The 49ers remain undefeated, advancing to 5-0! In their toughest game of the season, the 49ers slugged their way to victory. The Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks still sport one of the nastiest, toughest defenses in the NFL. They are the first team to sack Brock Purdy this year and only the second team to force him to throw an interception. And yet, no one was quite sure how good the 49ers defense really is. The answer is good enough!
The 49ers kicked this game off with a bang. After the 49ers went three and out their first offensive possession of the game, rookie Jaden Dugger jump-started the defense with a sack! Then, Renardo Green picked off Sam Darnold’s first pass of the game, putting the Niners offense in great field position. Two key throws to Mike Evans put the Niners up a touchdown early in the game.
The Niners turned the ball over three times today. The first turnover came when Jacob Cowing muffed a punt. The next two turnovers came on a Brock Purdy interception and a Deebo Samuel fumble when he hurt his hamstring. The Seahawks managed to score two touchdowns and a field goal after those turnovers, taking advantage of great field position in all three situations.
The 49ers won the turnover battle, and thus the game. Green picked Darnold off twice, while Fred Warner punched a ball out of a running-back’s hands. Finally, Gracen Halton ended the first half in epic fashion. Seattle was backed up against their own end-zone. Darnold took the snap and handed off the ball to his running back in the end-zone. Halton punched the ball out of the ball carrier’s hands and then jumped on the ball in the end-zone.
The 49ers pass rush came to life today. Sebastian Valdez, Gracen Halton and Jaden Dugger each notched a sack today. Veterans Keon White and Osa Odighizuwa also managed to take Darnold down. This was the 49ers first five sacks game this season.
The 49ers key off season acquisition this year was Mike Evans. He has consistently contributed to the offense every week, despite his two cracked ribs. Today, he was the most important component to the only 49ers sustained field long touchdown drive of the game. The 49ers started with the ball on their own 26-year line late in the third quarter. Evans caught three passes for 61 yards to put the Niners in position to score. Veteran wide receiver Brandon Cooks snagged the go ahead touch down, while Mike Evans capped off the drive with a two-point conversion reception.
Evans is a pro’s pro. At one point midway thru the second quarter, Trevon Diggs got into his face. Evans looked at him, yelled “who are you”, and turned him to look at the back of his jersey. Evans isn’t just a finesse receiver. He is a bully on the field and he knows it. His height and physicality overwhelm most defenders, especially when he is in space. Evans is a true number one receiver.
This game is not all flowers and rainbows. Dre Greenlaw gave Darnold a love tap out of the end-zone and the Seattle bench had something to say about it. Earnest Jones IV got in Greenlaw’s face. Greenlaw did the absolute wrong thing in headbutting him. He didn’t do it hard…but hard enough to let him know he didn’t like Earnest in his face. The Niners defense suffered without him on the field…and he could face a longer suspension moving forward. Greenlaw is a huge asset for the 49ers defense, however he has to reign in his emotions, or he could cost the team down the road.
Today’s win is significant for the 49ers. The offense had to perform without Kyle Juszczyk. The defense continues to be without Nick Bosa and was forced to play most of the game without Dre Greenlaw. Watching the game, it was clear that the Niners missed Juice. Their offense was less multiple and more traditional. They missed his blocking and play-making ability. Despite those challenges, Brock Purdy, Coach Shanahan and the offense found a way to slug out a victory against the vaunted Seahawks. The defense hung tough and made plays. Today’s victory is the bulwark the 49ers can build their confidence on as they head into the middle of their season.
Extra Credit:
Deebo Samuel hurt his hamstring today. He was up walking on the sideline so hopefully he will not be out for long. Mykel Williams made his return to the team today. He looked twitchy, quick and he had no problem sticking his nose into trouble. He was on a pitch count today. As he eases back into the flow, he will be a key cog for the defensive line.
