Seahawks vs. Redskins, 2013 NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Seattle gives fans scare before advancing

It wasn't the start fans were hoping for, but the Seattle Seahawks regained their rhythm after struggling in the first quarter to top the Washington Redskins on Sunday night.

After riding a five-game winning streak, including multiple dominating victories, into the playoffs, Seattle began unusually slow and surrendered two touchdowns to Robert Griffin and the Redskins. If any fans were doubting Seattle's chances of advancing at that moment, they certainly weren't alone, according to Field Gulls:

Was there ever any doubt? Don't say no. If you're saying no, you're lying to me, but more importantly you're lying to yourself. Don't do that, it's not healthy. Most of the game was spent, at least where I was watching, in a state of deep anxiety even though the game's fulcrum was placed, in hindsight, at the end of the first quarter.

From the second quarter on, the Seahawks looked like the team that ended the regular season on a tidal wave of momentum. Russell Wilson led the Seattle offense to 24 points and the defense clamped down on Griffin, Alfred Morris and co. to hold them scoreless in the final three quarters.

Seahawks fans were happy to see the officials not over-officiate and toss penalty flags at any sign of physicality. In total, seven penalties were whistled and the result was determined by the players, not the refs.

Now, Seattle looks to keep its magical season going when it meets the No. 1-seeded Atlanta Falcons next week.