Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the NFL playoff clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints.
This NFC tie pits the number one seeds Seattle against a New Orleans side which broke their away-day post-season hoodoo with victory last weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Follow the minute by minute action below.
Please note that kickoff is at 9.30pm.
Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole’s live commentary of the NFL divisional weekend clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints.
It’s the first game of the weekend’s four playoff ties, and while most games at this stage of the season are full of strong teams and elite players, this game could be the pick of the bunch.
The Seahawks come into the match as the number one seed from the NFC half of the league, meaning that they had a week off to mix hard work with rest to allow themselves to be ready to take on their visitors tonight.
New Orleans meanwhile reached this stage by winning their first ever post-season road game, 26-24 against the Philadelphia Eagles last Saturday evening.
Having finished runners-up to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South, the Saints made the trip to Philadelphia knowing they’d have to make history to get to this stage. A slow first half was followed by a much better third quarter, with touchdowns from Lance Moore and Mark Ingram setting themselves up for the win, with the kicking of Shayne Graham assuring their progression.
It’s tough to call who will win this one, and I’m expecting another close encounter which will go to the wire. The Seahawks carry an excellent record at their CenturyLink Field into this game, losing just once there in the past two seasons. They’ll have to start fast however, because their sluggishness against the Arizona Cardinals last month was what cost them that sole defeat.
In Russell Wilson, they have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Whilst his yards per game and touchdown passes thrown are not particularly impressive, he has over 500 rushing yards to his name and his ability to make plays and gain first downs make him a constant threat to the opposition.
Running back Marshawn Lynch is tied for the most rushing touchdowns across the league with 12, and the seventh year back is widely recognised as one of the best in the NFL.
For the Saints, quarterback Drew Brees trails only Peyton Manning in yardage this season, with over 5,100 yards to his name. He’s also second to Manning in touchdown passes thrown, with 39. If New Orleans win tonight’s match, you can be sure that Brees will have a big hand in it.
Tight end Jimmy Graham is Brees’s go-to guy, with a league-high 16 touchdown receptions under his belt. He has 19 catches of over 20 yards, and a total of 1,215 throughout the regular season - comfortably the highest for a player in his position.
It’s certainly in the passing game where we can expect the Saints to hit Seattle hardest without a doubt, a point emphasised by the fact that Brees has more rushing touchdowns than anybody else on their roster.
Top running back Pierre Thomas is inactive for tonight’s game through injury, so it will be through the air which New Orleans will play most of the ball. Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Kenny Stills and Darren Sproles will all need to perform well tonight when they’re called upon.
SEAHAWKS INACTIVES: Bryan Walters, Christine Michael, KJ Wright, Caylin Hauptmann, James Carpenter, Benson Mayowa, Jordan Hill.
SAINTS INACTIVES: Ryan Griffin, Pierre Thomas, Terrence Frederick, Jordan Pugh, Rufus Johnson, Tyrunn Walker, Nick Toon.
Kick off is just a few moments away now.
The Seahawks will kick the game off, so the Saints will have the first possession.
Brees hands the ball off to Robinson and then Sproles on the first two downs, but they're stopped both times.
Brees through the air for the first time on 3rd&6 but Ingram fails to catch the pass.
An awful punt from the Saints - weather affected in fairness - has Seattle with the ball in excellent field position, in their opponents half.
Seattle run their first two downs too, with little success. On 3rd&11, Harvin is targeted but hit hard and there is a flag on the play.
Harvin is hit hard by Bush, and may well be concussed. The blow was so hard, it took Harvin's mouthpiece out. The penalty is against the defense and the Saints have a first down.
On first down Lynch gains five yards but on second, there is some confusion between him and Wilson, and the rusher is tackled for a loss of four.
Galette is leaving the field for New Orleans. He'd be a big loss for them, as he has the joint most amount of sacks for the season.
Baldwin makes a reception on 3rd down but is short of the markers and Seattle will attempt to kick for three.
FIELD GOAL IS GOOD And Steven Hauschka opens the scoring, giving the Seahawks the lead with a 38 yard effort.
Harvin is going into the locker room to be assessed. The Saints catch the kick in their end zone and Brees will begin again on their 20.
