Geno Smith was dynamite, and the Seattle Seahawks wiggled themselves into a thrilling win by beating the San Francisco 49ers 27-20 in a vital NFC West matchup that furthered the playoff hopes of the Seahawks. His sharp passing and composure were impeccable as he made timely decisions in one of those divisional games replete with high stakes.
The veteran quarterback was thoroughly in control from the opening play of the game orchestrating a well-rounded offensive attack that kept the vaunted 49ers defense largely baffled and went 24 of 30 for 312 yards and two touchdowns, proving he can capitalize on San Francisco’s weaknesses on defense.
The game was defined ultimately in the last minutes of the third quarter. Smith flipped a 45-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett on an astonishing catch in double coverage. It electrified the home crowd at Lumen Field and gave the Seahawks an important lead they never relinquished. This came most visibly in the fourth quarter when there was a quarterback running calmly off the clock and converting key third downs to seal the win.
Of course, it ultimately was pretty clear that Smith would end up being your hero of the night but the Seahawks balanced offense certainly helped drive it home. Running back Kenneth Walker III amassed 85 rushing yards and scored one touchdown during the game. Not only would this piece well complement Smith’s aerial assault but given his very tangible running style he peeled down for the 49ers defense. End.
The receiving corps did their job well also, producing 12 catches for over 200 yards. Lockett was exact in his route running, and Metcalf’s physicality was of extreme importance in creating mismatches against the 49ers’ secondary.
A second consecutive win couldn’t make it an easy take for the 49ers against the aggressive defense of the Seahawks. Quarterback Brock Purdy was mixed up with results-throwing 250 yards with a touchdown but one costly mid-second-quarter interception caught by Seattle’s Tariq Woolen and led to a short field that helped establish an easy score for Walker via running touchdown.
San Francisco’s offense finally came alive in the fourth quarter with Christian McCaffrey taking it into the end zone to make it seven for the 49ers in the final minute. But once again, the Seahawks’ D bailed it out by recovering the crucial fumble off of a fourth-and-down attempt in the waning minutes to sew up the win.
That win puts Seattle’s record at 7-4, which really firmly puts them in contention for the title in the NFC West and in a playoff appearance. Of course, Smith’s resurgence as a consistent leader and playmaker has really given the Seahawks an honest chance to compete, considering it’s a pretty tough division.
A loss sends the 49ers to 6-5 and raises more questions about their ability to be a cut above anyone when it matters most. Their roster remains one of the most talented in the league, but struggling at big moments may keep this team out of the playoffs.
What Geno Smith put on display against the 49ers speaks of what Seattle could bring out when everything clicks into place. Indeed, it looked like such a charge was inescapable with their veteran quarterback at the helm and with a balanced strategy being used on offense. The Seattle Seahawks clearly have emerged as one of the eventual contenders in the NFC playoff. Such a win will give confidence to Seattle; hence, this team will soar high in ensuing playoff matches.
