Seahawks QB Geno Smith showcases clutch gene in walk-off win vs. 49ers

Seahawks QB Geno Smith showcases clutch gene in walk-off win vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith entered Sunday’s contest versus his NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers with some demons to exercise. Smith owned an 0-5 record in his career against the 49ers, postseason included. Leading up to Sunday’s showdown, the veteran signal caller admitted that it was personal.

Sunday’s game was a back-and-forth affair. The 49ers owned a 7-6 lead at halftime. After kicker Jake Moody extended that advantage to 10-6 in the third quarter, Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III scored a one-yard rushing touchdown to give Seattle a 13-10 lead.

Hope was momentarily lost when 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings restored San Francisco’s lead through a three-yard touchdown that featured one helluva individual effort. Seattle’s next drive ended when backup ball carrier Zach Charbonnet was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 rushing attempt at San Francisco’s 37 yard line. Luckily for Smith and the offense, Mike Macdonald’s defense came up with a quick and critical stop, limiting the ensuing possession to five plays and a swift 49ers punt.

Smith took over possession with 2:38 remaining. He oversaw an 11 play drive that gained 83 yards, culminating with a walk off 13-yard touchdown scramble. Smith converted two third-down attempts on the outstanding drive, completing a pair of passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the clutch. The game-winning score arrived with 18 seconds remaining, leaving the 49ers with just 12 seconds.

All in all, Smith threw for 54 yards and rushed for 29 more to complete his 10th game-winning drive as Seattle’s starting quarterback. It was a season-saving victory for the Seahawks, who improved to 5-5. The Seahawks are in a three-way tie with the Los Angeles Rams and 49ers for second place in the ever-competitive NFC West.

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