Jimmy Graham is back. The Seahawks are better for it.
The Seahawks’ tight end has become a major factor in the offense, and that offense is rolling Monday night. Graham caught two touchdown passes in the first half -- both of them with one hand -- and the Seahawks lead the Bills at halftime, 28-17.
Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman jumped offsides on a field goal try just before the half and hit the knee of Bills kicker Dan Carpenter. Because team medical staff attended to Carpenter, by rule Carpenter had to leave the field for a play. Officials didn’t flag Sherman for a personal foul, and after a sequence that included a spike to stop the clock and bring Carpenter back and a delay of game call, Carpenter missed from 54 yards.
It was a strange and poorly handled ending to an otherwise entertaining half. Graham had six catches for 94 yards in the half. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson also has a touchdown run.
The Bills had the most impressive drive -- a 17-play, 75-yard touchdown march that chewed up 10 minutes -- but Graham has made the biggest plays. A 17-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Graham capped a five-play, 65-yard drive to tie the game at 14 early in the second quarter. Christine Michael had a short touchdown run to make it 21-17, Seahawks, and then Graham caught his second touchdown pass in traffic.
Wilson had not thrown a touchdown pass in the previous three games. It’s Graham’s 13th career games with at least two touchdown catches.
The Bills replaced Ronald Darby at cornerback with Corey White in the second quarter. Darby was beaten early on a deep ball and called for pass interference just before Michael’s touchdown run.
