Early in Sunday's game against the 49ers, Seattle's punt team took the field, and when the 49ers lined up, players recognized a look that they knew could be vulnerable to a fake they had been working on for weeks.
Seahawks running back Travis Homer, who is the up back on the punt team, a job normally tasked with making last-minute adjustments to protection and to protecting the punter should any rusher get past the offensive line, called his own number, took a direct snap from Tyler Ott, then took off past the unsuspecting 49ers for a 73-yard touchdown.
For that play, as well as a second-half fumble recovery on kickoff coverage in an eventual 30-23 win over the 49ers, Homer was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. It's the first Player of the Week selection for Homer in his career, and also the first for a Seahawks player this season.
"Throughout the week, (special teams coordinator Larry) Izzo was telling us we've got the green light if we see this look, and they gave it to us on the first play," Homer said after the game.
Fullback and special teams captain Nick Bellore, who forced the fumble Homer recovered, said of the fake punt, "It was pretty exciting to see Homer take it like that, and he was so kind to slow down a little bit so I could get out in front of him a little bit. You don't envision it working that well, but it's always good to see."
The touchdown, which put the Seahawks ahead 7-0 and helped them stay in the game as the offense struggled early before getting going late in the second quarter, was Homer's second on special teams this season along with his 44-yard return of an onside kick in Seattle's Week 8 win over the Jaguars.
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seattle Seahawks' 30-23 win over the San Francisco 49ers on December 5, 2021 at Lumen Field. Eye On The Hawks is presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers.
Tight ends Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson complete their pregame ritual of "Rock, Paper, Scissors" before taking the field.
Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett makes a phone call outside of the team's locker room at Lumen Field before the Week 13 battle with the San Francisco 49ers.
Seahawks defensive captain Bobby Wagner makes his why to the field for his early pregame warmups.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson jogs back to the locker room after getting loose before the game.
12s impatiently wait to be let into the stadium after enjoying pregame entertainment in Touchdown City, which takes place in the Lumen Field Event Center prior to every home game.
Dee Eskridge was ready to get back onto the field for the matchup with the 49ers.
Quarterback Russell Wilson gathers receivers and tight ends around him after warmups.
Seahawks quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends huddle on the field during pregame.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf signs autographs for 12s before the game.
Defensive backs John Reid and Bless Austin on the field during pregame.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson in the winter sunlight at Lumen Field.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner gathers the entire team during pregame.
The arches of Lumen Field are reflected in the visor of Seahawks safety Jamal Adams.
LInebacker Jon Rhattigan leads the team out of the tunnel during pregame introductions.
Punt team upback Travis Homer takes the snap on a fake punt and races to the end zone for a touchdown as teammates Nick Bellore, Deejay Dallas and Jon Rhattigan provide blocking.
Seahawks mascot Blitz approves of the fake-punt TD.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson rolls out and throws a pass in the first half.
Seahawks offensive line coach Mike Solari instructs Jake Curhan who came into the game in place of injured guard Kyle Fuller.
Seahawks linebacker Darrell Taylor makes a tackle as teammates Jordyn Brooks, Bobby Wagner and Sidney Jones close in.
12s brought the noise (and the tattoos) for the division rivalry.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll on the sideline of the tightly contested game.
Seahawks run game coordinator Andy Dickerson talks to the offensive line during a break in the action.
Seahawks defenders Jamal Adams and Alton Robinson finish a tackle.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf makes a reaching, falling catch near the end zone, setting up a touchdown.
New Seahawks running back Adrian Peterson celebrates with teammates DK Metcalf, Freddie Swain and Rashaad Penny after scoring his first TD with Seattle.
This 12 had a very clear idea of what they wanted for Christmas.
Seahawks receiver Dee Eskridge dives for the end zone to score his first TD as a pro.
49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is sacked for a safety by Carlos Dunlap (hidden behind Kerry Hyder, Jr.).
Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs returns an interception as Ryan Neal looks to make a block.
Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett secures the ball in the end zone on a touchdown reception.
Seahawks receiver tyler Lockett celebrates with 12s in the Red Zone suites after scoring a touchdown.
Seahawks players celebrate in the end zone.
Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny breaks free.
On fourth down, Seahawks defensive end Carlos Dunlap gets his hand on Jimmy Garropolo's last chance throw at the goal line, sealing the win for Seattle.
Carlos Dunlap celebrates on the sideline after his game-saving pass deflection.
This 12 standing near the visitors tunnel held signs reminding the 49ers of their recent record against the Seahawks.
