NFL Wild Card Recap: Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco’s search for a sixth Super Bowl is approaching 30 years. If the 49ers can build off their 41-23 destruction of Seattle Saturday in the NFC Wild Card round, they could make one of the more improbable runs to the big game. What makes the Seahawks vs 49ers recap especially amazing is how well San Francisco’s third-string quarterback played.
However, the Seahawks, who snuck into the postseason thanks to a Detroit victory in the last game of the regular season, didn’t fade in the spotlight. Seattle rode a journeyman quarterback up the NFL standings, grabbing a Wild Card spot in a season where many people thought the Seahawks would roll over and rebuild. While neither of these teams will have players very high in the NFL MVP odds, they were both very successful.
Mr. Very Relevant
Brock Purdy, an Iowa State product, was forced into the starting lineup late this season after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo sunk the 49ers’ quarterback depth and landed both on the NFL injury report. However, the man who was selected with the last pick in the draft and the Mr. Irrelevant moniker that goes with it has proved his worth. Purdy was one of those San Francisco picks that didn’t seem important at the time but has shown his mettle.
Purdy passed for 332 yards against Seattle in the playoff game and didn’t throw any interceptions. For the season, NFL player stats show that Purdy has passed for 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions. While Purdy may not go on to a Hall of Fame career, he was a vital part of the Seahawks vs. 49ers recap.
Smith Didn’t Wilt in the Spotlight
When the Seahawks dealt Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, they received quarterback Drew Lock back in return. However, what Seattle found was that it already had its quarterback on the roster. NFL team stats show that Geno Smith has had a rough go since being selected out of West Virginia by the New York Jets. Before coming to Seattle in 2020, he had thrown 29 touchdown passes in his first six NFL seasons.
Smith, who passed for 253 yards and two touchdowns against San Francisco, took advantage of many NFL matchups this season.
Seattle Turns the Tide in the Second Quarter
When it comes to talking about a Seahawks vs. 49ers recap, it would be impossible to not immediately turn your mind to the second quarter. Seattle trailed 10-0 after one quarter and it appeared Seattle Seahawks odds show the game was over.
However, touchdowns from Kenneth Walker III and a 50-yard touchdown catch by DK Metcalf gave Seattle its first lead, 14-13. People making San Francisco 49ers picks may have thought the 49ers turned the tie when they went ahead 16-14 with 13 seconds left before halftime on a 46-yard field goal by Robbie Gould.
However, on the last offensive play before halftime, 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward gave the Seahawks the lead. People looking at the Seahawks vs. 49ers recap will see Ward’s personal foul by hitting a sliding Smith set Seattle up for a field goal before halftime. Jason Myers knocked down a 56-yard field goal as time expired at halftime to give Seattle a 17-16 lead.
San Francisco Puts its Foot Down
The 49ers weren’t going to get eliminated by a team on the NFL schedule many people thought wouldn’t be able to make the playoffs. San Francisco went back ahead in the third quarter on a 1-yard sneak by Purdy. It was the first of three straight touchdowns that stretched the 49ers’ lead to 38-17.
Defense and Turnovers Sink Seattle
The Seahawks’ offense did its part, putting up 23 points and gaining 332 yards. However, Seattle couldn’t slow down San Francisco. The 49ers piled up 505 total yards including 324 on the ground. 49ers mid-season acquisition Christian McCaffrey also played a large role in the win.
McCaffrey averaged 7.9 yards per carry, piling up 119 yards. He also caught two passes for 17 yards and a score. Deebo Samuel put up big yards for San Francisco when it came to receiving. Samuel finished with 133 yards on six catches.
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