Sam Darnold leads Seahawks past 49ers, silencing doubts

Sam Darnold’s fate for Saturday’s NFC divisional matchup with the San Francisco 49ers hung on a single tweak in practice — a sore left oblique that turned the pregame narrative from game plan to game-day question. By kickoff, the only remaining storyline wasn’t his past playoff struggles but whether he could take snaps at all.

When the game ended, the Seahawks had answered that question emphatically. Seattle rolled to a dominant 41-6 victory, with Darnold doing enough to steer the offense without risking turnovers and the rest of the team delivering big plays across special teams, the run game and defense.

From practice injury to playing through it: Darnold’s unexpected return

After the oblique issue surfaced during the week, Seattle coaches and fans were left waiting. Darnold — who had a difficult lone playoff start last season with Minnesota — didn’t let prior mistakes define him this time. He started and managed the offense efficiently, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and connecting on a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while avoiding any giveaways.

• Passing line: 12-for-17, 124 yards, 1 TD, 0 turnovers.
• Ball security: Clean performance; no interceptions or fumbles.

Teammates admitted uncertainty about his status until he took the field — receivers saw him limited in practice and pump-faking rather than throwing — but inside the locker room confidence was steady. One defensive leader said the team expected him to play and trusted him to deliver.

Special teams set the tone with an electrifying kickoff return

Seattle opened with instant momentum. On the game’s first play from scrimmage, Rashid Shaheed sprinted past the coverage unit for a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, flipping field position and putting immediate pressure on San Francisco.

• Rashid Shaheed: 95-yard kickoff return TD to open the scoring.
• That play forced the 49ers to play catch-up early and changed play-calling dynamics for both teams.

Running game explodes — Kenneth Walker’s historic postseason performance

Kenneth Walker III turned the Seahawks’ ground attack into a headline. He finished with more than 100 rushing yards and accounted for three touchdowns, becoming the first player in franchise history to log at least 100 rushing yards and three rushing TDs in a playoff game — and just the 18th in NFL postseason history to do so.

• Kenneth Walker III: 100+ rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs — historic milestone for Seattle.
• The run game controlled the clock and opened up manageable passing opportunities for Darnold.

Defense and fourth-down stops crush San Francisco’s chances

Seattle’s defense — the unit many fans call the “Dark Side” — repeatedly halted the 49ers on critical downs. The group forced three turnovers and three separate fourth-down failures, keeping San Francisco off the scoreboard for the majority of the game and denying them any end-zone trips.

• Turnovers forced: 3 (including an interception and a forced fumble by a key linebacker).
• Fourth-down defense: Stopped the 49ers on three fourth-down attempts, preserving momentum and field position.

One defensive playmaker’s takeaway and forced fumble were emblematic of how Seattle attacked — opportunistic, physical and opportunely timed.

Supporting cast steps up: receiving and situational plays

Cooper Kupp led the team in receptions and moved the chains when needed, hauling in five passes for 60 yards. Jaxon Smith-Njigba provided the scoring connection for Darnold’s lone touchdown. Overall, the receiving corps helped maintain rhythm without asking Darnold to sling the ball often.

• Cooper Kupp: team-high five catches for 60 yards.
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba: caught the lone passing TD of the night.

What’s next: Seattle advances and looks ahead to the NFC Championship at Lumen Field

With this decisive win, the Seahawks will host the winner of Sunday’s Rams-Chicago matchup in the NFC Championship Game. The team and its quarterback were already looking forward to another game at home, with the roaring crowd at Lumen Field seen as a major advantage for the next postseason step.

Coach and player focus: Protect the ball, lean on the run, let the defense and special teams create game-changing moments — a formula that carried Seattle through this divisional round.

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John Davis

John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.