Breathe in, Niners fans. Hold it. Gather yourself. Now breathe out slowly. Feel that relaxation? That peace? That’s the panic leaving your body. Just four days after a second catastrophic loss in three weeks on Sunday, the 49ers reminded the football world that they can still be the bullies on the block in the NFC. A 36-24 win over the Seahawks not only puts Niners fans at ease, it gives San Francisco a brief edge in the NFC West standings.
It wasn’t smooth sailing all night, but the Niners did more than enough to do what they couldn’t against the Rams and Cardinals – put an inferior divisional opponent to bed.
Brock Purdy continues to dazzle
Earlier this week, Brian Murphy wrote in his weekly “Jock Blog” that in times of great panic, great quarterbacks step up and calm the waters. It’s true, historically. Half a decade ago Aaron Rodgers implored frenzied Packers fans to “R-E-L-A-X,” before rattling off a playoff clinching winning streak. Purdy didn’t verbally copy that famous line, but his magnificent performance on Thursday had the same effect. The third year quarterback completed 18 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
Purdy had many impressive darts on Thursday, but perhaps his best throw was a clutch TD toss to George Kittle at the far pylon in the third quarter.
Red zone better, but issues still very present
A trio of second half touchdowns put a decent makeup job on what was another ugly red zone showing in the first half of Thursday night’s game. The Niners stalled for a field goal in the first quarter, then again in the second. The lone first half touchdown came on a 76-yard strike to Deebo Samuel.
If the 49ers plan on bypassing the red zone all season with explosive touchdown plays from 20+ yards out, that’s one remedy. A more practical approach is the one SF employed in the second half. The aforementioned throw to Kittle came on third down when it looked like another dreaded short field goal was imminent. Then again in the fourth to essentially ice the game, Purdy found Kittle from six yards out on another third down. This element of clutch from the Niner offense was a welcome addition to say the least.
Demons next
The Niners aren’t the only team the Chiefs have relentlessly bullied over the last six years of NFL dominance. But no squad has been so painfully tormented by the back to back champs like the Niners. When the Chiefs come to Levi’s Stadium next Sunday, there will obviously be significantly less on the line than a Super Bowl. But from a practical standpoint, the Niners need a win much like they needed one this week. Trent Williams says the team will be approaching that game looking at it just like that. From a current and practical standpoint.
The fans on the other hand? There might be some (or a lot) of PTSD watching Patrick Mahomes lead a drive against the red and gold.