SportsDirect Inc. staff
Sep 24, 2012
Seahawks 14, Packers 12: Rookie Russell Wilson connected on a 24-yard touchdown pass with Golden Tate as time expired as host Seattle stunned Green Bay in one of the most controversial finishes in NFL history.
With the Seahawks (2-1) facing a fourth-and-10, Wilson scampered around before lofting a pass to the corner of the end zone. Tate pushed off on a defender before M.D. Jennings nearly reeled in the ball, but the wide receiver was able to secure enough possession.
The ruling on the field was a touchdown even though two officials standing side by side called it differently - one waved his arms as if to begin ruling it a touchback following an interception in the end zone.
Green Bay (1-2) claimed a 12-7 advantage after Cedric Benson capped a 16-play drive with a 1-yard score. After Aaron Rodgers was initially stopped short of the first-down marker, the Packers challenged the spot. The play was overturned and Benson scored on the ensuing play, using a second effort to plow his way into the end zone.
Marshawn Lynch converted a fourth-and-2 at the Packers' 17-yard-line to extend Seattle's next drive, but Tate couldn't reel in Wilson's high throw in the end zone on a fourth-and-3. Seattle stopped Green Bay on its next possession before Tate's heroics ended the game.
After mustering little on offense, Wilson snapped a scoreless tie midway into the second quarter with a brilliant throw over the top of Green Bay's secondary. The rookie used a play-action pass and found Tate, who froze cornerback Tramon Williams with a double move before reeling in Wilson's pass for a 41-yard score.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Lynch rushed 25 times for 98 yards to aid Wilson, who completed only 10 of 21 passes for 130 yards. ... Green Bay stud wideout Greg Jennings returned after sitting out last week's game against Chicago with a groin injury. Jennings finished with six receptions for 35 yards. ... Defensive end Chris Clemons' four sacks tied a franchise single-game record, set by Darryl Tapp, Jacob Green, Michael Sinclair and Michael McCrary. Seattle finished with eight sacks.