Seahawks Run Fake Punt Against Bills With 30-Point Lead

Did Seahawks Disrespect Bills?

For the second week in a row, the Seahawks put up 50 points -- this time in a blowout win over the Bills. And, not coincidentally, they faced accusations of running up the score for the second week in a row.

Holding a 30-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Seattle faced a 4th and 4 and brought out the punt team. Despite holding a big lead so late in the game, Seattle faked the punt. Running back Michael Robinson took the snap and ran for 29 yards to pick up the first down. Six plays later, Seattle tacked on a field goal to make it 50-17.

Several on Twitter immediately called head coach Pete Carroll out for running up the score.

Carrol later explained he didn't call for the fake but it was an "automatic formation" for the special teams if Buffalo lined up in a specific formation.

"I feel bad about this," Carroll said, via Danny O'Neil of The Seattle Times. "We looked for it every time we were going to punt, and it was just there. I should have stopped it in the sense that it looked bad."

Carroll was criticized for running up the score last week when Seattle beat Arizona 58-0. With some of his starters pulled, including quarterback Russell Wilson, the Seahawks continued to throw the ball late in the fourth quarter.

The former USC coach struck a sympathetic tone after that game, saying it was "unfortunate" for the Cardinals. But he defended the plays called for backup quarterback Matt Flynn.

"Any of the throws we threw in the fourth quarter, Matt just needed to throw the ball around some," Carroll said after the shutout, per CBS Sports. "We did a little bit of everything. Quick game. A couple naked [bootlegs] to just get him out of the pocket, just to give him a chance to get some time. Hopefully, everyone understands that."

Should they? Are the Seahawks rubbing it in?

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