LANDOVER, Md. – Russell Wilson ran for 80 yards on Seattle's first two drives and threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Kearse, giving the Super Bowl champion Seahawks a 7-0 lead over the Washington Redskins after the first quarter Monday night.
After the Redskins won the opening coin toss but opted to defer, the Seahawks needed only six plays to go 65 yards and take the lead after less than 2 1/2 minutes. Wilson ran twice for 45 yards, a 16-yard scramble and a 29-yard designed sweep, then capped the possession with his scoring toss to Kearse.
Running back Marshawn Lynch stood on the sideline, helmet on, during that first drive, but entered on Seattle's second drive, which ended with a punt.
The Seahawks entered with a 2-1 record, coming off their bye week and a victory in their last game, a Super Bowl rematch with the Denver Broncos.
The Redskins, meanwhile, were in danger of falling way behind in the NFC East.
Last in the only NFL division with a pair of 4-1 teams, the Cowboys and Eagles, Washington came into Monday 1-3 after a 31-point loss to the Giants on Thursday night in Week 4. Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins had five turnovers, including four second-half interceptions, in that one.
After the first quarter Monday, the Seahawks had run for 108 yards, the Redskins for minus-2.
The last time these teams played each other, in a playoff game at Washington in January 2013, Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III tore up his right knee and Wilson led the Seahawks back from a two-touchdown deficit for a 24-14 win.
On Monday, Griffin was out with a dislocated left ankle.
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Online:
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