Seahawks Special Teams Shine, Overtime Heroics, and a North End Zone Oddity Highlight Wild Win Over Rams
The Seattle Seahawks are heading into their mini-bye on a high note-and not just because of the scoreboard. Their thrilling 38-37 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night didn’t just clinch a playoff berth; it showcased the kind of resilience, creativity, and complementary football that could make Seattle a tough out down the stretch.
Let’s break down what made this win so significant, starting with a unit that rarely gets the spotlight but absolutely earned it this week: special teams.
Special Teams Deliver When It Matters Most
If you’re looking for a moment that defined just how impactful Seattle’s special teams have been this season, look no further than the fourth quarter on Thursday night. With the game hanging in the balance, the unit came through with a momentum-shifting play that helped turn the tide.
This wasn’t a one-off, either. Seattle’s special teams have been quietly excellent all season-consistently flipping field position, limiting returns, and making the kind of hustle plays that don’t always show up in the box score but win games. In a season where every inch matters, this group is giving the Seahawks a real edge.
Grey Zabel: The Rookie Lineman Changing the Game
Offensive linemen rarely get love in Rookie of the Year conversations, but Grey Zabel is making a compelling case to change that narrative. Since stepping into a starting role, Zabel has helped stabilize Seattle’s offensive line, giving the offense the kind of foundation it desperately needed.
He’s not just holding his own-he’s elevating the entire unit. Whether it’s in pass protection or run blocking, Zabel’s presence has been a game-changer.
Will he get a vote? Hard to say.
But he should.
The Drive That Sealed It
Seattle’s offense saved its best for last. In overtime, the Seahawks marched 65 yards in nine plays, capping it off with a clutch four-yard touchdown and a gutsy two-point conversion. That drive wasn’t just efficient-it was surgical.
The play-calling was sharp, the execution even sharper. It was a fitting end to a back-and-forth battle and exactly the kind of statement drive that playoff teams need to have in their back pocket.
The “Zachward Pass” Joins North End Zone Lore
Lumen Field’s north end zone has seen its fair share of weird and wild moments over the years, and Thursday night added another to the list. Dubbed the “Zachward Pass,” a quirky two-point conversion involving Zach Charbonnet added to the growing legend of that part of the stadium.
It was one of those plays that makes you shake your head and laugh-until you realize how crucial it was. In a one-point win, every bit of creativity counts.
Defensive Adjustments Pay Off Late
Let’s be honest: Seattle’s defense didn’t exactly come out of the gates hot. The Rams moved the ball with ease early on, and it looked like it might be a long night for the Seahawks’ D. But give credit where it’s due-adjustments were made, and they worked.
Late in the game, Seattle’s defense tightened up, getting key stops and forcing the Rams into tougher looks. Sometimes it’s not about starting strong-it’s about finishing stronger. And that’s exactly what they did.
Derick Hall Suspended One Game
Not all the news from Thursday night was positive. Linebacker Derick Hall has been suspended one game without pay for an unsportsmanlike act during the win. The league cited unnecessary roughness, and Hall will now miss a critical game as Seattle pushes toward the postseason.
Rest, Recovery, and a Watchful Eye on the Colts
With the mini-bye in effect, the Seahawks get a rare weekend off-a chance to rest, regroup, and maybe even get a little help. Seattle will be watching Monday Night Football closely, hoping the Colts can do them a favor in the playoff seeding race.
Around the NFC West
The Rams, meanwhile, are left to pick up the pieces after a loss that could cost them dearly in the playoff hunt. The margins in the NFL are razor-thin, and Thursday night was a painful reminder of just how brutal those margins can be.
Elsewhere in the division, the 49ers continue to feel the ripple effects of Brandon Aiyuk’s contract situation, which has reshaped their cap and roster flexibility heading into 2025 free agency. And in Arizona, all eyes are on whether Harrison will be healthy enough to suit up against the Falcons as he recovers from a foot injury.
The Seahawks aren’t just surviving-they’re evolving. With special teams stepping up, rookies like Zabel making a real impact, and the offense showing late-game poise, Seattle is quietly building a case as a team nobody wants to face in January.
For now, they’ll enjoy the mini-bye, rest up, and watch the rest of the league beat up on each other. But make no mistake-this team is locked in. And after Thursday night’s thriller, they’ve got the momentum to match.