49ers’ Ugly Win Was Promising, But Came With Costs

49ers Defense Looks Familiar

The 49ers’ defense was absolutely sensational, looking like a prime Robert Saleh-led unit. It was refreshing to see Saleh on the sideline getting hyped after Nick Bosa sealed the win.

The defense held the Seahawks to just 13 points. Seattle’s lone touchdown came after a fourth-down pass interference call on rookie Upton Stout — an unnecessary penalty  — which bailed Seattle out.

Another three points came on a short field after a reckless interception by Brock Purdy in the fourth quarter. Outside of those miscues, the Seahawks’ offense was largely ineffective, managing only 230 yards. Seattle converted just three of their 10 third down attempts. The 49ers forced two fumbles, one of which decided the game late. This defense looks miles ahead of what was on display last season, which is an electrifying development for the fan base and a great sign of things to come.

Ricky Pearsall played an outstanding game. The 49ers’ first-round rookie enters his first full NFL season with questions about whether he can become the go-to receiver. In Week 1, he looked the part, catching four passes for 108 yards, including a 45-yard gain on the go-ahead touchdown drive.

Pearsall was the only 49ers receiver to record more than two catches — Jauan Jennings left the game with a shoulder injury after two receptions for 16 yards. With limited options, Pearsall was relied upon — and delivered. That is a promising sign from the young wideout.

Special Teams Sadness

Thankfully, it appears Jake Moody will never kick another football for the 49ers.

The fact he stayed on the roster this long is surprising, but after missing two field goals — one blocked and one a 27-yard chip shot — the team has admitted to its mistake. The situation grew so bad that Kyle Shanahan appeared reluctant to even send out the field goal unit. When a coach fears using his kicker, it is time to find a new one. Plenty of kickers are available who could provide serviceable production, and the 49ers will now explore that market.

Special teams looked very similar to last season, which is not a good thing. Along with Moody’s missed kicks, the team consistently surrendered favorable field position. By twice kicking into the end zone under the new rule, Seattle began drives at the 35. The Seahawks also had two strong returns, keeping their average field position strong. If the 49ers do not figure out special teams, it could be the factor that prevents them from reaching their goals.

Offensive Stalls and Purdy’s Turnovers

Offensively, the 49ers opened with one of the best opening drives of any NFL season. Marching 95 yards from their own 5-yard line in a hostile environment to score a touchdown was sensational.

The problem was that, outside of that drive, the offense produced only 10 more points. Purdy threw for 277 yards, and the team rushed for 119, but the ground game was inconsistent, often stonewalled by Seattle’s stacked boxes. That became predictable, given the injuries at wide receiver and the loss of George Kittle during the game.

With Brandon Aiyuk already sidelined, the 49ers were down to Ricky Pearsall, Russell Gage, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Jake Tonges as their passing options. Getting key playmakers healthy will be critical for sustaining the offense.

Purdy also threw two baffling interceptions. On the first, he failed to recognize an inside linebacker dropping deep into coverage. On the second, he floated a pass into a crowd of Seahawks defensive backs.

Even the winning touchdown pass to Tonges was a poor decision. Purdy’s throw went directly at Tariq Woolen, who thankfully misplayed the ball and allowed Tonges to outjump him. While Purdy played well overall, those mistakes need to be eliminated. He must recognize that not every play requires him to force the win.

Injury Bug Strikes Again

The injuries continue to haunt San Francisco. McCaffrey’s appearance on the injury report before the game raised some concern, though he played the full contest. In the game, however, the 49ers lost both Kittle and Jennings, adding to an already thin group of pass catchers. With Aiyuk unavailable, the team was relying on Pearsall and Tonges, who made his first career catches in this game. Jennings’ injury prompted the team to sign former receiver Kendrick Bourne to a one-year deal.

Injuries piling up is something the 49ers are all too familiar in dealing with, and this season is off to an eerily similar start.