There are only two possible outcomes when you see Tarvaris Jackson under center in a Seahawks game: either something went tremendously well or tragically wrong. On Sunday, all things were thumbs-up for Seattle, who demolished the playoff-bound Minnesota Vikings 38-7 on the road. 

The Seahawks looked like the Seahawks Sunday, with a dominating defense, a stout running game and a clutch quarterback and wider receiver game. And they’re coming on at the perfect time. Sunday was a matchup of two very good–maybe great–defenses. Minnesota’s defense and running back Adrian Peterson with his MVP-caliber season have been carrying the team all year, but Peterson was held to just 18 yards on only eight carries Sunday and the Minnesota defense got routed. 

The ‘Hawks’ defense this season has been notoriously up and down. The defensive line has been solid againt the run and while they haven’t been as great at getting to the quarterback this year as in years’ past, they’ve been right at league average. Their secondary has been weak. But there have been signs of improvement the past two weeks, especially against the Vikes, who didn’t score except on a kick return. 

Along with an improving defense, Seattle’s three standout rookies continue to shine. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett was explosive returning kicks and wrangled in 90 yards receiving. Running back Thomas Rawls had 101 yards rushing and a touchdown. Defensive end Frank Clark added two sacks. Seahawks’ veteran wide receiver Doug Baldwin was maybe the day’s biggest star. He grabbed five receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns. 

There was speculation this week that in some strange way, Seahawks’ offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell would breathe easier without injured star tight end Jimmy Graham, who the team acquired this offseason. Bevell has also been loudly criticized by running back Marsahwn Lynch’s mother for being the worst play caller in the game. Without Lynch, who is on the mend, and without Graham, who is out for the season, the offense had maybe its best day, especially considering the caliber of opponent. 

Quarterback Russell Wilson looked free on the field and threw for 274 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for 51 yards and a score. The team seems to be finding its playoff form after starting slow and hearing a great deal of criticism citywide. On the horizon? Two weak teams: a road game at Baltimore, a bottom three team in the league, and a home game against the rudderless Cleveland Browns. 

Ideally, the ‘Hawks get the first wild card and play the Washington, D.C. professional football team. But on Sunday, the team raised its record to 7-5 and in two weeks that record could look even better. We can only hope Tarvaris Jackson will be under center at the end of both those games as Wilson, in victory, smiles on the sidelines.