Ingram battles excellently for eight yards on first down. Saints seem keen to establish a run game here tonight.
Another good play from Ingram, jinking nicely through for a first down.
Robinson this time making a short reception. With yards after the catch, he gets another first down.
After Robinson gains four, Ingram makes his third burst in a row to gain their fourth first down of this drive.
On the next first down, Robinson runs into trouble. On 2nd&10, Sproles makes a short reception but is tackled quickly and the Saints are faced with a third and long.
Sproles is hit by Earl Thomas on third down and Shayne Graham will take to the field to try and level the contest.
FIELD GOAL IS NO GOOD Graham misses!! He goes wide left with his 45 yard effort, meaning the hosts remain in the lead.
After Tate gets to his 35, Wilson goes for his first run on first down, but only gains a yard. Harvin however, is back in the game.
Lynch was stopped on second down with relative ease but on 3rd&4 Golden Tate makes his first reception to gain a first down.
At midfield, Wilson makes a short flip pass to Lynch, gaining maybe two.
And the man they call BEAST MODE makes his first big play of the game. Lynch runs the ball for just seven, but he battles hard for his gain and he forces another first down.
The Seahawks gain just five through their first two downs, and 3rd&5 has Wilson misreading Tate's route and throwing behind his receiver. Hauschka will return to the field.
FIELD GOAL IS GOOD Hauschka scores again, this time with a 49 yard field goal. Seattle can't quite make the big plays just yet, but it's good for them to know that their kicker is looking hot tonight.
Sproles takes a knee from the latest kick off and the Saints will start on their 20 once more.
Ingram runs into Richard Sherman on first down and the clock will probably tick down to the end of this first quarter.
END OF FIRST QUARTER New Orleans Saints 0-6 Seattle Seahawks
The TV cameras just showed footage of the weather in Seattle prior to kick off, with the wind and rain streaming down at a furious rate. Thankfully it has cleared, but there is no doubt some of the kicking has been impacted by the conditions so far.
FUMBLE On the first play of the second quarter, Ingram fumbles the ball and the Seahawks defense sweep it up. They'll have he ball well into Saints territory.
Stiff arm from Harvin on first down gains nine yards before he's out of bounds.
TOUCHDOWN SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Lynch takes the ball on 2nd&1 and eases up the middle for a 15 yard score. Ingram's fumble has cost the Saints here, with Lynch and the Seahawks starting to stamp their authority.
Sproles takes the ball out of the end zone for the first time tonight from a kick. He gets to about his 23 before he's taken down.
Robinson makes an excellent gain on first down, gaining another.
Brees overshoots on first down, missing everybody. He's 3/5 with just 19 yards so far.
Looking for Hill on second down, Brees misses his target. On third, he goes in the air again but the ball is knocked down and the Saints will be punting back to the home side. The crowd voice their appreciation.
Tate takes the ball into his arms but another flag is thrown.
The Seahawks start with the ball deep in their territory, gaining four on first down before Lynch runs into trouble again on second.
Lynch takes a short pass right from Wilson, and some excellent blocking from his teammates allows him to power for the first down.
On the next first down, Lynch takes the ball for seven yards.
Turbin makes a huge play running for 35 yards, getting the hosts into the New Orleans half. However, there is a flag thrown for holding and a first down in an attacking position turns into a 2nd&13 back on their own 20.
Second down comes to nothing before Harvin makes a reception short of the markers on third. It's getting heated when Lewis pushes him, but the bottom line is that Seattle will have to punt.
Another wind affected punt, this time from Seattle, who are now facing into the wind. The Saints will take possession in a good area when they come onto the field. Can Brees take advantage?
The Saints took their first time out following that last play. When it resumes, Robinson powers through, landing on top of a Seahawks defender to allow him to break for a first down.
Robinson against runs strongly on first down. On 2nd&5 he takes it again but can't break through three tackles, understandably.
On 3rd&4, he takes it again. He falls short, but they opt to go for it on fourth down.
Brees's pass is knocked down by Wagner on fourth down, and Pete Carroll looks delighted with his team's efforts. Brees was originally looking for the so-far anonymous Graham. Seattle will take the ball via this turnover on downs.
