The Seattle Seahawks delivered a commanding performance to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 in the NFC divisional round, securing their spot in the NFC Championship Game for the first time in over a decade. From the opening kickoff, Seattle set the tone with a dominant display across all phases of the game, leaving no doubt about their Super Bowl aspirations.
Rashid Shaheed ignited the Seahawks’ momentum by returning the game’s opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, immediately putting pressure on the 49ers. This explosive start was followed by a series of defensive stands, with Seattle’s top-rated unit forcing turnovers and denying San Francisco on critical fourth-down attempts. The early lead allowed the Seahawks to control the tempo and impose their will throughout the contest.
Defensively, Seattle was relentless, generating three takeaways and holding the 49ers to just two field goals. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV was instrumental, forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass from Brock Purdy, while the defensive line pressured Purdy on over half of his dropbacks. This stifling performance extended a trend where the Seahawks have kept the 49ers out of the end zone in their recent meetings, showcasing their defensive prowess.
On offense, the running game was unstoppable, with Kenneth Walker III rushing for 116 yards and three touchdowns. Despite the loss of backup Zach Charbonnet to a knee injury, Walker carried the load effectively, supported by an offensive line that paved the way for 175 rushing yards. This ground dominance complemented a efficient passing attack, allowing Seattle to maintain balance and keep the 49ers’ defense off-balance.
Quarterback Sam Darnold, nursing an oblique injury, played a smart and controlled game, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown without turnovers. His ability to manage the offense despite health concerns demonstrated the Seahawks’ depth and adaptability. With the game out of reach, Darnold was pulled early, giving way to backups as Seattle preserved key players for the upcoming championship showdown.
For the 49ers, the loss highlighted ongoing challenges, including key injuries to stars like Nick Bosa and George Kittle, which hampered their ability to compete. Brock Purdy struggled under constant pressure, and the receiving corps failed to make an impact, managing only three catches for 24 yards. This defeat marks a disappointing end to a season where San Francisco overachieved but ultimately fell short against a superior rival.
The victory propels the Seahawks into the NFC Championship Game, where they will face the winner of the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams matchup. With a complete team performance, Seattle has solidified its status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, boasting strengths in offense, defense, and special teams. The return to the conference title game after an 11-year absence has energized the fanbase and set the stage for a potential championship run.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks must address minor injury concerns, such as Charbonnet’s knee and left tackle Charles Cross’s foot, but the overall health and momentum are favorable. Coach Mike Macdonald’s squad has proven its mettle, and with home-field advantage likely in the next round, Seattle is poised to make a deep playoff push. This win not only avenges past playoff disappointments but also signals a new era of dominance for the franchise.
