Why Seahawks went for 2 in OT vs. Rams

Billy Heyen

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Why Seahawks went for 2 in OT vs. Rams image

The Seattle Seahawks mounted a massive comeback on Thursday Night Football just to force overtime.

Then, they let the Los Angeles Rams score a touchdown to begin the extra period, too.

That set up a chance for a heroic drive for Sam Darnold, and the quarterback delivered.

Darnold threw a touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. And down a point, the Seahawks lined up to go for 2.

And it worked. Darnold to the little-used tight end Eric Saubert. 38-37, ballgame.

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Why did the Seahawks go for 2?

This one was pretty simple, really, based on tiebreakers.

The Rams won when these teams played in Week 11. If this game ended in a tie (and there was only 3:13 left in OT when the TD was scored), the Rams would still hold the division tiebreaker.

The Seahawks have a good chance to get in the playoffs regardless, having entered the night at 11-3.

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Going for 2 gave the Seahawks the best chance of actually winning the division, and potentially being the top seed in the NFC.

The process was exactly right, regardless of the result.

And the good news for the Seahawks, the result rewarded the good process.

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Senior Editor