The offense isn’t far behind, but are still sputtering in the scoring zone
The 49ers looked alive in the second quarter. Fred Warner made a fabulous play on 3rd & 3 after beating multiple blocks and making a stop on a short pass.
Kyle Shanahan took a shot on the first play, and Deebo Samuel streaked down the left sideline. Seattle’s safety misplayed the ball, which meant it was up to a linebacker to catch Samuel. As one might expect, that linebacker did not catch Samuel. It was a 76-yard touchdown pass to give the Niners a comfortable 10-0 lead.
The Niners had an opportunity to blow the game open after Darrell Luter Jr. forced a fumble on the kickoff. It was potentially a massive turning point.
The offense had a short field, and technically it wasn’t a red zone opportunity, but they had the ball on the 29-yard line. After Mason gained six yards on the first two plays, Purdy had to scramble on 3rd & 4. It was a wasted opportunity to score a touchdown. Instead, a field goal made it 13-0.
Nick Sorensen had a tremendous first half. He was mixing up coverages, forcing Smith to hold the ball, leading to Nick Bosa drawing a holding penalty. After that three-and-out, the offense would go on another extended drive. Mason ran for 14, and Brandon Aiyuk caught a 16-yarder. Purdy scrambled for another 10-yard gain to move the chains.
A 15-yard face mask put the 49ers in the red zone, which is apparently the last place they want to be these days. Another failed rush on first down meant it was 2nd & 11. An incomplete pass and failed fullback screen led to yet another field goal to make it 16-0.
During the two-minute drill, the 49ers gave up a couple of chunk plays, and a defensive pass interference gave Seattle 1st & goal from San Francisco’s two-yard line. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green made two spectacular plays on the ball to force incompletions. The Seahawks had a chance to snatch momentum back, but the defense stood tall.
The Seahawks were 3-for-8 on third down, and Smith only averaged 6.1 yards per pass and only had one red zone attempt in the first half. It was arguably their best half of the season if we’re not counting the Patriots — for obvious reasons.