Lynch goes for 19 on first down, running right thanks to the blocking of Sweezey.
The Seahawks run the ball again on second down but this time Lynch picks up just the one.
Another short gainer leaves the Seahawks with a 3rd&8. That doesn't stop Wilson however, who goes through the air, allowing Harvin to haul in the lob. First down...
This weather is worrying Seattle though, and Wilson is preferring to give handoffs to Lynch rather than throw. On first down, the RB goes for five, on second, two more. However, after the second down, a flag is thrown against them for holding and they'll go back 10 yards.
Superb stuff from Wilson! He looks for a throw, but the pocket breaks down so he starts to run. When it appears he's about to be tackled, he throws a short pass to Kearse and they have a first down off of a 2nd&15.
The two minute warning comes with Wilson running himself for six. They're on the Saints eight yard line and looking good to add to their lead.
Lynch somehow doesn't get taken down behind the line of scrimmage despite the efforts of the Saints defense. It'll be 3rd&3.
Wilson aims for Tate in the end zone, doesn't reach him. But the Hawks gain a first and goal anyway, because Keenan Lewis is penalised for holding. An awful time for Lewis to commit this foul.
On their automatic first down, Lynch is taken down in the backfield for a few yards loss and the Saints take their final time out.
So close to a touchdown from Harvin! Wilson holds onto the ball for what feels like an age, scrambling around before aiming for his wideout. Again, it looks as if he's been hit late. You have to feel sorry for Harvin here.
Well, Seattle will have to settle for another field goal. Despite looking likely to score a touchdown for the past few minutes, the Saints have resisted, taking Wilson down and making Hauschka enter the fray once again for a short try.
FIELD GOAL IS GOOD Hauschka scores for the third time, giving the Seahawks a 16 point lead.
Confusion reins in Seattle, where the ball keeps falling off of the tee as Hauschka looks to kick off again! The ball will have to be held by Thomas!
Starting on the 16, Brees makes a completion to Colston, but short of the markers.
On second down, Graham is targeted for the first time today. He's blocked off though, and the clock is stopped.
Brees completes for a first down but with the ball in the half and the clock clicking, the Saints are struggling.
HALF TIME New Orleans Saints 0-16 Seattle Seahawks
The half petered out there, with Brees handing off to Sproles. He clearly didn't want to throw long and risk being picked, because with Seattle having their timeouts in tact, they could have imposed more damage.
It's been a strange half, with Seattle's running game clearly the stronger, despite a solid start from Ingram - before his second quarter fumble. The Seattle defense has been brilliant in stopping Graham and the other Saints receivers getting any space, and if they keep it up then Brees will struggle to throw the ball with success.
The weather is clearly having an impact, with Seattle reacting to it better during that first period. Their defense is looking so strong, and with Wilson and Lynch both finding their rhythm, you have to think that it's going to be the home side who will go on to win this one.
That said, we probably said the Chiefs were as good as winners at this point last Saturday. And we all know what happened there...
We're back underway, and Seattle will start on their 20.
Lynch rushes on first down for three yards, then going for the same amount on the next play.
On third down, Wilson targets Lynch this time but it's inaccurate and the home side go three and out to begin the half.
Sproles calls a fair catch on his 32 and Brees will re-enter the play.
Great start from Brees. He finds Colston who breaks through the markers and goes for about 20.
Back to back first downs here from New Orleans, with Meachem the receiver this time.
Ingram gets a carry on first down, before a screen pass to Watson on second down. We've just had confirmation that Harvin will not return to action, thanks to concussion that he sustained late in the first half.
SACK And Brees is down! Tackled instantly by Avril and Bennett as the pocket breaks. The ball goes loose but the Saints recover and it'll be fourth down.
New Orleans punt the ball, but Tate opts to let it drop. The hosts will start deep in their territory.
Wilson starts on his six, handing off to Lynch for a gain of one.
On second down, Wilson targets Tate and misses. It was more of a throwaway, as he was almost caught by a Saints defender in his end zone.
