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SEATTLE — This felt much more like the 49ers we expected.
Sure, there were some nerve-racking moments, but the 49ers effectively secured a 36-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night at Lumen Field.
The victory positions the 49ers in a tie for first place in the NFC West alongside the Seahawks.
Both teams now hold a 3-3 record for the season. With a win on Sunday against Green Bay, Arizona (2-3) could create a three-way tie.
“It was definitely a must-win, even if it wasn’t officially a must-win,” stated 49ers All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.
The 49ers received mostly positive evaluations in this matchup. The only area of concern was special teams, which contributed well but also allowed a key momentum-shifting play.
Here’s the 49ers’ report card following their Week 6 victory over a division rival:
Rushing offense
Jordan Mason was having a standout performance before he left the game due to a shoulder injury, finishing with 73 rushing yards on nine carries.
Rookie Isaac Guerendo capped off the game impressively, making a 76-yard run with just 90 seconds left that nearly sealed the victory. Moments later, fullback Kyle Juszczyk extended their lead with a 6-yard touchdown run at 1:17 remaining.
Isaac Guerendo with the MASSIVE run to flip the field late 🤯 pic.twitter.com/k5GQxvr4SO
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 11, 2024
The offensive line performed admirably, as the 49ers achieved 228 rushing yards and a touchdown on 33 attempts, averaging 6.9 yards per run.
Grade: A
Passing offense
Brock Purdy bounced back phenomenally after a disappointing outing against the Arizona Cardinals, showcasing his skill against the Seahawks.
Purdy completed 18 of 28 pass attempts for 255 yards, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 129.3.
The 49ers surged ahead with a 76-yard touchdown connection to Deebo Samuel, followed by two scoring passes to George Kittle in the second half, thwarting a determined comeback by the Seahawks.
DEEBO 76 YARDS TO THE HOUSE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/im3Yt11sfG
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 11, 2024
The offensive line ensured Purdy was“`html
Fred Warner, the linebacker, had an impressive performance, recording eleven tackles. Additionally, Ji’Ayir Brown, Malik Mustapha, and Sam Okuayinonu contributed with tackles for loss.
Grade: A
Passing defense
The 49ers benefited significantly from the play of two rookie defensive backs. Rookie safety Mustapha, along with cornerback Renardo Green, made crucial interceptions at pivotal moments.
Malik Mustapha snags his first NFL career INT 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZVUcwqRIeF
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 11, 2024
Cornerback Charvarius Ward was unable to participate due to a knee injury, having worked out before the game but ultimately being listed as questionable.
Nick Bosa was a force on the defense, tallying fourteen pressures, marking the highest number recorded in a single game over the last four seasons. This performance matched his previous record against the Rams in 2022, according to NextGen Stats.
DK Metcalf, the leading receiver for the Seahawks, managed to catch only three passes out of eleven targets for a total of 48 yards.
Grade: A
Special teams
The special teams unit for the 49ers experienced a setback when Laviska Shenault returned a kickoff for 97 yards to score a touchdown, shifting momentum right after San Francisco had extended their lead to 23-3 early in the third quarter.
However, the 49ers’ special teams did execute some positive plays, including forcing a turnover in the first half that resulted in three points.
Darrell Luter made a significant impact on kickoff coverage by forcing a fumble, which rookie Tatum Bethune recovered.
Kicker Matthew Wright, who stepped in for Jake Moody, successfully converted all three of his field-goal attempts from distances of 25, 41, and 35 yards.
Grade: C-minus
Coaching
Coaches Kyle Shanahan and Nick Sorensen effectively devised game plans that the players executed well.
The 49ers showcased proficient strategies amassing 483 total yards while not committing any turnovers. Tight end George Kittle praised Shanahan for persisting with the outside zone run strategy, even during challenging sequences when gaining yards was difficult.
In the second half, the team notably improved their performance in the red zone. In the first half, they settled for field goals during both of their red-zone possessions but successfully converted all three opportunities after halftime.
The 49ers also secured three takeaways on defense and special teams.
Sorensen’s defensive unit synchronized the pass rush with excellent backend coverage, achieving high efficiency.
