The San Francisco 49ers saw their once-dominant offense falter in a crucial game against the Seattle Seahawks, losing 13-3 at Levi”s Stadium. This defeat not only cost them the NFC West title but also the top seed in the playoffs.
In a game that showcased a surprising lack of offensive production, the 49ers managed just a single field goal from Eddy Piñeiro late in the first half. “It”s kind of hard to expect to really win the game if we”re not going to score more than a field goal,” tight end George Kittle commented postgame, acknowledging the team”s struggles.
The 49ers, now 12-5, are heading into the wild-card round next week, facing an opponent yet to be determined. However, unless they encounter a higher-seeded team that gets upset in the playoffs, their journey may end far from home. The performance against Seattle raises concerns about their ability to compete at a high level, especially given the effectiveness of the Seahawks” defense.
Missing key players like left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. (knee) did not help the 49ers” cause. Still, they had navigated injuries throughout the season and could not afford to make excuses. Seattle”s defense was relentless, stifling the 49ers at every turn.
The Seahawks dominated the ground game, rushing for 180 yards on 39 attempts, including a 27-yard touchdown run by Zach Charbonnet on their opening drive. Meanwhile, Brock Purdy struggled to find his rhythm, completing 19 of 27 passes for just 127 yards and taking three sacks. “I wish I could have been more efficient,” Purdy reflected, acknowledging the challenges posed by the Seahawks” defense.
The 49ers” offensive struggles were compounded by missed opportunities. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos failed to recover a fumbled exchange, and an errant pass from Purdy was intercepted by Drake Thomas after being tipped. “We just didn”t come up with enough points,” right tackle Colton McKivitz admitted.
Despite their recent offensive surge, averaging over 455 yards and 42 points per game in the weeks leading up to this match, the 49ers could not replicate that success against a formidable Seahawks defense. “We expected to do better than we did,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said, acknowledging that the team failed to capitalize on crucial moments.
As the 49ers prepare for their playoff journey, they will need to regroup and address their offensive shortcomings. Kittle remained optimistic even after the loss, stating, “The good news is I get to play football next week.” The team”s ability to bounce back will be tested as they look to regain their form in the postseason.
