in K.C. in 2006.