Instant Reaction: 710 ESPN Seattle on Seahawks’ OT loss to 49ers

With a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a win, the Seahawks struggled in the rain in a penalty-marred 26-23 loss in overtime to the San Francisco 49ers.

Seahawks lose to 49ers | O’Neil on officiating | Takeaways | Photos

As we do each week, we’ve polled the voices of 710 ESPN Seattle for their instant reactions to the Seahawks’ game. This is just a sneak peak of what you’ll hear on the air all day Monday, so be sure to tune in to 710 for full reaction, analysis and updates throughout the day.

Bob Stelton (Bob, Groz and Tom)

The Seahawks committed 14 penalties for 148 yards. Absolutely inexcusable! While SOME were questionable at best, most were the result of a mindless lack of discipline. On a day where everything was on the line for Seattle, they came up with an uninspired, sloppy effort.

The defense reverted back to pre-Minnesota form – that being a defense that allowed huge chunk plays throughout the game all while showing poor tackling and making ill-timed penalties.

They now delay their post season celebration by at least a week because they allowed a 3-10 team with a third-string QB (albeit a seemingly pretty good one) to play spoiler.

If only Sebastian Janikowski could have connected on that extra point earlier in the game.

Mike Salk (Brock and Salk)

Coaches are fond of saying that it takes three phases of the game to win, and most of us chuckle and go back to focusing on offense and defense. Well, the Seahawks’ defense allowed 16 points in regulation. Their offense scored three touchdowns and a field goal without turning the ball over once. You’d think that would be enough.

Nope. Not on a day where the special teams allowed a touchdown return, missed an extra point, and cost them field position on the final three changes of possession of the game. That was the difference.

Any time your team loses, it’s easy to think the sky is falling. But the reality is that the Seahawks still have an excellent chance to make the playoffs. One more win clinches a berth, but even if they lose their remaining games, they have put themselves in position to make the playoffs in nearly 70 percent of possible outcomes.

This loss smarts, especially with the injuries to Bradley McDougald and Jordan Simmons, but it sure isn’t a reason to panic.

Tom Wassell (Bob, Groz and Tom)

The holding penalties and the block in the back by Malik Turner on the final punt return of the fourth quarter are all the Seahawks’ fault, but the pass interference call against Shaquill Griffin in overtime was utterly ridiculous. It gave the 49ers terrific field position and away they went with the win.

Doug Baldwin came up with a few beautiful catches, and running backs Chris Carson and Mike Davis ran like warriors all day long. Jarran Reed had a crazy good fourth quarter, but Seattle’s defense had issues for most of the day with wide open receivers and tight ends.

Let’s just forget this ever happened.