SEATTLE — The Seahawks got a divisional road win against the 49ers on Sunday, improving to 5-5 on the season.
“It was really a defensive struggle in the first half and a little bit in the second half,” Terry Hollimon said. “Seahawks came through with a win, though, most important thing.”
Geno Smith did Steph Curry’s “Night Night” celebration in front of the Bay Area crowd after his game winning touchdown.
“For Geno to hit that 'Night Night,' put the 49ers to bed in the Bay and do the move, classic,” Hollimon said.
Though Geno’s stats weren’t the best of his career, with no passing touchdowns and an interception, Hollimon says it was still a key performance.
“I think this is one of the best Geno Smith performances as a player, as a leader, as a competitor, that I’ve seen. He held his composure and stayed through until the end.”
The win was a true team effort, with the defense holding the 49ers to just 17 points. They kept star running back Christian McCaffrey under 80 yards rushing, and tackle Johnathan Hankins got his first career interception.
“When the big guys, 300-plus pounds, get their hands on the ball, it’s an exciting thing,” Hollimon said.
When choosing his player of the game, Hollimon considered the defense and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he ultimately went with Geno Smith. Despite criticism this season, Geno executed a game-winning two-minute drive.
“He showed us that we were all wrong about him,” Hollimon said. “Even though he only had 210 yards passing, he made the plays when they were necessary.”
The Seahawks are preparing now for the Arizona Cardinals who will be coming to Lumen Field on Sunday for another NFC West showdown.
“It is a very important game for the Seahawks to get an opportunity to move forward and their opportunities and chances for the playoffs,” Hollimon said.
The defense will work to stop the often-elusive Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, and Washington native and Cardinals safety Budda Baker will be back looking to make a statement in front of a hometown crowd. Hollimon thinks the Seahawks can pull it off, though, to sit atop the division.
“I believe it’s a recipe for a win," he said. "The Seahawks here at Lumen Field. I think we’re going to take first place.”
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Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.