Seahawks shock 49ers with 73-yard fake punt touchdown

The Seahawks came into their Sunday game against the 49ers with just eight rushing touchdowns on the season — one of many issues with an offense that has drastically underperformed under first-year offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Points have been exceedingly tough to come by for the 3-8 Seahawks, so the coaches got together this week and decided to get tricky on special teams.

It worked better than anybody had a right to expect. The Seahawks went three-and-out on their first drive against their division rivals, and then set up to punt with 13:22 left in the first quarter.

However, Michael Dickson did not punt, as expected. Instead, running back Travis Homer took the direct snap on the fake, and rumbled 73 yards for the touchdown. It was the first touchdown of Homer’s NFL career, and by far the longest rushing play of Seattle’s season.

On Seattle’s next offensive drive, newly-acquired running back Adrian Peterson lost five yards on a carry, and then, tight end Gerald Everett fumbled after catching a pass from Russell Wilson, and the 49ers recovered.

It might be time for the Seahawks to construct their entire offense out of fake punts.