49ers Studs and Duds: It wasn’t always pretty, but the Niners stars provide another blowout win
SEATTLE — Don’t let the final score fool you — the 49ers’ 31-13 win over the Seahawks wasn’t that easy.
There were moments when the Niners looked to have let the Seahawks back into the contest.
But the same door the Niners left open in the third quarter, they shut with an emphatic fourth.
A few weeks after falling into second place in the division, San Francisco is now in the driver’s seat in the NFC West — up two games on the Seahawks with a tiebreaker (for now, these teams will play again on Dec. 10).
And in a game where the Niners’ defense didn’t allow a touchdown and the offense came up with a big touchdown late, there are more studs than duds:
STUDS
Christian McCaffrey
His eight-yard touchdown run was truly spectacular. He made at least six defenders miss en route to a 21-3 Niners lead.
McCaffrey ended the first half with 104 yards of total offense and two touchdowns — a strong, four-quarter day at the office for most backs.
Deebo Samuel
Three catches for 56 yards and a two-yard touchdown run in the first quarter alone. The Seahawks left Samuel undefended, and the Niners’ do-it-all star took advantage.
He ended the game with 79 receiving yards and 15 rushing yards, and a touchdown.
Samuel also had a higher quarterback passer rating than Geno Smith at halftime, despite throwing one incomplete pass on a trick play that went wrong.
Charvarius Ward
Two pass breakups on the opening defensive drive set the tone for the game.
His breakup of a pass to DK Metcalf to start the third quarter was perfect.
As in “They should put it on teaching tape.”
Ward was above reproach on Thursday, ending the contest with four defended passes.
He better stay in this form for the Niners’ game with the Eagles next week.
Nick Bosa
He was a menace on Thursday. He was credited with five quarterback hits and two sacks. The official scorer could have given him four sacks. No matter what the stat book says, the Seahawks’ line stood no chance against him.
George Kittle
He put on a blocking clinic in the fourth quarter and deserves a shout-out.
Brock Purdy on the game-winning play
He threw an absolute missile between three Seahawks defenders, perfectly placed to hit Brandon Aiyuk in stride. It was a big-time throw that sealed the game for the Niners — redeeming a generally mediocre day for the Niners’ quarterback (despite San Francisco scoring 31).
Mitch Wishnowsky
I don’t understand how the Niners’ punter does it, but he makes life hell for punt returners. DJ Dallas’ muff set up three free points for the Niners to take a 24-3 halftime lead.
DUDS
Also Brock Purdy
The Niners’ quarterback left a few big gains on the field, and his pick-six to Jordan Brooks was downright unacceptable given the circumstances.
That play gave the Seahawks life in a lopsided game. Worse yet, he had nearly thrown an interception the play before. Purdy checked into both plays.
A win on the road against a division rival deserves accolades and praise, but when you remove the emotion from it all, Purdy was pretty mediocre Sunday.
Randy Gregory
Played a lot, and didn’t do much of anything, save for making one tackle where he had no choice but to bring the guy down — he was in his lap.
Niners kick return coverage
Seattle returner Dee Eskridge had a huge day, picking up returns of 66 and 30 yards.
The Niners’ special teams were both excellent and horrible at the same time. I wouldn’t say I like that formula moving forward.
Ray-Ray McCloud
On a day when the Niners’ special teams had great moments, McCloud turned in a poor game as a punt and kick returner.
It’s time to hand the job to someone else. The Niners are risking games with him.