Super Seahawks dominate Packers

September 5, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

Photo by: Associated Press

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett forces Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to fumble in the second half of their NFL game Thursday in Seattle. Green Bay’s Derek Sherrod recovered the ball but was tackled in the end zone by Seattle’s Tony McDaniel for a safety. The Seahawks won 36-16.

Associated Press

SEATTLE

Russell Wilson made sure everyone knew Percy Harvin was healthy. Marshawn Lynch bullied his way to another 100-yard rushing performance.

And Richard Sherman? He was just bored.

The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks started 2014 the same way they finished last season, with a convincing blowout win.

Lynch rushed for 110 yards and a pair of touchdowns, Harvin had 100 combined yards rushing and receiving, and the Seahawks stymied Aaron Rodgers’ up-tempo offense in a 36-16 win over the Green Bay Packers to kick off the regular season.

The Seahawks unveiled the first Super Bowl banner in franchise history during a brief pregame ceremony and then began the process of trying to be the first team in a decade to repeat.

Their effort against the Packers — a popular pick to contend in the NFC — will only reinforce the belief Seattle is still the favorite.

And this time, there was no worry about a “Fail Mary” deciding the outcome.

“We got a few more weapons on offense, a lot of guys are more experienced,” Harvin said. “The guys on defense, Kam [Chancellor] and Earl [Thomas], just have another year of experience.”

Wilson was outstanding in the first half, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to Ricardo Lockette. Harvin got touches as a receiver, running back and returner. He was used all over the field in different formations after never being fully healthy in his first season with Seattle.

Wilson finished 19 of 28 for 191 yards passing.

And Lynch was at his best. Pete Carroll said earlier this week that Lynch appeared in the best shape of his career, and it showed. Lynch averaged 5.5 yards per carry and topped 100 yards for the 20th time in the regular season since joining the Seahawks in 2010.