SEATTLE (Interstat) — In a commanding defensive display, the Seattle Seahawks shut out the Minnesota Vikings 26-0 on Sunday at a rain-soaked Lumen Field before a crowd of 68,790.

The Seahawks defense was the undeniable star of the show, intercepting Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer four times and sacking him six times, holding the Vikings’ offense to a paltry 126 net yards and preventing them from ever seriously threatening the end zone.

Seattle improved its record to 9-3, solidifying its position in the NFC playoff picture, while Minnesota’s struggles continued, falling to 4-8 with its third consecutive loss.

The game was a far cry from the offensive shootout projected by pregame models, which had favored Seattle by 11.5 points with an over/under of 42.5. The Seahawks’ defense ensured the total would not come close, and their own offense did just enough to build an insurmountable lead in methodical fashion.

The first quarter was a scoreless slog defined by punts and defensive stands from both sides. The deadlock was finally broken in the second quarter as Seattle pieced together a 14-play, 64-yard drive that stalled at the Minnesota 15, leading to a 33-yard field goal from Jason Myers.

The Seahawks’ defense then provided the game’s first major momentum shift. After the Vikings managed to drive into Seattle territory, linebacker Ernest Jones IV intercepted a Brosmer pass intended for T.J. Hockenson in the end zone and returned it the length of the field for a touchdown. The 100-yard interception return gave Seattle a 10-0 lead and visibly deflated the Minnesota sideline.

Myers added a 56-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, sending the teams to the locker room with Seattle leading 13-0.

Any hope of a Vikings comeback was extinguished in the third quarter. The Seahawks’ defense continued its dominance, with cornerback Coby Bryant picking off another Brosmer pass. The offense, led by the efficient if unspectacular play of quarterback Sam Darnold, relied on a steady ground game and more legwork from Myers.

Myers connected on field goals of 54 and 40 yards in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 19-0. Darnold finished the game 14 of 26 for 128 yards, avoiding the critical mistakes that plagued his counterpart.

The Seahawks put the final exclamation point on the victory early in the fourth quarter. Running back Zach Charbonnet capped a short, methodical drive following Jones’ second interception of the day with a 17-yard touchdown run up the middle. Myers’ extra point provided the final 26-0 margin.

Charbonnet was a workhorse for Seattle, grinding out 52 yards on 14 carries. Tight end AJ Barner was Darnold’s most reliable target, catching four passes for 35 yards.

For Minnesota, the offensive woes were comprehensive. Brosmer, the rookie from Roswell, Georgia, was under constant duress, completing 19 of 30 passes for 126 yards and the four interceptions. The Vikings’ rushing attack was stifled, with Aaron Jones Sr. held to just three yards on six carries. Jordan Mason provided a brief spark with 47 yards on six carries, but it was too little, too late.

T.J. Hockenson was a rare bright spot for the Vikings, catching six passes for 59 yards, but the Seattle secondary, led by Jones’ two interceptions and seven tackles from Devon Witherspoon, locked down Minnesota’s talented receiving corps. Justin Jefferson was held to a shocking two catches for four yards.

The Seahawks’ defensive front was relentless, with sacks recorded by Byron Murphy II, DeMarcus Lawrence, Leonard Williams, Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel, and a split sack between Drake Thomas and Uchenna Nwosu. Eric Wilson led the Vikings’ defense with 11 tackles and a sack.

Myers was perfect on the day, connecting on all four field goal attempts and two extra points.

The Vikings will look to regroup next Sunday when they host the Washington Commanders. The Seahawks, meanwhile, will hit the road to face the Atlanta Falcons, aiming to build on their defensive momentum as they push for the postseason.