Seahawks' Jim Mora: "I wanted it to be 41-nothing"

RENTON — Seahawks fullback Owen Schmitt drew blood with his own helmet as he took the field to play a game that ended with backup quarterback Seneca Wallace taking a knee on three consecutive plays.

In between, the Seahawks didn't just beat Jacksonville, they applied a submission hold that incapacitated the Jaguars.

So was Sunday's 41-0 victory a turning point in Seattle's season or just a tease? That depends on what happens next.

"A lot of times you walk in after a game like that and the coach says, 'Hey, do it just like we did last week,' " coach Jim Mora said. "I don't want it to be just like it was last week. I want it to be better."

Seattle next plays Arizona, the team that ended the Seahawks' run of four consecutive NFC West titles last year en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Seattle was preparing for this game before Sunday's win had ended.

The Seahawks called timeout with two minutes left in the third quarter, leading by 34 points. Jacksonville was facing a third-and-two, and the Seahawks had the wrong personnel on the field.

"That's why it was so important for me that we finish the game in the right way with the right frame of mind," Mora said. "With a toughness. No letdown."

It wasn't about sending a message, but setting a standard.

"I want to do things right," Mora said. "Whether we are behind, or ahead, or in a dogfight, we want to do things right."

And Seattle had the wrong personnel on the field for Jacksonville's third-and-two play. The Jaguars did convert the first down and had reached the Seattle 8 when defensive end Lawrence Jackson forced a fumble that rookie Nick Reed returned 79 yards for a touchdown.

That conclusion met Mora's standards.

"I didn't want mistakes," he said Monday. "Didn't want it to be 41-7. I wanted it to be 41 to nothing."

Mora, punctuating his statement, pounded his fist once on the table.

One win didn't necessarily save Seattle's season, but it did put the Seahawks in position to get back to .500 before it begins a November gauntlet that includes four road games in five weeks.

But to do that, Seattle will have to beat Arizona, which has won four of the last five games between the two teams. Three of those losses were by six points or fewer, which means Mora isn't going to have to do much to get his team's attention for this week's game.

"I wouldn't say an added incentive," Mora said, "but it grabs your attention a little bit more."

Tackle shortage

Left tackle Brandon Frye's status for this week is uncertain after he suffered a stinger in the first quarter of Sunday's game. Mora had no update on his status Monday, saying only that Frye's undergoing further tests.

Kyle Williams, who replaced Frye at left tackle, should be able to play this week after playing through a knee sprain Sunday.

Walter Jones will not practice this week, and Sean Locklear is not expected back until Nov. 1.

Notes

• CB Ken Lucas played Sunday's game just two days after his father died unexpectedly.

"Kenny played through a heavy heart and played very well," Mora said. "I can't even imagine what that would be like."

Lucas, 30, found out his father died on Friday night. He decided to play and finished with six tackles against Jacksonville, third on the team.

• DT Michael Bennett, an undrafted rookie, was claimed by Tampa Bay off waivers. Bennett made Seattle's 53-man roster, but was released Saturday to make room for Williams.

• S C.J. Wallace suffered a hamstring injury that may force him to miss games.

Danny O'Neil: 206-464-2364 or doneil@seattletimes.com