Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith entered Sunday’s contest versus his NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers with some demons to exercise. Smith owned an 0-5 record in his career against the 49ers, postseason included. Leading up to Sunday’s showdown, the veteran signal caller admitted that it was personal.
Sunday’s game was a back-and-forth affair. The 49ers owned a 7-6 lead at halftime. After kicker Jake Moody extended that advantage to 10-6 in the third quarter, Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III scored a one-yard rushing touchdown to give Seattle a 13-10 lead.
Hope was momentarily lost when 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings restored San Francisco’s lead through a three-yard touchdown that featured one helluva individual effort. Seattle’s next drive ended when backup ball carrier Zach Charbonnet was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 rushing attempt at San Francisco’s 37 yard line. Luckily for Smith and the offense, Mike Macdonald’s defense came up with a quick and critical stop, limiting the ensuing possession to five plays and a swift 49ers punt.
Smith took over possession with 2:38 remaining. He oversaw an 11 play drive that gained 83 yards, culminating with a walk off 13-yard touchdown scramble. Smith converted two third-down attempts on the outstanding drive, completing a pair of passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the clutch. The game-winning score arrived with 18 seconds remaining, leaving the 49ers with just 12 seconds.
GENO!!!! TD @SEAHAWKS!!
📺: #SEAvsSF on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/ATSZeKJaOe— NFL (@NFL) November 18, 2024
All in all, Smith threw for 54 yards and rushed for 29 more to complete his 10th game-winning drive as Seattle’s starting quarterback. It was a season-saving victory for the Seahawks, who improved to 5-5. The Seahawks are in a three-way tie with the Los Angeles Rams and 49ers for second place in the ever-competitive NFC West.
