Seahawks vs. 49ers, 2023 NFL Playoffs: Live game updates, highlights, score summary, recap

Two bitter NFC West rivals meet for a third time, with a trip to the NFC Divisional Round at stake.

The 2023 NFL Playoffs begin with the Seattle Seahawks (9-8) and San Francisco 49ers (13-4) on a rain-soaked afternoon in Santa Clara, California. San Francisco swept Seattle in the regular season and didn’t trail for even one second in either of those matchups. Brock Purdy is looking to become the first rookie QB to win a playoff start since Russell Wilson in the 2012 season, while Geno Smith is seeking victory in his postseason starting debut. It’s a fierce rivalry and Seattle would love to take the trilogy and send the 49ers packing home early, but it’ll take a monumental effort to pull this off.

A Seahawks win puts them into the Divisional Round for the first time since 2019, and they’d take on the top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles. If the 49ers win, they’re guaranteed a home game in the next round but their opponent could be any of the teams seeded 3-6 depending on how those results go.

As always, this article is a full summary of the game, with a complete recap coming upon the conclusion of the contest. Consider this post a rolling commentary separate from the game threads (which is where you are still supposed to comment during the games), and refreshing the page will produce instant updates and highlights.

1st Quarter

The Seahawks started on offense and got a nine-yard carry from rookie running back Kenneth Walker III on the game’s opening play. That’s all they got. Walker was stuffed on 2nd down and Geno was sacked by Arik Armstead on 3rd down.

Brock Purdy’s first pass was way over the head of Deebo Samuel. His second one was a wide open Brandon Aiyuk to move the chains, and then Samuel broke free for a 22-yard run on the outside. An end zone shot to Jauan Jennings was broken up by Tariq Woolen, and a 3rd and 3 throw was knocked away by Cody Barton. Robbie Gould got the 49ers on the board. 3-0 49ers.

Again the Seahawks were put in a favorable 3rd and 2 against this vaunted 49ers defense. This time they ran it with Geno to the outside but he didn’t get any blocking and it’s three-and-out time again. A 67-yard run by Christian McCaffrey put the 49ers in the red zone. McCaffrey would be the recipient of a Purdy. touchdown pass on a scramble drill a few plays later. 10-0 49ers.

Geno Smith converted on 3rd and 5 on a blitz-beating throw to DK Metcalf. The Seahawks badly needed that. On the next play he got Tyler Lockett on a short pass and then Ken Walker converted on a 2nd and 4 run. Geno scrambled into field goal range after evading pressure, and hit on a 3rd down throw on the outside to Tyler Lockett to put the Seahawks just outside the red zone.

2nd Quarter

Seattle had 1st and goal after a Kenneth Walker direct snap to the San Francisco 7-yard line. Walker’s next carry saw him sprint past Dre Greenlaw and into the end zone. 10-7 49ers.

A big throw off play-action to Brandon Aiyuk kickstarted the 49ers’ ensuing possession. Purdy scrambled for a first down two plays later, but then bypassed an open Deebo Samuel for a not open Brandon Aiyuk and threw an incomplete pass. The next throw was an easy one to George Kittle, who outraced Cody Barton and Coby Bryant for the first down inside Seattle’s 30. In the red zone, Bruce Irvin sacked Purdy after initial pressure by Poona Ford. A give-up draw on 3rd and 17 set up a short field goal for Robbie Gould. 13-7 49ers.

The Seahawks had been lacking explosive plays against the 49ers, so how about a deep shot from Geno to DK? Redline ball to DK Metcalf for 50 yards and a house call over Charvarius Ward! 14-13 Seahawks.

San Francisco went three-and-out as the sun peaked through Santa Clara skies, marking the first punt for the 49ers all half. Seattle was looking to expand their lead but instead punted after only one first down. Two curious runs to DeeJay Dallas out of the two-minute warning resulted in a punt. Brandon Aiyuk was left open for a huge play into Seattle territory past a trailing Tariq Woolen. Deebo Samuel converted 3rd and 10 to the Seattle 28. After two throwaways, Purdy’s end zone shot for Deebo was broken up by Michael Jackson. Robbie Gould knocked through another field goal. 16-14 49ers.

The Seahawks returned a squib kick to their own 38 with :09 left and still had three timeouts. Geno Smith scrambled and then took a big hit late by Jimmie Ward that gave them 15 more yards. Jason Myers attempted one from 56… GOT IT! 17-16 Seahawks.

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter: Robbie Gould 34-yard field goal – SEA 0, SF 3

1st Quarter: Christian McCaffrey touchdown pass from Brock Purdy – SEA 0, SF 10

2nd Quarter: Kenneth Walker III 7-yard touchdown run – SEA 7, SF 10

2nd Quarter: Robbie Gould 33-yard field goal – SEA 7, SF 13

2nd Quarter: DK Metcalf 50-yard touchdown pass from Geno Smith – SEA 14, SF 13

2nd Quarter: Robbie Gould 46-yard field goal – SEA 14, SF 16

2nd Quarter: Jason Myers 56-yard field goal – SEA 17, SF 16

Seahawks Injury Report

Next Week’s Opponent

TBD. It’s either the offseason or the Philadelphia Eagles. Stay tuned!