The San Francisco 49ers saw their once-dominant offense stifled by the Seattle Seahawks, suffering a disappointing 13-3 defeat at Levi”s Stadium. This loss not only marked a significant setback but also allowed the Seahawks to clinch the NFC West title and secure the No. 1 seed for the playoffs.
In a game that showcased a stark contrast to their previous performances, the 49ers managed only a 48-yard field goal by Eddy Piñeiro just before halftime. “It”s hard to expect to win the game if you”re only scoring field goals,” tight end George Kittle remarked after the game, acknowledging the team”s struggles.
Missing key players like left tackle Trent Williams due to a hamstring injury and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. with a knee issue, the 49ers faced an uphill battle. Even though they had found ways to overcome injuries throughout the season, this time they could not find their rhythm against a formidable Seahawks defense.
The Seahawks” defense was relentless, shutting down the 49ers” running game effectively. Christian McCaffrey was limited to just 23 yards on eight carries, and the team overall managed only 53 rushing yards. Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed disappointment, stating, “We expected to do better than we did.” He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on opportunities against a strong opponent like Seattle.
The second half presented the 49ers with chances to mount a comeback, particularly when the Seahawks missed two field goals. However, a fumbled exchange between quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Zach Charbonnet and a crucial drop by McCaffrey proved to be turning points. The ball, deflected by Boye Mafe, fell into the hands of Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas, solidifying Seattle”s control of the game.
Darnold completed 20 of 26 passes for 198 yards, while the Seahawks dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 38 minutes compared to the 49ers” 22. The Seahawks” ability to run the ball effectively was highlighted by Charbonnet”s 27-yard touchdown run on their opening drive, setting the tone early.
Despite the loss, Purdy, who finished with 127 yards on 19 of 27 passing, believes the offense can bounce back. “We just didn”t execute what we needed to do tonight,” he said, reflecting on the game. With the playoffs approaching, the 49ers will need to correct their mistakes and regain their offensive identity.
As the team prepares for the wild-card round next week, Kittle remains optimistic, stating, “Yes, I”m disappointed, but the good news is I get to play football next week.” The 49ers will look to regain their momentum as they aim for a deeper playoff run.
