PHILADELPHIA — Mike Holmgren confronted his defense last week. They definitely got the message, making a cross-country trip to Philadelphia for a Monday night game in the snow nothing more than a romp through the Linc.

Using big plays on defense, including interception returns for touchdowns by Andre Dyson and rookie Lofa Tatupu, and smaller ones from their top-ranked offense, the Seattle Seahawks routed the Eagles 42-0.

"I challenged them during the week, our young guys, and they really stepped up," Seattle's coach said. "Tonight, they really had fun. They got to turn those things into touchdowns.

"We gave up a lot of yards to the Giants and San Francisco, and I feel we're better than that. We weren't giving up a lot of points, but I thought we hit a bit of a leveling and I kind of pounded them a bit. If they played tonight like that because they are mad at me, that's fine."

Of course, these aren't the same Eagles who made the past four NFC championship games. Philadelphia (5-7) has been torn apart by injuries and the Terrell Owens affair and played its worst game since becoming an NFC force in 2001.

Certainly a better fight was expected. Yet the Seahawks (10-2) dominated from the outset, winning their eighth straight game, tying a team record set in 1984. They gained only 194 yards overall — the Seahawks were averaging 386 — but didn't need to do much after taking a 35-0 halftime lead.

"I've never been ahead like that against a good football team," Holmgren said. "It was kind of new territory."

Seattle, which got two short touchdowns runs from NFL rushing leader Shaun Alexander, sort of sneaked its way to the top of the conference and barely survived the New York Giants last week.

In the Monday night spotlight, though, the NFC West champions filled the scoreboard.

It was Philadelphia's worst loss since a 38-0 flop against Seattle to open the 1998 season.