Seahawks Stun Rams in Overtime Thriller to Clinch NFC Top Seed

The Seattle Seahawks mounted the largest fourth-quarter comeback in franchise history to beat the Los Angeles Rams. Their 38-37 overtime victory on a gutsy two-point conversion captured sole possession of first place in the NFC. The win happened on December 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle. It was a defining moment for a resilient team.

According to Associated Press reports, the Seahawks trailed by 16 points with under ten minutes left. The dramatic finish gives Seattle control of its destiny for the NFC’s top playoff seed. The Rams must now win their final games and hope for a Seahawks loss.

A Historic Comeback Defines Seattle’s Season

The win was a reversal of fortune from Week 11. In that earlier matchup, a missed Seahawks field goal handed the Rams a win. This time, it was Rams kicker Harrison Mevis who missed a critical 48-yard field goal late.

That miss sent the game to overtime. The Rams scored a touchdown first in the extra period. Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold then engineered a flawless touchdown drive.

With the score 37-36, head coach Mike Macdonald made a decisive call. He went for a two-point conversion to win the game outright. Darnold connected with tight end Eric Saubert for the game-winning score.

Darnold Silences Critics in Signature Performance

Sam Darnold entered the game with a narrative of struggling in big moments. He threw two costly interceptions that helped the Rams build their large lead. His performance completely transformed in the clutch.

After the deficit hit 16 points, Darnold was nearly perfect. He led three scoring drives to force overtime. He then completed all four passes on the game-winning drive.

His final stat line was 22 of 34 for 270 yards. The two touchdowns and two interceptions showed his volatile night. Yet his composure under extreme pressure delivered a massive statement win.

Trade acquisition Rashid Shaheed sparked the comeback. His 58-yard punt return touchdown with eight minutes left ignited the team. Shaheed has now scored return touchdowns in two of the last three games.

This victory cements the Seahawks as the team to beat in the NFC. Their path to the number one seed is now clear. The comeback over the Rams proves their championship-level grit.

Info at your fingertips

What was the Seahawks’ biggest deficit in the comeback?

The Seahawks were down 30-14 in the fourth quarter. This marks a 16-point deficit, the largest fourth-quarter comeback in the team’s history.

Who scored the game-winning two-point conversion?

Quarterback Sam Darnold threw to tight end Eric Saubert for the score. The play was a direct decision by Coach Macdonald to win the game in overtime.

What does this win mean for the NFC playoff picture?

Seattle now holds the top seed in the NFC at 12-3. They control their own destiny and can clinch the number one seed by winning their final two games.

How did Rashid Shaheed impact the game?

Shaheed changed momentum with a 58-yard punt return touchdown. His special teams play provided the critical spark for the historic comeback.

What were the key stats for Sam Darnold?

Darnold passed for 270 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. His performance in the fourth quarter and overtime was crucial to the victory.