The 49ers B team finally hit their wall. And it hit not nearly!
• Also read: The Broncos win… but lose their quarterback
In Seattle, the Seahawks outrageously dominated their division rivals to win 41-6 and advance to the National Conference Finals.
The 49ers, riddled with injuries since the start of the season, provided a valiant effort with the numbers they had on hand, but there are limits to will.
Especially considering the monster talent of the Seahawks, who dominated from start to finish.
From the start, these same Seahawks announced their colors when Rashid Shaheed scored a touchdown on the first play of the game. From that moment on, everything unraveled.
Quarterback Sam Darnold, injured in the abdomen in training during the week, did not need to force too much. He only had to complete 12 of his 17 passes for just 124 yards and a touchdown. For part of the fourth quarter, the Seahawks’ lead was comfortable enough to take it out of the game.
Walker dominant
No need to do more, when running back Kenneth Walker III and the defense took care of the dirty work.
Walker scored three touchdowns and had 116 rushing yards. He became the first Seahawks player since Shaun Alexander in 2003 to score three touchdowns in a playoff game.
In total, the offense gained only 281 yards, but took advantage of advantageous field positions.
Ten points were scored in the first quarter after a missed fourth down and a fumble by the 49ers. Same thing in the third quarter, after another failed fourth down and an interception. The 49ers paid a heavy price for each of their blunders.
Only one other team had scored more than 40 points in a playoff game despite having less than 300 yards, the Rams in 2001, thanks to three defensive touchdowns.
A formidable defense
Defensively, the Seahawks were dominant, like their season. They forced three turnovers and even though 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy only had two sacks, he found himself under pressure 13 times.
If sideways and backwards yards were counted, Purdy probably would have accumulated 200 because he had to run for his life.
This season, the Seahawks had the 49ers’ number. They have won the last two games against their enemies without conceding a single touchdown. It’s honestly impressive! Moreover, in three games this season, the 49ers have only scored 26 points against the Seahawks.
In history, 168 teams have played three games in a season against an opponent and only the Browns, in 1994, had scored so few points in three games, against the Steelers.
For the 49ers, it’s the end of the dream of playing the Super Bowl in their stadium, since the ultimate game will take place at home.
The Seahawks can really continue to dream. They are banking on a complete team that can hurt everywhere. Their ground game is solid, their special teams are dangerous, their defensive line is all depth and their defensive backs command respect.
They’re going to be hard to get out.
THE 3 STARS OF THE MATCH
Kenneth Walker III
The Seahawks haven’t needed to generate much offense, but Walker has been the engine. When he is healthy, he runs with an energy that is beautiful to see.
Devon Witherspoon
Not only did the cornerback not let anything go, but he ended up with seven tackles and one pass knockdown. Another great draft pick from general manager John Schneider.
Rashid Shaheed
Shaheed was picked up for cheap at the trade deadline and scored his third touchdown on a punt return in that game. He became the fourth player since 2000 to score a return touchdown on the first play of a game.
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