In a surprising turn of events, Jaxson Smith-Ngiba snags the ball in the end-zone with just 28 seconds left on the clock, completing an exhilarating comeback that saw backup quarterback Drew Lock lead the Offense to a stunning 10-point victory. In the final two minutes of the game, Seattle achieved a remarkable feat; their second come-from-behind, 90-yard touchdown in as many seasons since Pete Carroll took charge as coach in 2010.
This win was a highlight for both the team and Lock, whose excellent performance was a stark contrast to the Eagles' dismal defeat. The Eagles, who were still reeling from their third consecutive loss, saw their Super Bowl dreams dashed, taking them further from their target.
The Eagles Offense, once a force to be reckoned with, was beyond dismal during the losing streak; unable to score more than 19 points. Their usually composed QB, Jalen Hurts, was far from his best, throwing no touchdown passes, and getting intercepted twice; the latter by Julian Love in the final seconds to secure victory for Seattle.
In worrisome signs for the Eagles, their once impressive Defense began to show signs of faltering – unable to halt the impressive Seattle Offense, despite the departure of Nick Sirianni. The Eagles are showing clear signs of a shake-up, with Defensive coordinator Sean Desai taking over the helm and passing the Defensive duties to former Lions head-coach Matt Patricia.
Despite their best efforts, the team was unable to halt Lock's impactful Offense, ending the season with a 10-4 record and a fifth place finish in the NFC Playoff race. The Cowboys, their divisional rivals, share this record, while the 49ers, who clinched the first spot, sit one game ahead.
"We need a team effort to turn things around"
For Hurts, the loss was a wake-up call, acknowledging that each player has a role to play. "Everybody plays a part," he said to reporters. "I know that it starts with me. We need to change how we approach things, how we go about our business every day. It starts with the little things, like engagement and work ethic. It all starts with me: the Quarterback."
"It's not about doing the same things and expecting different results. We need to make internal changes in how we approach things, how we conduct our business every day. It starts with the small things, like how engaged we are in what we're doing, and it all starts with me as the Quarterback." He admitted it was a challenge he had accepted.
"But I see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's just a matter of belief. It hurts to know what our chances are. So, what now? How do we face the future? We need to grab hold of what's in front of us and keep pushing. We still have a chance to do something special."
A Difficult Victory for Lock
For the Eagles, this was a painful loss, but for Lock, it was a moment he would never forget.
The 27-year-old, transferred to Seattle as part of the Russell Wilson trade to the Denver Broncos, has spent most of his time on the bench behind Gino Smith. However, when Smith went down injured, Lock stepped up and seized his chance, turning in a compelling performance.
"It's not fair to Lock," said Lock after the game, speaking to ESPN about the game-winning touchdown. "But it's also not fair to the offensive line, the performance by DK Metcalf on the catch, the performance of the receivers, Ken Walker, Zach Charbonnet throughout the game, and the Tight Ends. It takes a special group to bring together a man in his second game of the season, or a guy who has been doing the same things all year. Tonight, it was more than the offense – even the defense rallied around me. It was awesome."
In a game filled with unforgettable moments for Lock, it was Kipe Prowse's game-winning interception that brought forth a wave of relief and jubilation throughout the Seattle Seahawks Stadium. A moment Lock will never forget.
