Bobby Wagner blocked Dan Bailey’s field goal attempt midway through the fourth quarter, sparking the Seahawks to two late touchdowns and a 21-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. It was Seattle’s fourth straight victory.

Chris Carson followed the blocked kick with a two-yard TD run with 2:53 left, and Justin Coleman provided the capper with a 29-yard fumble return touchdown 18 seconds later.

Wagner comes CLEAR over the top to block the field goal attempt!



(Via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/xN0pgX4Hjz — Pro Football Focus (@PFF) December 11, 2018

What was an ugly and mostly forgettable first three quarters turned into a Seattle party in the fourth as the Seahawks (8-5) moved to the brink of wrapping up a wild-card spot in the NFC. One win in Seattle’s final three games, which include match-ups with lowly San Francisco and Arizona, should be enough to put the Seahawks into the postseason. Minnesota (6-6-1) twice had scoring chances in the fourth quarter when it was still a one-score game but were turned away each time. Minnesota’s chances of winning the NFC North took a major hit, but the Vikings still hold the No6 spot in the NFC.

Wagner has been one of the top linebackers in the NFL this season, but it was a debatable special teams play that made the difference. The question was whether his leap over the line of scrimmage was legal to block Bailey’s 47-yard field goal attempt with 5:38 left. Wagner’s jump through a gap in Minnesota’s offensive line was fine, but it appeared he used his teammates to gain leverage, which allowed him to come through and block the kick. A flag was initially thrown but was picked up by the officials.

“I tried to time it up; I got over it and made the block,” Wagner said. “I’m an athlete, so I have just got to jump over people. It’s not that big of a deal.”

Seattle took possession and Russell Wilson immediately scrambled 40 yards deep into Minnesota territory. Five plays later, Carson scored and Seattle finally had a cushion.

Two plays after that, Jacob Martin sacked Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins and the ball popped to Coleman, who weaved his way for the clinching touchdown.

