Seahawks’ Improbable Comeback Secures Playoff Berth and NFC West Lead
SEATTLE — In a thrilling Thursday night matchup, the Seattle Seahawks pulled off an incredible comeback against their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, to secure a playoff berth and take the lead in the NFC West. The game, which ended 38-37 in favor of the Seahawks, was nothing short of astonishing, with quarterback Sam Darnold leading the charge.
Darnold’s post-game remarks summed up the sentiment perfectly: “That was crazy.” The quarterback’s disbelief was understandable, given the circumstances. The Seahawks had fallen behind by 16 points in the fourth quarter, following two Darnold interceptions, which seemed to put the Rams on the cusp of a season sweep and an end to Seattle’s division title hopes.
However, Darnold and the Seahawks had other plans. They staged an epic comeback, scoring two touchdowns to force overtime and another in the extra period. The team converted 2-point tries after all three scores, with the last one proving to be the game-winner. Darnold hit tight end Eric Saubert in the back of the end zone, sending Lumen Field into a frenzy.
The victory gives the Seahawks a one-game lead in the NFC West standings with two games remaining, positioning them as the front-runners for the conference’s No. 1 seed. This achievement is all the more impressive considering the Seahawks’ defense had an uncharacteristically poor day, allowing 581 yards and seven completions that gained at least 25 yards.
A Tale of Resilience
Despite the odds, Darnold’s leadership and the team’s resilience shone through. “I didn’t think we played our best football,” Darnold admitted. “I certainly didn’t play my best football. We’ve got a lot of work to do there, but at the end of the day, we won. That team in that locker room, all the guys in that locker room, we work so hard for moments like this.” Darnold’s words reflect the team’s dedication and perseverance, which ultimately led to their triumph.
The story of the game could have been very different, with the Rams’ defense seemingly having Darnold’s number. They had ended his Pro Bowl 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings by sacking him nine times in the wild-card round in January and intercepted him four times in their 21-19 win over the Seahawks at So-Fi Stadium in November. However, Darnold and the Seahawks were determined to rewrite the narrative.
Darnold threw two interceptions in a span of three possessions in the second half, which set up a Rams touchdown and put them up 23-14 in the third quarter. The Rams led 30-14 midway through the fourth quarter after they picked off Darnold for a second time. Yet, the Seahawks refused to give up. Rashid Shaheed’s 58-yard punt return for a touchdown kick-started their rally, followed by a 26-yard Darnold touchdown pass to tight end AJ Barner, which forced overtime.
A Leader’s Resolve
Darnold’s ability to bounce back from adversity is a testament to his leadership and competitive spirit. “Just shows a true competitor,” said Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the NFL’s leading receiver. “A lot of guys would get down on themselves and give up, lay down, but that’s not what we do, that’s not what he is.” Smith-Njigba’s words highlight Darnold’s unwavering commitment to his team and the game.
Coach Mike Macdonald shared that the team had considered kicking a PAT in the final moments, which would have secured a tie and a playoff berth. However, he trusted his team’s momentum and opted for the 2-point conversion, which paid off. “But I just felt great about our play, and I trusted our guys,” Macdonald said. “And to [offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s] credit, too, he was really confident. And then the players ultimately make it happen.”
Darnold’s performance on the game-winning drive was impressive, completing 4 of 5 attempts for 47 yards. The 2-point try that sealed the win saw Darnold find Saubert, who was last in his progression. “Sam is amazing,” Saubert said. “He knows his progression all the way through. I had a chip, came under late. Sam found me. It was awesome.”
This comeback marks a historic moment for the Seahawks, who were previously 0-155-0 all-time when trailing by 16-plus points in the fourth quarter, according to ESPN Research. The team’s resilience and determination have earned them a well-deserved spot in the playoffs and a chance to pursue the NFC West title.
The Seahawks’ victory is a testament to the team’s growth and Darnold’s leadership. As they move forward, they will face new challenges, but their ability to overcome adversity will undoubtedly serve them well. With their sights set on the playoffs, the Seahawks are ready to take on whatever comes next, armed with the knowledge that they can overcome even the most daunting deficits.
