The Seattle Seahawks on Thursday completed one of their most incredible comebacks in franchise history. Never before had they won a game when trailing by 15 or more points in the fourth quarter. Sam Darnold doubters were louder than ever, and after a goal-line interception by Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Kobie Turner, they seemed justified in their doubt.
The Rams had the ball up 16 in the fourth and appeared to be in firm control of the game, the NFC West, and the conference’s number one seed. After a quick three in and out, the game was thrown on its head when Rashid Shaheed took a punt return 58 yards, followed by a two-point conversion by Cooper Kupp to pull the Seahawks within one score with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Shaheed was also a key figure in the comeback on offense, taking an end-around 31 yards to get the Seahawks in position to get the eventual game-tying score. Shaheed’s contributions to the comeback did not go unnoticed by his teammates and coaches.
High Praise for Shaheed
Special teams have played a large role in the Seahawks’ victories over the last three weeks, from Rashid Shaheed’s kick return for a touchdown against the Falcons, Jason Myers‘ six field goals against the Colts, to Shaheed’s punt return against the Rams.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald acknowledged the role special teams has played for the team, especially Shaheed, in his post-game press conference following the Seahawks’ victory. Seahawks.com provides the transcript of Macdonald’s answer.
“Yeah, it was great. I mean, our special teams unit has just been a massive catalyst for us,” Macdonald said. “You know, even when Tory was returning punts, he was doing a great job. Having Rashid do it, being decisive, getting downhill, punt return team blocking their tails off, yeah, you’re right. That was definitely kind of ignited part of the comeback for sure.”
Quarterback Sam Darnold also praised Shaheed’s playmaking ability he’s displayed since being traded to the Seahawks.
“Yeah, he’s been making plays since he got here. Really even before that when he was in New Orleans . He’s always made plays,” Darnold said. “We’ve seen it on tape all the time. For him to just come in here and do his job and make plays, it’s not that we don’t expect it, but it’s just unbelievable when he does make a play.”
Since he arrived in Seattle, Shaheed has impressed not only with his playmaking ability but also with his football IQ.
Shaheed Knew Rams Had a Weak Point
NFL players study hours of film every week to find that one possible weakness a team may have, and on Thursday, for Rasheed Shaheed and the rest of the Seahawks’ special teams unit, they found what they were looking for in a weak spot in the Rams’ special teams.
Michael David Smith of NBC Sports wrote in his December 19 article about what Shaheed saw that helped spring his punt return touchdown.
“Based off field position we knew we were going to be able to get a return,” Shaheed said. “We’ve been focused on that left return all week. We knew they had kind of a weak point with their special teams.”
Shaheed feels that belief in one another has led the Seahawks to accomplish amazing feats, such as their comeback victory.
“The belief within this team is amazing. I feel like that’s how we’re able to accomplish all these amazing things,” Shaheed said.
After beating the Rams, the Seahawks are now in the driver’s seat in the NFC and control their own destiny, and Shaheed has played a significant role in that.
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