SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The standings show the Seahawks still in second place in the NFC West.

But in two games in five days against its two main rivals in the division, Seattle played like the team to beat.

Thursday, Seattle dominated San Francisco from start to finish in a 19-3 victory at Levi’s Stadium. Last Sunday, the Seahawks manhandled Arizona 19-3 at CenturyLink Field. The two games were not only identical in score, but in style.

In each, the defense set the tone. And offensively, Russell Wilson used his legs to make game-changing plays for Seattle, aided by the running of Marshawn Lynch.

These grades reflect the surprising ease with which Seattle (8-4) got its first victory on the road against the 49ers since 2008.

Quarterback

So much for thinking Wilson has to run for Seattle to have success. He didn’t have a rushing attempt in the first half as the Seahawks took a 13-0 lead. He finished with 35 yards on seven attempts. Still, his legs were often the difference — who else makes a play like that one that turned into the 63-yard pass and run by Tony Moeaki? — as he had another efficient passing night, going 15 of 22 for 236 yards, a TD and no interceptions and a quarterback rating of 118.8.

Grade:A

Running back

It took a while for the running game to get going, but eventually it did, as Lynch had 104 yards. It was the third time in the past four games he has topped the century mark, and fifth time in the past seven against the 49ers. Robert Turbin also had a nice night, catching a 13-yard touchdown pass.

Grade:A-

Tight ends

Tony Moeaki did it again early, turning in a catch-and-run for the longest play of the season for the Seahawks, 63 yards, to set up a second-quarter field goal. Luke Willson made a game-high four catches for 39 yards.

Grade:A

Wide receivers

This was another game in which Wilson made liberal use of his tight ends and running backs, sometimes as outlet receivers. But the group again came up with a few drive-sustaining catches.

Grade:B-

Offensive line

Lemuel Jeanpierre started at center for the first time this season, and James Carpenter returned to the starting lineup at left guard after missing three games with a sprained ankle. And it appeared a smoother effort for the Seahawks throughout after giving up seven sacks last week.

Grade:B

Defensive line

The defensive dominance started up front. Cliff Avril often went against backup right tackle Jonathan Martin and often had success, including a first-quarter sack that helped set an early tone. The Seahawks threw in a twist early, sometimes having Michael Bennett stand up, like a linebacker coming up the middle.

Grade:A

Linebackers

Boy, what a difference Bobby Wagner has made since returning after missing five games with a toe injury. Wagner not only spearheaded the effort on San Francisco’s running game but also was the spy on Colin Kaepernick, keeping him hemmed in and getting just 17 yards on three carries. K.J. Wright and Bruce Irvin each added one of Seattle’s four sacks.

Grade:A

SECONDARY

Kaepernick wasn’t real sharp, he also rarely had open receivers. The Seahawks lived up to their “blanket coverage” rep throughout. Richard Sherman came up with his second interception of the season in the first quarter to set up Seattle’s first touchdown and set a tone of back-end dominance.

Grade:A

Special teams

Indicative of how the night went, punter Jon Ryan dropped a snap in the second quarter, but got the kick off as he was being grabbed. San Francisco returner Perrish Cox then fumbled when hit by Ricardo Lockette, with O’Brien Schofield recovering. Steven Hauschka was his dependable self, going 4 for 4 on field goals.

Grade:B+

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com

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