Seattle Seahawks (6-5) – San Francisco 49ers (8-3): 13-31
Thanksgiving is a family holiday, and Seattle understands that. Under the eyes of Mike Shanahan who came to support his son Kyle, the Seahawks were generous towards their hosts 49ers by increasing the number of approximations and turnovers. Above all, a poor offensive performance in the first period will have greatly facilitated the victory of the Californian rivals who create a break at the top of the NFC West.
Californian recital
As usual, Kyle Shanahan took care of his match preparation. Brock Purdy’s teammates (21/30, 209 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception) take their first drives. In particular, we find Deebo Samuel (7 receptions, 79 yards, 4 races, 15 yards, 1 touchdown) in this famous role of wideback (receiver who aligns as a runner which he mainly occupied in 2021 at the 49ers) that the Seahawks cannot defend. At the conclusion of the first series, Samuel entered the end zone to give San Francisco a lead that the visitors would never make up.
Indeed, this first period is one-way as Seattle’s attack is reduced to nothing. The first 5 offensive possessions resulted in 11 measly yards (but 3 points on a field goal position obtained via a superb 66-yard punt return from Dee Eskridge). Along the way, Seattle distributes the gifts, like this interception thrown by a clearly physically diminished Geno Smith (18/27, 180 yards, 1 interception) or this punt released by Deejay Dallas.
The Rouge et Or do not hesitate to score points when they collect these offerings. Unstoppable on the ground (5.1 yards per carry), the scheme works wonderfully and frees up the intermediate zones in which Christian McCaffrey enjoys both on the ground and in the air: 19 races, 114 yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 receptions, 25 yards .
24-3 at halftime, a demonstration.
Burst of pride at Lumen Field
Returning from the locker room, we can almost hear the echoes of the blower passed by Pete Carroll to wake the players from their apathy. Taking advantage of a California attack backed into its end zone, linebacker Jordyn Brooks reads Brock Purdy’s intentions and intercepts the ball for a pick six. In the process, the Seahawks defense quickly stopped the attack once again.
At 24-10 and with possession, the atmosphere at Lumen Field changes. The noise is deafening about the Niners’ attacks, while cheers rain down with each positive action, like this one-handed reception from Jaxon Smith-Njigba for 34 yards.
But if advancing is good, scoring is better. After a long drive of more than 6 minutes, DK Metcalf’s teammates (targeted 9 times for only 3 receptions and 32 yards) failed 7 yards from the end zone and had to settle for a field goal. Too little, too far: Seattle remains two possessions away and definitely missed its chance.
San Francisco finally came out of the locker room and sealed the match. On defense first, with 6 sacks for the defensive line (2 for Nick Bosa), and an uncompromising Mooney Ward in the backfield (3 passes defended). Then on offense, with a final touchdown for Brandon Aiyuk. Final score 31-13 for San Francisco which offers itself a very clear option in the NFC West.
