Although it was the defense that kept the Seattle Seahawks within reach until the end in their devastating 17-14 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos on Thursday night, it was ultimately Sam Darnold and the offense’s inability to string together goals that helped their old AFC West rival make history.
With just 168 yards of offense, the Broncos now hold the record for lowest total yards in an overtime victory in NFL history, breaking a record that stood for 22 years. Or, in other words, the Seahawks hold the record for fewest yards allowed in an overtime loss in NFL history. They passed the 2004 Chicago Bears who beat the Tennessee Titans 19-17 in Week 9 with 176 yards.
This is the second notable overtime victory for a struggling offense this season, joining the Green Bay Packers’ Week 2 comeback victory against the New York Jets, where they put up just 199 total yards (5th lowest all-time). However, the match was played in rain and windy conditions, which likely contributed to the low score.
However, it wasn’t the weather that allowed Denver to beat the defending Super Bowl champions, but rather a dominant performance from the defense, which racked up five sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles, including one recovery.
Offensively, quarterback Bo Nix averaged an unfathomable 0.6 air yards per completion.
Seattle struck first with a field goal 8:29 into the opening period, but after back-to-back second-quarter touchdowns from running backs JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey gave the Broncos a 14-3 lead, their defense managed to hold it.
Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed fumbled on the ensuing drive, leading to a turnover and although Seattle’s defense forced a punt to give Darnold and company another chance to score points before halftime, nothing came of it.
However, the Seahawks defense turned a corner in the second half. They forced punts on all of Denver’s possessions, but the offensive inconsistency continued, with a missed 47-yard field goal from kicker Jason Myers to open the third quarter, followed by two consecutive punts.
As a result, Nix and the Broncos remained able to control the clock and, ultimately, they did. Even though they only generated two red zone trips all night, Sam Darnold’s costly interception in overtime allowed Will Lutz to score the game-winning field goal.
The saying goes that defense wins championships and if last night was any indication, that’s certainly the case.
Gn sports
