Williams Leaves the Blocks, Runs for Seahawks

Fullback John L. Williams understands his role for the Seattle Seahawks.

“I’m supposed to block for Curt Warner because he’s our premier running back,” Williams said Sunday. “Of course, if I get my opportunity. . . .”

Williams got his opportunity against the Kansas City Chiefs, recording the first 100-yard rushing game of his National Football League career in the Seahawks’ 43-14 win.

Williams had 15 carries for 112 yards, including his first professional touchdown, a 1-yard run in the third quarter. Seattle had 225 yards rushing.

“This was really a great thrill,” Williams said. “It’s been a long time since I had a 100-yard rushing game.”

While Williams--a 5-foot 11-inch, 226-pounder from Florida--was having his biggest day in the NFL, Kansas City rookie Christian Okoye suffered a turnaround from his debut last week.

Okoye, who rushed for 105 yards last week against San Diego, was held to 30 yards in 11 carries.

“You have off days and on days,” Okoye said. “Today, Williams was on and I was off.”

Williams wasn’t the only star for Seattle (1-1).

Seahawk quarterback Dave Krieg completed 16 of 22 passes for 152 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Norm Johnson kicked a team-record five field goals from 34, 25, 46, 27 and 49 yards. He missed a 39-yarder.

Seattle’s Steve Largent increased his NFL record to 141 straight games with a reception. He also became the second player in league history to catch more than 700 career passes, joining Charlie Joiner, who retired before this season with 750.

The Chiefs lost three fumbles in the third quarter as the Seahawks scored 20 points to break open the game after leading, 17-7, at halftime.

In a unique strategy, first-year Kansas City Coach Frank Gansz brought in nine-year veteran quarterback Bill Kenney in place of starter Todd Blackledge in long-passing situations.

Blackledge was 8 for 15 for 59 yards and 1 touchdown. He passed to Carlos Carson for a 10-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Kenney also teamed with Carson on a 10-yard touchdown play with 1:07 to go.