NFC West-leading 49ers thump Seahawks in Seattle
49ers Running back Christian McCaffrey (#23) pulls away from Seattle Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, in Seattle.Lindsey Wassen/Associated Press
2023.11.23 – Running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for 114 yards and two scores in the first half to built a 21-point lead, and the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers finished rolling to a 31-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on a Thanksgiving Thursday night thumping.
After running for two touchdowns and helping San Francisco beat the rival Seahawks for a fourth straight time, McCaffrey was going to enjoy his celebratory meal.
The fact it was a Thanksgiving feast on Seattle’s home field made it even more delicious.
“That was a satisfying turkey,” McCaffrey said.
And a satisfying win.
The 49ers (8-3) won their fourth straight against their division rivals and have a two-game lead in the NFC West over Seattle. San Francisco won its third in a row overall following a three-game losing streak and picked up its 10th consecutive victory against a division opponent.
McCaffrey was terrific, running through arm tackles and breaking off a handful of big plays. He rushed for touchdowns of 8 and 1 yards as the 49ers built a 24-3 halftime advantage.
Deebo Samuel ran for a 2-yard touchdown on San Francisco’s opening possession and Brock Purdy completed 15 of 20 passes in a nearly flawless first half for the 49ers.
2023.11.23 (SF 49ers vs. SEA Seahawks) Game Highlights
Running back Christian McCaffrey, center, reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the 49ers’ win over the Seahawks on Thursday. McCaffrey, with 11 rushing TDs, holds the franchise single-season mark in that category. Lindsey Wasson/Associated Press
2023.11.23 (SF 49ers vs. SEA Seahawks) Game Highlights
2023.12.01 – 49ers vs. Eagles (49ers Wake Up with Bruce & Krueger)
2023.12.01 – 49ers vs. Eagles (49ers Wake Up with Bruce & Krueger)
2023.11.24 – 49ers vs. Seahawks (49ers Wake Up with Bruce & Krueger)
2023.11.24 – 49ers vs. Seahawks (49ers Wake Up with Bruce & Krueger)
“We had the advantage in the first half, but that third quarter was tough and gave them some life,” Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said.
Purdy threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Seattle’s Jordyn Brooks early in the third quarter, but avoided any other major miscues and put a capper on the victory with a 28-yard scoring pass to Brandon Aiyuk with 7:51 left that sent some Seahawks fans heading for the exits.
“Ice in his veins. He’s such a good player,” McCaffrey said of Purdy. “He makes plays all over the field, and watching how consistent he is back in the huddle. He’s never too high. He’s never too low. Anytime he’s got the ball in his hands, if there is a play to be made he can make it.”
Purdy finished 21 of 30 for 209 yards, and while he didn’t have the perfect passer rating he did last week against Tampa Bay, he outplayed the quarterback on the other side.
Seattle’s Geno Smith was playing banged up after leaving last Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the second half with an injury to his right arm, near his elbow. He’ll have more bumps and bruises after the 49ers got finished with him.
2023.11.23 – SF 49ers vs. SEA Seahawks (NBC Sports-Post Game)
49ers Running back Christian McCaffrey (23), Brock Purdy (13), Deebo Samuel (19) and Charvarius Ward (7) celebrate with team mates after beating the Seattle Seahawks of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, in Seattle. Lindsey Wassen/Associated Press
2023.11.23 – SF 49ers vs. SEA Seahawks (NBC Sports-Post Game)
2023.11.23 – SF 49ers vs. SEA Seahawks (NBC Sports-Post Game)
Smith was 18 of 27 for 180 yards. He was sacked six times, threw an interception in the first half and nearly had a few more throws picked off. The Seahawks’ first five possessions gained 15 total yards, and when Seattle tried to rally in the second half, Smith took a couple of untimely sacks.
“The first half of this game, we couldn’t get out of our own way enough,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said.
Smith also ran to argue with an official after there was no flag for defensive holding or pass interference on a throw intended for Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the end zone that would have given the Seahawks first-and-goal late in the third quarter. Seattle settled for a field goal and never threatened again.
“From my vantage point, I could clearly see him getting held and it affected him being able to catch a touchdown right there,” Smith said.
Seattle’s last chance at a rally ended when Zach Charbonnet was stopped on fourth-and-1 at the San Francisco 21 with 4:14 remaining. The Seahawks (6-5) lost for the second time in five days and have dropped three of their last four.
2023.11.23 – SF 49ers vs. SEA Seahawks (Larry Krueger-Post Game)
Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown as Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks defends during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field on November 23, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.Steph Chambers/Getty Images
2023.11.23 – SF 49ers vs. SEA Seahawks (Larry Krueger-Post Game)
2023.11.23 – SF 49ers vs. SEA Seahawks (Larry Krueger-Post Game)
Seattle has scored just three offensive touchdowns in the past four games and has only one in its last eight quarters.
“It’s been a tough stretch for us, but I believe that things will turn around,” Smith said.
SACK ATTACK
San Francisco’s six sacks were spread around. Nick Bosa had two sacks to give him 7 1/2 for the season. Javon Hargrave had 1 1/2 sacks, while Tashaun Gipson and Arik Armstead each had one. Kevin Givens was also credited with a half-sack. The 49ers have 15 sacks in the past three games.
“It’s funny, after the game nobody has any idea what their stats are. That’s a good problem to have,” Bosa said.
BENCHED
Seattle appeared to bench starting corner-back Riq Woolen in the first half, replacing him with Michael Jackson. Woolen was not announced as having an injury and remained in on special teams. Carroll said afterward there were concerns about Woolen still dealing with a sore shoulder and that’s why the change was made. Woolen missed a couple of tackles early in the game.
INJURIES/INACTIVES
Seattle right tackle Jason Peters left late in the first half with a shoulder stinger and was replaced by Stone Forsythe. Peters did not return.
San Francisco backup safety George Odum sustained a biceps injury and did not return. There is concern it’s a torn biceps that could sideline Odum for a long period.
UP NEXT
49ers: At Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 3.
Seahawks: At Dallas next Thursday.
Related: 49ers ‘Perfect Purdy’ throws 3 TDs to beat Bucs
Related: See below – 49ers Mostert Epic Dash to Super Bowl!
Read more at: San Francisco 49ers Media Services / More AP NFL
JEstevez@EMIsportsCentral.com
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