Philip Rivers (17) stands on the sideline during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The Seattle Seahawks survived a dramatic finish against the Indianapolis Colts, winning 18-16 on Sunday thanks to Jason Myers’ 56-yard field goal with 29 seconds remaining. Myers, the NFL’s points leader, kicked six field goals, including the decisive kick, to secure Seattle’s triumph.
Myers Powers Seahawks’ Victory
Myers set a franchise record with six field goals, hitting from 47, 52, 46, 32, 30, and the game-winning 56 yards. The last kick came after Sam Darnold orchestrated a clutch drive following Blake Grupe’s 60-yard field goal for Indianapolis with 47 seconds left.
Rashid Shaheed returned the kickoff 28 yards, giving Darnold the field position to connect twice with Shaheed for 25 yards. This drive marked Darnold’s third game-winning drive of the season and 13th of his career.
Philip Rivers’ Comeback Falls Short
Desperate to stay in playoff contention, the Colts turned to Philip Rivers, returning from retirement at 44. Rivers, who had been coaching high school football, made his first NFL start in nearly five years.
He delivered a touchdown pass and guided Indianapolis into scoring position. Rivers completed 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. The final interception, thrown under pressure with 11 seconds left, was caught by Coby Bryant, who recorded his career-high fourth interception of the season.
Despite his effort, the Colts lost for the fourth straight time and have dropped five of their last six games, falling out of playoff contention in the AFC.
Seahawks’ Balanced Attack
Seattle relied heavily on Myers’ kicking, marking its first victory without scoring a touchdown since Dec. 26, 2024. Darnold passed 22 of 36 for 271 yards, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba catching seven passes for 113 yards, maintaining his status as the NFL’s receiving leader.
Myers’ performance raised his point total to a career-high 153, surpassing his 143 points in 2022. His six-field-goal effort fell just one short of his personal record of seven, set in 2018.
Key Injuries
Injuries affected both teams but did not derail play.
- Colts: Offensive lineman Bernhard Raimann injured his elbow in the second quarter and did not return.
- Seahawks: Linebacker Derick Hall hurt his hand in the first quarter but returned in the second. Tight end Abe Lucas injured his right arm/shoulder in the second half but also returned.
Implications for Both Teams
The win keeps Seattle tied with the Los Angeles Rams atop the NFC West, strengthening their playoff position. Meanwhile, Indianapolis faces growing pressure, as Rivers’ comeback highlights the team’s reliance on veterans amid injuries.
Seattle’s strategy of leveraging special teams and key receiving plays proved decisive. Meanwhile, the Colts’ playoff hopes face challenges despite Rivers’ heroic return.
Game Highlights
- Jason Myers: 6 field goals, including a 56-yarder game-winner
- Sam Darnold: 271 passing yards, orchestrated clutch drive
- Philip Rivers: 120 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT in comeback start
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 113 receiving yards
Seattle’s ability to capitalize on field goals and maintain defensive stability under pressure underscored their resilience. Colts fans witnessed a spirited performance from a retired legend, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Seattle’s consistent scoring and execution.
