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3 takeaways from Seahawks' Week 14 big win over Vikings

The 21-7 win over the Vikings puts the Seahawks in position to clinch a playoff spot next week.

The Seattle Seahawks took care of business Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings to the tune of 21-7, although most of the scoring action occurred in the final minutes of the game.

The only touchdowns of the night came in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter, a testament to the success of both team’s defenses.

Firmly in control of the top Wild Card position after the win, Seattle is looking squarely at the playoffs and can clinch a spot next week with a win over the 49ers.

Here are three takeaways from Seattle’s Week 14 victory over Minnesota.

Seattle stuck to the run game and it paid off in the end

It was no secret the Seahawks were planning to run the ball Monday night against the Vikings. With playoff hopes alive and home-field advantage at CenturyLink, Seattle was effectively able to control the contest on the ground.

The Seahawks proved once again their run game is for real. Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny and Mike Davis combined for over 150 yards rushing against a Vikings defense that ranks eighth in the league against the run.

Seattle finished with 214 total rushing yards compared to 60 net passing, confirming their dedication to the run.

In fact, quarterback Russell Wilson ended the day with the worst passing stats of his career, completing just 10 of 20 attempted for 72 yards, an interception and a meager passer rating of 37.9.

He did manage 61 yards on the ground, however, including a long of 40 – to finish as the team’s No. 2 rusher.

Defense wins championships and Monday Night games

While both Seattle and Minnesota put together impressive defensive efforts, it was the Seahawks’ who emerged victorious in the end.

The Vikings didn’t reach the Seahawks’ territory until late in the third quarter, on their seventh drive of the ball game, and Seattle held Minnesota scoreless for almost 59 of the 60 minutes in regulation.

Every defensive position contributed to Monday’s win – the defensive line, linebackers and even the young secondary.

Frank Clark managed his 11th sack of the season, Bobby Wagner led the team once again in tackles, and second-year cornerback Shaquill Griffin kept the Vikings receivers in check all night.

For their efforts, Seattle’s defense wins our Player(s) of the Game.

Special teams matter in a big way

Up until the fourth quarter Monday night, it was the Seahawks’ special teams who had put up the only points of the ball game. Kicker Sebastian Janikowski was clean on both of his field goal attempts to give Seattle the 6-0 lead.

Punter Michael Dickson did his job to continue to earn a Pro Bowl nod, keeping the Vikings out of good field position, save for a short punt that could have proved deadly.

Linebacker Bobby Wagner came up big time as well when he blocked Minnesota’s field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter to prevent the Vikings from putting up their first points of the game.

All in all, Seattle played a relatively complete game, with the offense, defense and special teams rallying to get to the win in prime time.

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