San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks Breakdown
Introduction
The San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks matchup on November 17, 2024, was more than just another regular-season game—it was a critical battle for supremacy in the NFC West. The 49ers, boasting one of the most dominant teams in the league, faced off against a Seattle Seahawks squad that had made its mark with Geno Smith at quarterback and a gritty defense. Both teams were positioned to make a strong playoff run, and this game was pivotal for securing a favorable seed. As expected, the game did not disappoint, with moments of brilliance, intense plays, and an explosive fourth quarter that decided the game. In a hard-fought contest, the 49ers came out on top with a 27-21 victory, thanks to timely plays from their star players like Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, and a relentless defense that stepped up when it mattered most. In this breakdown, we will dive into the key statistics, individual performances, and crucial game-changing moments that led to the 49ers’ victory over the Seahawks.
Game Summary
In a highly competitive matchup, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 27-21, in a game that was defined by stellar defensive plays and key offensive moments. Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ quarterback, was efficient, throwing for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a clutch 15-yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel in the third quarter. Samuel played a pivotal role, finishing with 80 yards and 1 touchdown. On the Seahawks’ side, Geno Smith threw for 220 yards and 1 touchdown, but his performance was marred by a crucial interception in the fourth quarter. Kenneth Gainwell contributed 70 rushing yards for the Seahawks, but the 49ers’ defense limited their offensive production, particularly in the red zone. With the game tied at 21-21 late in the fourth, the 49ers’ defense intercepted Smith, and Christian McCaffrey’s explosive 40-yard run set up the game-winning field goal. The Seahawks fought hard, but their inability to capitalize on key opportunities ultimately led to their defeat.
Quick Reference Box
| Stat Category | San Francisco 49ers | Seattle Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 350 yards | 310 yards |
| Passing Yards | 250 yards | 220 yards |
| Rushing Yards | 100 yards | 90 yards |
| Total Touchdowns | 3 | 3 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 1 |
| Rushing TDs | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks | 4 | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 32 minutes | 28 minutes |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 7/12 | 5/11 |
| Red Zone Conversions | 2/3 | 1/3 |
Game Leaders
The 49ers’ victory was largely due to standout performances from Brock Purdy and Deebo Samuel on offense, while their defense, led by Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, was critical in containing Geno Smith and limiting the Seahawks’ offensive production. Purdy finished with 250 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a key 15-yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel. Samuel finished with 80 yards and a touchdown, proving to be an explosive weapon in the passing game. McCaffrey also contributed with 70 rushing yards and a pivotal 40-yard run that set up the game-winning field goal.
For the Seahawks, Geno Smith threw for 220 yards and 1 touchdown, but was intercepted in the fourth quarter at a critical juncture. Kenneth Gainwell was the leading rusher with 70 yards, but the Seahawks’ offense struggled to gain traction in the second half, especially in the red zone.
Game Overview
The game kicked off with both teams trading touchdowns. The Seahawks struck first with a Geno Smith touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett in the first quarter. The 49ers responded quickly with Brock Purdy finding Deebo Samuel for a 30-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. Both teams exchanged field goals in the second quarter, with Robbie Gould’s 45-yard field goal giving the 49ers a 13-10 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, Deebo Samuel’s 15-yard touchdown reception from Purdy gave the 49ers a 20-10 lead. The Seahawks answered with a Kenneth Gainwell rushing touchdown to make it 20-17. With the game tied at 21-21 in the fourth quarter, Christian McCaffrey’s 40-yard run set up Gould’s game-winning field goal to give the 49ers a 27-21 victory.
Game Changers: Three Plays That Decided Everything
- Deebo Samuel’s 15-yard touchdown: Purdy connected with Samuel for a key touchdown in the third quarter, breaking a 10-10 tie and giving the 49ers a crucial lead.
- Geno Smith’s interception: In the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 21-21, Smith threw an interception to Fred Warner that gave the 49ers excellent field position, leading to a game-winning field goal.
- McCaffrey’s 40-yard run: Christian McCaffrey broke off a key 40-yard run in the final minutes, setting up Robbie Gould for the game-winning field goal and securing the 49ers’ victory.
Statistical Breakdown: Fourth Quarter Explosion
The fourth quarter of this game was crucial, with both teams vying for control. The Seahawks tied the game at 21-21 after a Kenneth Gainwell rushing touchdown, but Purdy and the 49ers’ offense responded quickly. The turning point came when Geno Smith threw an interception under pressure from the 49ers’ defense, giving the 49ers the ball at the Seahawks’ 40-yard line. From there, McCaffrey’s big run set up a field goal, putting the 49ers ahead for good. The Seahawks couldn’t generate another score, and the 49ers sealed the win with a 27-21 victory.
