Golden Nuggets: ‘Fail Mary’ Revisited

Good morning folks, it’s only been a few days since the 49ers played last, but it feels like a lifetime, and the journey onward seems to lack the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. For the third straight week, the 49ers will not be playing on Sunday, but opposed to the previous two, they’ve got the week off completely. While it obviously makes the week less interesting, the upside is that the perpetually injured roster will be allowed some extra time to heal up - in fact, the 49ers are expected to have a completely healthy roster for the first time this season following the bye.

Tonight’s TNF game is a fairly solid one, although the nostalgia factor carries much of the weight. The Seahawks and Packers are two teams, perhaps the best examples of which, that can salvage any game at any time for a stunning comeback victory. They’ve certainly both broken our hearts in the very recent past with unbelievable fourth quarter heroics, and, famously, they’ve done it to each other. Since 2012, the teams have played six times, splitting the record with one blowout each, an overtime victory in the Seahawks favor in the 2015 NFC Championship Game, and, of course, 2012’s infamous “Fail Mary” decision which gifted the upstart Seahawks a controversial last-second victory and brought the replacement referee situation to the absolute forefront of NFL conversations.

Currently, the Packers are 4-4-1, and the Seahawks are 4-5 - a far cry from their recent successes, but dangerous teams nevertheless. Both teams are looking to mount late season campaigns to catch on as wildcard teams in the NFC playoffs, and this game may have playoff implications, assuming that the likely wildcard-bound 6-3 Panthers don’t suffer an implosion of epic proportions. Despite the mediocre records, this is definitely a game to watch - especially the final minutes, barring a total blowout leading into the fourth.

As a 49er fan, however, I hope both teams somehow manage to lose this game, and their collective stock portfolios all tank.

49ers-Seahawks flexed out of week 13 SNF | Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area | Biderman, Sac Bee

Richard Sherman showing he still has it | Chan, NBC Sports Bay Area | Madson, Ninerswire

49ers notes & mailbag | Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area | Biderman, Sac Bee

Communication in the secondary remains an issue | Almquist, KNBR

49ers a longshot to sign LeVeon Bell in 2019 Free Agency | Madson, Ninerswire

Team expected to be at full health following bye week | Madson, Ninerswire