The Seattle Seahawks stay undefeated (5-0) after a victory over the Minnesota Vikings (1-4) on Sunday Night Football, but it was far from easy. Minnesota even took a 13-0 lead into the second half, and had a five-point lead in the final 20 seconds. But the Seahawks, led by NFL MVP favorite Russell Wilson, prevailed in wild fashion.
The Vikings had a difficult choice coming out of the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter with a 26-21 lead. Minnesota had 4th-and-inches at Seattle’s six-yard line, with the opportunity to either kick a chip-shot field goal to go up eight points, or gain half a yard to put the game away (Seattle also had only one timeout remaining). Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer chose to go for it, and the Vikings were stuffed.
On the ensuing drive, Wilson and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf connected for multiple huge fourth downs. First, Wilson hit Metcalf down the sideline for a 39-yard pass.
Russell Wilson hits D.K. Metcalf down the sideline for a 39-yard pass on 4th & 10. Wow. pic.twitter.com/oSqlzbVHdU
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 12, 2020
And to complete the drive, Metcalf made a diving catch on a Wilson pass (after dropping a much easier pass in the end zone two plays before this) with 15 seconds left.
Now Russell Wilson finds D.K. Metcalf in the end zone on 4th down for a go-ahead TD with 15 seconds left! Incredible SNF finish. pic.twitter.com/VpHfMF7m6b
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 12, 2020
The Vikings still had the opportunity to get into field goal range, but the refs decided the game was over on a questionable Kirk Cousins fumble ruling (even after review). Now, had this been ruled incomplete, it would’ve still taken a miracle; the Vikings would’ve had the ball at their own 27-yard line with four seconds left and no timeouts remaining. But, that’s still a chance that they didn’t get.
Incomplete pass or fumble? pic.twitter.com/N05Z0s9f0p
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 12, 2020
The Vikings were in full control of this game until the third quarter, when things fell apart. Minnesota went from leading 13-0 with 10 remaining in the third quarter, to trailing 21-13 less than two minutes later. In one sequence, Kirk Cousins threw a horrible interception, and Seattle’s Chris Carson ran for a 29-yard touchdown on the next play.
Kirk Cousins with a hilariously bad interception. pic.twitter.com/N3fx74G11I
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 12, 2020
On the next play, Chris Carson runs for a 29-yard Seahawks TD.
The Vikings were winning this game 13-0 a few minutes ago, and now trail 21-13. pic.twitter.com/3LM5jpzMRD
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 12, 2020
This would’ve been a massive win for the Vikings that could’ve felt like a potential season-saver, but instead they’re left very disappointed and with a 1-4 record. And it would’ve been a rough loss at home for the Seahawks, but Wilson stepped up late and kept his team undefeated.
It will be interesting to see how the Vikings respond with a home game against the winless Atlanta Falcons next week. It’s a must-win for Minnesota, especially ahead of a road game — after a Bye — against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.
The Seahawks get a Bye in Week 6, and will try to get back to putting together four quarters for a road game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7. Seattle is likely to be in a battle all season with the Packers for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.