In arguably the biggest upset in NFL Playoff history, the Seattle Seahawks have defeated the New Orleans Saints 41-36 following one of the most memorable games of the season.
Led by Matt Hasselbeck (4 touchdown passes, 272 yards) and an inspiring run by Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks ended the Saints’ dreams of back to back Super Bowl titles, and continued their run to their first ever championship.
Coming into the game with the worst record in the regular season (7W-9L) of any team in this year’s playoffs, Seattle managed to turn a ten point deficit into a remarkable five point victory after Lynch beat half a dozen defenders in one of the more dominant runs this season.
It had not looked promising for the Seahawks as they let a 34-20 lead slip, thanks to another solid performance from New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees. Brees looked set to lead the Saints (11-6) towards another one of their famous comebacks.
However, following several missed tackles and outstanding footwork from Lynch, Seattle scored a TD with 3:22 left as Seattle finished off their stunned opponents. The win means they will face either the Atlanta Falcons or Chicago Bears next weekend.
Whilst everyone, including the Seahawks supporters, seemed stunned by the amazing turn of events, Seattle head coach Pete Caroll removed any doubts about his team’s attitude after the game:
“We kind of expected to win,” said the first-year coach. “I know that sounds crazy, but we did expect to win. The fact that it happened, it’s just kind of like, we want to take it in stride and go to the next one. I know it sounds crazy, but that’s the way the mindset of this team was.”
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who had fluid drained from his hip in order to play, threw two touchdown passes to tight end John Carlson in the first half and one to Mike Williams to set up a 31-20 lead.
“Through all the tough stuff we had to go through the opportunity was still there for us to host a home playoff game against a really good team and I think we were all excited about it,” Hasselbeck said. “It was fun.” “We respect the heck out of the Saints, but I think we felt something special all week and today, and we’ll see,” he said. “It’s a good start for us.”
It wasn’t until Marshaw Lynch’s 67-yard TD, during which he broke four tackles and stiff-armed cornerback Tracy Porter, that Seattle became the first team to win a Playoffs game with a losing record. Lynch finished the game with 131 yards from 19 carries, becoming first Seahawks back to make over 100 yards this season.
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
I fail to see how the Saints can be seen as unlucky following that run from Lynch.. I can account for 8 or 9 missed tackles by the Saints D. Nevertheless a nice run by Lynch, not a bad time to hit form seeing that his season was far from impressive. Saints fans will probably go on complaining about the 7-9 Seahawks hosting a playoff in the first place, but regardless of the stadium, they were outplayed in ever facet of the game. As long as the steelers get knocked out, im happy.... Im even happier now that my Titans decided to part ways with Vince Young, bring on Kyle Orton i say!!!
Luke W
Guest
Completely outcoached. Forget the Lynch run and Hasselbeck's performance (he was good though), Carroll simply outcoached Payton. Carlson's second TD was a thing of beauty, where he faked the cut block on Harper and then snuck out for an easy TD. They took advantage of Sharper's age and lack of speed and Harper's agressiveness/general bad positioning to hit Williams and Stokely for long TD's, plus the backup TE (I can't even remember his name!) for a long gain on the double fake. The Saints had to take the crowd out of it. At 10-0 I thought they had done it, but when the Seahawks got that first TD, you could sense the crowd lift and the momentum shift straight away.
GC Bulletin
Guest
Great game, Saints probably a bit unlucky but with a run like that from Lynch Seattle were always going to be pumped! Loving the NFL at the moment.
Spaceneedle
Guest
Thanks for the video, Side Show. I watched the game live on TV and it was The Saint's decision to go with the run on fourth and goal that cost them the game. They had to use their 3rd stringer on that run and Seattle's line had been defending well. Brees wants that one back - he could've/should've passed.
Hawk_Eye
Guest
You have to give Seahawks coach Pete Carrol his due. With 60% of his roster filled with new players and over 200 roster moves this season, many to replace players with injuries, he out-coached the super-bowl champs New Orleans Saints with a bunch of miss-fit players. Most of them coming from teams that didn't want them. That is the real story!
SideShowBob
Roar Rookie
Inspiring 67 metre return from Marshawn Lynch. Youtube if anyone wants to see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynn7VGY2Asc