For much of Sunday’s matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, it looked like maybe, just maybe, the 49ers would break the seven game spell and beat the Seahawks. But after the defense was on the field for 77 plays and the offense did basically nothing, Seattle went on to win its eighth straight against San Francisco.
The 49ers had a 9-6 lead in the fourth quarter before Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson went all Russell Wilson and put together an incredible drive with his legs that resulted in what would be a game-winning touchdown to Paul Richardson.
“I’m extremely disappointed,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “Anytime you think you, as a team, you think you put yourself in a chance to win the game, you expect to win it, and it felt like we had that opportunity, and we didn’t get it done, which is extremely disappointing…In this league, it comes down to how you perform in the moment of truth.”
In a team battle of offense versus defense, the 49ers have a lot to smile about with the latter and little to smile about with the former.
Defensive Staying Power
San Francisco has to be encouraged by its defense; a defense that was without Reuben Foster, had Jimmie Ward playing for the first time since last season, and that lost Eric Reid after he tweaked his knee three times; a defense that held the Seahawks to 12 points at Century Link Field.
“You just got to do your job,” said Reid. “I think we did that. We had a couple mistakes and in a game like this those mistakes bite you. So we just got to keep trusting that the young guys are going to keep getting better with experience and just keep fighting and staying together. One thing I can say is that nobody’s pointing a finger at each other. We have each other’s backs. We just know that we’ve got to play better.”
Arik Armstead, Tank Carradine, and Aaron Lynch all had sacks on Wilson, who finished the game 23-of-39 for 198 yards, one touchdown and 34 yards rushing. Seattle’s rookie running back Chris Carson finished the day with 93 yards on 20 carries. Rookie Solomon Thomas had a much better showing this week and finished the day with four solo tackles. As mentioned above, the 49ers’ D was on the field for 77 plays, and after awhile that takes its toll, which showed on Seattle’s touchdown drive.
Granted Seattle’s offense was non-existent most of the day and granted its offensive line is relatively inept, but the 49ers still have to be encouraged that its young defense is coming together under new coordinator Robert Saleh. Baby steps.
Offensive Ineptitude
Meanwhile, over on the offensive side of the ball, San Francisco is a mess. The 49ers have yet to score a touchdown, and for the second week in a row, quarterback Brian Hoyer threw a really bad interception and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin had a really bad drop on a ball he should have caught with no problem.
Hoyer was 15-of-27 for 99 yards, no touchdowns and the INT. Those numbers are not going to win games, no matter how good your defense is. And Hoyer knows it.
“I’ve got to execute really when it comes down to it,” said Hoyer. “I have to play a lot better. I’m disappointed with myself.”
Laken Tomlinson started at left guard in place of Zane Beadles, and he made a huge difference on the offensive line. Hoyer was still sacked twice but the line is not to blame for his lack of production today. Carlos Hyde was able to get the run game going with 124 yards rushing on 15 carries, including a career-long 61-yard run. Matt Breida had 35 yards on four carries.
“I don’t think there’s really any moral victories in the NFL,” said Hoyer. “Especially with the way I played. I feel pretty bad about it right now, so I think the running game was something that you could be excited about. Carlos popping some big runs. The offensive line is doing a good job. For me, I’m looking at myself right now and what I can do better to help this team win.”
Well, he’s going to have to do it quickly, because the Los Angeles Rams come to Levi’s Stadium on Thursday.
Reid will have an MRI on his knee tomorrow, and though he hopes he’s available against the Rams, we’ll have a better idea tomorrow.
Four days until Thursday Night Football. San Francisco needs touchdowns and a win. Go Niners!
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