SEATTLE — Rookie receivers Paul Richardson and Kevin Norwood definitely have speed.
But their best quality Sunday in Seattle’s 20-6 win over St. Louis was patience.
After Seattle’s offense slumbered through the first half, Richardson and Norwood were ready when the ball finally found them in the second half.
Richardson had five catches for a team-high 60 yards, including a highlight-reel 32-yard catch on the first drive of the second half.
Norwood’s 31-yard catch early in the fourth quarter set up Marshawn Lynch’s touchdown run that gave Seattle a 20-6 lead.
“Being a receiver in this offense, you’ve got to have mental toughness,” receiver Doug Baldwin said. “Those guys have shown that. They’ve shown they are capable of making the big play when it comes to them.”
The Seahawks drafted Richardson in the second round. Norwood was taken in the fourth round. Baldwin says the teams that passed on them whiffed.
“People in general worry about the wrong stuff in terms of size and speed,” Baldwin said. “At the combine, there’s no test that can judge the heart these guys have.”
Injuries
Seattle did not emerge unscathed injury-wise, though it’s uncertain if three players hurt Sunday will miss the playoff game in two weeks.
Defensive tackle Jordan Hill limped off the field in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Carroll said it was a sprain and Hill didn’t seem concerned after the game.
“It feels good,” he said. “I don’t think I did anything to it.”
Defensive back Jeron Johnson dislocated his elbow in the fourth quarter. He was taken to the locker room with his right arm in a sling.
Linebacker K.J. Wright dislocated his index finger so badly that the bone protruded through the skin. He said he wanted to keep playing, but was taken to the locker room in the fourth quarter for joint relocation and stitches.
Quick kicks
• Marshawn Lynch scored his 13th rushing touchdown of the season, a career high. His 1,306 rushing yards were the second most of his eight-year career.
• The Seahawks finish the season having allowed a league-best 16.8 points per game. They are first team to lead NFL in fewest points allowed for three consecutive seasons since 1969-71 Vikings.