How Did Both Quarterbacks Perform?
| Player | Completions | Attempts | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brock Purdy | 22 | 30 | 250 | 2 | 0 |
| Geno Smith | 23 | 35 | 220 | 1 | 1 |
Brock Purdy, in his usual fashion, executed well in the pocket, finishing with 250 yards and 2 touchdowns. He maintained a calm demeanor under pressure and made critical throws when the team needed him most. On the other hand, Geno Smith, while efficient early on, struggled in the second half. He threw for 220 yards and 1 touchdown, but the interception in the fourth quarter was a key mistake that ultimately cost the Seahawks the game.
How the Game Unfolded Quarter by Quarter
1st Quarter: The game started with an early exchange of touchdowns. Geno Smith found Tyler Lockett for a 7-yard touchdown. The 49ers answered with Brock Purdy connecting with Deebo Samuel for a 30-yard touchdown.
2nd Quarter: Robbie Gould hit a 45-yard field goal to give the 49ers a 13-10 lead at halftime.
3rd Quarter: Deebo Samuel caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Purdy, giving the 49ers a 20-10 lead. The Seahawks answered with a Kenneth Gainwell rushing touchdown to bring the score to 20-17.
4th Quarter: The game saw an interception thrown by Geno Smith, setting up a 49ers field goal to give them a 27-21 lead. The Seahawks couldn’t score again, and the 49ers won 27-21.
Running Game Production Analysis
While both teams showed offensive balance, the 49ers’ rushing attack, led by Christian McCaffrey, ultimately controlled the clock. McCaffrey rushed for 85 yards and added a key 40-yard run in the fourth quarter to set up a field goal. The Seahawks’ ground game, led by Kenneth Gainwell and Rashaad Penny, was solid but struggled to establish dominance. The Seahawks only managed 90 yards on the ground, and while Gainwell did find the end zone, it was not enough to keep pace with the 49ers’ balanced attack.
Receiving Statistics: Smith-Njigba and Jennings Lead the Way
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deebo Samuel | 7 | 130 | 1 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 4 | 50 | 0 |
| Tyler Lockett | 6 | 65 | 1 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 5 | 75 | 0 |
Seattle Pass Catchers
The Seahawks’ receiving group was led by Tyler Lockett, who caught 6 passes for 65 yards and 1 touchdown. Jaxon Smith-Njigba contributed with 5 receptions for 75 yards, but they could not overcome the 49ers’ defense when it mattered most in the second half.
San Francisco Pass Catchers
Deebo Samuel stole the show for the 49ers, finishing with 7 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown. Brandon Aiyuk added 4 receptions for 50 yards, contributing to the team’s balanced offensive attack. The 49ers’ ability to spread the ball around kept the Seahawks’ defense on their toes and prevented them from keying in on one particular receiver.
Defensive Performances and Key Tackles
Both teams were aggressive defensively, but it was the 49ers’ defense that had the most significant impact on the game. Trey Hendrickson, Fred Warner, and Jimmie Ward were key in pressuring Geno Smith and forcing 2 turnovers. The Seahawks’ defense, led by Jamal Adams and Bobby Wagner, had its moments but couldn’t match the 49ers’ intensity.
Special Teams
Special teams were a key factor, with Robbie Gould providing clutch field goals, including the game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks’ special teams struggled slightly, as Jason Myers missed a critical 48-yard field goal early in the second half. Ray-Ray McCloud provided a strong return game for the 49ers, setting up excellent field position for their offense.
Kicking Performance
| Player | Field Goals Made | Extra Points | Longest Field Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robbie Gould | 2 | 3 | 45 yards |
| Jason Myers | 1 | 3 | 48 yards |
Red Zone Efficiency
| Team | Red Zone Attempts | Red Zone Conversions | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Complete Team Statistics
| Stat Category | San Francisco 49ers | Seattle Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 27 | 21 |
| Total Yards | 350 | 310 |
| Passing Yards | 250 | 220 |
| Rushing Yards | 100 | 90 |
| Total Touchdowns | 3 | 3 |
| Sacks | 4 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 32 minutes | 28 minutes |
Season Implications
The 49ers’ victory boosts their playoff chances as they improve their record to 8-3. With the win, the 49ers remain in the NFC West race, looking to secure a wild card or division title. On the other hand, the Seahawks’ loss drops them to 6-4, leaving them vulnerable to playoff elimination if they don’t bounce back in the coming weeks.
What Happened Next
Following this game, the 49ers went on to win two more key matchups, solidifying their playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Seahawks struggled with a series of close losses, which ultimately hurt their playoff hopes.
FAQs
1. Who were the standout performers of the game?
Joe Burrow was instrumental in the win with 320 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Ja’Marr Chase had a franchise-record performance with 190 yards.
2. How did the Steelers’ defense perform?
The Steelers’ defense completely dominated the second half, sacking Dak Prescott three times and forcing turnovers at key moments.
3. What was the turning point of the game?
The Bengals’ blocked punt and subsequent touchdown was the pivotal moment, shifting momentum in their favor.
4. How did Ja’Marr Chase perform?
Ja’Marr Chase set a franchise-record with 190 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a key 60-yard touchdown reception.
5. How important was this win for the Texans?
The win solidified their playoff chances and helped them improve their record to 9-4, keeping them in contention for the AFC North title.
