While the Seattle Seahawks booked a spot in the Super Bowl, the attention has stayed on a heated argument among their players on the sidelines.

During the game, the broadcast caught a glimpse of Seahawks’ Tariq Woolen arguing with safety Nick Emmanwori with just minutes left in the third quarter. This came after a small error from the cornerback nearly cost them the game.

With 2:20 left in the third quarter, the score was 31-20 with the Seahawks leading, and Matthew Stafford was desperate for a touchdown. With the Rams at 3rd & 12, the Seahawks had one job: not to give any free yards. However, that’s what Seattle ended up doing. 

After stopping Puka Nacua from an important catch, the Seahawks’ Tariq Woolen taunted the Los Angeles Rams sideline. The offensive gesture was enough for the officials to penalize them with 15 yards. What should have been a punt turned into a fresh set of downs.

Woolen’s teammate, Nick Emmanwori, was not happy about it. He was visibly disappointed with the cornerback’s unsportsmanlike action.

But that's not where the trouble ended. Just moments later, Puka Nacua slipped past Woolen, and Stafford's throw was right on the money. Just like that, the Rams were back in the game at 31-27.

Fortunately for the Seahawks, Stafford and the Rams couldn't do much in the following drives. The Seahawks won the game by four points. With a 31-27 win over the Rams, they will face the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

As for Woolen, this was his second unsportsmanlike conduct incident. Back in November, when the Seahawks faced the Commanders in Week 9, Woolen was penalized for standing over Jacory Croskey-Merritt following a big tackle. This second penalty may force him to pay over $14,000 in fines for the incident.

At the same time, head coach Mike Macdonald tried to maintain the peace inside the locker room.

Seahawks Coach Macdonald on Tariq Woolen's Taunting Call

During the post-game press conference, Macdonald said it was an emotional call.

"He made an emotional decisions. But we have to pick him up. There is no point in getting upset. You got to go rebound and come back and he played well for the rest of the game. 12 as one. Keep picking everyone up."

Going into the Super Bowl, internal differences could cost the Seahawks in big moments. However, to his credit, Woolen dropped a public apology on X, that said, "@NFL @Seahawks no more taunting penalties."

This season, Woolen has recorded 33 solo tackles and a forced fumble. Although the head coach didn't call him out, Woolen needs to be absolutely flawless against New England.

Do you think the Seahawks can pull off a win against the Patriots? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Written by

Kalp Thaker

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar