Seahawks struggle as 49ers claim a 36-24 victory in Seattle
The Seattle Seahawks faced their third consecutive defeat on Thursday night, falling to the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 36-24. This game highlighted several weaknesses in the Seahawks’ defense while showcasing the 49ers’ offensive strengths and areas for improvement. Here’s a detailed look at the match and what it means for both teams moving forward.
Seahawks’ defensive woes
The Seahawks’ defense has struggled significantly in recent weeks, allowing a staggering 483 total yards against the 49ers. This follows a troubling trend where they permitted 420 yards to the New York Giants and 389 yards to the Detroit Lions in previous games. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams expressed frustration, stating, “To allow this to continue to happen is not good for our defense or our team.” He emphasized the need for discipline and focus on fundamental play, which has been lacking in recent outings.
Players like safety Julian Love pointed out that the issues stem from fundamental mistakes rather than scheme problems. “We have to keep it black and white in the meeting room and address what needs to be addressed in terms of simple stuff,” Love noted. The Seahawks’ inability to stop explosive plays—like the 76-yard run by Isaac Guerendo—has become a significant liability that they must address quickly, especially with tough matchups ahead.
49ers shine despite challenges
On the flip side, the 49ers showcased their offensive prowess, with quarterback Brock Purdy leading the charge. Purdy completed 18 of 28 passes for 255 yards, throwing three touchdown passes without an interception, achieving a quarterback rating of 129.3. His connections with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle were particularly notable, as Samuel scored on a remarkable 76-yard touchdown.
However, the game was not without its challenges for San Francisco. The special teams unit faltered, allowing a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to Seahawks receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. Head coach Kyle Shanahan recognized the need for improvement, stating, “We can’t have breakdowns like this on special teams.” Despite the hiccup, the 49ers managed to maintain their lead and secure the win.
Rookie standouts make an impact
San Francisco’s rookie players had significant contributions, particularly in defensive roles. Malik Mustapha made his mark with an interception on Seattle’s opening drive, while fellow rookie Renardo Green clinched another interception late in the game, halting a potential Seahawks comeback. These young players are stepping up in crucial moments, reinforcing the 49ers’ defensive backbone and demonstrating their growing impact on the team’s success.
Areas of improvement for the 49ers
While the 49ers enjoyed victory, they must address specific issues to maintain momentum in the upcoming weeks. Improving their special teams performance is essential, as breakdowns could lead to more tightly contested games against formidable opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys in the coming weeks. Additionally, while Purdy has been resilient under pressure, the offensive line must work on providing better protection to ensure sustained success as they navigate a challenging schedule.
Looking ahead
As the Seahawks and 49ers reflect on this pivotal matchup, both teams have areas to address. The Seahawks must tighten their defensive strategies and focus on discipline, while the 49ers need to improve their special teams to avoid letting leads slip away. With upcoming games set to test both squads, fans can anticipate an exciting continuation of the season as they fight for playoff positioning.
