Broussard Leaps to Victory

Paul Allen is trying to revive pro football in Seattle. Sunday’s thrilling Seahawk victory in the Kingdome will help.

Steve Broussard leaped into the end zone from one yard out with 1:22 left to give the Seahawks a 26-22 victory over San Diego. The Chargers, who have scored only three touchdowns on offense in four games, got five field goals from John Carney.

A wildly enthusiastic crowd of 51,110 watched the Seahawks drive 80 yards in 10 plays in 3:59--capped by Broussard’s touchdown--after Carney kicked a 41-yard field goal with 5:21 to go to put the Chargers ahead, 22-20. The Seahawks failed on a two-point conversion attempt.

Seattle had only two yards rushing at halftime, but Broussard ran for 72 yards in 11 carries in the second half.

Coach Dennis Erickson said he went with Broussard, whose primary role with the Seahawks is returning kickoffs, because Chris Warren and Lamar Smith weren’t getting the job done.

“We were looking for a spark, someone a little quicker,” he said.

The Seahawks (2-2) won their first game at home this season and beat the Chargers (1-3) for the second consecutive time, but for only the third time in 12 games.

After Seattle’s go-ahead touchdown, San Diego’s Stan Humphries appeared to complete a 37-yard pass to the Seahawk 44, but line judge Byron Boston ruled the ball hit the turf. The Seahawks took over on downs with 35 seconds left and ran out the clock.

“That was a very questionable call,” new Charger Coach Kevin Gilbride said. But TV replays supported the call.

Warren Moon completed 17 of 34 passes for 253 yards with two touchdowns for Seattle. Humphries completed 25 of 46 passes for 239 yards with three interceptions, all by Darryl Williams.