The Seattle Seahawks gave it a better fight than we might have expected. With the last minute news that quarterback Geno Smith would be unable to play, things seemed dire with backup Drew Lock inserted into the starting lineup. Unfortunately, the pleasant surprises were not enough as the Seahawks fell to the San Francisco 49ers 28-16.
This is the fifth-straight game the Seahawks have lost to the 49ers, the longest in the all time series history. It is also the first time Seattle has been swept by San Francisco in back to back seasons. Additionally, this is the first four-game losing streak in the Pete Carroll era. At least the Seahawks didn’t allow the 49ers to cover the -14.5 point spread.
San Francisco started things hot, scoring in two plays. However, Seattle answered with a touchdown drive on their opening possession as well. The Seahawks actually managed to leave the first quarter with a 10-7 lead. But from there, the 49ers began to impose their will.
The 49ers retook the lead in the second, and expanded it to 21-10 towards the end of the third. Seattle did find the end zone again to cut it to 21-16, but a failed two-point conversion and an immediate touchdown drive by San Francisco made it 28-16 shortly thereafter.
Seattle’s defense tried their best, rebounding nicely from two awful outings against Dallas and these 49ers on Thanksgiving. They were able to record three sacks, force a fumble and snagged an interception. But it was not nearly enough, as San Francisco is far too deep to be stymied for too long.
Now the Seahawks are below .500 for the first time since Week 1, and are very much on the outside looking in for the playoff picture. They lose the tiebreaker with the similarly 6-7 Rams, and must hope the 6-6 Green Bay Packers are upset by the New York Giants.
Seattle will be back in action on Monday Night Football next week to host the reigning NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