And just when it looks as if Seattle might have to punt, Lynch makes another huge play. Working with a little space, he drags Saints players with him as he gains a first down.
Three yard gain on 1st&10, before perhaps just a yard on second down.
On 3rd&6, the Saints spot Lynch out on the left early. He catches a short pitch from Wilson and is taken down with ease. The punting team come on.
It's punted away and Brees comes on once more. He showed signs that he was finding his arm during their last, ultimately unsuccessful, drive. They're going to have to put some points up soon if they are going to win this one.
Poor from Brees on first down, who severely under throws looking for Colston.
Robinson goes down under pressure on second down and the ball comes out. Seattle claim they have it but it appears that he's down. When the players eventually come off the pile, a flag is thrown against the defense for unsportsmanlike conduct, and the Saints get a first down anyway.
Sherman is in Graham's ear after every play, taunting him that he doesn't have a catch so far. Three downs lead to nothing and they have to go on 4th&3.
Incomplete to Lance Moore! Brees's effort was a little in front of Moore, and to be fair he was close to being sacked again. The crowd goes wild as New Orleans see their gamble fail.
Wilson rushes on first down but for a loss of one. On the next play, it's Lynch's turn, but he gains only three.
Wilson targets Baldwin on third down but his throw is extremely hard and far too low. It's another three and out for Seattle, but so far the Saints just cannot take advantage of having possession.
Brees finds Colston for six yards on 1st&10, with Ingram fighting forward for a first down on the following play.
Josh Hill makes a big play on first down, with Brees airing a lovely strike to him. The 23 yard gain is their longest play of the day.
And again! Another play action pass, this time to Colston. It's another fair gain and another first down. New Orleans are finally in the red zone.
Ingram fights for a couple on first down and the Saints end the quarter on the Seattle 11.
END OF THIRD QUARTER New Orleans Saints 0-16 Seattle Seahawks
A scoreless third period, but can the Saints finally get on the board here?
Almost - but Moore has a 1st&goal from the two after a nice reception from Brees.
TOUCHDOWN NEW ORLEANS SAINTS After two unsuccessful attempts from Ingram and then Robinson to run the ball into the end zone, they try once more on third down. This time Robinson hurdles Bennett and battles into the end zone. And they'll go for two.
TWO POINT CONVERSION IS GOOD New Orleans halve the deficit, with Ingram running into the end zone this time. They now trail by eight.
Baldwin is stopped from the kick off, but a penalty from the Saints for unnecessary roughness will have Sean Payton pulling his hair out.
Wilson is chased on first down, throwing away before Jordan can sack him.
Zach Miller makes his first reception of the day, albeit at the second attempt after almost dropping it. First down.
On first down, Lynch goes nowhere and on second, Wilson overthrows looking for Tate down the sideline.
Excellent work from Wilson, although he doesn't quite make the first down. With no pass on, he eventually decides to run it. Despite a slaloming effort, he falls short by two. It's punted away on fourth down and out of play. Brees will regain the ball back on his six.
Robinson bursts through the middle on first down, being tackled just short. On 2nd&1, Colston makes a reception to gain a first. Brees is looking far better now.
Brees opts to throw a screen to the little-used Cadet, but he drops it and it will be second down.
The Saints call their first time out of the half, just as the play clock ticks down to zero. That was close to being a penalty against Brees and his men.
Unbelievable work from Brees. Just as he's about to be sacked again, he tosses a small shot off to Colston, making another first down. Great effort from the quarterback.
Brees finds Stills on a long pass on 2nd&4, but it's called back for holding and they're faced with a 10 yard penalty.
Oh horrible for Chancellor of the Seahawks defense. He's inches from making an interception as Brees looks for Stills again, but the Seattle man drops it and Brees gets another chance.
On third down, Earl Thomas literally jumps over Jimmy Graham to stop a reception. The Seahawks defense - that missed interception opportunity aside - are performing to a ridiculously high level tonight, making some huge plays.
The Saints punt away which Tate leaves as it bounces out. The Seahawks will start around their 20.
Lynch carries for four on first down. On second, he repeats the trick and he's now surpassed 100 on the day.
Wilson looks for Tate once more on third down but he can't haul it in. A good effort from the Saints defense this time.
