The Seahawks couldn’t have scripted a better start to their playoff run Saturday night.
Rashid Shaheed, the midseason pickup who’s already made a name for himself in the return game, wasted no time making an impact. On the opening kickoff, he went 95 yards to the house - just 13 seconds into the game - putting Seattle up 7-0 before the 49ers had even broken a sweat.
It wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment; it was a statement. Shaheed’s speed, vision, and fearlessness were on full display as he weaved through would-be tacklers. San Francisco kicker Eddy Pineiro made a desperate attempt to trip him up - and not only did it fail, it also cost the 49ers a penalty that was tacked on during the extra point.
This was no fluke. The Seahawks didn’t stumble upon Shaheed by accident.
Back on November 4, they sent fourth- and fifth-round picks to New Orleans to bring him in, betting on his explosiveness in the return game. That gamble has paid off in a big way.
During the regular season, Shaheed returned both a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns. Now, in his first career playoff game - and on his very first return - he’s added a postseason score to his resume.
It’s the kind of play that can tilt momentum in a playoff atmosphere, and it put the 49ers on their heels right out of the gate.
As for Sam Darnold, fans will have to wait a little longer to see how he fares under center. He’s set to start despite dealing with an oblique injury, but Shaheed’s lightning strike delayed his debut just a bit longer.