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The Seattle Seahawks did not score until the fourth quarter and needed some luck, but they escaped frigid Minnesota with a win over the Vikings in Sunday’s Wild Card game. Here are five takeaways from the contest.
5. The Legion of Boom Is Back
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports5. The Legion of Boom Is Back
Safety Kam Chancellor forced a critical fumble from Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in the fourth quarter, which set up what proved to be the game-winning field goal. Add in plays by Earl Thomas and Jeremy Lane to break up rare downfield passes by Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, and Seattle's "Legion of Boom" has re-announced its presence.
4. Doug Baldwin Is One of the Most Underrated Wide Receivers In the NFL
Credit: Getty Images4. Doug Baldwin Is One of the Most Underrated Wide Receivers In the NFL
Baldwin made a terrific one-handed catch to keep a Seahawks drive going on Sunday, and he later caught the touchdown that put them on the scoreboard. Even adding Sunday's clutch performance to his terrific regular season finish (11 TD receptions from Weeks 12-16), Baldwin is still sure to be underrated.
3. Kickers Might Be the Most Important Players In the NFL Playoffs
Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports3. Kickers Might Be the Most Important Players In the NFL Playoffs
If not for an inexplicable missed 27-yard field goal attempt by kicker Blair Walsh (leaving aside the "laces in" aspect of punter Jeff Locke's hold), the Vikings would be moving on to the Divisional Round. The list of kickers who have succeeded and failed in big playoff moments is long, and Walsh is now the latest to end his team's season on a sour note.
2. Having An Experienced Playoff Quarterback Matters
Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports2. Having An Experienced Playoff Quarterback Matters
The Seahawks had a clear advantage at quarterback on Sunday in terms of playoff experience and savvy. It showed late in the game when Russell Wilson kept his bearings after a bad snap on a game-changing play. If the same situation had occurred for the Vikings, I don't think Teddy Bridgewater could have pulled off something similar.
1. "Beast Mode" Is No Longer Needed
Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports1. "Beast Mode" Is No Longer Needed
By most accounts, Marshawn Lynch (abdomen) was on track to play on Sunday after missing the final seven regular season games. However, he essentially ruled himself out after last Friday's practice, and did not travel with the team under what seems like odd circumstances. Christine Michael is not as good as a peak-level Lynch, but he was effective enough against the Vikings (21 carries for 70 yards), and the most important player for Seattle's offense has clearly become Russell Wilson.
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