San Francisco 49ers (5-5) – Seattle Seahawks (5-5): 17-20
Seattle reverses the match in one action. With 12 seconds remaining, Geno Smith (QB, 25/32, 221 yards, 1 interception, 4 races, 29 yards, 1 touchdown) took his team to the promised land. One of the rare strokes of genius in a meeting more focused on errors.
Brock Purdy (QB, 21/28, 159 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 1 touchdown on the ground) was not unworthy but accompanied by Jauan Jennings (WR) he could not make the difference early enough. San Francisco had already come close to being penalized against the Seahawks this season. Californians do not escape punishment twice.
The defenses took precedence over the flu-like attacks, without the former showing excellent signs of health either.
Chain imperfections
Kyle Shanahan (HC, 49ers) had a sluggish game. His quarterback is abandoned by a heady but soft running game. His offensive line intermittently holds opponents back. And its receivers struggle to get rid of their counterparts. Devon Witherspoon (CB, Seahawks) also deflects a pass attempt on Deebo Samuel (WR, 49ers). The ball falls into the hands of Jonathan Hankins (DT, Seahawks).
If Seattle's defense did a decent job, the attack did not find the solution, nor the goal in the first period. 6 points at the foot of Jason Myers (K, field goal 2/2) complete a very dull half marred by errors (7-6). Losing his starting center to retirement on Friday should not have helped in the preparation for the match. Substitute Olu Oluwatimi (OC, Seahawks) sent a ball over his quarterback's head to kill a series of plays.
Last stone in the shoe of the 49ers, Nick Bosa (DE) was injured during the restart after a sack. The All-Pro did not return to the field and watched his team finish the game. Its release coincided with Seattle's awakening.
Brock Purdy (almost) alone against everyone
Brock Purdy is the only human being to put out a performance worthy of his rank in the first half. Rather in rhythm he cuts the Seattle defense on each surgical pass. When the solution doesn't open in the air, he uses his legs. He finished in the end of a “Lamaresque” race. He comes out of the pocket, bypasses the last defender, accelerates and dives, extending his arm to score the first touchdown of the game at the start of the first quarter (7-0).
The second half is the same for Brock Purdy, with the notable contribution of his best friend of the evening: Jauan Jennings (10 receptions, 91 yards, 1 touchdown) the receiver is particularly crucial on the 3e complex attempts. He allows himself to convert one with 4 defenders on his back. The two partners in crime play a Trafalgar shot to score. At the beginning of the 4e quarterback Brock Purdy perfectly disguises a play action to find his friend alone in the end zone. San Francisco regains the advantage. (17-13)
Geno Smith forces the decision
Geno Smith had a more timid match. Its first half is very anecdotal. The second starts in the worst possible way. Geno Smith throws an easy interception to Isaac Yiadom (CB, 49ers). But the quarterback has the bottle and pulls himself together to score important points. Kenneth Walker (14 races, 54 yards, 1 touchdown) completes an early drive in the middle of the third quarter (10-13).
Because Geno Smith will show all his talent. First on a penultimate drive where it heats up, slowly. But especially in the last three minutes of the match. On a final series, with only one timeout and with 75 yards to go. Geno Smith achieves the feat. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (10 receptions, 110 yards) accompanies him and stands out in taking personal risks. Geno dances in the pocket and distils. Then he flies away. With 12 seconds left in the match Geno Smith finds an opening in his line and starts running. He covers the remaining ten yards at a snail's pace. And he crossed the line as a hero for his people. Led for a long time, Seattle won at the very end of the match (17-20) and got back into an undecided NFC West. But there is no point in running, you have to start on time.
