Seattle Seahawks: Two Plays That Defined the Win Over the 49ers (GIF)
By Todd Pheifer
Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) tips the ball against San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) for an interception by Seahawks outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Early in the NFC Championship game, the Seattle Seahawks looked to be in big trouble against the San Francisco 49ers. On the first play of the game, Russell Wilson puts the ball on the turf and Seahawks nation has a giant sinking feeling in their gut.
By halftime, the Seahawks had done little to suggest that they were going to figure things out on offense. Isn’t it a good thing that games like this have a second half?
There were obviously more than two great plays in this game. Both teams did some spectacular things. When Seahawks fans talk about this game, they will talk about the great touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch. They will also talk about Wilson’s crazy scramble and his bomb to Doug Baldwin.
However, these two plays may be what are remembered the most.
The first was a gutsy call. Some might even call it reckless. The Seahawks are down 17-13. Fourth quarter. Fourth-and-seven. Deep ball thrown to Jermaine Kearse in traffic.
No problem.
Then, there is the play that iced the game for the Seahawks. If you are a fan, you have seen this play a few times, but it doesn’t get old. This play could have absolutely ripped the hearts out of the Seattle faithful. If Richard Sherman jumps a split-second too early or too late, Michael Crabtree probably catches that ball. If Sherman gets flagged for pass interference, the Niners get up-close and personal with the end zone and have an opportunity to win it with no time remaining.
But, none of that happens. Sherman tips the ball, Malcolm Smith comes down with the interception, and the Seahawks start packing their bags for New York. Epic.
If the Seahawks can beat the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII, these particular plays may be referenced for decades. Big plays, and potentially key moments in Seahawks history.