Carroll cheers; Niners in tears

Associated Press

SEATTLE

Pete Carroll flapped his arms, imploring his new home fans to get into the game. At one point, Seattle’s new coach was yanked off the field by an official after wandering too far out on the field following an enthusiastic celebration.

Eleven years after he last coached an NFL game, Carroll thoroughly enjoyed his return to pro football.

“He was probably the most enthusiastic person in the place. I got to say his energy was maybe even a little above mine and I haven’t played in that long so I was pretty excited,” Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu said. “Pete wants to get out there and hit.”

Matt Hasselbeck threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the Seahawks gave their new coach a 31-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

While Seattle could revel in an unlikely romp to start the Carroll era in the Pacific Northwest, the 49ers were already wondering how to regroup as their lofty preseason expectations to dominate the mediocre NFC West took a major hit.

Coach Mike Singletary was instantly questioned about the future of Alex Smith as quarterback. Smith threw for 244 yards, but tossed two costly interceptions and failed to lead San Francisco to touchdowns in the first quarter when Seattle’s offense couldn’t say on the field.

“I want very much to tell Pete Carroll, ’thank you very much for kicking our tails,’ ” Singletary said. “It was good medicine and we’re going to take it. We’ll go from there.”

Seattle went 11/2 quarters with just seven offensive plays for 11 yards, including an interception on the first play from scrimmage.

Then Hasselbeck got started. He completed 10 of his next 11 throws as Seattle abandoned an ineffective run game and used Hasselbeck’s arm. He finished 18 of 23 for 170 yards and touchdowns of 13 yards to Deon Btler and 3 yards to Deion Branch.