NFL: Seattle 37, St. Louis 13

SEATTLE, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Seattle bolted to a 17-0 first quarter lead Sunday on the way to an easy 37-13 win against the St. Louis Rams.

The lead grew to 27-6 by halftime and the Rams barely threatened.

Julius Jones led a punishing ground game with one touchdown after 22 carries for 140 yards and T.J. Duckett scored twice on 19 carries for 79 yards.

Seattle compiled 245 yards on the ground.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completed 12 of 20 passes for 172 yards with a touchdown for the Seahawks (1-2), who averted a third straight season-opening loss.

St. Louis' quarterback Marc Bulger went 18 for 31 passing for 184 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.

Star running back Steven Jackson was limited to 66 yards on 23 carries, but made 5 receptions for 62 yards, while wide receiver Torry Holt made 4 receptions for 37 yards for the near lifeless Rams (0-3).