In a win that featured Sam Darnold outdueling Matthew Stafford, Seattle extended its playoff run despite injuries piling up for key players. Darnold, who had been dealing with an oblique issue from the divisional round, again played through discomfort as the Seahawks moved one victory away from the championship.
Head coach Mike Macdonald offered injury updates on Monday, noting Darnold’s ongoing oblique situation along with other banged-up Seahawks. Left tackle Charles Cross has a lingering foot issue, while fullback Brady Russell and linebacker Drake Thomas exited the game with new injuries. Macdonald indicated there wasn’t anything major to worry about beyond typical postgame soreness.
The silver lining for Seattle is an extra week of rest before the Super Bowl, which should help the roster recover and potentially get everyone back closer to full strength. If Seattle can maintain health, they are likely to remain a strong favorite to defeat New England.
While the Patriots have shown playoff versatility, Macdonald has consistently adapted to each foe all season. With kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, Seattle will aim to cap a remarkable postseason run by securing their first title since SB XL.
