Despite a difficult start to the season with a 2-3 record, the San Francisco 49ers proved their resiliency and dominance with a resounding 36-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night.
A Troubled Start Doesn't Define the 49ers
Concerns about the team's early struggles began to dissipate, as they made it clear that they remain one of the best teams in the NFLespecially with their ability to perform under pressure and overcome adversity.
Injuries have plagued the 49ers throughout the season, but their win against Seattle highlighted their ability to persevere, showing strength on offense, defense and special teams.
The game started with the 49ers taking control quickly. George Kittle played a key role in the victory, scoring two crucial touchdowns and proving his importance as a reliable offensive weapon. Deebo Samuel Sr. also contributed to the offensive production with a long touchdown that further extended the 49ers' lead.
From the outset, San Francisco's physical dominance on both sides of the ball was evident, especially in the first half, when they built a comfortable lead.
The Seahawks tried to gain momentum early in the game, advancing into 49ers territory, but a costly interception by Seattle quarterback Geno Smith thrown to 49ers safety Malik Mustapha ended that opportunity.
This was a turning point in the game, as the 49ers, despite being on the ropes at their own 3-yard line after the interception, executed a 90-yard offensive series. Although the series ended in a field goal instead of a touchdown, it underscored San Francisco's control of the game, even when Seattle briefly threatened.
San Francisco Recent Dominion
In recent years, the Seahawks have struggled to find answers against the 49ers, a trend that continued in this matchup. In the past two seasons, Seattle has lost five games to San Francisco, including playoff games, and none of those games were particularly close.
This inability to compete with the 49ers has been a key factor in the Seahawks' internal problems and eventual decision to part ways with longtime head coach Pete Carroll. On Thursday, under new coach Mike Macdonald, many of the same problems persisted, leaving Seattle searching for solutions within the NFC West.
However, the 49ers were not without their own difficulties, particularly in the red zone. Despite dominating much of the game, San Francisco struggled to convert some key series into touchdowns, settling for field goals at critical moments.
This ineffectiveness in the red zone left open the possibility of a Seattle comeback, which began in the second half. Trailing 23-3, the Seahawks' special teams provided a spark when Laviska Shenault Jr. returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown.
It was only the second touchdown kick return in the NFL this season and rekindled Seattle's hopes. Shortly thereafter, Seattle added another touchdown on a Kenneth Walker III run, cutting the 49ers' lead to 23-17. Seattle was able to take advantage of San Francisco's limited offensive depth as injuries piled up throughout the game.
Backup running back Jordan Mason, who had been filling in for Christian McCaffrey, left the game with a shoulder injury, further diminishing the 49ers' offensive depth.
Decisive Error
Just when Seattle appeared to be in position to close the gap even further, Geno Smith made another critical mistake, misthrowing a pass intended for DK Metcalf, which was intercepted by Renardo Green.
This turnover allowed the 49ers to regain control, and George Kittle took advantage of the opportunity by scoring his second touchdown of the game, extending San Francisco's lead to 29-17. Seattle refused to give up and responded with another touchdown to close the score to 29-24 with less than two minutes left in the game. However, the 49ers would have the last word.
With three timeouts remaining, Seattle took a onside kick, hoping to get the ball back for one last series. But Isaac Guerendo, who took over in the absence of McCaffrey and Mason, made a 76-yard run, effectively sealing the game for San Francisco.
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk added a rushing touchdown to secure the 36-24 final victory.
Who do you think will win the World Series#LasMayores x @Betcris pic.twitter.com/wAkCcKzpMA
- LasMayores (@LasMayores) October 4, 2024
San Francisco dominates the NFC West
For the 49ers, the victory was not only a crucial win over a divisional rival, but also a reaffirmation of their status as one of the leading teams in the NFC West, despite early-season setbacks.
While there are certainly areas that need improvement, particularly in terms of red zone execution and maintaining a consistent performance throughout the game, San Francisco's dominance over Seattle was undeniable.
Injuries continue to be a major factor in the 49ers' season, with key players like Christian McCaffrey sidelined, and the loss of Jordan Mason during the game only further compounded their challenges. However, players like Isaac Guerendo stepping in at crucial times demonstrate the team's depth and resiliency.
This win, the fifth straight against Seattle in the last two years, not only improved their standing within the division, but also highlighted the problems the Seahawks face as they continue to struggle against a San Francisco team that seems to have the measure of them.
For now, the 49ers remain firmly in control of the NFC West, with this win a reminder of their continued strength in the face of adversity.