Jimmie Ward’s costly late hit on Geno Smith gifts Seahawks field goal

Ward’s late hit on Smith leads to big Seahawks field goal originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea

The 49ers were about to head into halftime with a 16-14 lead over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card Game at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday until a costly penalty allowed Seattle to kick a last-second field goal and take the lead.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith scrambled out of the pocket on a first-and-10 play, sliding to the ground with two seconds remaining in the half as 49ers cornerback/safety Jimmie Ward provided a late hit.

Ward’s hit resulted in a 15-yard penalty, allowing Seahawks kicker Jason Myers to kick a go-ahead 56-yard field goal as time expired.

RELATED: Why Rapoport lists 49ers among Brady’s top free-agency options

San Francisco led for most of the first half before Seattle took a 14-13 lead on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Smith to wide receiver D.K. Metcalf with 2:40 remaining in the second quarter. After the 49ers responded with a go-ahead field goal from kicker Robbie Gould that give San Francisco a 16-14 lead, Ward’s costly penalty, and the subsequent Seahawks field goal gave Seattle the lead heading into the second half.