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This Week in Seahawks History: Seahawks Eliminate 49ers from Playoff Race, End Jim Harbaugh Era
On December 8, 2014, the Seattle Seahawks delivered a crushing blow to the San Francisco 49ers’ playoff hopes with a 17-7 victory at Levi’s Stadium, not only securing a crucial win for their own playoff positioning but also signaling the end of the Jim Harbaugh era in San Francisco.
The rivalry between the Seahawks and 49ers had reached its peak in the early 2010s, with both teams vying for NFC West supremacy. Harbaugh’s 49ers had been one of Seattle’s most formidable rivals, making for some of the most heated and competitive games in the league. But that December evening would mark the last time Harbaugh’s 49ers took the field against their bitter rivals with playoff aspirations still alive.
The Seahawks’ defense was the star of the show, suffocating the 49ers’ offense throughout the game. The game’s defining moment came late in the fourth quarter, when Seattle’s defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs in the red zone. This defensive stand, along with a solid offensive performance, sealed the win for the Seahawks and ensured they would keep their playoff hopes intact.
Russell Wilson, who had been playing at an MVP-caliber level that season, was efficient in the passing game, completing 15 of 22 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown. Marshawn Lynch, as always, was a force on the ground, rushing for 91 yards and a touchdown, while the Seattle defense, led by linebacker Bobby Wagner and cornerback Richard Sherman, kept the 49ers’ offense out of rhythm.
For the 49ers, the loss was devastating. With the defeat, San Francisco was officially eliminated from playoff contention, ending a season full of disappointment after coming so close to the Super Bowl in 2012 and 2013. The game also signaled the end of Harbaugh’s tenure as head coach of the 49ers. After a tumultuous season, Harbaugh parted ways with the team after a series of internal conflicts, making this loss a bitter end to his tenure, which included three NFC Championship appearances and one Super Bowl appearance.
For the Seahawks, the victory was an important step towards clinching the NFC West division title and ultimately making a deep playoff run, culminating in their return to the Super Bowl that season. The win also reinforced Seattle’s dominance in the NFC West, a legacy they would maintain for the next few years.
The December 8, 2014 game remains a pivotal moment in the Seahawks-49ers rivalry, marking both a moment of triumph for Seattle and the end of an era for San Francisco.
