SEATTLE (AP) – Russell Wilson threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin late in the first quarter, and the Seattle Seahawks took a 7-0 lead over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoff game on Saturday night.
Seattle scored after the second turnover of the quarter by Carolina. Michael Bennett disrupted the handoff between Carolina quarterback Cam Newton and running back Jonathan Stewart and Tony McDaniel fell on the loose ball at the Carolina 28.
Four plays later, on third-and-9, Baldwin beat Tre Boston on a double move and Wilson’s perfectly lofted pass gave the Seahawks the lead.
Seattle other forced turnover was Richard Sherman’s first career postseason interception when Newton challenged him on a deep attempt to Philly Brown.
Seattle is looking to become the first defending champion to win a playoff game the following season since January 2006 when New England won a wild-card game before losing in the divisional round.