The 49ers sweep the Seahawks for the second year in a row. Division games are difficult. They are even more difficult when you sandwich them between a powerhouse like the Eagles. The 49ers played the Seahawks two out of the last three games, winning both convincingly.
Geno Smith was ruled out today due to a groin injury. The more mobile Drew Locke received the starting nod and he was able to make some plays. However, his mobility did not make him immune to the 49ers defensive line who took him down four times and forced two interceptions over the course of the game
The 49ers started on offense with an explosion. Brock Purdy handed off to Christian McCaffrey who followed his blocks along the left side, then cut it back right and took off down the field with Brandon Aiyuk eventually leading the way. McCaffrey ran for 72 yards on the first play of the game and Jordan Mason finished the drive off with a three-yard touchdown run. Two plays. Seven points.
The Seahawks found some success early in the run game. However, the 31-yard bomb to DK Metcalf was the perfect drop in a bucket for a touchdown. Though DK caught two receptions in the first half, he was held to 0 receptions on three targets in the second half. Two of those targets ended up being interceptions. DK was so frustrated he was ejected from the game due to his antics. Once again, the 49ers found a way to shut DK down despite the fact they were without their number one corner Charvarius Ward who went down early in the game due to a groin injury.
Brock Purdy’s accuracy suffered a couple of times today. Accuracy and timing are very important to the 49er offense. Purdy misfired to Brandon Aiyuk twice and one of those throws ended up as an interception. Thankfully it operated like a punt as the interception was in Seahawk territory. Despite a few errant throws, Purdy’s accuracy was on display as he hit Deebo Samuel and George Kittle in stride for touchdowns. These were big time down the field throws. The dink and dunk narrative is over. Frankly it has been over since it began for those of us who have watched Purdy develop over the last two years.
Coach Steve Wilkes’s stamp is on the 49er football team. He has coached the 49ers young secondary up. They step in and step up when they need to. For the second time in three weeks, Ji’Ayir Brown snagged an interception. With Ward ruled out of the game, Deommodore Lenoir was asked to kick out to the parameter and cover DK Metcalf and he did it beautifully almost snagging two interceptions. The secondary is demonstrably better against superior talent than it has been in past years. This will be key to the 49er’s success as the playoffs loom.
With Arik Armstead out for the game, Javon Kinlaw had to step up. Kinlaw was a difference maker today as he routinely forced ball carriers wide, pressed the pocket and collected a sack. This is the healthiest he has been since he has been on the roster.
This is the second week in a row that Brock Purdy had to bring the 49ers back from a small deficit. Last week they were down 6 nothing due to two field goals and Purdy and the offense rose to the occasion. Today, after the Seahawks went up 10 – 7, Purdy started the 49ers on a brilliant drive hitting Aiyuk on a 25-yard pass and an 11-yard pass. Then, they had a miscommunication and the pass sailed wide of Aiyuk’s hands into Julian Love’s hands for an interception. Thankfully the defense stepped up. Purdy shook off his mistake and marched the team down the field for a go-ahead touchdown on the next offensive possession.
The 49ers playmakers stepped up today. Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk all collected over 100 yards of offense. In fact, Deebo has amassed 288 yards and five touchdowns over the last two weeks. George Kittle had 76 receiving yards and a touchdown while Nick Bosa and Randy Gregory collected sacks. Finally, Brock Purdy threw for the most yards in his short career with 368 yards through the air.
Arik Armstead and Charvarius Ward are nicked up. Talanoa Hufanga is out for the season. Spencer Burford is working thru an issue and Javon Hargrave left the game with a sore hamstring. The 49ers are starting to hit their stride in-spite of these injuries. Thankfully they have only lost Hufanga. The remaining players will be able to work thru their issues as the playoffs draw closer.
