Road Is Still Rough for Lions

Bobby Engram understands why his younger teammates get most of the publicity. Sometimes, though, the old man of the Seattle receiving corps can’t be ignored.

Engram had an 83-yard punt return for a touchdown and caught a 34-yard scoring pass to help the Seahawks to a 35-14 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

The 30-year-old Engram is something of a father figure to younger receivers Darrell Jackson, 24, and Koren Robinson, 23.

“It’s kind of their show,” Engram said. “I’m just the supporting cast, and I enjoy that. Everyone [wants] to be the starter. But I feel what I have here is a little more important than being a starter somewhere else.”

The Seahawks (7-3) improved to 6-0 at home and maintained a share of the NFC West lead with St. Louis. The win was wrapped up by halftime, when Seattle led, 35-14.

After two home victories gave the Lions (3-7) a modest winning streak for the first time in three seasons, they couldn’t avoid their 21st consecutive defeat on the road.

Another loss next weekend at Minnesota would tie Detroit with the Buffalo Bills (1983-86) for the NFL’s second-longest road losing streak. The NFL record is 23 games by the Houston Oilers (1981-84).

The loss also spoiled Joey Harrington’s return to the Pacific Northwest. The former University of Oregon quarterback was cheered by thousands of fans and threw two touchdown passes, but it wasn’t enough.