Throwback: Patera loses to Oilers in final game as Seahawks coach

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher 

Editor’s Note: Jack Patera, who was the first head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, died on Wednesday. He was 85-years-old.

We looked back on the first game during his tenure as the Seahawks head coach. Now, we’re looking back on the final game of his tenure.

The Houston Oilers defeated the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, September 19th, 1982. The Oilers won 23-21 over the Seahawks at the Houston Astrodome in Houston, Texas.

The Oilers improved to 1-1 on the season. The Seahawks fell to 0-2 on the season.

Seahawks quarterback Dave Krieg went 15 of 22 for 156 yards, including a touchdown. Jim Zorn also went 9 of 16 for 113 yards and a touchdown.

Theotis Brown had five carries for 31 yards and a touchdown. David Hughes had six carries for 22 yards.

Byron Walker had four receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown. Pete Metzelaars had four receptions for 48 yards. Hughes had four receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown.

Oilers quarterback Gifford Nielsen went 17 of 37 for 131 yards. He also had one touchdown and one interception.

Earl Campbell had 30 carries for 142 yards and a touchdown.

Donnie Craft had six receptions for 62 yards. Dave Casper had four receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown. Mike Holston also had an 18-yard reception.

Seahawks defender John Harris and Michael Jackson had an interception each. Jeff Bryant also had 2.0 sacks, while Robert Hardy had 1.0 sacks.

Oilers defender Robert Brazile had 2.0 sacks. Jesse Baker, Ken Kennard, and Daryle Skaugstad also had 1.0 sacks each.

Houston scored 16 second-half points. Campbell scored on a 12-yard rushing touchdown. Following this touchdown, there was no extra point.

Mike Reinfeldt recovered a defensive fumble recovery in the end zone. Florian Kempf also made a 24-yard field goal.

Seattle scored 14 second-half points. Brown scored on a three-yard rushing touchdown. Zorn also hit Hughes for a 29-yard touchdown reception.

The game was tied at 7 all. Oilers’ Nielsen hit Casper for a 19-yard touchdown.

Seahawks’ Krieg hit Walker for a 40-yard touchdown reception.