Seahawks’ second-quarter blunder handed 49ers an easy touchdown - NBC Sports
The Seattle Seahawks faced criticism for a failed running play in the final seconds of the second quarter against the 49ers, which resulted in a fumble and a touchdown. Analysts suggest the team should have taken a knee to avoid the turnover risk.
Why it matters
The incident serves as a case study in NFL clock management and the strategic risks coaches take in high-pressure game situations.
Thanks to Dan Quinn’s colossal clock-mismanagement error, plenty of other mistakes made by NFL coaches from Week 5 weren’t as conspicuous as they should have been.
One possible blunder requires further consideration.
With 18 seconds left in the second quarter, the Seahawks called a running play. From their own four yard line. Running back George Holani (who had dropped the ball without contact earlier in the half) fumbled, and the 49ers recovered it for a touchdown.
During PFT Live , Simms said the Seahawks should have just taken a knee and ended the half. It was indeed a nonsensical decision, on the surface, to run the ball. It’s not as if the Seahawks were going to pop a 96-yard touchdown run. They opened the door to a possible turnover, and the turnover happened.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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