Seahawks claim top seed after road win
MIKE MAYNARD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 3 weeks AGO
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas, right, is congratulated by safety Ty Okada (39) and linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) after intercepting a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
AP PHOTO/GODOFREDO A. VASQUEZ
SAN FRANCISCO — The Seattle Seahawks (14-3) defeated the San Francisco 49ers (12-5) 13-3 Saturday to clinch the number-one seed in the NFC conference for the upcoming NFL playoffs. Head Coach Mike Macdonald was all smiles after the win.
“Incredibly proud of our team. All the things that we've been working at since we walked in the door, especially this year, is coming to life,” he said.
After an opening drive by the Seahawks that stalled at the Niners' goal line, Seattle made its second chance count on a three-play drive signed off by a 27-yard touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet. From there, it was a defensive chess match that saw the Seahawks maintain the lead the entire game while San Francisco never got into a rhythm. A field goal in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach and aided Seattle in its seventh consecutive win.
“It is so much fun to go to work every day and coach this team,” Macdonald said. “It is an absolute honor to coach these guys. Our guys played complementary football today.”
The Seahawks offense showed promise on their first drive as they moved the ball efficiently. After a solid run by Kenneth Walker, quarterback Sam Darnold found him again on a short pass to the left, which resulted in a 20-yard gain. Moments later, they were knocking on the door of the endzone, but the Niners' defense stood tall and forced a turnover on downs.
Seattle’s defense responded by shutting down San Francisco in three plays to give the ball back to the offense. After two short plays that led to a combined eight yards, Darnold handed the ball to Charbonnet, who took the ball 27 yards for a touchdown to put them up 7-0 in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the defensive tug-of-war continued for momentum. Seattle eventually came through late in the quarter with a 45-yard field goal by Josh Myers to put them up 10-0. However, the Niners put up a field goal of their own before halftime to make it a one-score game.
In the second half, both defenses continued stall drives and force punts. In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks put together an 11-play drive that led to a successful field goal by Myers to put them up 13-3 and make it a two-score game.
On the Niners' next drive, quarterback Brock Purdy threw an interception to Drake Thomas. However, the Seahawks' offense failed to extend their lead after Myers missed a field goal. The Seattle defense continued to dominate the rest of the game.
Macdonald was complimentary of Thomas and his clutch defensive play late in the game.
“He's been playing great football for us, and he deserves a massive shout-out,” Macdonald said.
Defensive end Leonard Williams was ecstatic for the win and reflected on what it means for him at this point in his career. He cited a close bond among his peers on defense as part of why they have been successful this season.
“I don't put doubt on any of this team on all three levels, honestly. We keep finding ways to win, and it's the offense finding a way. Sometimes it's special teams, sometimes it's defense. I think our defense has been playing lights out all season,” Williams said.
As the top seed in the NFC, the Seahawks will have a bye in the first round and will face the lowest remaining seed at home in two weeks.
BOX SCORE:
SEA: 7-3-0-3: 13
SF: 0-3-0-0: 3
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