Seattle – It took just one explosive play for the night to tilt decisively, Rashid Shaheed tore through the coverage for a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, instantly seizing momentum for the Seattle Seahawks. Just two weeks earlier, these teams met in a matchup that handed the San Francisco 49ers their first loss in six games, a result that played a key role in determining the No. 1 seed in the NFC West.
With a trip to the NFC Championship Game on the line, the stakes were significantly higher. the Seahawks left no doubt, dominating the 49ers 41–6 to punch its ticket to next weekend’s NFC title game against either the Chicago Bears or the Los Angeles Rams.
Shaheed’s opening touchdown set the tone and gave Seattle an early 7–0 lead. The Seahawks’ defense followed with authority, forcing San Francisco to punt on their opening possession and immediately putting the 49ers on its heels.
Ball security quickly became a concern for San Francisco. after another defensive stop that limited Seattle to a 31-yard field goal, the 49ers offense unraveled again. Brock Purdy completed a short pass to Jake Tonges, who fumbled after being double-teamed by two defenders, including Earnest Jones who forced the turnover.
The Seahawks struck again without hesitation, as Sam Darnold found Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a 4-yard touchdown pass to push Seattle’s lead to 17–0 by the end of the first quarter. From that point on, the game belonged entirely to Seattle. The Seahawks’ rushing attack overwhelmed San Francisco, powered by Kenneth Walker III, who scored three touchdowns and piled up 116 yards on the ground. Darnold was poised and efficient, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown as Seattle cruised in control.
the 49ers, meanwhile, collapsed defensively, an area that had been its greatest strength entering the postseason. Purdy finished 15 of 27 for 140 yards, throwing no touchdowns and one interception. Christian McCaffrey was limited to 35 yards on 11 carries and briefly left the game with a stinger before returning, only to exit again later.
Despite the lopsided loss, San Francisco season was marked by resilience. Plagued by injuries throughout the year, the 49ers still managed to reach the playoffs. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has now led the franchise to two Super Bowl appearances (LIV and LVII) but remains winless on the game’s biggest stage over his nine-year tenure.
This season adds another bittersweet chapter, as San Francisco prepares to host Super Bowl LX for the second time in a decade, once again with the 49ers watching from home.
Photo by 49ers/Twitter
