The Seattle Seahawks got their long-awaited first win of the season after defeating the Chicago Bears at home. The team finally looked like the Super Bowl contenders they were expected to be as Russell Wilson and Jimmy Graham finally got their connection moving. However, the win might have come at a price as Marshawn Lynch left with a hamstring injury that might be serious.
According to Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com, the Seahawks are not worried after Lynch exited the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return. Lynch was on and off the field for most of the game. He was listed on the injury report before the game with a calf issue and then the hamstring injury is what eventually took him out altogether. Head coach Pete Carroll told the media after the game that he was not aware what the severity of the issue was, but he did not expect the issue to linger or be very serious.
"We've checked it all out, and there is nothing to be alarmed by," Carroll said, via ESPN.com. "So we'll just have to wait and see. He has a sequence that he goes through to get ready to go. It's happened before where he just can't get into rhythm and get right and all that. So he had a calf [issue] during the week, and his hamstring kind of bothered him a little bit here today. But he just couldn't get ready."
In his place, rookie Thomas Rawls put up 16 carries for 104 yards as he had a nice breakout game. Veteran Fred Jackson also saw time on the field, but only had 13 yards on the ground and another nine through the air. If Lynch is out for a period of time, both players will see more playing time. It would be expected that Jackson would get the start over the rookie, but Rawls proved he can be a good option for the team.
Graham also showed what the Seahawks gave up so much to get him. The tight end was reportedly frustrated entering this game as he had yet to really make a difference on the offense. However, against the Bears he put 88 yards on seven catches for one touchdown. He along with Jermaine Kearse and Doug Baldwin led the offense for Wilson. Graham made it clear after the game that he was never really frustrated despite reports.
"I'm doing what's asked of me," Graham said, via the Seattle Times. "I know my opportunities are going to come. I know my moments are going to come. I know I'll be ready when they do come my way. Even leading up to that question, we've talked about it. This team runs the ball, simple as that. We're not slinging the ball 60 times a game. If we are, it means that we're in trouble. I'm just going to keep doing what's asked of me. I tell Russ every day, it don't matter and sometimes just throw it because sometimes it just doesn't matter."