Seahawks Triumph Over 49ers: Key Moments from a Dramatic Game

On November 17, 2024, in a thrilling NFC West showdown, the Seattle Seahawks edged out the San Francisco 49ers with a nail-biting 20-17 victory at Levi's Stadium. Despite the 49ers controlling the game for large portions, the Seahawks managed to capitalize on crucial moments, particularly in the closing minutes. This recap highlights the pivotal plays and strategies that defined this match-up.

First Quarter Highlights: A Strong Start for 49ers

The game kicked off with the Seahawks winning the coin toss and taking charge early. The 49ers found success with their ground game, propelled largely by Jordan Mason rather than the star running back Christian McCaffrey.

• Key Play: Brock Purdy's impressive 11-yard touchdown run showcased his mobility. This was crucial as the 49ers had struggled to finish off drives due to penalties.
• Defensive Overview: Seattle’s Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd executed a play that resulted in a sack on Smith, stalling an early drive and setting the tone for a competitive battle.

Second Quarter: A Shift in Momentum

The Seahawks slowly found their rhythm, with Geno Smith making critical throws despite an erratic start. The second quarter saw the momentum shift, highlighted by:

• Turnover Alert: A deflected pass led to an interception by Johnathan Hankins, frustrating the 49ers' offense. This pivotal turnover kept the Seahawks in contention and led to points off a subsequent field goal.
• Game Stats: Leading into halftime, the score was close. The 49ers were managing to hold onto a slim lead, 7-6, but the offensive inconsistencies were evident.

Third Quarter: The Seahawks Strike

The third quarter proved crucial, as the Seahawks began to capitalize on 49ers’ mistakes, making effective adjustments:

• Key Touchdown: Kenneth Walker III punched in a one-yard touchdown, giving the Seahawks a 13-10 lead. This was a critical moment, showcasing the Seahawks' offensive resilience.
• Pressure on Purdy: The 49ers' offensive line struggled against the Seahawks' defensive pressure, leading to a series of frustrating plays for Purdy who was sacked several times, affecting the team's rhythm.

Fourth Quarter: A Thrilling Finish

As the clock wound down, both teams fought valiantly for the win.

• Crucial Third Downs: Jauan Jennings emerged as a standout for the 49ers, converting important third downs, including a touchdown that put the 49ers ahead 17-13. His performance helped keep the 49ers in a position to win.
• Seahawks' Last Stand: The game turned dramatically in the final minutes when Geno Smith orchestrated an excellent 80-yard drive capped with a remarkable 13-yard touchdown run with only 12 seconds left.

Key Players & Stats

• Brock Purdy: Despite the loss, his ability to make plays, evidenced by his touchdown run, was noteworthy. However, his turnovers were costly.
• Geno Smith: Smith's late-game heroics were pivotal in clinching the win, providing the type of leadership that the Seahawks needed.
• Defensive Players: Both defenses had their moments, but it was the Seahawks who ultimately forced the necessary turnovers at crucial times.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Both Teams

This game marked a significant turning point, with the Seahawks snapping a six-game losing streak against the 49ers. With both teams now sitting at 5-5, the playoff race is heating up, especially in the competitive NFC West. The 49ers will need to regroup and address their offensive inconsistencies, while the Seahawks will hope to build momentum from this important victory as they prepare for their next challenge against the Arizona Cardinals.

Stay tuned for updates as both teams continue their journey through the NFL season!