By William Armstead –
SEATTLE, WA – The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 41-6 in their NFC Divisional matchup. The Seahawks dominated from the opening kick and reserved themselves a spot in the NFC title game.
Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kick for the Seahawks, setting the tone early. The Seahawks came into the game with the number one-ranked defense in the NFL, and they looked every bit like it. They were able to force three takeaways (two fumbles, one interception) and three turnovers on downs. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was dealing with an oblique injury suffered in practice, finishing with 124 yards through the air and a touchdown to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Running back Kenneth Walker III could not be stopped, recording three rushing touchdowns with 116 yards. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV had both an interception and a forced fumble.
The 49ers were held to two field goals for the entire game. Running back Christian McCaffery was briefly sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury, and tight end Jake Tonges left the game with a foot injury. The 49ers were already plagued with injuries coming into the game. Quarterback Brock Purdy was pressured on almost 60% of his dropbacks, forcing him into two sacks, a fumble, and an interception.
The Seahawks will face the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship to fight for a spot in Super Bowl 60. The 49ers will look to heal from their injuries and come back strong next season.