Playoff games are supposed to bring out the best in players, but Saturday night in Seattle did the exact opposite for San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir.
As the loss kept getting uglier, emotions clearly took over, and frustration boiled into an ugly moment that quickly became one of the game’s most talked-about incidents.
Seahawks Dominate as 49ers’ Season Falls Apart
Seattle wasted no time asserting control, delivering a ruthless 41–6 blowout that sent the 49ers crashing out of the NFL playoffs.
By the third quarter, the outcome was no longer in doubt, with the Seahawks holding a commanding 27–6 lead and complete control of the game.
The one-sided scoreline set the tone for a tense and embarrassing night for San Francisco.
Lenoir Loses His Cool in Shocking On-Field Moment
With just over seven minutes left in the third quarter, cameras caught Lenoir completely losing his composure.
He walked up to Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and appeared to drive his helmet directly into the receiver’s face, seemingly without any provocation.
Surprisingly, no flag was thrown, and Seattle players chose not to escalate the situation, allowing play to continue.
Still, the incident didn’t go unnoticed and could come back to haunt Lenoir.
NFL Discipline Still Looms Despite No Flag
Even though officials missed the moment live, the league is expected to review the footage.
That review could result in a fine or other disciplinary action for Lenoir, especially given how clear the contact appeared on replay.
For the 49ers, it was yet another sour note in a night filled with frustration and disappointment.
Postgame Frustration Spills Into the Locker Room
The anger didn’t fade once the final whistle blew.
Speaking to reporters after the loss, Lenoir downplayed Seattle’s dominant performance, suggesting injuries were the real reason for the blowout.
According to him, a healthier 49ers squad would have cruised to victory.
Lenoir Points to Injuries but Admits No Excuses
“If we had those guys, it would’ve been a totally different game,” Lenoir said.
Still, he quickly added that excuses weren’t acceptable, insisting the available roster should have been enough to compete.
The comments did little to quiet criticism, especially given how decisive the Seahawks’ win had been.
A Rivalry That Has Been Brewing All Season
This wasn’t the first time Lenoir and Smith-Njigba found themselves at odds.
Earlier in the regular season, Lenoir had openly challenged the young receiver ahead of their Week 18 showdown, confidently stating he wanted to shadow him in man-to-man coverage.
That matchup didn’t go as planned.
Week 18 Loss Set the Tone for More Tension
Seattle beat San Francisco 13–3 in that crucial regular-season meeting, denying the 49ers home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
While Smith-Njigba didn’t find the end zone, he still delivered six catches for 84 yards, continuing what has been a standout season.
By the end of the 2025 regular campaign, Smith-Njigba had posted 118 receptions, 1,793 yards, and 10 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the league’s elite receivers and pushing Seattle into serious Lombardi Trophy contention.
Troy Aikman’s Commentary Adds Fuel to the Fire
During that Week 18 game, Lenoir was flagged for pass interference on Smith-Njigba in the end zone, prompting ESPN analyst Troy Aikman to openly mock the cornerback’s earlier bravado.
Aikman suggested Lenoir hadn’t lived up to his own talk, a comment that clearly struck a nerve.
Lenoir Fires Back on Social Media, Then Deletes Post
Lenoir responded on Instagram with a profanity-laced rant questioning Aikman’s credibility and challenging anyone to show evidence of Smith-Njigba dominating him in coverage.
The post didn’t last long before it was deleted, but screenshots ensured the damage was done.
Smith-Njigba Gets the Last Laugh
When asked if he had heard Lenoir’s pregame comments, Smith-Njigba handled the situation with calm confidence and a touch of humor.
He acknowledged the chatter but made it clear his focus was on the field.
“We knew we were going to see him today and take care of business,” he said.
What Comes Next for Lenoir and the 49ers?
With the season over and the league likely reviewing his actions, Lenoir now faces possible punishment and tough questions about discipline and composure. ‘
For the 49ers, the focus shifts to regrouping after a brutal playoff exit, while Seattle marches on with momentum and confidence firmly on its side.
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