The San Francisco 49ers faced a disappointing defeat against the Seattle Seahawks, losing 13-3 in a game that saw them fail to capitalize on several crucial opportunities. The loss dashed their hopes of securing the NFC”s top seed as they struggled offensively throughout the contest.
With just over ten minutes remaining in the game, the 49ers found themselves at the Seahawks” 6-yard line, poised to score their first touchdown. Quarterback Brock Purdy took a shotgun snap and aimed for running back Christian McCaffrey in the right flat. However, Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe deflected the pass, causing McCaffrey to turn back awkwardly as he attempted to catch the ball. In a critical moment, the pass slipped through his fingers and into the hands of Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas, who intercepted it, effectively sealing the game”s outcome.
After the game, a visibly upset McCaffrey took full responsibility for the dropped pass. “It”s a play that I have to make,” he stated. “Absolutely have to make. I expect nothing less but to make that play. It”s completely on me.”
This missed opportunity was just one of several for the 49ers, who struggled to gain offensive momentum, totaling only 173 yards— their lowest in a regular-season game since coach Kyle Shanahan took charge in 2017. Despite their offensive woes, the 49ers still had chances to turn the game around, aided by a bit of luck on special teams and a resilient defense.
Earlier in the game, Purdy failed to connect with tight end George Kittle on a fourth-and-2 pass that could have resulted in a significant gain had he had more time to throw. Additionally, a mishandled handoff between Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Zach Charbonnet led to a fumbled ball, which Yetur Gross-Matos of the 49ers could not recover, allowing Seattle to later convert a crucial third-and-17.
The defeat left the 49ers with a 12-5 record, complicating their path to postseason success. They now face the possibility of needing to play three road games to reach Super Bowl LX, which is set to take place at Levi”s Stadium.
“We”re ready for it,” Shanahan said. “It would have been nice to have both home games and get a bye. But it is what it is. This team has been through a lot this year. Now, we”ve got to do it the hard way.”
With no bye week in sight, the 49ers will have less time to recuperate ahead of their playoff run. Late in Saturday”s game, Purdy experienced a stinger in his left shoulder but expressed confidence that he would be fine if given the chance to return.
The team also dealt with injuries to their linebackers, as starters Tatum Bethune and Dee Winters left the game, needing further evaluation to determine their statuses for the following week. The 49ers are also hopeful for the return of left tackle Trent Williams and receiver Ricky Pearsall, both of whom missed Saturday”s matchup due to injuries.
As the 49ers await to learn their playoff opponent and location, they will be keeping a close eye on the outcomes of other games. If the Los Angeles Rams defeat the Arizona Cardinals, the 49ers will be the No. 6 seed, facing either the Philadelphia Eagles or the Chicago Bears. Should the Cardinals manage to secure a victory or tie, the 49ers would assume the No. 5 seed and face the winner of the NFC South, which could be either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Carolina Panthers.
Following the defeat, Kittle expressed his feelings about the upcoming playoff scenario, humorously hoping for a miraculous performance from the Cardinals” players. “Would I much rather be on a bye and get to play at Levi”s Stadium? Yeah,” he acknowledged. “But that”s just not our reality… I hate losing to the Seahawks but hey, we get to play football next week… Go Cardinals.”
