Seahawks DESTROY 49ers in NFL playoffs as Sam Darnold brushes off harm scare to encourage 35-point rout
The Seattle Seahawks have reached the NFC Championship game for the first time in 11 years after dismantling the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.
Sam Darnold, who struggled with an oblique injury in the lead-up to the game, threw for 127 yards, no interceptions and a touchdown to help the Seahawks claim a resounding 41-6 victory.
While Darnold’s presence was a major boost, it was star running back Kenneth Walker III who stole the show on the night for Seattle after registering 19 carries for 116 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Walker also had three catches for 29 yards on the night, while wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was on hand with as many receptions for 19 yards and a touchdown.
The win means Seattle will take on the winner of Sunday’s other NFC Divisional clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears for a place in the Super Bowl next weekend.
The Seahawks led 7-0 just 13 seconds into Saturday’s game thanks to Rashid Shaheed, who returned the opening kickoff for a 95-yard touchdown. It was the fourth kickoff return for a touchdown to open a playoff game since 2000 and the longest postseason kick return in franchise history.
The Seahawks dismantled the 49ers on Saturday night to reach the NFC Championship game
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy was on the wrong end of a huge 41-6 drubbing
His opposite number, Sam Darnold, was fit enough to lead the Seahawks to victory after struggling with an oblique injury
After being listed as questionable for the game, Darnold guided the Seahawks on two more scoring drives before San Francisco got on the board with the first of its two field goals.
The 49ers (13-6) were never competitive in the second-most lopsided playoff loss in franchise history. San Francisco lost 49-3 to the New York Giants in the divisional round in the 1986 season.
They were missing three injured All-Pros on the night: tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa. Christian McCaffrey was also injured in the second quarter and briefly returned in the third before exiting for good.
Brock Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for 140 yards with an interception and a lost fumble against the Seahawks’ ‘Dark Side’ defense. Seattle also recovered a fumble by tight end Jake Tonges.
Walker’s three rushing touchdowns tied him with Shaun Alexander for the most in a playoff game in franchise history.
