The 49ers have experienced similar situations this season, but this time they managed to change the outcome. After previously losing leads in the second half to the Rams and the Cardinals, the 49ers held their ground against the Seahawks, ultimately winning 36-24. They had established a significant 23-3 lead, but the Seahawks rallied with 14 unanswered points before San Francisco sealed the victory. Both teams now share a 3-3 record, tying for the NFC West lead, while the Seahawks are on a three-game losing streak.
Offensive Dominance
The 49ers dominated offensively, outgaining the Seahawks 483 to 358. Quarterback Brock Purdy completed 18 of 28 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns. Deebo Samuel had a standout performance, catching three passes for 102 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown. George Kittle contributed with five catches for 58 yards.
A Critical Win
For the 49ers, this game felt critical, especially since they entered with an 0-2 record in the division and 0-3 in the conference. With tough upcoming matchups against the Chiefs and Cowboys, this win was essential.
Rising Stars in the Backfield
Running back Isaac Guerendo, who had entered the game with just 12 carries for 41 yards, stepped up significantly, rushing for 99 yards on 10 carries after Mason suffered a shoulder injury late in the first half. The 49ers were already without Christian McCaffrey, who has been sidelined this season due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis. Mason, who returned briefly in the second half, finished with nine carries for 73 yards.
Impact of Turnovers
Turnovers played a key role in the game, as the 49ers capitalized on three takeaways, scoring 13 points off those mistakes. They could have had a fourth turnover when Seattle’s Dee Williams appeared to muff a punt, but officials missed the call and replay did not overturn it. Amazon Prime’s replays clearly showed the ball making contact with Williams’ finger, allowing Jalen Graham to recover for the 49ers at the Seattle 18-yard line.
Defensive Stand
The Seahawks had a chance to mount a comeback similar to the Rams and Cardinals, but the 49ers’ rookie cornerback Renardo Green intervened. He intercepted Geno Smith with 7:46 left in the game, picking off a pass intended for DK Metcalf. Green returned the interception 20 yards, giving the 49ers excellent field position at the Seattle 15. Just three plays later, tight end George Kittle caught his second touchdown pass of the night, extending the 49ers’ lead to 29-17 with 6:20 remaining. His first touchdown was a 10-yard catch, followed by a 9-yarder for the second.
Seahawks’ Near Comeback
Seattle nearly responded with a big play when Metcalf caught a 52-yard touchdown pass from Smith, but it was called back due to an illegal shift by Kenneth Walker. The Seahawks eventually scored, but with limited time left; Tyler Lockett caught a 9-yard touchdown pass with 1:44 remaining, narrowing the 49ers’ lead to 29-24. However, on the next play, 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo dashed for 76 yards, effectively quelling any hopes for a Seattle comeback. He slid down at the Seattle 5-yard line, allowing fullback Kyle Juszczyk to score from the 6 with 1:17 left in the game.
Early Mistakes
Geno Smith threw an interception on the Seahawks’ opening drive, with Malik Mustapha picking him off at the 49ers’ 2-yard line after Seattle had advanced to the San Francisco 25. In an eventful game, Laviska Shenault Jr. initially lost a fumble on a kickoff return in the first half but later redeemed himself by returning a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown in the second half. This marked the second kickoff return for a touchdown in the NFL this season.
Smith’s Performance and Kicking Challenges
Geno Smith completed 30 of 52 passes for 312 yards, tossing one touchdown but also throwing two interceptions. Tyler Lockett caught four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown, while DK Metcalf added three receptions for 48 yards. The 49ers faced additional challenges when kicker Matthew Wright was injured while making a tackle on a kickoff with 1:11 remaining, adding to their woes after already losing kicker Jake Moody earlier. Wright had successfully converted field goals from 25, 41, and 35 yards, helping the 49ers go 3-for-5 in the red zone.