Fitzgerald Cecilio

Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson threw four touchdown passes as the Seattle Seahawks clinched a spot in the playoffs after crushing the San Francisco 49ers, 42-13, Sunday at CenturyLink Field.

Wilson completed 15 of 21 throws for 171 yards and an interception while running back Marshawn Lynch rushed for 111 yards on 26 carries and a touchdown and added a catching score as the Seahawks (10-5) stormed to their fourth straight win.

With his four-touchdown performance, Wilson is now a touchdown away from tying Peyton Manning's NFL rookie record of 26 scoring strikes with the Indianapolis Colts.

Wide receiver Doug Baldwin caught four passes for 53 yards and was the recipient of Wilson's two touchdown passes while Anthony McCoy accounted for the team's fourth scoring catch for the Seahawks, who avenged their 13-6 loss to the 49ers in Week 7.

For the third straight game, the Seahawks showcased their offense, putting 42 on the board against a 49ers squad that had allowed an average of 15.6 points. Seattle also delivered 58 points against the Arizona Cardinals two weeks ago and 50 against the Buffalo Bills.

While the Seahawks were having no problem putting points on the board, the 49ers were limited to two field goals in the first half and quarterback Colin Kaepernick delivered his first touchdown pass when the game was already decided.

Kaepernick hit 19 of 36 passes for 244 yards and had an interception. He also led the 49ers rushing corps with 31 yards on seven carries while wide receiver Michael Crabtree had four catches for 65 yards.

The loss prevented 49ers (10-4-1) from claiming the NFC West title but they have another chance to do it with a home victory over Arizona in Week 17.

However, the Seahawks could win the NFC West with a victory over the St. Louis Rams coupled with a 49ers loss to the Cardinals.

The Seahawks put up 21 straight points before the 49ers ended their scoring drought with a 33-yard field goal from David Akers.

Wilson then answered with a six-yard touchdown pass to McCoy before Akers ended the first half with a 54-yard field goal.

Wilson threw two more touchdown passes in the second half before Kaepernick finally had one with 1:40 remaining in the game.

 

Russell Wilson Throws Four TD Passes, Seahawks Clinch Playoff Spot - NFL 2012 Week 16