Last week, the Seattle Seahawks trailed at halftime 10-3, trailed 17-13 in the fourth quarter, and ultimately prevailed 20-17 thanks to late game heroics from their quarterback. Apparently, they enjoyed it so much last week they decided to replicate it almost identically on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
The Seahawks must have been on Santa’s nice list this year, as they gave the 12th Man an early Christmas present with a massive win.
While it may seem silly to say it was a “must win” over a now 5-10 Titans team, it absolutely was. At 7-7, Seattle was fighting for their playoff lives. Had they lost this game and fallen to 7-8, their already slim chances would decrease further.
Once again in the first half, the Seahawks looked outclassed by their opponent. Tennessee held the ball and was running it down their throats winning the time of possession battle. Geno Smith and Co. had hardly any time to work with, and they did not do a whole lot when they had the ball, only mustering a lone field goal. Still, it was only a one-score game at halftime.
The Seahawks managed to score a field goal on their opening drive, and then take the lead with this impressive toe-dragging touchdown from DK Metcalf.
OK, DK!
📺: #SEAvsTEN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UIg1XAk0MB pic.twitter.com/Kw2xzlrioc— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2023
However, the scrappy Titans were not done yet. Tennessee marched down the field in a grueling 15-play, 74 yard drive that killed nearly nine full minutes off the clock to take a 17-13 lead. Once again, the Seahawks were in need of a comeback touchdown drive.
Geno Smith, as he had done against the Lions, Browns and Commanders, answered the bell for Seattle. Smith drove the team down 53 yards on 14 plays, capping it off with a touchdown to Colby Parkinson on third down to retake the lead.
Different day, different QB, same TD result in the final minute.#ProBowlVote + @GenoSmith3#ProBowlVote + @CJ51 pic.twitter.com/p1FbDP2HwZ
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 24, 2023
But Seattle was not out of the woods, yet. The Titans still had time left on the clock, and in the NFL it ain’t over ’till it’s over. Tennessee managed to make it to the 50 yard line, but a sack from Dre’Mont Jones and a completed pass to let the clock run out was how it ended for the Titans.
Seahawks win another nailbiter! #SEAvsTEN pic.twitter.com/O9DyGkuo5F
— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2023
The Seahawks have improved to 8-7, and thanks to Minnesota losing 30-24 at home to Detroit, Seattle has now moved into the final Wild Card position. With two games remaining, the Seahawks control their destiny for returning to the postseason.
Up next, their final home game of the season to host the still-hated Pittsburgh Steelers.