49ers Clinch NFC West with Win Over Seahawks Back on Top

Purdy led the San Francisco 49ers to a 21-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in his second start since he replaced the injured Jimmy Garoppolo. The win, which marked San Francisco`s seventh straight, clinched the NFC West and a postseason berth for the 49ers.

BACK ON TOP: 49ERS CLINCH NFC WEST WITH WIN OVER SEAHAWKS

PURDY DID THE GREAT JOB AGAIN

Purdy surpassed the expectations that came with the Mr. Irrelevant title he received in April for a second time, just three days after he threw two touchdowns and ran in another in San Francisco`s blowout win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“He’s definitely the most poised rookie I’ve ever had,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said, adding that Purdy didn’t throw a pass during practice since Sunday while dealing with an oblique and rib injury.

Following a quick-stalled opening drive, Purdy marched the 49ers on a nine-play, 86-yard drive capped by a 28-yard touchdown pass to George Kittle up the middle to take a 7-0 lead. Kittle was as open as he could be after the Seahawks bit into Purdy’s double pump fake. The Seahawks couldn’t play much offensive play in his first half hour, except late in the second quarter he scored his goal on a 38-yard field. His four drives in their first ended in punts for no more than five games each, averaging 3.6 yards per half-game. Niners linebacker Dre Greenlaw forced Travis Homer to kill a promising drive in the final minute of the first half just before halftime.

That turnover led to an easy 1-yard touchdown run from Christian McCaffrey to give the 49ers a 14-3 lead at the break.

SECEND HALF

Purdy put the game out of reach on the Niners’ first drive of the second half. He found Kittle wide open again for a 54-yard touchdown, this time on the touchline. As a result, the 49ers led 21-3 with him just a minute before the third quarter.

The 49ers’ defense, which had been great all night, gave up a late touchdown to Noah Fant in the final minutes. But Purdy expertly ran through his 3:35 remaining to end the game and officially tie his NFC West. Geno Smith has garnered 31 of 44 yards and 238 yards in touchdowns for the Seahawks, who have lost four in the last five games. Tyler Lockett had 7 grabs for 68 yards and DK Metcalfe had 7 catches for 55 yards. The Rockets broke his index finger during the game and could miss the rest of the season, head coach Pete Carroll later said.

Purdy finished 17 of 26 for 217 passing yards with two touchdowns. Kittle gained 93 yards on four catches. In his second straight game, McCaffrey had 100 rushing yards and 108 yards on 26 carries.

NEXT MATCH

The 49ers next face the Washington Commanders on December 24, ending the season at home against the Las Vegas Raiders and the struggling Arizona Cardinals. Thursday night’s matchup wasn’t a big fight, but last weekend’s outing prove it wasn’t a fluke for Purdy. At least he’s capable of more than directing Shanahan’s offense. , feels a sizeable playoff run is possible.

For more sports news,  Click here.