San Francisco 49ers 36, Seattle Seahawks 24
On Thursday night, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks, advancing to a 3-3 record.. The game showcased moments of brilliance from both teams but ultimately saw the 49ers hold firm. Let's explore what we learned from this pivotal clash.
Niners Avoid Another Double-Digit Collapse
The 49ers entered halftime with a commanding 16-3 lead, immediately sparking memories of their recent history of blown leads, including a 13-point loss to the Cardinals and a two-touchdown collapse against the Rams. This trend has been a heated topic in the Bay Area, and it was tested yet again Thursday.
The third quarter saw San Francisco mount an incredible comeback to extend their lead to 23-3.. But the Seahawks instantly retaliated, scoring a score on a 97-yard kick return, rekindling their hopes. After the Niners punted, Seattle launched a 13-play, 94-yard touchdown drive to trim the deficit to 23–17.. At this point, it appeared as though Seattle was gaining ground.
Amid this momentum swing, Kyle Shanahan’s decision to challenge a ruling failed, contributing to the pressure on San Francisco. Yet, thanks to game-defining moments from two rookies—Renardo Green's interception and Isaac Guerendo’s electrifying 76-yard run—the 49ers managed to stave off another heart-wrenching collapse. The Niners managed to hold on for the victory and get back to a.500 record despite a few tight moments in the second half.
Seahawks’ Physical Game Plan Falls Short
For Seattle, this defeat marked their third consecutive loss, dropping them to 3-3 in what has been a punishing 10-day stretch. The Seahawks made it clear they intended to set a physical tone early, led by their desire to establish the run game. However, their efforts were thwarted by a prepared 49ers defense.
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet were limited to just 52 rushing yards on 19 carries combined, with the 49ers’ front line dominating the contest. On the defensive side, the Seahawks were equally overwhelmed, allowing the 49ers to rush for a staggering 229 yards despite the absence of star running back Christian McCaffrey.
Laviska Shenault Jr. exemplified the Seahawks' night of mixed fortunes. His 97-yard kick return touchdown brought the Seahawks back into the game, but his earlier fumble, right after Deebo Samuel’s 76-yard touchdown, sapped Seattle’s momentum. Although the Seahawks mounted a spirited comeback, their early-game strategy faltered, leaving them with too much ground to make up.
49ers Show Red-Zone Improvement Amid Injury Woes
San Francisco’s red-zone efficiency has been a notable weakness this season. On their first two trips inside Seattle's 20-yard line, the 49ers settled for field goals, reflecting a broader trend of struggles in converting red-zone opportunities. Entering Week 6, the 49ers were 29th in the NFL with a 40.9% touchdown conversion rate.
However, the tide turned later in the game, with the 49ers successfully converting three of their next red-zone trips. Quarterback Brock Purdy connected with George Kittle for two touchdowns, while Kyle Juszczyk added a rushing score to cap off the game. These improvements raised the Niners' red-zone conversion rate to 44.4%.
Despite these offensive strides, the 49ers suffered multiple injuries. Jordan Mason, who had been a standout with 81 yards on 10 touches, left the game with a shoulder injury. His replacement, Isaac Guerendo, was quiet early on but later sealed the game with a dramatic 76-yard run. Brock Purdy had an impressive outing, throwing for 255 yards and three touchdowns, using both his arm and legs effectively. Though Deebo Samuel and George Kittle briefly exited the field with injuries, they each made crucial contributions to the 49ers' win.
Seahawks Stars Need to Step Up
For Seattle to remain competitive in the NFC West, they'll need more from their key players, particularly Geno Smith and DK Metcalf. Both players had been instrumental in the team’s 3-0 start but have since struggled to replicate that success.
Smith, who played a strong game in their loss to Detroit, has not looked sharp in recent outings. His first interception was a costly overthrow under pressure, and his late-game interception further hurt the Seahawks' chances. Metcalf, who fumbled in each of the last two games, failed to secure a pivotal third-down catch in the first quarter and wasn’t as dominant at the catch point as expected.
Metcalf’s would-be touchdown before halftime was nullified by his toe barely stepping out of bounds, forcing the Seahawks to settle for a field goal. Later, a 52-yard touchdown connection between Smith and Metcalf was wiped out due to an illegal shift penalty. These throws plagued the Seahawks across the game, and their team will need the top players to show up in the coming weeks.
49ers' Shorthanded Defense Stands Tall
The 49ers' defense entered the game missing key players, including top cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Talanoa Hufanga, who was placed on injured reserve. Yet their replacements stepped up in a big way. Malik Mustapha, starting in place of Hufanga, intercepted Geno Smith on the Seahawks’ first drive and later made a crucial tackle for loss.
However, Mustapha left the game with an ankle injury, adding to San Francisco’s defensive woes. In spite of the losses, the Niner's defense held strong.. Renardo Green delivered a massive fourth-quarter interception, while George Odum broke up a potential DK Metcalf touchdown in the first half. Defensive standouts like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner were as reliable as ever, with Warner recording 11 tackles and forcing a fumble.
The 49ers leaned heavily on the contributions of lesser-known players such as Mustapha, Green, and Isaac Yiadom, whose strong coverage helped San Francisco weather Seattle's late-game surge.
Comments