"Leon Washington jogged back from history, returning toward Seattle's bench after becoming the first Seahawk to score on two kickoff returns in the same game. Washington's 99-yard return had just restored Seattle's lead over San Diego, and he turned toward the fans in the north end zone, shrugged his shoulders and turned his palms up toward the sky. Even he was at a loss for an explanation. That's what kind of game it was — tough to describe and almost impossible to believe. The Seahawks didn't just beat the Chargers 27-20. They beat the Chargers despite being outgained 379-26 in the second half. They beat the Chargers despite the fact Washington scored more touchdowns on special teams (two) than Seattle's offense managed (one). Seattle won despite losing one touchdown because of a fumble at the goal line and failing to score at the end of the first half despite having the ball at the 1. And after forcing five turnovers, Seattle won only after surviving two fourth-down passes into the end zone. The first fell incomplete, and the second was intercepted by rookie safety Earl Thomas. Only then could Seattle exhale. "All I can say is wow," cornerback Kelly Jennings said. All of Seattle can second that after sweating through a victory over one of the NFL's playoff contenders. The Chargers have made the playoffs five of the past six seasons, which made the victory a validation even if it was a lot harder than it should have been. "I love this today," coach Pete Carroll said. "It's not the way you draw it up, but it is what it was." Unexpected and unprecedented — that sounds about right for Sunday's game. Seattle had not returned any kickoffs for a touchdown since 2007. The Seahawks hadn't allowed a safety since 2007, either, but they gave up one of those as part of San Diego's rally. The Chargers trailed 17-0 after Washington's first touchdown. They tied it 20-20 with 6:32 left, setting the stage for Washington's second score." http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2013005693_hawk271.html
