Seahawks rally past 49ers 26-23, setting up playoff trilogy vs. Rams

The Seattle Seahawks (12-4) struggled for three quarters against the San Francisco 49ers (6-10), but turned on the jets offensively in the 4th quarter for a 26-23 win. Unfortunately, wins by the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints meant that the Seahawks were unable to improve their playoff positioning. They could’ve been the #1 or #2 seed but instead they’ll be #3 and rematching the Los Angeles Rams, who eliminated the Arizona Cardinals by a riveting 18-7 scoreline.

Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes to Tyler Lockett, Benson Mayowa had a huge strip-sack on CJ Beathard, and Alex Collins’ had the game-clinching touchdown. San Francisco did score late but the onside kick was recovered by Seattle.

Hey, it was ugly but this team is still 12-4 for the first time since 2014, when they last made the Super Bowl.

1st Half

The Seahawks and 49ers exchanged punts on the first four possessions of the afternoon. Seattle finally opened the scoring on a field goal by Jason Myers after Chris Carson helped get the Seahawks deep into Niners territory on a 29-yard catch-and-run. 3-0 Seahawks.

DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett set their respective single-season Seahawks records on Seattle’s next scoring drive. Metcalf surpassed Steve Largent for receiving yards, while Tyler Lockett eclipsed Bobby Engram and Doug Baldwin for receptions. Unfortunately, that scoring drive was a mere field goal. 6-0 Seahawks.

CJ Beathard made a big-time throw to Richie James Jr who burned Shaquill Griffin on 3rd and 14. Another 3rd down conversion to George Kittle set up the 49ers in makeable field goal range and Tristan Vizcaino put San Francisco on the board. 6-3 Seahawks.

2nd Half

San Francisco got a field goal before halftime, and they got another field goal after the break. LJ Collier received a garbage roughing the passer flag, but it was an 18-yard run by Jeff Wilson that was the highlight for the Niners. Another Vizcaino field goal tied it up. 6-6.

Another Seahawks three-and-out and a rare bad punt by Michael Dickson led to a short field for the 49ers. George Kittle made a ridiculous one-handed catch to the 9-yard line. Beathard missed Kittle wide open and instead threw an incomplete pass, then took a sack. 9-6 49ers.

Another three-and-out by the Seahawks led to a 73-yard touchdown drive by the 49ers, as Jeff Wilson walked in from seven yards out. 16-6 49ers in the 4th quarter.

Another three-and-out The Seahawks offense finally woke up with a 75-yard drive on just eight plays. Capping it off was a great throw on the run by Wilson to Tyler Lockett, only for Jason Myers to miss the PAT. 16-12 49ers with 10:54 left in the game.

A pivotal drop by George Kittle on 3rd down gave the Seahawks the ball back with 7:46 to go. Seattle engineered a 14-play, 85-yard drive that featured a nice balance of good passes and effective rushes, including a couple of Wilson scrambles. On 4th and goal, Russell Wilson threw a dime to Tyler Lockett for the go-ahead touchdown on what was Lockett’s 100th catch of the year. 19-16 Seahawks with 2:20 to go.

Benson Mayowa strip-sacked CJ Beathard and Rasheem Green made the recovery! First turnover and a huge one.

Alex Collins ran it in from eight yards out to wrap up the win. 26-16 Seahawks.

Jeff Wilson had his 2nd touchdown of the game, catching a shorty from three yards out to wrap up the scoring. 26-23 Seahawks FINAL.

Seahawks injury report

S Jamal Adams hurt his left shoulder in the 4th quarter and did not return to the game.

DT Jarran Reed injured his sternum in the 3rd quarter and did not return to the game.

Next week’s opponent

A trilogy with the Los Angeles Rams (10-6) at 1:40 PM PT on Saturday, January 9th from Lumen Field. FOX will broadcast the game.