What to Think from the 49ers Clutch Opening Week Survival in Seattle

To open the season, the San Francisco 49ers somehow survived a thrilling divisional matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in a 17-13 win. After a sloppy offensive performance outside of their opening 95-yard touchdown drive, the offense led a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter, capped off by a miraculous touchdown catch by Jake Tonges on a prayer from Brock Purdy. It was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless. While Kyle Shanahan’s offense struggled to find any consistent momentum, Robert Saleh’s young defense displayed its hunger and fight, shutting down Seattle’s offense. This game clearly shows the flaws San Francisco will need to clean up if they want to compete this season, and there are definitely more questions than answers to take from the team’s overall performance.

Purdy’s Decision-Making

Purdy started the season strong, leading a long, methodical drive to take an early 7-0 lead. However, as the game went on, Purdy’s decision-making took a dramatic dip. His two interceptions were inexcusable, and his risky decision on the final drive in the red zone was as dangerous a throw as can be. He couldn’t make a good read going deep throughout the game, throwing into double and triple coverage on his costly turnovers, which can only raise questions on the worthiness of his new massive contract extension. Luckily, the 49ers' defense had his back, forcing quick punts from Seattle. Despite his mistakes, Purdy’s best throw of the game came in clutch time on the final drive, where he slung a 45-yard dime to second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall. Purdy will have a lot to clean up, but the easiest schedule in the NFL should favor his improvement. 

CMC’s Usage 

Heading into this contest, running back Christian McCaffrey’s availability was up in the air after he was listed as questionable with a calf injury on Friday. This raised reasonable concerns about his health and status going into Sunday. However, he would still play in the Week One divisional matchup. As the game started, it became known that McCaffrey wouldn’t be limited, and any questions about a split backfield with Brian Robinson Jr. would be erased. By the game’s conclusion, he totaled 31 touches, accumulating 142 scrimmage yards as he proved to be a vital component of the pass game. However, even with his productive yardage marks, McCaffrey showed clear regression on the ground, averaging just over three yards per carry. It will be intriguing to see how Shanahan utilizes McCaffrey in the offense the remainder of the season, as it’s hard to believe this amount of workload at his age is sustainable.

Offensive Injuries

A completely healthy 49ers offense was able to dissect the Seahawks throughout their opening drive, which ended on a George Kittle touchdown. However, when Kittle exited the game with a hamstring injury, it felt like the dynamic had changed. The offense didn’t have much nuance, and Purdy looked rattled. Kittle proved to be a large part of their offensive game plan. Whether the extent of the injury is serious or not, the offense clearly has no real backup option when a vital piece of the puzzle goes down. Not to mention, offensive tackle Trent Williams had to exit the game for some time while wide receiver Jauan Jennings suffered a shoulder injury. San Francisco can only hope injuries don’t become a normal occurrence in 2025, especially for an offense that struggled this afternoon.

Defense’s Stout Performance

The 49ers' defense stifled the Seahawks' offensive attack all game. Sam Darnold was held to just 150 passing yards while their rushing attack, led by the duo of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, was limited to 84 rushing yards on 3.2 yards per carry. Fred Warner looked better than ever, while new starting linebacker Dee Winters made it feel like Dre Greenlaw never left. Not to mention, Nick Bosa wreaked havoc on Seattle’s offensive line, collecting three TFLs and erasing any chance at a Seahawks comeback with a game-clinching forced fumble. Rookie safety Marques Sigle became the first defensive rookie since Eric Reid in 2013 to start on defense for the 49ers, and he displayed why, recording five solo tackles. For a defense that was supposed to be taking lumps early in the season with a ton of young talent, they were the best unit on the field today. Saleh has truly revitalized this defense in his first game back as the team’s defensive coordinator, and the future hasn’t looked brighter. 

A New Top Wide Receiver

There aren’t many positives coming out of the offense’s performance in Week One. However, one of them has to be the breakout performance of their 2024 first-round pick. Entering the game, Pearsall looked to build off his performances down the stretch of his rookie season in Weeks 17 and 18. His impact was felt early and often, as on the opening drive of the season, Purdy connected with him on two first-down receptions. He would record four receptions for 108 yards, truly showcasing his potential as the top receiver in their receiving room until Brandon Aiyuk returns from injury. The hype surrounding Pearsall throughout the offseason has been real, and if he continues to rack up performances like this, he could become Purdy’s most reliable weapon.