NFL Playoffs; Seahawks Punch Ticket To Super Bowl 49, Beat Packers 28-22
What started as one of the worst game in Russell Wilson’s career ends with the Seahawks getting a chance to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.
ESPN is reporting that Wilson, who threw for four interceptions in the game, the most in his NFL career, hit Jermaine Kearse for a 35-yard winning touchdown pass on the first series of overtime. Kearse seemed to be cursed during the game, as all four of Wilson’s interceptions were intended for Kearse originally.
The beginning of the Championship game did not start in the Seahawks’ favor. Green Bay was able to get two of Wilson’s four interceptions early in the first quarter, but were able to get only two field goals. It seemed that the Packers’ effort, however, would be enough to win the game. Aaron Rodgers looked like his calf was not giving him any issues, and was able to direct the Packers offense to a 16-0 halftime lead. Rodgers finished the game 19 for 34, for 178 yards and a touchdown, but did have two interceptions.
The Packers’ defense played extremely well for the first 50 minutes. The defense collected four interceptions, one fumble, and 5 sacks. Two interceptions were collected by rookie Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The game seemed to be in control, then the Seahawks, faced with a fourth down and punting, faked the punt, and Seattle punter John Ryan threw a 19-yard touchdown to eligible lineman Greg Gilliam to break open the Seahawks’ scoring.
It also seemed to awaken Seattle’s famed “12th man,” and the momentum subsequently shifted.
NPR is reporting that once the Packers then kicked a field goal to make the score 19-7. Then, with 2 minutes and nine seconds left, Seattle made its improbable push for NFL playoff history.
Wilson ran one yard for a touchdown that made the score 19-14. A minute later, after a Seattle interception, Marshawn Lynch ran for a 24-yard touchdown to give Seattle its first lead of the game, 20-19. Seattle went for the two-point conversion, which Wilson made interesting. Taking the snap from center, Wilson scrambled to his right then lobbed a rainbow to his left that was pulled down by Luke Wilson to then make the score 22-19. Mason Crosby kicked a field goal with 13 seconds left to tie the game and force overtime.
Under the current NFL playoff overtime rules, each team will have a chance with the football unless the first team scores a touchdown. Seattle, calling heads, won the toss, then took just 6 plays to get into the end zone and win the NFC Championship.
The Seahawks now will await the winner of the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Seattle is the first team in ten years to get through the NFL playoffs and have the chance to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. The 16-point deficit was the largest overcome in NFL playoff history.
[Image courtesy of wxow.com]
