Earl Thomas III nearly recorded the first sack of his NFL career, but he’ll take a Seattle Seahawks win as a consolation.
Late in the third quarter, with the San Francisco 49ers deep in their own territory, Earl was positioned for a rare rush on the edge. The Niners’ blockers were no match for No. 29’s quickness, as he shot off the edge to take down Brian Hoyer in the end zone—but ET’s teammate Frank Clark made it to the Niners’ QB just a split second sooner and was credited with the full sack at the 1-yard line.
That was one of many outstanding plays in a dominant day for the Seattle defense. Earl and Co. held Hoyer to just 99 yards passing. San Francisco’s two leading receivers, Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin each had three receptions for a modest 26 yards. The 49er passing attack didn’t venture anywhere near Area 29, as its longest gain through the air was just 14 yards.
The San Francisco defense played a strong game as well, but Seattle had the final say, as Russell Wilson engineered an 82-yard drive late in the fourth quarter and linked up with receiver Paul Richardson for the game-winning touchdown.
ET and Co. have a tough task next week on the road against a Tennessee Titans squad that racked up 37 points Sunday in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Until then, check out some social media highlights from the Week 2 win:
Good God. The blitzing Earl Thomas and D End did not get touched going to the QB. Holy crap. Haven't seen a sack like that this year. pic.twitter.com/VJY2390Sa0
— Cade Carlton (@CadeCarlton) September 17, 2017
Earl Thomas does not get credit for a sack today. It would have been the first in his entire football career. Frank Clark got the full sack.
— Jen Mueller (@JenTalksSports) September 18, 2017
Earl Thomas and Frank Clark on the sack of Hoyer. It goes to the one, though it looked like a safety. Wasn't recorded as such
— Stefanie Loh (@StefanieLoh) September 17, 2017
Frank Clark and Earl Thomas meet at SF QB Brian Hoyer at Niners' own goal line. Third and 15 from there. #Seahawks
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 17, 2017
Every NFL fan knows that Earl Thomas is the best safety in the league.
— Kyle (@Mccandless_1992) September 18, 2017
Also, is @Earl_Thomas covered in flubber?! He just bounces up off the ground so fast (especially on that last play).
— NorthwestMel (@NorthwestMel) September 17, 2017
Earl Thomas should have had a cape on there. Flying in out of nowhere to tackle Carlos Hyde on off-tackle run left. #Seahawks
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 17, 2017
Another 49ers drive.
Another #Seahawks stop. #GoHawks pic.twitter.com/UBgR5r4I2d— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 17, 2017
I LOVE EARL THOMAS WITH ALL MY HEART
— Jolleen (@JolleenQ) September 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/sunnshinee97/status/909522706122420224
https://twitter.com/MusicMomm12/status/909497141617233920
I Love Earl Thomas just watched his Superhuman play against Rams! Im speechless!! What a wonder to behold!!!