Jordan Mason has not returned after one carry
Mason, who left the game in the second half, returned to start the first series and had a carry to open the second half. A touchdown here felt like it could put the Seahawks away for good.
It was Kittle who had the big play on this drive. He got behind the defense for a 29-yard gain. A few short plays later, the 49ers faced a 3rd & 3. Purdy threw a perfectly placed pass on an out route to Kittle, who made a nice toe tap for a touchdown. That gave the 49ers a commanding 23-3 lead. That was Kittle’s first red zone target of the night.
The 49ers special teams had other ideas. After forcing a fumble, the kickoff team allowed a 97-yard touchdown return to give Seattle life. That made it 23-10, and just like that, he had ourselves a ball game again.
Jake Brendel was flagged for holding to make it 2nd & 18. It’s impossible to come back from those types of penalties. On the same play, Aaron Banks exited. Spencer Burford replaced Banks. Deebo made a valiant effort on the screen to salvage some field position.
That turned out to be a significant play, as Mitch Wishnowsky’s punt was downed at the six-yard line. Or so we thought.
Smith completed a 37-yarder on 3rd & 8 to Tyler Lockett. He was defended by Isaac Yiadom. Metcalf shook free from Green on 3rd & 3, and Kenneth Walker capped off a 13-play, 94-yard drive to bring Seattle within 23-17.