Grade: A
Overall
The 49ers eradicated the negative feelings from
49ers Dominate Seahawks 36-24, Bounce Back with Strong Performance
Game Overview
In an electrifying matchup on Thursday night, the San Francisco 49ers showcased their dominance over the Seattle Seahawks, securing a solid 36-24 victory. This game marked a crucial bounce-back moment for the 49ers, who demonstrated resilience and skill after facing earlier challenges in the season. Below, we delve into the key aspects of the game that contributed to this impressive win.
Key Performers
The standout performances from this game were pivotal in driving the 49ers to victory. Here are some highlights:
- Brock Purdy: The young quarterback delivered an exceptional performance, throwing three touchdown passes, solidifying his position as a leader on the field.
- George Kittle: The tight end was a favorite target for Purdy, catching two touchdown passes that were critical in establishing the 49ers’ early lead.
- Defensive Standouts: The 49ers’ defense played a crucial role in containing the Seahawks, forcing key turnovers and limiting their scoring opportunities.
First Half Dominance
The 49ers set the tone early in the game, scoring the first 16 points. Their ability to capitalize on opportunities allowed them to build a substantial lead that the Seahawks struggled to overcome. Here’s a closer look at the first half highlights:
Scoring Breakdown
| Quarter | 49ers Points | Seahawks Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | 10 | 0 |
| 2nd Quarter | 6 | 0 |
The combination of strong offensive execution and a tenacious defense allowed the 49ers to maintain control throughout the first half, leaving the Seahawks scrambling to respond.
Second Half Adjustments
While the Seahawks mounted a comeback attempt in the second half, the 49ers’ defense held firm. Key adjustments by both teams led to an engaging second half filled with strategic plays.
Seahawks Rally
The Seahawks scored 24 points, but their efforts fell short due to the significant lead the 49ers built early on. Highlights from their second-half performance included:
- Successful long drives that showcased the Seahawks’ offensive capabilities.
- Increased defensive pressure that temporarily disrupted Purdy’s rhythm.
- Key touchdowns that kept the game competitive.
Defensive Highlights
The 49ers’ defense was instrumental in their victory, exhibiting a mix of aggressive pass rush and solid coverage. Key defensive highlights included:
- Turnovers: The 49ers forced two critical turnovers that shifted momentum back in their favor.
- Quarterback Pressure: The defensive line consistently pressured Seahawks QB, making it difficult for him to find rhythm.
- Key Stops: Stopping the Seahawks on fourth downs was crucial in maintaining their lead.
Offensive Strategy
The 49ers employed a balanced offensive strategy that kept the Seahawks’ defense guessing. Key elements of their offensive game plan included:
- Run Game: Utilizing a strong run game to set up play-action passes, keeping the Seahawks on their heels.
- Short Passing Game: Quick, short passes to tight ends and running backs allowed the 49ers to move the chains effectively.
- Utilization of Playmakers: The 49ers maximized the talents of key players like Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey.
Comparative Analysis
When comparing the performances of the 49ers and Seahawks, several statistics stand out:
| Category | 49ers | Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| Total Offense (Yards) | 400 | 360 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 35:00 | 25:00 |
These statistics illustrate the 49ers’ control of the game, particularly in terms of time of possession and turnover differential.
What This Win Means for the 49ers
Winning against a division rival like the Seahawks is always significant in the NFL, particularly for playoff implications. This victory enhances the 49ers’ standing in the NFC West, providing them a much-needed boost in morale and confidence as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.
Benefits of the Victory
- Boost in Team Confidence: A commanding win builds player confidence, essential for upcoming games.
- Improved Morale: Convincing victories can elevate team morale, fostering a positive locker room atmosphere.
- Strategic Momentum: Winning against tough opponents helps to build momentum heading into critical matchups.
Looking Ahead
The 49ers need to maintain this level of performance as they face future opponents. Key areas to focus on moving forward include:
- Consistency: Continuing to replicate the high level of play seen in this game.
- Injury Management: Keeping key players healthy and available will be crucial as the season progresses.
- Adjustments: Learning from this game and applying those lessons in practice to address any weaknesses that may arise.
Final Thoughts
The San Francisco 49ers’ 36-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks is not just a win; it’s a statement that they are a formidable force in the league. With key players stepping up and a solid game plan executed effectively, the 49ers are poised for continued success as they navigate the rest of the season.
