Seattle beats Rams 16-6, advances to playoffs | Seahawks

By Adam McFadden • January 3, 2011 1:17 pm
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Charlie Whitehurst celebrate after Seattle's 16-6 win against the Rams Sunday.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Charlie Whitehurst celebrate after Seattle's 16-6 win against the Rams Sunday.

The Seattle Seahawks beat the St. Louis Rams 16-6 Sunday night to advance to the NFC playoffs.

At 7-9, the Seahawks became the NFL’s first division winner with a losing record. The team will host the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the playoffs Saturday night.

Charlie Whitehurst started at quarterback for the injured Matt Hasselbeck and completed 22 of 36 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown.

The Seahawks got off to a great start with an 87-yard touchdown drive to open the game. Whitehurst connected with Ruvell Martin for 61 yards on the drive.

Marshawn Lynch rushed 20 times for 75 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and lost a fumble. Justin Forsett rushed three times for 28 yards (9.3 YPC) and caught three passes for 22 yards.

Raheem Brock picked up 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a tipped pass.