At a Glance
- Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.
- Kenneth Walker III rushed for three scores, tying a franchise playoff record.
- Seattle’s defense forced three turnovers and held San Francisco to two field goals.
- Why it matters: The Seahawks are one victory away from their first Super Bowl appearance in 11 years.
The Seattle Seahawks roared into the NFC championship game with a commanding 41-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night, powered by a record-setting special-teams touchdown, a historic rushing performance and a smothering defensive effort.
Opening Strike Sets the Tone
Rashid Shaheed fielded the opening kickoff and raced 95 yards untouched for a touchdown, putting Seattle ahead 7-0 just 13 seconds into the contest. The return was the fourth opening kickoff taken for a touchdown in the playoffs since 2000 and the longest postseason kick return in franchise history.
Sam Darnold, playing through an oblique injury that had him listed as questionable, guided the Seahawks on two additional scoring drives before San Francisco managed its first field goal. Darnold finished 12 of 17 for 124 yards and a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the star receiver’s playoff debut.
Walker Matches Franchise Mark
Kenneth Walker III powered his way to three rushing touchdowns, tying Shaun Alexander for the most rushing scores in a single playoff game in Seahawks history. Walker’s performance helped Seattle build an insurmountable lead and kept the clock moving as the 49ers struggled to respond.
Darnold, who absorbed nine sacks in a 27-9 loss to the Rams last season while with Minnesota, praised the offensive balance after finally earning his first career postseason win.
> “Really proud to be a part of this team and this organization,” Darnold said.
49ers’ Stars Absent, Struggles Abound
San Francisco played without three injured All-Pros:
- Tight end George Kittle
- Linebacker Fred Warner
- Defensive end Nick Bosa
Brock Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for 140 yards, threw an interception and lost a fumble against Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense. The Seahawks also recovered a fumble by tight end Jake Tonges.
The 49ers’ offense never found rhythm, managing only two field goals in the second-most lopsided playoff loss in franchise history. The only worse defeat came in a 49-3 loss to the New York Giants in the 1986 divisional round.
Defensive Dominance
Seattle’s defense harassed Purdy all night, sacking him multiple times and forcing hurried throws. The unit tallied three takeaways and limited the 49ers to 6 points, the fewest San Francisco has scored in a playoff game under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
> “They’re unbelievable. They’ve stepped up every single game for us,” Darnold said of the defense. “Can’t say enough great things about that defense. It was tough in training camp and OTAs going up against them. But I’m glad they’re on our side.”
Injury Report
49ers:
- Running back Christian McCaffrey left with a stinger in the second quarter, returned briefly in the third, then exited for good.
- Tight end Jake Tonges injured a foot and did not return.
Seahawks:
- Running back Zach Charbonnet injured a knee in the second quarter and did not return.
- Left tackle Charles Cross injured a foot in the third quarter and did not return.
Championship Bound
With the win, Seattle improved to 15-3 and will host either the Chicago Bears or the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday for the NFC title. A victory would send the Seahawks to their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and their first since the 2013 season.
The 49ers, finishing 13-6, head into the offseason looking to heal and reload after a season marred by late-season injuries and a lopsided playoff exit.
> “Heal and reload for next season,” is how the 49ers summed up their immediate future.
Key Takeaways:
- Seattle’s special-teams unit produced the game’s biggest swing on the very first play.
- Walker’s three scores kept the chains moving and the clock running.
- The Seahawks’ defense forced three turnovers and held the 49ers to two field goals.
- San Francisco’s injury-depleted roster never mounted a credible challenge.
- One more win sends Seattle to the Super Bowl for the first time in 11 years.
