(Seattle Seahawks)
After an amazing come from behind victory in overtime, the Seattle Seahawks have their ticket stamped for another trip to the Super Bowl. Green Bay tallied 16 points while their defense held the Seahawks scoreless to close the first half of play. Russell Wilson struggled to complete passes in the 4th, giving up an interception with 5:04 left on the clock. But after an amazing drive, he ran the ball in for the touchdown with less than three minutes left in the game. Seattle then recovered the ball after an onside kick, leading to a touchdown by Marshawn Lynch, followed by an amazing two-point conversion catch by Luke Willson– who made some big plays down the stretch. The Seahawks closed the deal during overtime, eliminating the Packers from the postseason.
In the end, the Seahawks have arguably pulled off one of the most memorable come from behind victories in NFL playoffs history. The Seahawks have cemented their destiny to Super Bowl XLIX.
The Sports Unbiased team recap the game and discuss what’s next for the Seahawks, as they advance to Super Bowl XLIX.
Keith Rivas: We all thought that home field advantage played a big deal in last season’s road to the Super Bowl for the Seattle Seahawks but this year proved even more valuable. Down throughout the game, it took a miracle at Century Link to get the boys back in town to try and defend their Super Bowl title. Russell Wilson had an absolutely atrocious game against a relentless Green Bay defense. Going up against a hot-n-ready AFC foe in the biggest game in professional football, the Hawks are ready to bring the Legion of Boom back around. -Prepare for Round 2
Zach Bigalke: This was a sloppy game played in the rain of the Pacific Northwest, with turnovers galore resulting in an overtime thriller. Russell Wilson wasn’t on his game today, but he came through in the clutch and then threw the winning touchdown in overtime to atone for four interceptions. And Marshawn Lynch was stellar once again on the ground, getting into triple digits with run after punishing run. A late onside kick carried the day, and the Seahawks capitalized on the coin flip in OT to get back in the Super Bowl to try for a title defense. Seattle was able to bottle up Green Bay on the ground in red-zone situations, and forced the Packers to be overly dependent on Mason Crosby.
They’re going to be favored against either New England or Indianapolis, but there are some concerns. The Packers’ defense was effective in taking advantage of receiver drops, and Green Bay moved the ball against the vaunted Legion of Boom. The condition of Richard Sherman‘s left arm will be a concern as well street he was injured in the second half. Wilson will be more effective in the temperate climate of Arizona, and the defense is formidable with or without Sherman after closing down the Packers’ offense in the second half. But this felt like a de facto Super Bowl, and Seattle is bound for Glendale and looks on form to win back-to-back championships.
Jr. Williams: I’m at a loss for words. I honestly thought this game was over, but Russell Wilson and Co. turned on their “god mode” and dominated the game. And just when you thought that all their luck had ran out, Russell Wilson completes an amazing bomb into the end zone, delivering the Packers the final devastating blow. This was simply one of the best games I’ve watched in a long time. All credit goes to the Seahawks, they never gave up and continued to fight.
Bobby Bourhis: The Packers’ defense stepped up in a big way Sunday afternoon against an offense that normally does not turn the ball over. The Packers forced Russell Wilson into a season high four interceptions. But the Seahawks came soaring back behind Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. This was a well fought game from both sides but in the end the Packers defense could not stop Seattle. In the crucial moments of the game the stars stepped up and pulled off an improbable victory, sending Seattle to their second straight Super Bowl appearance.
At this moment it is unclear whether the Seahawks will play the Colts or the Patriots in the Super Bowl. No matter their opponent, the Hawks are going to be up against a prolific offense and an elite quarterback. The Seahawks have the best defense in the NFL, and their offense is blistering hot right now. Expect to see Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson have big games in the Super Bowl. If they play the Colts they should have a relatively easy time winning their second Super Bowl in as many years. The Colts simply do not have a good enough defense or running game to keep pace with a team like the Seahawks. However, if Tom Brady and the Patriots are heading to the Super Bowl, then expect a relatively low scoring close matchup that could slightly favor the Seahawks.
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