Congratulations, Seahawks!

The Seattle Seahawks have done it again, beating the Carolina Panthers 31-17 in convincing fashion to win their eighth straight playoff game and earn a trip to the NFC title game, which will be played right here in the Pacific Northwest in a week, against either the Green Bay Packers or the Dallas Cowboys.

The Seahawks took their time getting points on the board, but once they took the lead at the end of the first quarter, they never relinquished it. Carolina answered the touchdown, but after the Seahawks started adding on more points (in the form of a field goal and then more touchdowns), couldn’t catch up.

Quarterback Russell Wilson was once again very effective, connecting repeatedly with Jermaine Kearse and Luke Willson for big yards and touchdowns.

Seattle’s vaunted defense forced several turnovers, including two interceptions. The second interception, made by Kam Chancellor in the red zone, was returned ninety yards for a touchdown that rocked CenturyLink Field and served to put an exclamation mark on the Seahawks’ victory.

NPI congratulates the Seahawks and wishes them well in next week’s conference title game against the Packers or Cowboys. It should be a good matchup.

If it’s the Cowboys, the Seahawks will certainly be looking to avenge their rare loss at home earlier in the season.