Seahawks Cruise Past Colts, 31-3 : AFC: McGwire makes first start at quarterback for Seattle, which keeps Indianapolis winless.

Dan McGwire became the tallest quarterback in NFL history on Sunday.

But neither the Seattle Seahawks’ game plan nor the opposition proved too challenging in the Seahawks’ 31-3 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

McGwire, who played at Claremont High and was a first-round draft pick out of San Diego State, played the first half against the winless Colts but was kept under wraps by Coach Chuck Knox’s conservative play calling.

McGwire did little more than hand off to his backs as the Seahawks (2-3) took a 17-3 halftime lead. He completed three of seven passes for 27 yards and had one pass intercepted before Jeff Kemp replaced him in the second half.

“I thought Dan did a good job,” Knox said. “But you have to understand the tremendous pressure that a rookie quarterback is in when he’s playing in his first regular-season game. At halftime, I wanted to put in the experienced guy, the veteran guy.”

Kemp, who completed seven of 10 passes for 56 yards, connected with Tommy Kane for a seven-yard touchdown in the third quarter and also directed Seattle on a 16-play, 95-yard scoring drive capped by Derrick Fenner’s 10-yard run. Chris Warren returned a punt 59 yards for a second-quarter touchdown, Seattle’s first score on a punt return in five years.

Eric Dickerson was held to 42 yards in 13 carries for the Colts (0-5), who lost their sixth consecutive game and two more starting offensive linemen. Tackle Zefross Moss and guard Randy Dixon were injured in the first half.

Colt quarterback Jeff George completed 17 of 31 passes for 144 yards, but he was sacked four times for a minus 51 yards and had two passes intercepted.

Dean Biasucci’s 54-yard field goal with 1:49 left in the first half was the only score for the Colts. It was Biasucci’s 107th NFL field goal, equaling the club record.

John L. Williams gained 80 yards in 17 carries for the Seahawks.