The Seattle Seahawks have used the soft underbelly of their December schedule to prove just how explosive they can be.
Pete Carroll's team played the part of neighborhood bully for a second consecutive week, hanging a 50-17 loss on the Buffalo Bills at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
The Seahawks have scored 108 points in the past two weeks. This has been a result of big plays on both sides of the ball, but Russell Wilson deserves special recognition.
The rookie quarterback was responsible for four touchdowns Sunday, including three on the ground in the first half alone. He has raised his game to a higher level in recent weeks, going from a potential liability to a legitimate team strength.
"I'm just thrilled that he's been able to continue to grow," Carroll said of Wilson, via The Associated Press. "For a time, we were just trying to get the offense going and not screw it up and make sure he could keep growing. Well, we're past that now."
The win moves the Seahawks to 9-5, ensuring their first winning season since 2007. More importantly, they're now in great position to qualify for the playoffs, with next week's showdown against the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers (10-3-1) in Seattle looming large.
Carroll's strange decision to try a fake punt with a 30-point lead will become a talking point in the immediate aftermath of this game, but let's not lose the big picture here. The Seahawks have morphed into legitimate NFC contenders before our very eyes.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
