Seahawks pull out 24-21 win

Seattle scored with one minute remaining to beat the Bengals.

SEATTLE (AP) — Nate Burleson and Deion Branch speeding for scores on perfect throws from Matt Hasselbeck. Shaun Alexander sprinting for key first downs. And Deon Grant making plays for the first time as a Seahawk.

After months of waiting, and one week after Hasselbeck and Alexander fumbled away a win, the Microsoft millions of team owner Paul Allen finally paid off.

Burleson caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Hasselbeck with one minute remaining as Seattle’s playmakers resurfaced to rescue the sputtering Seahawks in a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday.

“Man, I’m just thinking ‘Get in the end zone! We need this!’ ” Burleson said after running past cornerback Johnathan Joseph on Hasselbeck’s third touchdown pass.

Burleson has best day

Burleson had six catches for 76 yards — his best day since signing for $49 million with his hometown team before last season — but dropped a touchdown pass earlier in the final quarter.

This time, he pranced into the end zone after Joseph hesitated while apparently expecting help he never got from safety Madieu Williams.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh took advantage of Seattle double-teaming Chad Johnson for most of the game and tied his career high with 12 catches. He had 141 yards receiving and a touchdown for the Bengals, who lost for the 31st time in 43 trips to the West Coast.

Seattle had just 210 total yards and 14 points after three quarters against a defense that Cleveland shredded for 51 points and 554 total yards last week.

But ultimately, the Bengals’ defense faltered again.

“I’m not satisfied with anything that we did today,” Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis said, tersely.

Fumble recovery seals win

After Burleson’s touchdown, Glenn Holt got hit with a flying shoulder from Lance Laury while returning the ensuing kickoff.

Grant, signed for more than $11 million guaranteed last spring, recovered the fumble with 54 seconds remaining to seal the win for Seattle (2-1) in what was far from the expected shootout.

Grant also had the first of two interceptions from Carson Palmer, who completed 27 of 43 passes for 342 yards and one touchdown — but rued not getting a final chance to add to 412 total yards of offense for the Bengals (1-2). Cincinnati had taken a 21-17 lead with 2:42 remaining when Kenny Watson, subbing for ineffective and then injured Rudi Johnson, ran 8 yards.

The Seahawks began the ensuing drive at their 40, thanks to Shayne Graham shanking the kickoff out of bounds.