Another holding penalty against the Saints after Robinson had appeared to have gained a couple on first down. It's now 1st&20.
Brees throws the ball to the floor for fearing of being sacked, but the Saints are saved by a holding penalty on Ingram. Automatic first down.
The biggest moment of the game! Brees goes long for Meachem downfield. Two Seahawks players look likely to pick the ball off but instead deflect it into the receivers hands. It's a 52 yard gain, and the Saints are into Seattle territory.
Delay of game from the Saints takes them back five straight away. On first down, Brees misses Sproles.
New Orleans are messing this up, running the play clock far too close for comfort. Instead of another penalty this time, Brees calls a time out. In fairness, the Saints players probably can't hear each other in amongst this crowd noise.
Colston is the target this time, but Brees's pass isn't the best. On 3rd&15, a short screen pass doesn't come off. Graham will come onto the field but a three point try in this wind will be a solid effort.
FIELD GOAL IS NO GOOD Unsurprisingly, Graham's attempt is well wide of the target. It's a horrible, gusting wind and it was always going to be tough for him. Seahawks ball.
For some reason, Seattle opt to throw rather than run the clock down on first down. Wilson's pass is wayward, saving New Orleans from taking their final time out.
On second down, Lynch shrugs off six or seven tackles to gain seven yards.
Huge play for Seattle! 24 yard throw to Baldwin, when running really probably would have been the sensible option. They won't care though, they're on the Saints 31.
Or are they? The Saints have challenged, unsure as to whether Baldwin was in control of the football when he hauled it in. It's currently under review.
The crowd erupts as the call is announced to stand. New Orleans lose their final time out, and some running of the clock now will see Seattle win this.
TOUCHDOWN SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Another way to win however, is to simply score touchdowns. And that's exactly what Lynch decides to do. Taking a hand off from Wilson, Lynch breaks to his left and scurries down the sideline and eases into the end zone for 31 yard score. Too easy for Beast Mode. That's 140 yards for the day, plus the two scores. Not bad if he's in your fantasy team?
The kick off flies out of the end zone and Brees will start on his 20.
Brees throws to Colston for a first down, before another one to Moore as they get to midfield.
Two minute warning is up, with the Saints in possession at the 50.
Colston makes another first down catch but there is another flag. This time it's against Seattle, so it is declined. Crucially, it allowed the clock to be stopped.
This is a fantastic drive from the Saints. Colston takes in another pass and his 15 yards are good for another first down. Sproles rushes, but falls four yards short.
Seattle concede another penalty! With 12 men on the field, the Saints gets a 1st&10 on the Seattle 13. He targets Graham - still without a catch - but it bobbles loose.
Thomas was hit by his own man in the end zone, and Seattle are charged a time out while he gets treatment.
Moore is the target on second down, but it's short. He wants a flag for holding but it never comes.
Another flag, this time against the Saints. Moore makes a catch, but he's penalised for holding himself, and New Orleans will face a 3rd&20.
Sproles takes a reception but doesn't get a first. It's fourth down.
TOUCHDOWN NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Colston brings it in from Brees for a nice score. They'll try an onside kick. If they pull it off, this isn't over yet.
ONSIDE KICK RECOVERY Golden Tate has the ball but it bounces out of his chest. New Orleans have the ball back!!
59 yards to go for Brees here.
Brees finally finds Graham, but he's short. They spike it on second down.
Awful decision from Colston. He takes a catch in from Brees, but instead of going out of bounds to give the Saints the chance of a hail mary, he throws a forward pass in an awful attempt to get upfield. This game is over.
FULL TIME New Orleans Saints 15-23 Seattle Seahawks
So that's it, the Seahawks win it and progress to the NFC Championship game next weekend. Overall, they deserved the win, with New Orleans not really coming alive until the fourth quarter. Colston must be ruing his decision to not take the ball out of bounds though, because Brees has it in his locker to produce plays like the one it would have required.
The running of Lynch was outstanding though and that, coupled with the the performance of the Seattle defense, makes the home side worthy winners.
Thank you for following the game with us tonight. Stay with Sports Mole for coverage of the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, coming next.
