49ers Show Second Half Adversity in Win vs Seahawks

Liam O’Connor

October 11th, 2024

(49ers players take the field after 36-24 win vs the Seattle Seahawks)

After two divisional losses this season that resulted from blown 10 point leads in the second half, the 49ers found themselves in familiar territory. After taking a 23-3 lead with under 11 minutes to go in the third quarter, the tide swiftly changed in Seattles favor. The 49ers gave up a kickoff return touchdown right after their score, and after going three and out, gave up a Seahawks touchdown drive. With 1:24 left on the clock in the third quarter, the 49ers found themselves in an uncomfortable spot. Instead of handling the pressure and scoring immediately, the 49ers punted and gave the Seahawks a chance to take the lead.

The Seahawks false started and forced themselves into a 1st and 18 situation. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was looking or a big time play to receiver D.K. Metcalf, but 49ers rookie Renardo Green undercut the route and intercepted the ball. This interception led to a 49ers touchdown by Tight End George Kittle that almost assuredly put the game away. The Seahawks then went down the field and scored a touchdown on a 4th and goal that put the 49ers in must score position with 4 minutes left in the game. On the 1st play of the drive, rookie running back Isaac Gurrendo dashed up the middle and took the ball 76 yards down the Seahawks 4 yard line. This play set up a 6 yard touchdown run by Kyle Juszczyk that did put the game away in the 49ers favor. This was a great game to be at, the atmosphere was roaring with the 49ers faithful, and the team seemed to be in high spirits even after a disappointing lost last week to the Arizona Cardinals. Let’s get into my takeaways from the game.

Quarterback Brock Purdy delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 255 yards and three touchdowns. This was a great bounce back game, after he was highly criticized for the loss vs Arizona. He continues to show great scrambling, with an ability to extend plays for his receivers to get open. The 49ers (3-3) never trailed and pulled into a tie with Seattle (3-3) atop the NFC West, rebounding from a rocky start to the season.

Receiver Deebo Samuel showcased his playmaking ability with a 76-yard catch-and-run touchdown, finishing the night with three catches for 102 yards. George Kittle added five receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns, helping San Francisco secure its sixth consecutive win over Seattle. Matthew Wright, who signed earlier this week to replace injured kicker Jake Moody, nailed field goals from 25, 41, and 35 yards in the first half.

Aside from the performance that the offense, I thought the defense did a great job. While they did give up 24 points, I felt that these numbers were inflated. They stopped Seattle at the 2 yard line at the end of the first half and forced them into a field goal that seemed to take away some momentum they were gaining. The 97 yard return td, was on the special teams. So the defense only gave up two touchdowns in the game, and one of those drives was a last minute desperation by the Seahawks that the Niners played a lot of Cover 4 in. Both drives were also an average of 14 plays.

The overall theme of this game was great rookie performances. Along with rookie cornerback Renardo Green getting an interception, rookie safety Malik Mustapha also got an interception in the 1st quarter that took away a potential Seattle score. Rookie Running back Isaac Gurendo also had a big day, with 10 carries for 99 yards. Rookie Right Guard Dominic Puni continues to impress, in 218 pass block opportunities, he has yet to give up a sack; he is playing like one of the best guards in the league.

The 49ers will face a familiar foe next week in the Kansas City Chiefs, and hope to get the teams first win against them under Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. The Chiefs are currently undefeated and obviously are the defending champs. The 49ers will look to get back on winning track against them on October 20th, with kickoff at 1:25 PM.